I'm looking at the typical weather in the UK from the last week or two of June through the first week or two of July, and wondering what I should expect for a trip throughout the UK and Ireland during that period. Although we usually prefer to pick our travel times, this year our travel options may be limited to the period above. From what I think I know about UK weather, at that time it should be pretty similar to the weather where I live in Seattle: Spring is trying to end, but our real summer weather (with reliable sunshine and little rain) usually doesn't begin until the middle of July (the local joke is that only newcomers would dream of going camping until after the 4th of July - in fact, there's often a dramatic difference between July 4th and July 5th). We often get rainy and cool weather at this time (locals complain of "June-uary" weather). I know that UK weather can't be predicted with any certainty beyond a few days out. But I'm looking at alternative destinations with an eye towards going "at the best time". And I'd be interested in hearing from others who have been to the UK during late June/early July. How has the weather been for your trips to the UK during this period? Thanks!
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
We've been during early July a few times (more often late July, then late Nov/earlly Dec.). In more than 40 total trips, we got hot, dry, and windy (that trip we were glad we had air conditioned hotel rooms) and we got cool and dry, and we had cool and slightly damp to rather moist (not always rainy)- sometimes all in the same trip- or even the same day. We had one or two thunderstorms (I remember one heavy one in York that lasted about 2 hours). You can't even really predict UK weather a few days ahead- maybe a few hours with a bit of accuracy)- LOL! Take clothes you can lightly layer along with a waterproof jacket (we prefer hooded jackets). T shirts under light weight long sleeve button up shirts work well- you can remove one or the other if needed. The underground tube stations can be quite warm, especially in summer. Our 'summer' coats/jackets were usually hooded, unlined windbreakers with zippered pockets. We also carried very small travel umbrellas- but often found the wind made them impractical- only used them in really heavy, not too windy, downpours. Take extra shoe inner sole liners or 2 pair of shoes so you can give things time to dry out if needed.
Posted by
Boscombe, Dorset, UK
964 posts
David, it's completely unpredictable. This March this year the temps were in the 70's with sunshine, while June and July were damp and cold. I was still wearing my fleeces in July. Another year, it can be really hot and sunny.
The bottom line is; prepare for eveything. Pack clothing that can be layered. Bring proper shoes (in case it's raining) and something waterproof. Buy a cheap umbrella while you're here if you need one, and leave it behind when you're leaving. But one big advantage to being in the UK at that time of year, regardless of the weather, is the long hours of daylight. And enjoy the greenery that is the result of all the rain!