Weather in UK in October?

Probably in the 50's during the day, maybe the low 60's, and noticeably cooler after the sun goes down. I've visited a few times in October, wearing sweaters and carrying a jacket that's a bit warmer than a windbreaker. I'll be there this October and plan on doing the same.

Plan on it being really dark not too long after 6pm.

Rain is unlikely to be a problem, unless you're unlucky to get in some kind of major storm. Get one of those travel umbrellas that collapse into something about 6 inches long and stuff it in an inside jacket pocket or purse or camera bag. If the weather gets so bad the umbrella provides little protection, you want to be indoors anyway.

Check the weather forecast before you pack, just in case something odd is going on.

And, be prepared to buy a warmer jacket if the one you bring is unsatisfactory. Better to pack light than to lug around coats you don't need.

Expect Rain. The temperature is not freezing yet. But typically, the clouds blow away leaving a few bright spots throughout the day. Wear layers. Fleece under Gortex is great. If you wear water resistant shoes you will be happy. You don't have to worry about looking too country because that is what the English wear, too. You can dress a little bit nicer in London...just carry collapsing umbrella...while you duck in all the great Museums. When you are away from London check to see if the sites you want to visit are still open for the season. They may have fewer days or shorter hours. The National Trust for UK has all this information.

Weather website from the Helpline FAQ: http://www.wunderground.com/tripplanner/index.asp

Put in your dates and locations and it gives you a neat summary of the actual weather for the last 10 or 15 years.

Having a hooded jacket is nice. You would still probably want the umbrella, but the hood will protect you when the wind blows the rain.

I am so jealous! Our first trip to London was last October and I'm ready to go back. We were there for only 4 days, October 11-15 and we had lovely weather. The 2nd day was the most beautiful - blue skies and just a light breeze. We dressed in layers, so we could be comfortable at midday and night. I would say the average temp while we were there was 55-62 degrees during the day and just slightly cooler at night. We only had a sprinkling of rain one day. You'll love London. I'm already planning our next trip and this time I want to see the Cotswolds. Please let me know all about your trip when you return.

Martha,

What you're going to get here is anecdotal information about what some traveler experienced when they were there.

Look at a weather site (ex: wunderground.com) and see what the extrems have been for the location and period that interests you in the last zillion years. Then plan for that range.

And here's my stupid anecdote: two years ago, northern Wales, late October -- sleet, snow, and freezing rain like you wouldn't believe for three days -- headed south for the Dover ferry and it took five extra hours -- the mess continued for two more days and we didn't get out of it until somewhere south of Limoges. Unusual, but we were ready for it. You should be also.

Thank you, everyone! You're right, Ed. I knew I would get anecdotal stories, but wanted to hear about other experiences and how they dealt with them. Love your apocalyptic story...pray that doesn't happen to us!

England in October is a land of microclimates. Of course, that's true the rest of the year, too.

This morning I drove from Birmingham to Oxford. Left in, and returned to, heavy cloud. Oxford, scattered cloud and 3 degrees C warmer. We just about made 21 C which is about 71F.

In October I would expect the Cotswolds and other parts of the Midlands to be somewhat cooler than LOndon and the South coast. We would not be surprised to have air frost at night. I would expect to have frost on my veg garden by mid October, although this year is so weird we may escape.

Expect rain, expect wind. Any late Atlantic or Gulf hurricanes will affect British weather 3 to 7 days later.

Nigel: Thank you for providing the weather info. Weather info from residents is especially helpful to those of us here.

I have gone to these areas two years in a row during October. Naturally, I thought that it would rain the entire time and packed accordingly. It may have sprinkled one or two days of the 2 weeks I was there.

The weather was in the high 50's, low 60's. To me, that was wonderful. I packed light pants, gauchos, short sleeve shirts, light sweaters, and a jacket. I was quite comfy each trip.

Just a sidenote: Bath and the Cotswolds (especially Chipping Campden and Burford) are absolutely beautiful. Enjoy your trip!

Martha, I'll stand by my previous comment. You and your husband will be in southern England. Reports about the weather elsewhere in the UK are of dubious usefulness.

Could it rain for the duration? Sure. Could you be smacked with the remnants of a strong Caribbean hurricane? Sure.

But, odds are great it won't run all the time and that you won't be hit by a leftover hurricane. Odds are you will run into a little bit of rain, and that early mornings and evenings will be a bit chilly, especially if it's windy, and that the rest of the day will be sweater and jacket weather. Pack accordingly. If the weather does turn really nasty, you can buy something locally. After all, you won't be in the boonies.

Been to Boston in October? It's not much different.