Weather in United Kingdom in July

July climate overview

Daytime highs across United Kingdom in July run from 19.0°C (Cornwall) to 21.8°C (London). Even in London only 17% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 13.7°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Cornwall fall to 12°C or below.

Rainfall in July

Expect around 12 rainy days (1 mm or more) in July, with London the driest (11 days) and Cornwall the wettest (12 days). The wettest July at London between 1991 and 2020 was 2012 with 106 mm; the driest was 1999 with 16 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 16.0°C around United Kingdom in July. That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.5 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 16.0 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

July against the rest of the year in United Kingdom

July is the 1st warmest month of the twelve in United Kingdom. It is 1.9°C warmer than June and 0.2°C cooler in August. The hottest month here is July (20°C) and the coolest January (8°C).

Which part of United Kingdom in July?

• Most sunshine: London, 5.8 h a day.
• Driest: London, about 11 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Cornwall, 16°C.
• Hottest: London, 22°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Cornwall, 19°C.

What to pack for United Kingdom in July

Based on the averages: light layers - warm in the sun, cooler in the shade; a light jumper for evenings (14°C at night); a rain jacket - roughly 12 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in July

Within 1.5°C of United Kingdom's July daytime average: Amsterdam (21°C, sea 19°C). See the full ranking for July.

London for warmth, Cornwall for cooler days

Choose London if warmer daytime weather matters most: its July average reaches 22°C, compared with 19°C in Cornwall. That makes London the better fit for spending time outside in light clothing, while Cornwall calls for a layer you can easily put on when you stop moving. Neither choice removes the need for waterproofs: London averages 11 rainy days and Cornwall 12, so the difference is not a strong reason to choose between them. Both average 14°C at night, making an extra layer useful for evenings. For a coastal holiday, Cornwall's main weather catch is the 16°C sea - do not expect warm-water swimming.

Plan for outdoor time, with room to change course

July suits travellers who are happy to mix outdoor plans with a sheltered alternative when rain arrives. Average sunshine of 5.5 hours gives a better sense of the month than an expectation of clear skies throughout the day. Pack light clothes for warmer spells, a jumper for evenings and a waterproof jacket rather than relying on an umbrella alone. Shoes that cope with wet weather are useful too. Keep longer outdoor plans flexible and use the forecast to decide when to go. The overall judgement is favourable for exploring in moderate temperatures, but less so if your holiday depends on steady heat or a warm sea.