Weather in United Kingdom in October

October climate overview

Daytime highs across United Kingdom in October run from 14.6°C (Cornwall) to 14.6°C (London). Even in London only 0% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 9.4°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Cornwall fall to 7°C or below.

Rainfall in October

Expect around 13 rainy days (1 mm or more) in October, with London the driest (11 days) and Cornwall the wettest (15 days). The wettest October at London between 1991 and 2020 was 2020 with 159 mm; the driest was 2011 with 18 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 14.8°C around United Kingdom in October. That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.2 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 10.4 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

October against the rest of the year in United Kingdom

October is the 6th warmest month of the twelve in United Kingdom. It is 3.5°C cooler than September and 3.7°C cooler in November. The hottest month here is July (20°C) and the coolest January (8°C).

Which part of United Kingdom in October?

• Most sunshine: London, 3.2 h a day.
• Driest: London, about 11 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Cornwall, 15°C.
• Hottest: London, 15°C by day.

What to pack for United Kingdom in October

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 15°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 9°C; a rain jacket - roughly 13 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in October

Within 1.5°C of United Kingdom's October daytime average: Budapest (16°C), Bled (15°C), Prague (14°C), Amsterdam (14°C, sea 13°C), Krakow (13°C). See the full ranking for October.

London or Cornwall: which suits your plans?

London and Cornwall both average 15°C by day, so neither offers a daytime temperature advantage. London gets the nod if your priority is spending more time outside: its 11 rainy days compare with Cornwall's 15, although that still leaves a clear need for waterproof clothing and flexible plans. Cornwall's advantage comes after dark, with nights averaging 10°C rather than London's 8°C. That makes evenings a little less chilly, not warm enough to leave your jacket behind. Choose London for the lower frequency of rain, or Cornwall if milder evenings matter more and you are happy to work around wetter weather.

What to pack and how to plan your days

Pack for cool days and cooler evenings rather than trying to travel with summer clothes alone. Layers let you adjust while walking, and a waterproof outer layer is a sensible choice given the frequency of rainy days. Average sunshine is 3.2 hours, so do not build your plans around long sunny spells; keep indoor alternatives available and use brighter weather when it arrives. There is little reason to organise your day around avoiding midday heat. The sea averages 15°C, which makes October a poor fit if comfortable, warm-water swimming is central to your holiday. It suits travellers who are content to stay active on land and adapt their plans.