Best time to travel to the United Kingdom

Location

Climate

Tourist seasons in the UK: low season, mid season and high season

In the UK, there are generally three tourist seasons low season, mid season and high season. Each has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of climate, temperature and tourist numbers.

Low season (November to March)

There low season generally runs from November to March. During this period, the climate is often cold and wet, with temperatures dropping below freezing. The days are also shorter, limiting the amount of time you can spend outdoors enjoying the sights. However, if you're prepared to brave the cold, the off-season offers several advantages:

• Fewer tourists, so less time waiting to visit tourist sites
• More affordable prices for accommodation and transport
• Festive atmosphere over Christmas and New Year

Mid-season (April, May, September and October)

There middle season includes the months of April, May, September and October. The climate is generally mild, with temperatures fluctuating between 10 and 15°C. The days are also longer than in the low season, allowing you to enjoy the sights to the full. The mid-season offers a good compromise between pleasant weather and moderate crowds:

• Milder weather and longer days than in low season
• Fewer tourists than in high season, but still a dynamic atmosphere
• Accommodation and transport prices between those of low and high season

High season (June to August)

Finally, the high season is between June and August. This is the hottest time of the year, with temperatures reaching 30°C in summer. The days are long and sunny, offering the best conditions for exploring the country. Despite the advantages of the climate, the high season also has its drawbacks:

• Large numbers of tourists, leading to long queues and crowded conditions
• Lodging and transport prices higher than in low and mid-season
• Risk of summer heatwave and thunderstorms

Not-to-be-missed major cultural events in the UK

The UK is rich in cultural events throughout the year. Here is a selection of the most emblematic events that could influence your choice of travel dates:

Music festivals (summer)

Summer is music festival season in the UK. Many internationally renowned events take place during this period, including the Glastonbury Festival, the Reading and Leeds Festival and the Download Festival. If you're a music lover, summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit the country.

Notting Hill Carnival (August)

The Notting Hill Carnival is a not-to-be-missed event that takes place every year in London on the last weekend in August. The event celebrates the neighborhood's cultural diversity with extravagant costume parades, Caribbean music concerts and a host of festive entertainment.

Edinburgh International Festival (August)

Every August, the city of Edinburgh plays host to the world's largest arts festival: the Edinburgh International Festival. For three weeks, artists from all over the world perform at venues across the city, offering an eclectic program of theater, dance, music and visual arts.

Public holidays in the UK

Last but not least, it is important to take into account public holidays when planning your trip to the UK. Some tourist sites may be closed or less accessible on these days, while public transport often operates to reduced schedules. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main UK public holidays:

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Good Friday (date varies, usually in March or April)
• Easter Monday (date varies, usually in March or April)
• Labour Day (first Monday in May)
• Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May)
• Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August)
• Christmas (December 25)
• Boxing Day (December 26)

Global immigration statistics for the UK

According to UK government data, 2019 saw a total of 677,000 long-term immigrantsof which 49% were non-European citizens and 43% were European citizens. In terms of reasons for immigration, we can cite :

• Employment 58% of immigrants came to the UK to work
• The studies 22% have chosen the country to pursue their studies
• The family 17% of arrivals were family-related (family reunification, marriage, etc.).

It should be noted that these figures do not take into account recent Brexit-related changes. Since January 2021, the UK immigration system has been modified, and EU citizens are now subject to the same visa rules as non-EU citizens.

Most popular visas in the UK

The UK offers several types of visa, depending on the reason for your stay and the length of time you wish to stay. Here are the most commonly requested visas:

Work visa (Tier 2)

This type of visa is for people who have a job offer from a British employer. There are several sub-categories Tier 2 visas, including :

• General for those who have a job offer in a field where there is a shortage of qualified workers
• Intra-Company Transfer for employees of an international company transferring to the UK
• Minister of Religion for religious ministers coming to exercise their functions within a religious community
• Sportsperson for top-level athletes and professional trainers

Student visa (Tier 4)

This visa is intended for international students who wish to pursue higher education in the UK. According to government data, the country welcomed almost 220,000 new international students in 2019. In order to be eligible for a student visa, it is necessary:

• have an offer of admission to a British higher education institution
• demonstrate proficiency in the English language
• have sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses.

Family Visa

This type of visa is for people wishing to join a family member living in the UK. They may be :

• spouse or civil partner
• unmarried partner who has lived with the foreign national for at least two years prior to the application
• a child under 18 whose parent is a British citizen or has the right of permanent residence.

To be eligible for a family visa, it is generally necessary for the sponsor (the family member living in the UK) to have a minimum income and/or sufficient resources to support the applicant.

International tourism in the UK: key figures

In addition to long-term immigrants, the UK also attracts many tourists every year. In 2019, the country recorded almost 40 million international visitorsgenerating revenues of around £28 billion for the British economy. The main countries of origin for tourists are :

• UNITED STATES
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Spain

As for the main destinations visited, they include, unsurprisingly :

• Londonwhich alone attracts almost half of all international visitors
• Edinburgh, with its festivals and historical heritage
• Manchester, for its vibrant cultural and sporting scene
• Oxford and Cambridge, famous for their prestigious universities
• Wales and its spectacular scenery

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