October is the best time to visit the UK to experience autumn colors around the English countryside. Harvest festivals and fall fairs are held in many towns and cities. Local crafts, vegetables, and traditional entertainment are frequently featured at these gatherings. The countryside changes to a spectrum of yellows, oranges, and reds.
This guide will assist you in organising your vacation, covering things like the weather, must-see locations, best activities, and essential tips.
October Weather in the UK
October weather in UK is unpredictable. The afternoon temperature is about 16 degrees Celsius. The temperature at night is around 10 degrees Celsius in October. The temperature may reach about 18 degrees Celsius if you arrive at the beginning of the month. However, the temperature is expected to reach around 13 degrees Celsius by the end of the month.
Average UK weather in October
- Temperature range – 8 to 14 degrees Celcius
- Rainfall – 11 cm, 4 inches
- Rainy days – 13
- Sunshine hours per day – 5
- Humidity – around 78 per cent, wet and humid throughout the country.
Things to Do in the UK in October
Things to do in the UK in October include,
- Go to theHyde Park in London to see a striking display of autumn foliage.
- Â Spend Halloween at theme parks with eerie events and attractions, such as Thorpe Park and Alton Towers.
- Explore historic sites and the autumn atmosphere by taking a tour of Bath, York and Edinburgh.
- Stroll along the White Cliffs of Dover or the Jurassic Coast.
- Explore famous UK castles during the autumn, such as Windsor Castle, Edinburgh Castle, and Warwick Castle.
- Discover the many things to do near London Eye. You can take a riverboat ride on the Thames, tour the historic Southbank neighbourhood, or visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
- Have fun at the Herne Bay Pier and explore the coastal parks. These are a few of the popular things to do in Herne Bay.
Places to Visit in the UK in October
Certain places in the UK truly shine in October, making them ideal for visitors.
1) London
London is one of the best places to visit in the UK in October. Autumn is a wonderful time of year to stroll through Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park. The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the British Museum are must-see locations. The Tower of London has fascinating displays of armor and weaponry. Another place to visit is Buckingham Palace the royal home since the reign of Queen Victoria. In October, the city comes alive with Halloween festivities and events like Diwali in Trafalgar Square and Oktoberfest London.
2) The New Forest
The New Forest National Park is the ideal spot to wander in the autumn. See the well-known New Forest ponies grazing freely. In the autumn, you might also see pigs meandering through the forest. Farmers release 600 pigs and piglets into the forest between the middle and end of September, where they forage for nuts and acorns on the forest floor. The pigs are only permitted to roam the forest freely during this time of year.
3) The Lake District
In the Lake District, October is a stunning time of year to travel. It is an excellent location for a journey to the North of England in October. Coniston Water is an excellent place to rent boats and bikes and explore the local stores and pubs. It’s located approximately half a mile down Coniston Village. Grizedale Forest, 10 square miles of natural woods, is only 20 minutes away. Discover the area by exploring the vast network of bike and walking trails that provide an amazing journey through the forest. Be sure to visit the Cockermouth William Wordsworth House.
4) York
Magnificent Gothic architecture is abundant in York, UK. One of the most haunted cities in all of Europe is said to be the ancient city of York. The York Ghost Merchants are housed in The Shambles, one of the most famous monuments in York. Shambles is a historic boulevard with some of the best-preserved mediaeval shopping avenues in Europe. The Little York Ghost Hunt is a popular autumnal activity hosted by The York Ghost Merchants.
5) Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a popular tourist attraction in the UK. It is a prehistoric monument that welcomes thousands of tourists each year. One of the most interesting facts about Stonehenge is that it dates back more than five thousand years. It was used as a ceremonial and burial site by ancient civilizations. Consider combining your visit to Stonehenge with a trip to Salisbury, where you can explore Salisbury Cathedral, home to one of the original copies of the Magna Carta.
Events and Festivals in the UK in October
The best October festivals UK include,
1) BFI London Film Festival
The BFI London Film Festival is one of the biggest film festivals in the UK. Every year, the BFI London Film Festival showcases a selection of the world’s top films, exposing viewers to a diverse range of languages, genres, and filmmaking techniques. With a schedule that includes feature, short, and documentary films, series, animation, family films, and award-winning titles, the London Film Festival presents outstanding works of international artists.
Date – 8 October 2025 to 19 October 2025
Venue – venues in London, the UK, and on the BFI Player.
2) Oktoberfest 2025
Beer, bratwurst, and traditional music will give you a taste of Bavarian culture at several locations throughout the country.. The festival features Traditional Keg Tapping, Wiener Eating Competitions, Live Oompah Bands, Lederhosen Competitions, and more. While enjoying Lowenbrau beer in traditional steins, you can also indulge in delectable Bavarian street food from local vendors, such as bratwurst hot dogs and pork tacos with sauerkraut on top.
Date – 20 September 2025 to 11 October  2025
Venue – London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham
3) Diwali on the Square
Diwali is a festival of lights. It will be celebrated with lively activities, fireworks, and cultural celebrations around the United Kingdom. Every year, some 35,000 people gather in Trafalgar Square to celebrate this Hindu holiday. The square has multiple activity zones. There is a kids area, a sari and turban area where people may try on and purchase saris, a comedy area, a culture area, and a yoga and meditation area. There are areas where you can get face painting and henna.
Date – 21 October  2025
Venue – Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London
4) World Conker Championships
Conkers has been a well-liked game among British schoolchildren for many years. The guidelines are straightforward. Each player takes turns attempting to break their opponent’s nut with a swinging motion while holding a conker on a length of string. Many people compete to become the king or queen of conkers at the World Conker Championships, which are held on the village green in Southwick, close to Oundle, Peterborough.
Date – 12 October 2025
Venue – Northamptonshire, Central England
5) Samhain Fire Festival, Edinburgh
Watch the customary Samhain procession featuring fire dancers and drummers at this Halloween-themed Celtic fire celebration. The festival, which celebrates the end of summer and the arrival of winter is hosted by the Beltane Fire Society. The Celtic New Year is celebrated with feasts, music, ancestor ceremonies, divination, and bonfires.
Date – 31 October 2025
Venue – Holyrood Park, Holyrood, Edinburgh
Travel Guidelines for October Visits to the UK
- It is advisable to wear clothes in layers. You may remove or add layers of clothing as needed because the weather is unpredictable.
- October remains a popular travel month, due to Halloween celebrations and autumn harvest celebrations. Make early reservations for lodging and flights.
- A convenient and appealing choice for getting from the city to the countryside is by train or bus. For more affordable options, consider purchasing the Brit Rail passes.
Things to Consider Before Travelling to the UK in October
- The days get shorter by the end of the month. The sun sets as early as 6 pm.
- Clocks will be adjusted by one hour when the UK switches to daylight saving time in late October. This is usually the final Sunday of the month.
- More and more cities in the UK are hosting haunted houses, ghost tours, and themed activities to celebrate Halloween.
- Early discounts are common in October. You might find some great bargains on warm clothes.
- October does not have any national holidays.
- October is considered the shoulder season. Compared to the busiest summer months, you can avail excellent travel and lodging discounts.
Finally
Even though October is the beginning of autumn weather, it is still not as chilly as the UK in Winter. It is a great time to explore the outdoors before the icy chill sets in.
Explore the UK throughout the year
