Visitors to the UK in September have a variety of gorgeous beaches to choose from where they may unwind, stroll, and enjoy the last of the late summer sunshine. Britain also has a wealth of national parks, rural routes, and little islands to explore if you enjoy hiking and finding undiscovered lakes, mountains, and islands.
Weather in September in the UK
- Temperature range – 10 to 18 degrees Celcius
- Rainfall – 8 cm (3 inches)
- Rainy days – 12
- Sunshine hours per day – 6
- Humidity – around 73 per cent (wet and a little humid throughout the country)
September is the beginning of autumn. There is a slight drop in temperature. UK in September weather is perfect for hiking and biking. The days are sunny, with an average of 6 hours of sunshine per day.
Must-See Destinations
Let us explore the best places to visit in September in the UK.
1) London
A trip to the UK is not complete without a stop in London, the capital city. September in London is a busy month with many things to do and places to see.
Things to do
- A must-see event is the ritual of the Changing of the Guard. One of the last months to see it is September, but check the schedule as it changes.
- Ride the London Eye to get breathtaking vistas of the cityscape.
- See the artefacts at the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the National Gallery.
- Take a Harry Potter tour and see the popular sets, original props and costumes.
- Go on a city tour to visit iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, London Bridge, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, and many more.
2) Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a prospering, energetic city rich in history. It is host to numerous colourful festivals every year.
Things to do
- See Edinburgh Castle. This old fortification dominates the skyline and provides sweeping city vistas. Numerous monarchs have resided in the castle.
- Visit the National Museum of Scotland. Spread across its varied galleries, the museum holds millions of artefacts from different countries and millennia. Exhibits dedicated to history, archaeology, the natural environment, art and design, and international cultures can be found.
- Explore the restaurants, boutiques, and historic sites as you stroll down the Royal Mile.
3) The Lake District
The Lake District, well-known for its breathtaking scenery, is a paradise for nature lovers.
Things to do
- Visit the biggest lake in England, Lake Windermere. It provides kayaking, beautiful walks, and boat cruises.
- Climb the tallest mountain in England, Scafell Pike. September provides comfortable climbing temperatures.
- Go to Grasmere, well-known for its association with the poet William Wordsworth. Do not forget to taste Grasmere Gingerbread.
- Explore Keswick, a market town that is an excellent starting point for discovering the northern region of the Lake District.
4) Cornwall
Cornwall, located in southwest England, is renowned for its scenic settlements, rugged coastline, and maritime history. With pleasant sea temperatures and fewer visitors, September is a great month to visit.
Things to do
- Explore the seaside town of St Ives. It is well-known for its stunning beaches, vibrant art scene, and Tate St Ives gallery.
- Stroll down the coast and stop by the famous signpost at Lands End. It is the westernmost point of mainland England.
- Discover more about international conservation efforts by seeing The Eden Project, the largest indoor rainforest in the world. Walking around the outdoor gardens is enjoyable due to the cooler weather in September.
- Enjoy gorging on seafood at the renowned Rick Stein restaurant in Padstow.
5) The Cotswold
The Cotswold is a picture-perfect English countryside. The pleasant weather and clear skies add to the allure of the Cotswolds.
Things to do
- Visit Bourton on the Water, a picturesque village often called the Venice of the Cotswold.
- Explore Bibury, famous for its medieval cottages and peaceful River Coln.
- Take a look at Sudeley Castle. September is a fantastic month to visit because the weather is perfect for exploring the grounds and the gardens are in full bloom.
6) Wales
Wales, known for its breathtaking scenery and rich history, provides the ideal combination of the national parks in the UK with a coastline lined with castles from the Middle Ages.
Things to do
- Visit the Snowdonia National Park to get breathtaking views of the peak of Mount Snowdon.
- Explore the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It is a coastal treasure that features sand beaches, picturesque seaside towns, and towering cliffs. Walking pathways along the Wales Coast Path offer amazing vistas of the shoreline.
- See the must-see sights, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff Castle, and Cardiff National Museum.
- Visit Brecon Beacons National Park and immerse yourself in the splendour of nature. The park is well-known for its waterfalls. September has pleasant weather for mountain climbing.
7) Causeway Coast
A hidden treasure in Northern Ireland, the Causeway Coast is home to the famous Giant Causeway, striking seaside cliffs, and quaint communities like Bushmills.
Things to do
- Admire the amazing basalt columns of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Giant Causeway.
- Cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a rope bridge 30 meters over the sea, for an exhilarating experience. The shoreline vistas are breathtaking, especially in the gentle September light.
- Explore the ruins of Dunluce Castle. It is a fascinating stop along the Causeway Coast.
8) Bath
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers travellers romantic holidays in the UK. It is well-known for its breathtaking Georgian architecture and the historic Roman Baths.
Things to do
- Discover the intriguing history of the old Roman Baths by taking a walk around the historic spa complex, which is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
- See the majestic Bath Abbey, renowned for its exquisite stained-glass windows and lovely Gothic architecture. Reach the summit for breathtaking city vistas.
- Enjoy the lovely view of the River Avon and the weir as you stroll across the famous Pulteney Bridge, one of the few bridges in the world with shops lining both sides.
- Unwind in style at Thermae Bath Spa, with natural thermal waters in a rooftop pool that offers expansive views of Bath.
9) York
York is a must-visit location for history lovers because of its rich history and attractions, which include the towering York Minster and the quaint mediaeval street The Shambles.
- Admire the magnificence of York Minster, one of the biggest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, which is well-known for its elaborate brickwork and gorgeous stained glass.
- Explore The Shambles, a beautiful mediaeval street lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings with cafes and eye-catching stores.
- Stroll along the beautifully restored York City Walls, which give breathtaking city views and fascinating insights into the ancient past of York.
- Discover the rich Viking history of York by visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre, which features rebuilt Viking-era streets and interactive displays that bring history to life.
Events and Festivals in the UK in September
People in Britain celebrate many festivals in September. These festivals are events that you can take part in while you are there.
1) Happy Place Festival
Happy Place Festival, which celebrates wellness and self-care, takes place in September. It provides a rejuvenating experience with seminars, meditation sessions, and motivational speeches all around the UK.
Location – Tatton Park, Cheshire
Date – 31st August and 1st September 2024
2) Sundown Festival
In September, the Sundown Festival in Norwich brings together fans of pop, dance, and urban music for an exciting weekend of events. Festival-goers should not miss this must-see event with top-charting artists.
Location – Norfolk Showground, Norfolk
Date – 30th August, 31st August and 1st September 2024
3) The British Country Music Festival
The British Country Music Festival, which takes place in Blackpool in September, honours Americana and native country music talent. The festival is a must-attend event for fans of country music since it showcases performances by both established and up-and-coming musicians.
Location – Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Date – 30th August, 31st August and 1st September 2024
4) Little Orchard Festival
The Little Orchard Festival in Cornwall combines cider, music, and fun for the whole family in a beautiful environment.
Location – Healy’s Cyder Farm, Cornwall
Date – 13th September, 14th September, 15th September 2024
5) Equinox Festival
The September Equinox Festival is a special occasion to celebrate the autumnal equinox. Attendees can learn through workshops and live performances.
Location – Chalk Farm, Lincolnshire
Date – 19th September, 20th September, 21st September, 22nd September 2024
6) Harry Potter Back to Hogwarts Day
Harry Potter enthusiasts assemble at London’s King’s Cross Station on September 1st to commemorate Back to Hogwarts Day, which reenacts the fantastical transfer of students to Hogwarts School.
Location – City of Lyon
Date – 1st September 2024
7) Fields of Gold Festival
The Fields of Gold Festival in Devon, which takes place in September, features a lovely blend of folk, blues, and acoustic music. With the breathtaking English countryside as a backdrop, it is an idyllic haven for music enthusiasts.
Location – Ashton Cricket Club, Manchester
Date – 6th September, 7th September 2024
8) Roald Dahl Story Day
Every September, Roald Dahl Story Day is observed throughout the United Kingdom and brings readers of all ages back to the wonder of Roald Dahl works through readings, events, and activities. This yearly celebration of one of the most well-loved authors in the UK involves bookshops, libraries, and schools.
Location – Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire
Date – 13 September
9) Holmfirth Food and Drink Festival
The Food and Drink Festival is back to Holmfirth for its eleventh year. There will be food stalls, live music, and entertainment galore this next weekend. During the annual Food and Drink Festival, Holmfirth is the destination for foodies.
Location – Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
Date – 24th and 25th September
10) Agatha Christie’s Riviera
The International Agatha Christie Festival commemorates the birthday of popular novelist Agatha Christie. The schedule includes tea parties, dinners with murder mysteries, guest author talks by renowned crime novelists, and much more.Explore the Agatha Christie Literary Trail and follow Agatha’s path by visiting the 20 locations that had a significant influence on her life and writings.
Location – Torquay, Devon
Date – 15th September
Tips for Travel to the UK in September
- There will be a few crowds during your trip to the UK because September is the end of the tourist season in the UK, even though school vacations are still in effect in several of its neighbouring European nations. Prices may be slightly higher than during the cooler months. It is better to make reservations as soon as possible.
- The UK experiences pleasant weather in September with days that are either cool or warm. An appropriate combination would be jeans and a sweater or a hoodie.
- The public transit system in the UK is well-established and effective. Major cities and towns are connected by trains and buses, which makes travelling without a car easy. If you intend to travel a lot by train, consider getting a BritRail Pass.
- September is a month filled with celebrations and activities. UK events in September range from cultural celebrations to food and music festivals.
UK Visa Guide
A UK Tourist Visa is required for entry into the UK. Begin by filling out the online visa application, making sure to carefully record personal details and travel schedules. Including a thorough travel schedule in your application might help your visa application seem more credible by showing that you have clear plans and intend to return. Applying for a UK tourist visa from Dubai should be done at least three months ahead of the date of the visit.
Why wait any longer? Get ready to see this stunning country by applying for a UK tourist visa.
Discover the UK Through the Year
FAQs about UK in September
1) Is September a good time to visit London?
The best time to visit London is in September. The weather is excellent for wandering, and it is not as congested as it is in the summer. Even though September is one of the drier months, the temperature is still warm. September in London is a month full of major festivals and events.
2) Are there any particular events or festivals in the UK this September?
September brings several events and festivals to the UK. Highlights include The Great North Run, The Heritage Open Days, The London Design Festival, and the Cornwall Food Festival.
3) What are the Things to consider when visiting the United Kingdom in September?
Book your lodgings in advance, use public transport, and check for local events.
4) What are the must-see places in the UK in September?
The must-see locations include Edinburgh, The Lake District, London, Bath, and Cornwall.
5) How does September compare to other months visiting the United Kingdom?
September balances the peak summer tourism season and the calmer fall months. The weather is often milder than in the chilly fall months of October and November. If you prefer less crowds and nice weather, September is a great month.
6) What should I pack for a vacation to the United Kingdom in September?
Pack sweaters and long-sleeved shirts to deal with the unpredictable weather. Remember to carry a waterproof jacket or umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, and an adapter with Type G plugs.