The United Kingdom in October 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

October is a great autumnal month in which to visit the United Kingdom, with cooler weather but plenty of chances for sightseeing. We recommend visiting Cambridge, London, Edinburgh, and Cheddar Gorge. Keep reading for more about travel and weather, including temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and tips for October.

Averages:

• Temperature range: 8–14°C (46–58°F)
• Rainfall: 11 cm (4 inches)
• Rainy days: 13
• Sunshine hours/day: 5
• Humidity: around 78% (wet and humid throughout the country)

October falls in the middle of autumn in the United Kingdom, with the weather fluctuating a little between the occasional mild day and cooler or even colder days (which are much more likely towards the end of the month). Temperatures are in the range 8–14°C (46–58°F) on average.

October sees around 13 days of rain on average, making the humidity a little higher around the 78% mark. Total rainfall for the month averages a moderate 11 cm (4 inches), so we would recommend planning a few indoor activities as a backup.

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October Climate Comparison (Averages) for the United Kingdom's Top Tourism Areas

The Best Places to Visit in the United Kingdom in October

Given that October's weather can be a little wet and cool, we would recommend planning in a range of activities that can be done on milder as well as colder days, and mixing them up in case you do come across a rainy day.

However, the weather in the United Kingdom in October is still great for visiting and exploring London, as well as Cheddar Gorge, Edinburgh, and even Cambridge. With lots to see for all ages, these are great destinations for an October holiday.

1. Experience a Musical at London's West End

London is home to some of the most incredible musicals in the world, and if you are visiting in October this is a great time to do see one, as October falls outside of the busy tourist season.

To get more up to date times on shows that are available during your trip, check some of the ticketing websites online or you can ask our Global Highlights experts to put some suggestions together for you.

Round off your evening with a walk through the nearby Chinatown for some delicious food, and a look at some of the shops and specialized regional supermarkets in the area.

For your other days, check out our pieces about visiting the United Kingdom in August and September to learn more about the museums, parks, and other tourist sights that you absolutely can't miss, such as the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.

2. See the Cave Home to the UK's Oldest Human Remains in Somerset's Cheddar

Cheddar Gorge is home to Cheddar Man, skeletal remains that have been dated back to the mid-to-late 9th millennium BC. The remains were discovered in 1903, and are the oldest near-complete human skeleton found in Britain.

While the remains themselves are currently at the Natural History Museum in London, Gough's Cave where he was found makes for a fun visit to learn more about the history of Somerset and Britain dating back to the Mesolithic Period. There are replicas of the skeleton in the cave, as well as other human remains that indicate signs of cannibalism.

The cave also contains the Cheddar Yeo, the largest underground river system in Britain, making for a fun day out for visitors of any age. The larger area of Somerset is also fun to explore, and nearby you will find the city of Bristol as well as the town of Glastonbury.

3. Take a Day Trip to Cambridge from London, and go Punting

Cambridge is a very beautiful historic city in the United Kingdom, home to the famous University of Cambridge, and a quick train ride away from the capital city of London.

There you will find museums on the campus of the university, including special exhibits on anthropology, zoology, and archaeology, as well as the King's College Chapel.

In the city itself you also have the Fitzwilliam Museum, and it's possible to take a punting tour — this is a special kind of boat tour during which you will glide through the famous College Backs and through the heart of the city.

Punting was introduced to Cambridge as a hobby during the early 20th century, and it is still a great way to explore the city today.

4. Explore Edinburgh's Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle

Since October is not yet the coldest time of the year in Scotland (the temperatures really drop in December through to March), we do also recommend visiting Edinburgh if you have time to go up north to Scotland during your time in the United Kingdom. There are lots of great historical sights to see, as well as some hikes to do in the area.

To learn more about what we would recommend, check out our piece about visiting the United Kingdom in February.

Low Season: Less Expensive and Less Crowded

October falls in the United Kingdom's low season for tourism, and as a result there are fewer crowds and prices are lower for travel and accommodation. There are no public holidays during this month so anytime is a good time to visit.

What to Wear in October

Given that October sees a little more rain than August and September, we would recommend bringing some waterproof outerwear if you are planning on visiting in October. This is particularly the case if you are hoping to climb Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, or planning to take on any other walks in Somerset, for example.

Apart from that, we would recommend bringing a coat, as well as a scarf or hat if you are visiting towards the end of October when the temperatures are likely to drop. Bringing an additional sweater or hoodie is also a good idea, and supportive shoes with thick socks to keep your toes warm during your time exploring!

Monthly Weather in United Kingdom