Best Time to Visit the UK: Weather, Events & Visa Processing Tips

The UK offers adrenaline seekers every thrill and history lover every feature. The country's history of old culture, customs, and traditions goes back thousands of years and still holds its own and thrives today.

Even the most passionate traveler would find it hard to criticize the holiday collection in the UK for offering anything but the richest experience for a marvelous vacation. The mighty castles and the mildly mysterious rolling green moors of Scotland give the rich tapestry to a UK holiday, filled with adventure, culture, and history that is ever-present, coining the other modern indulgences. So, for those ready for their UK adventure, here's a brief yet useful look at the UK's weather and UK visitor visa requirements to provide practical insight into planning the perfect holiday. 

List of Activities According to the Seasons

Peak Season: June to August is the peak tourist season in the UK. The English summer draws the locals and tourists alike to the outdoors. Beaches are the best places to spend summer days in the UK. From simply lounging on the beautiful golden sands to surfing, you will find a range of activities to do. One can spot dolphins on the Lizard Peninsula or sway to the tune of your favorite songs at music festivals. However, be mindful to book in advance for your accommodation and travel.

Things to do: 

  • Witness the big horse race at Royal Ascot and the Royal Family. 

  • Explore the Isles of Scilly along with several other archipelagos and islands in the United Kingdom. 

  • Adore the beaches of Cornwall and Brighton.

  • Marvel at the stunning International Balloon Fiesta.

  • Discover artifacts from the tombs at the Glasgow Necropolis which is a gothic architectural site. 

  • Relax and have a look at the wonderful surroundings in the Lake District National Park. 

  • Seal the landscapes with beautiful hikes in the majestic Yorkshire Dales. 

  • Celebrate love with activities for Winter Valentine’s Day in the UK by walking through enchanting winter markets or sitting on a picturesque train ride through the magnificent, snowy countryside. 


Shoulder Season:
The shoulder season in the UK includes spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The in-between seasons on which one can slip in a trip without hassle from the crazed summer rush. Temperatures are on the mild side, these seasons are the best ones to visit Great Britain for people who like quiet vacations. There are slightly chillier early spring and late autumn, but for the most part, the other months of these seasons are enjoyable. However, keep in mind that October is the wettest month, so some outdoor activities may not be possible. 

The price of air travel and accommodation is cheaper when it is in the off-peak season because the Christmas rush period does not coincide with it. 

Things to do: 

  • Enjoy St David's Day (1st March) and the  Cheltenham Festiva. 

  • Have fun at the Six Nations Championship rugby match. 

  • Visit the ancient Roman Baths. 

  • Stroll around the Chelsea Flower Show. 

  • Visit Kew Gardens in London. 

  • Join the wonderful Stratford Literary Festival. 

  • Spend time at the Kendal Mountain Festival. 

  • Enjoy your favorite films at Leeds International Film Festival. 

  • Relive history at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath. 


Low Season:
Winter (November to February) is the coldest time in the UK although not as cold as some other locations in Europe. The lowest temperatures and most snow are seen in February during February. This is the best time of year for you if you want a quiet holiday without going outdoors and limited sightseeing. In the evenings, the art galleries and museums in London and Edinburgh will gladly entertain you, while those warm, cozy taverns and pubs will be open and waiting for you during those cold nights to relax after a day of playing in the snow. 

Things to do:

  • Attend the New Year's parade in London. 

  • Reconnect with nature via the Fort William Mountain Festival. 

  • See the famous historical locations, for example, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Windsor Castle.

  • Take a few skating lessons. 

  • Visit indoor attractions such as the London Madame Tussauds wax museum. 

UK Visitor Visa Processing Times Guide

The UK government intends to process visitor visas usually within 15 working days to 3 weeks. However, several factors can have an influence on the time taken for the processing of your application. So let's elucidate the factors influencing the UK visit visa processing times.

1. Visa Application Category

The British government boasts three options for the visa processing service, differing in time frames. 

Standard Service: The 15 working-day norm applies in this type of processing. This is the most favored option to get undertaken by applicants. 

Priority Service: This service lets you get your visa faster, as it involves processing your application in 5 working days. It, of course, comes with a fee added on.

Super Priority Service: This service caters to those who seek extreme urgency. The decision is promised within 24 hours. 

2. Time of year

The time of year in which you apply can also influence processing times. This is because winter and summer holidays are peak times for travel of sorts, as loads of applicants apply for visas during these periods. This creates a greater demand for standard processing, thereby leading to a backlog.

So, if you are planning to travel around that busy period, do make sure you apply well in advance since the UK normally has high travel numbers in summer and again over Christmas. 

3. Submit a Complete and Accurate Application

Undoubtedly, if you did not fill out your application form correctly and completely, then you are going to have your application delayed. Whenever there are discrepancies or missing documents in your application, thereby preventing the UK Visas Team from making a decision, the team naturally needs to ask for more clarifications and documents and this goes on and off for weeks.

Consequently, make sure that you do not leave out anything that is required to contest the application, thereby incurring unnecessary delays.

Conclusion 

If you want a successful UK trip, the first step would be hiring immigration lawyers in the UK. They would guide you on the requirements and ensure you comply with the UK immigration rules. This will allow you to quickly process your visa and get started with your trip.

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