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Weather Overview for York

York’s weather is typical of the UK and therefore unpredictable. Temperatures never reach extremes at either ends of the scale, though there are marked differences between the four seasons. Annual rainfall is not huge but expect rain at any time of year. While total rainfall may not be huge, the number of days with rain is high as there are frequent grey drizzly days synonymous with English weather.

Yorkshire in fact receives some of the lowest annual rainfall of anywhere in the country with around 600-700mm on average. Average temperatures across the country vary slightly from north to south, and as York is in the north of country it is a little cooler than the south.

Summer in York is best described as unpredictable. There can be long periods of dry sunny weather that may last for a couple of weeks, or similarly it may rain every day for the same amount of time. Last summer (2007) was a particularly bad one for rain, seeing widespread floods in the area and across the country. The main thing to remember is to be prepared for all kind of weather.

July and August are the hottest months of the year with an average temperature of around 15°C. Average highs and average lows vary between around 10°C and 18°C. Summer temperatures, however, do climb higher every year during one of England’s much hyped ‘heat waves’. Temperature will climb up to and into the 30s each year but this is not a common event. When the sun is shining, York is a fantastic place to visit and English summer temperatures are very agreeable especially if you’re planning a busy day’s sightseeing around the town.

Rainfall doesn’t alter much across the year, though August does experience the most on average. This is mainly down to the fact there can be heavy, thundery downpours in late summer. In fact summer months see less days with rain on average, although the volume of rain is about the same.

Winter in York is cool and wet. Extreme cold temperatures are rare, although snow may fall once or twice each year. The temperature often drops to around zero and winter averages vary between around 1°C and 5°C. December and January are the coldest months of the year, and usually see the most damp and grey days.

The short days at this time of year can often make things seem a little dark and gloomy, although Christmas arrives at the right time to brighten up the city. Winter is also a great time to duck into one of the many pubs in the city and escape the weather for a cosy pint by the fire. A crisp sunny and frosty winter’s morning is also a great sight in York.

Spring is just about the driest time of year and the rapidly lengthening days are most welcome. Cold temperatures can still occur in March as the last of the winter frosts linger on. By May, however, summer weather can be experienced. Again weather is fickle and unpredictable at this time of year; spring can see temperatures above 20°C or drop into low single figures.

Average temperature is still only 5°C in March but by May it is 10°C. The blooming plant life at this time of year is a great sight as colour rapidly returns to the countryside.

 
Autumn is again an unpredictable time; warm sunny days can still be enjoyed late into September but early November can see the first frosts of the year arrive. During an ‘Indian Summer’ fine hot weather can be enjoyed into the end of September or even October. The next day, however, is could be cold and rainy again. Autumn temperatures can vary between the mid teens and low single figures.

Rainfall is standard at this time of year at an average of around 55mm a month. If you are visiting in autumn you should be prepared for any weather.