Best time to visit · Bath · United Kingdom
The best time to visit Bath
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Unknown author, Public domain
Quick answer
The best times to visit Bath are May, June and September, when the weather is mild, gardens are at their best and crowds are lighter than in July and August. Late November and early December bring the popular Christmas Market but busy weekends, and January to March is the quietest and best-value time, ideal for spa days.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June and September
- Shoulder season
- April, July–August, October and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 23°C (73°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 8°C (46°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Seasons
Bath has a mild, damp climate typical of south-west England: cool winters with little snow, mild summers that occasionally turn hot, and rain spread across the year. The city sits in a valley, so it can feel sheltered and warm on summer afternoons.
March–May
Spring
Blossom and daffodils, mild walking weather and the Bath Festival in May, with showers and busy Easter weekends.
June–August
Summer
Warm, long days and gardens at their peak, but the most crowded and expensive season, with coach tours at the main sights.
September–November
Autumn
The Jane Austen Festival in September, autumn colour in October and the Christmas Market from late November.
December–February
Winter
The Christmas Market in early December, then quiet streets, low prices and the rooftop thermal pool steaming in cold air.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 2°C | 13 | 8.3 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 9°C | 2°C | 10 | 9.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 11°C | 4°C | 11 | 11.7 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 14°C | 5°C | 10 | 13.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 18°C | 8°C | 10 | 15.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 21°C | 11°C | 9 | 16.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 23°C | 13°C | 9 | 16.2 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 22°C | 13°C | 10 | 14.6 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 19°C | 11°C | 10 | 12.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 15°C | 8°C | 12 | 10.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 11°C | 5°C | 13 | 8.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 9°C | 3°C | 13 | 7.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| March | Bath Half Marathon (usually March) |
| May | Bath Festival — music and literature (usually May); Bath Fringe Festival (usually late May to early June) |
| September | Jane Austen Festival — Regency costume promenade and events (usually mid-September) |
| October | Bath Children's Literature Festival (usually late September to early October) |
| November | Bath Christmas Market (usually late November to mid-December); Bath Mozartfest (usually November) |
| December | Bath Christmas Market continues (usually until mid-December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February, and the sights are quietest in January.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Bath?
The best times to visit Bath are May, June and September, when the weather is mild, gardens are at their best and crowds are lighter than in July and August. Late November and early December bring the popular Christmas Market but busy weekends, and January to March is the quietest and best-value time, ideal for spa days.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Bath?
Usually in January–February. Cold and damp but quiet, with short queues at the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa at its most atmospheric in steam.
+What is the rainiest month in Bath?
January, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Bath get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F).