UK autumn season

Autumn in the UK starts in September and runs until the end of November.

The changing colour of the trees and subtle crunch of crisp leaves underfoot confirm the arrival of autumn in the UK. In contrast to spring when everything is in bloom and opening up, by autumn many species are turning in, preparing to hibernate while humans think about getting cosy by the crackle of a warming fire.

Autumn colours in Burnley, Lancashire, UK
Autumn colours in Burnley, Lancashire, UK © Living Legend - Adobe Stock Image

Families have an excellent opportunity to book a late summer break during the October half-term holiday and, for anyone looking to get away, be it in the UK or further afield, there are often many great deals to be found in autumn.

September sees the autumn equinox, the mid-way point between summer and winter marked on one special day by its equal portions of day and night. When it comes to the weather, while September has been known to offer lingering summer conditions that can make it just as pleasant for getting out and about as the previous months, by October things are noticeably on the turn.

In London, daylight hours start to shrink, declining to offer on average 13 hours per day in September to nine by November. Temperatures, too, are on the wane, decreasing from an average of 19°C to 10°C by November.

Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer UK holiday, be sure to check out our guide to weather in the UK so you know what to expect in cities and places across the British Isles during the months of autumn.

Autumn months in the UK

Looking for more information about the seasons? Find out what creates our seasons, including details of solstices and equinoxes, in our complete guide to the UK seasons.

More UK seasons

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