Best Time to Visit York
The best months to visit York are May, Jun, Aug. Here is the full monthly breakdown.
Photo: Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash
Best Months: May, Jun, Aug
These months offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures and low rainfall for visiting York. Expect highs of 17°C to 20°C to 21°C with relatively dry conditions.
Warmest Month
July
21°C high
Coldest Month
January
1°C low
Driest Month
May
10 rain days
Wettest Month
October
18 rain days
Monthly Weather
January
High: 7°C / Low: 1°C
12 rain days
February
High: 9°C / Low: 3°C
11 rain days
March
High: 11°C / Low: 3°C
16 rain days
April
High: 13°C / Low: 5°C
13 rain days
May
High: 17°C / Low: 8°C
10 rain days
June
High: 20°C / Low: 11°C
12 rain days
July
High: 21°C / Low: 12°C
17 rain days
August
High: 21°C / Low: 13°C
13 rain days
September
High: 18°C / Low: 11°C
17 rain days
October
High: 14°C / Low: 8°C
18 rain days
November
High: 10°C / Low: 4°C
15 rain days
December
High: 9°C / Low: 5°C
16 rain days
Tourist Seasons in York
Peak Season
May, June, August
- +Best weather conditions
- +Most activities and events
- -Higher prices and larger crowds
- -Book accommodation well in advance
Shoulder Season
April, July, September
- +Good weather, fewer tourists
- +Better value for accommodation
- +More authentic local experiences
- ~Some attractions may have reduced hours
Off Season
January, February, March, October, November, December
- +Lowest prices of the year
- +No crowds at attractions
- -Weather may be less favourable
- -Some seasonal businesses may close
Month-by-Month Breakdown
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 7°C | 1°C | 12 | Off Season |
February | 9°C | 3°C | 11 | Off Season |
March | 11°C | 3°C | 16 | Off Season |
April | 13°C | 5°C | 13 | Shoulder Season |
May★ | 17°C | 8°C | 10 | Peak Season |
June★ | 20°C | 11°C | 12 | Peak Season |
July | 21°C | 12°C | 17 | Shoulder Season |
August★ | 21°C | 13°C | 13 | Peak Season |
September | 18°C | 11°C | 17 | Shoulder Season |
October | 14°C | 8°C | 18 | Off Season |
November | 10°C | 4°C | 15 | Off Season |
December | 9°C | 5°C | 16 | Off Season |
Season Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit York?
What is the weather like in York?
When is peak tourist season in York?
Is York worth visiting in winter?
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in York
Make the most of your trip by booking popular tours and activities in advance.
York Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover York on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
York Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through York with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of York: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into York's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from York: Scenic Excursion
Escape York for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
York Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with York's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top 3 Areas to Stay in York
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Micklegate
A vibrant street with a mix of independent shops, pubs, and a lively evening atmosphere.
Our top picks in Micklegate
A historic boutique hotel with a beautiful walled garden and Michelin-starred dining.
Book NowA characterful pub with rooms, known for its excellent food and cozy atmosphere.
Book NowModern, stylish hotel offering great value and a central location near the station.
Book NowCity Centre (Walls Area)
Historic heart of York, buzzing with attractions, shops, and ancient architecture.
Our top picks in City Centre (Walls Area)
A luxurious Victorian railway headquarters offering spa facilities and fine dining.
Book NowStylish boutique hotel located in the heart of the city, known for its unique room designs.
Book NowHoused in a former Victorian prison, offering a unique and atmospheric stay.
Book NowFishergate
A slightly more local feel with a mix of student housing, shops, and restaurants leading out of the city.
Our top picks in Fishergate
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in York?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
More York Travel Guides
Plan Your Perfect York Trip
Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.