The United Kingdom's weather is famously variable, shaped by its position between the Atlantic Ocean and the European continent. This page documents the most remarkable weather records from across Britain, drawing on over 109 years of official Met Office observations from weather stations spanning from the Shetland Islands to the Channel coast.
Weather records tell compelling stories about our climate. A record high temperature reveals not just a number, but the meteorological conditions that created exceptional heat—perhaps a combination of continental air masses, clear skies and light winds. Similarly, a rainfall record might reflect the passage of a named storm or the persistence of Atlantic frontal systems against higher ground.
These records are updated monthly as new Met Office data becomes available, ensuring you always have access to the latest extremes alongside the all-time historical records. Whether you're researching climate trends, planning around seasonal patterns, or simply curious about Britain's most remarkable weather, this comprehensive record provides authoritative answers.
These are the most extreme weather measurements from the most recently processed data. The monthly records show which UK weather station recorded the highest or lowest values for March 2026, while the yearly records cover the complete calendar year of 2025. These figures provide immediate context for recent weather patterns and allow comparison with historical norms.
Annual records capture the full sweep of a year's weather, from winter frosts to summer heat. These measurements represent the most extreme values recorded at any UK station during the complete calendar year, providing a benchmark for comparing year-on-year variations.
These records represent the absolute extremes of British weather, spanning more than 109 years of continuous observation. Each record tells a story of exceptional meteorological conditions—whether a summer heatwave that pushed temperatures to unprecedented levels, a winter freeze that gripped the nation, or a deluge that broke all previous rainfall records.
Some of these records have stood for decades, while others have been broken in recent years as climate patterns evolve. The longevity of certain records—particularly cold temperature extremes—reflects both the rarity of such conditions and the changing nature of our climate.
These are the most extreme single months ever recorded at UK weather stations. A record-breaking month might see persistent unusual weather patterns—perhaps weeks of unbroken sunshine, continuous rainfall from Atlantic systems, or a prolonged cold snap. These monthly records often coincide with memorable weather events that made national headlines.
Annual records aggregate an entire year's weather into single remarkable figures. These might reflect a particularly extreme season—the sunniest summer, the wettest winter, or the coldest year overall. Annual records are especially valuable for understanding long-term climate trends and identifying genuinely exceptional years in the context of over a century of observations.
Temperature extremes in the UK are influenced by several factors. The highest temperatures typically occur in southern and eastern England, where continental air masses can bring exceptional heat during summer. The record UK temperature of 40.3°C was set at Coningsby in July 2022, breaking the previous record that had stood since 2019.
Cold records, by contrast, are often found in Scottish glens where cold air pools on clear winter nights. The UK's coldest temperature of -27.2°C was recorded at Braemar in 1895 and again in 1982—a record that has proved remarkably durable as severe cold spells have become less common.
Britain's wettest locations are predominantly in the western highlands of Scotland and Wales, where moist Atlantic air is forced to rise over mountains, cooling and releasing its moisture. Seathwaite in Cumbria regularly records over 3,000mm of rain annually, making it one of England's wettest inhabited places.
The driest areas are in East Anglia and the Thames Estuary, sheltered from Atlantic weather systems by the rest of Britain. Some eastern locations receive less than 600mm annually—comparable to parts of the Mediterranean.
The sunniest parts of the UK are along the south coast, where the Channel coast benefits from the sea's moderating influence on cloud formation. Eastbourne, Bognor Regis and the Isle of Wight regularly compete for the title of Britain's sunniest spot, each averaging over 1,900 hours of sunshine annually.
Scotland's western highlands are among the least sunny areas, where persistent cloud associated with Atlantic weather systems can limit sunshine to under 1,100 hours per year—less than half that of the south coast.
Air frost days—when the temperature falls below 0°C—vary dramatically across the UK. Inland areas, particularly in Scotland and northern England, can experience over 100 frost days per year, while coastal areas in the south-west may see fewer than 20.
The sea's thermal mass keeps coastal temperatures above freezing for much of winter, while inland valleys can trap cold air, creating local frost hollows that experience significantly more frost than surrounding areas.
Analysis of UK weather records reveals clear long-term trends. High temperature records are increasingly likely to be broken, with 8 of the 10 warmest years in the UK's records occurring since 2002. Conversely, extreme cold records have proved more durable—the coldest UK temperatures date from decades ago and show no sign of being surpassed.
Rainfall patterns show more regional variation, with some areas seeing increased winter precipitation while summers in the south-east have trended drier. These records provide valuable context for understanding both natural variability and long-term climate change.
Explore detailed historical data for any UK weather station. Download monthly records for temperature, rainfall, sunshine and frost.
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