The Best Time To Visit York in 2024 (From A Local) 🗓️
Historic walled York in North Yorkshire, England, is a popular tourist destination with rich history and cultural landmarks, including medieval walls, York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum.
A friendly, year-round tourist destination, there’s no ideal month or best time to visit York. But the variation in the seasons is notable, and each brings different cultural attractions, festivals, and dramatically different weather!
If I’m pushed – I’d suggest that late Spring is the perfect time to visit York, although the city is absolutely fantastic during December, with one of the best Christmas markets in the UK!
Ultimately, the best time to visit York depends on what you want to see and do in the city and what type of weather you prefer!
From bustling festivals and “the great outdoors” in the summer to cosy winter days by a roaring fire in a friendly pub or browsing for bargains in York’s award-winning Christmas markets, there’s something for everyone in York – year-round.
Quick Tips For Visiting York
Best Place to Stay | The Grand Hotel
How to Get Around | Walking, Bus, Bicycle, Taxi
Top Places to Visit | York Minster, The Shambles, Clifford’s Tower
Insider Tips | Bettys Tea Room, York Railway Museum
Best Tours | North York Moors & Whitby Day Tour from York, Mad Alice’s Bloody Tour of York, Private Historical Walking Tour of York
Best Money Saver: York City Pass
This article shares the best time to visit York, shares information about the weather and average temperatures, and highlights some of the city’s most exciting events throughout the year.
Let’s get stuck in 🙂 because you are going to LOVE York, just like I do!
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When Is The Best Time to Visit York?
I’ve lived in Yorkshire for over a decade and know York well! I know that York has four distinct seasons with dramatically different weather patterns and temperatures:
- 🐣 Spring (March-May) Shoulder Season
- 🌻 Summer (June-August) High Season
- ☂️ Autumn (Fall) (September-November) Shoulder Season
- ❄️ Winter (December-February) Low Season (except Christmas)
The busiest tourist seasons in York are Easter, the UK school holidays (mid/late July to early September) and Christmas.
1. Visiting York in the Spring 🐣
Spring in York is gorgeous, with average temperatures rising from 9°C in March to 17°C in May. April, however, is one of York’s wettest months of the year, with an average rainfall of 77 mm!
☔️ Local Tip: If you plan to visit York in the spring, pack a windproof travel umbrella and light rain gear.
After a long, cold winter, York eagerly awaits the first signs of spring. As the days start to lengthen, it’s a great time to visit before the summer crowds descend.
York buzzes with tourists at Eastertime, and the wonderful Easter services at York Minster (York’s gothic cathedral) are particularly popular.
In early spring, hosts of cheery golden daffodils carpet the banks of the medieval York City Walls and Clifford’s Tower before the delicate pink and white cherry blossoms appear and make the city even more beautiful.
🌸 Find York’s most beautiful cherry tree blossoms between York Station and the city walls, or take a short train ride to see Harrogate’s glorious cherry trees on the Stray.
🌧 If the weather is cold and wet, you won’t run out of amazing places to explore indoors, and you can save money on entry charges to York’s key attractions with a York Pass.
🍺 When you get chilled, warm up by a roaring fire in one of York’s characterful old pubs and tuck into some hearty Yorkshire food while you wait for the sun to reappear.
Alternatively, you can dodge the raindrops in the Shambles – the best-preserved medieval street in Europe – where stalls sell everything from local produce to international delicacies.
Over the busy Easter weekend and during the UK public holidays at the start and end of May, expect accommodations to sell out fast!
➡️ Find the best deals on York’s hotels, B&Bs and private accommodations here.
events in York in the Spring
York Chocolate Festival
The festival includes chocolate lollipop making, chocolate tastings, hands-on cookery workshops, and a chocolate walking trail. YUM!
Easter Celebrations
- Awe-inspiring services at York Minster
- Easter-themed gifts to buy in the Shambles market and the beautiful Käthe Wohlfahrt store
- Edible Easter goodies (and traditional afternoon teas) at Betty’s Cafe & Tea Rooms (look out for the fabulous window display)
York Literature Festival
Live events celebrating the written and spoken word, with more than 20 events held throughout March at venues across the city centre.
York Races
A day at the races is the perfect excuse to put your glad rags on, sip Champagne and have a flutter on your favourite horse.
York Races are from April to September on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They are easy to get to, even if you don’t have a car and a great opportunity to experience some of the city’s rich racing heritage
2. Visiting York in the Summer 🌻
If you love warmer temperatures and like exploring without the hassle of a coat, summer is the best time to visit York. With the best weather of all seasons, summer is the perfect time to explore York’s atmospheric streets and outdoor attractions.
Average temperatures rarely become oppressive, even in high summer, so you’ll enjoy pleasant weather when you visit York in the summer.
Summertime is York’s busiest season, with the longest hours of sunshine and the warmest days. The city swells with tourists – especially during the UK summer holiday season (late July to early September).
August is typically the busiest month in the city, while early June to early July offers comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds.
If you don’t enjoy crowds, it’s easy to avoid the city centre and use your York Pass to focus on York’s quieter attractions, such as the Yorkshire Museum and Clifford’s Tower, or take a cruise on the River Ouse.
Alternatively, spend long sunny days on day trips from York to some of the best places in the surrounding area, including the vast and beautiful North York Moors.
York is in the far north of England! While summer is generally warm, don’t assume it won’t rain! June is the wettest month of the year in York, with an average rainfall of 3 inches (77 mm).
Events in York in the Summer
York Early Music Festival
This cultural festival celebrates York’s many medieval churches, guildhalls and historic houses through historically informed music making.
Merchants Adventurer’s Beer Festival
This charity event – in the 665 year old, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall – brings quality ales, tasty food, local entertainment and (hopefully) summer sunshine together!
York Festival of Ideas
York Festival of Ideas offers stimulating and diverse events for all ages and interests at venues throughout the city, including world-class speakers, films, guided walks, and family-friendly activities.
York Races
Summer is the perfect time to dress up and head to the races with friends!
READ NEXT: The Ultimate Packing List for Yorkshire. Discover the essential items you will need for your trip to York.
3. Visiting York in the Autumn ☂️
Autumn is an excellent time to explore some of the city’s famous historical attractions. York Minster is a hot favourite (make sure to arrive early for the remarkable tower tour), or explore life as a Viking in York at the excellent Jorvik Viking Centre.
While there’s a good chance of rain at this time of year, September’s average high temperature is around 17°C. This drops to a chilly 7°C by November, so you’ll want to pack a warm jacket and waterproof shoes.
The days are getting shorter for sightseeing, with the sun setting as early as 4:30 pm in November, so you’ll want to maximise the daylight hours.
It’s still very pleasant to walk around the city in the autumn, to see all the trees wreathed in shades of russet and red. There are fewer tourists than in the summer, but you won’t feel like Billy No-Mates visiting the city – in fact, it’s a great city for solo travellers.
Events in York in the Autumn
Autumn is the best time to visit York for festivals – there’s a packed programme of cultural events to choose from!
York Beer Festival
Run by CAMRA (the campaign for real ale), this festival brings around 160 beers from Yorkshire breweries to the city, along with ciders, wine and mead to try.
York Food and Drink Festival
Running for two weeks at the end of September, this tasty festival in central York fills Parliament Street with local food and drink vendors.
Fossgate Festival
A unique way to experience city life in York and enjoy one of York’s oldest and most characterful streets, with independent shops, cafes, bars, and the beautiful Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.
The street is closed to vehicles, making it safe for everyone to browse and enjoy. The festival typically runs from 12 noon to 7:30 pm; however, bars and restaurants remain open later, in line with their usual opening hours.
Halloween
As the most haunted city in Europe, York is a superb place to celebrate Halloween! ➡️ Check out the best ghost tours in York here >
Bonfire Night
Where better to celebrate the 5th of November than the city where Guy Fawkes plotted with others to blow up the Houses of Parliament?
If the organised events with bonfires, fireworks and hearty warming food don’t tempt you out into the cold, pop into the pub where Guy Fawkes was born for the evening instead!
York Races
October is your last chance for the year to attend the races.
4. Visiting York in the Winter ❄️
Despite its northern location, winter is a great time to visit York. With less chance of snow than in other parts of England, temperatures are relatively mild – but it can feel much colder when brutally cold winds blow in from the east coast – straight from the Balkans!
February is typically the coldest month of the year, but it’s also the cheapest time to visit the city.
TIP: Dress for the cold with a winter coat, sturdy shoes to keep out the worst of the weather, a warm hat and gloves, and a scarf.
Winter is a great time to enjoy the Christmas markets or go ice skating at York’s Winter Wonderland. It’s also the best time of year to go on a spooky guided ghost tour around the medieval streets after dark.
Visit York before the Christmas market arrives, and you’ll have the luxury of exploring an uncrowded city. The local restaurants and pubs will welcome you with open arms at this time of year!
Events In The Winter in York
St Nicholas Fayre Christmas Market.
York’s St Nicholas Christmas market in the historic city centre is a gem. More than 80 Swiss-style chalets sell everything from hand-crafted Christmas decorations and gift ideas to delicious roast chestnuts, mince pies and mulled wine or cider.
The market runs from late November until Christmas Eve, lighting up the medieval city walls and buildings and making the city feel even more atmospheric than usual!
York’s Winter Wonderland
Ice skating at York’s Winter Wonderland is sure to warm you up! The outdoor rink opens from late November until early January, making it ideal for active winter fun with loved ones.
JORVIK Viking Festival
Vikings pitch their tents in central York in a city-wide celebration of York’s rich Norse heritage. This is Europe’s largest Viking festival and a fun way to ward off the winter chills.
Accommodations in York
York is exceptionally busy at Easter, in the summer, and in the month before Christmas: this is when you’ll find the highest prices. The best hotel room deals are quickly snapped up at these peak times.
The best deals on hotel rooms in York are in early January and February 🙂
With so much to do in York, why not book a stay and enjoy more of what this exciting city offers?
Parking in York
Here’s the bad news! Parking in York is expensive – and driving around medieval city streets not designed for modern traffic is a nightmare!
If your accommodation has reserved parking, you’re onto a winner. Otherwise, it’s much easier, quicker and cheaper to use one of York’s excellent Park & Ride services or to travel to the city by train.
How To Get To York
York is located in Northern England, in the large, rural county of North Yorkshire. It’s well connected locally and nationally and easy to reach:
By Train
York is around 2 1/2 hours from London by train or 3 hours from Edinburgh. Manchester International Airport is 1 hour and 50 minutes by train.
By Car
From London and the South: Take the M1 motorway to Leeds, then the A1M to Junction 44. Take the A64 into York.
From Edinburgh: Take the A1M to Junction to Junction 47 and take the A59 into York.
Map of York in the UK
FAQs: the best time to visit York
Is January a good time to visit York?
January is a great time to visit York to shop for bargains, get great hotel deals and breeze through all of York’s tourist attractions without crowds!
Is York worth visiting in winter?
Definitely! York is very atmospheric in the winter, with plenty of things to do, an award-winning Christmas Market and wonderful cosy pubs to hunker down in after a chilly walk.
Does York have good weather?
Absolutely. York’s temperate climate makes it a great city to explore without getting too hot or cold!
Is York UK worth visiting?
I’ve written a whole post on this subject 🙂 Discover more about visiting York here.
What is the coldest month in York?
The coldest month overall is January, however, February typically sees the lowest minimum temperatures. Wrap up warm on those chilly days!
What is the hottest month in York?
Average temperatures peak in York in July, although August also sees warm, pleasant days.
Does it rain a lot in York?
York has a temperate climate and typically sees around 630 millimetres of rain yearly, with rain seen in most months. June is the wettest month of the year in York.
Is York nice at Christmas?
York is enchanting at Christmas. The medieval buildings look wonderful, bathed in the twinkling glow of the Christmas lights, and the award-winning York Christmas markets are a treat to visit.
How many tourists visit York each year?
York welcomes tourists, as they contribute over £760 million to York’s economy. Around 8.4 million people visit York each year.
Does it snow in York in January?
It can snow in York in January, but this is unusual. It will be cold, so wearing warm clothes is advisable when visiting York in the winter.
What is the weather like in York at Christmas?
Expect single-digit temperatures in York for Christmas, with an average temperature of 5°C. Pack warm clothes, gloves, your cutest beanie and waterproof boots to keep the chills out.
What is the longest day in York?
The year’s longest day in York is the summer solstice in June.
What is the shortest day of the year in York?
The shortest day of the year in York is the mid-December winter solstice.
Final Thoughts On The Best Time To Visit York
York is a beautiful city to visit year-round. Each season offers its unique charm and attractions. However, the best time to visit York depends on your preferences and interests:
- Spring is the best time to visit York for good value, Easter celebrations, and to enjoy all the spring flowers
- Summer may be ideal for you if you enjoy warm weather, dining al fresco, and outdoor activities
- Autumn has mild weather, cool festivals and the chance to spend Halloween in Europe’s most haunted city!
- Winter could be the perfect season to experience all that York offers if you love traditional festive events and cosy indoor activities
More tips for your trip to York:
- How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In York, England
- The Best Day Trips From York
- 14 Exciting Things To Do In York At Night
- What to Pack for Yorkshire – A Complete Packing List
- The Most Beautiful Towns in Yorkshire
- Mistletoe Magic: 16 Best Things To Do In York At Christmas 🎁
- How to Have the Perfect London to York Day Trip
READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Traditional Yorkshire Food
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