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London, England

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England weather, climate and geography

Weather & climate

Best time to visit: 

The climate is temperate, with warm wet summers and cool wet winters. Weather varies from day to day and throughout the country as a whole. The west coast and mountainous areas receive the most rain; the east coast, particularly in the north, is colder and windier.

The southeast is sunnier than the north with less rain and a climate approaching the continental. The southwest has the mildest climate overall. Occasional cold snaps with heavy snow can cause problems with transport and infrastructure.

England has much to occupy whatever the season, but the best chance of some sunny days is between May and September. Popular summer holidaying spots such as Devon and Cornwall become particularly crowded during the end of July and throughout August when schools are closed.

Required clothing: 

European according to season, plus rainwear.

Geography

Mainland England makes up around two-thirds of the British Isles. There are also several small islands including the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly. In the south, much of the landscape is made up of undulating green hills given over to agriculture.

Further north, the landscape becomes more dramatic. The Yorkshire Moors and Lake District in the northwest are popular with hikers. The Pennine Way traverses the jutting Pennine mountain range and takes in the most scenic part of England. The east and north of England is flat and low lying, but its coastline is endlessly varied.

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