Weather in Leeds

Planning a trip or a walk around Leeds? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and clear charts, to ensure your day goes comfortably.

The climate in Leeds, located in the United Kingdom, can be described as temperate maritime. It is typified by mild winters and cool summers, without sharp temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The city does not experience extreme weather conditions, making it comfortable to visit at any time, though the specific features of each season should be taken into account.

Leeds has four distinct seasons. Winter (December-February) is cool, with average temperatures around 4-5°C. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, with average temperatures rising from 5.8°C to 11°C. Summer (June-August) is the warmest time of year but remains moderate, with averages around 14-16°C and maximum values rarely exceeding 19-20°C. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by gradually dropping temperatures, preparing the city for winter.

One of the characteristic features of the weather in Leeds is the high probability of precipitation throughout the year, distributed quite evenly. Although monthly rainfall amounts are low (2-3 mm), rainy days occur frequently – from 12 to 16 days per month. This means light rain or drizzle is possible in any season, so tourists are advised to carry an umbrella or raincoat.

The city of Leeds experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers, with noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The coldest month is usually January, when the average air temperature is about 4.0°C, with night-time lows dropping on average to 1.8°C, and daytime highs rarely exceeding 6.2°C. The warmest period falls in July, with an average temperature of 15.7°C; during this time, daytime temperatures reach an average of 19.4°C, while night-time temperatures drop to 12.0°C. Thus, the annual temperature progression is quite smooth, without extreme peaks of heat or cold.

The summer months in Leeds, from June to August, offer residents and visitors pleasantly warm weather. Average maximum temperatures during this period range from 17.9°C in June to 19.4°C in July. These are comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor activities without exhausting heat. Summer nights remain fresh, with temperatures around 10-12°C, ensuring comfortable sleep. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer can be quite perceptible, reaching 7-8 degrees, which is typical for the region.

Winter in Leeds, covering the period from December to February, is characterized as cool but not severe. Average temperatures in the winter months stay in the range of 4.0°C - 5.0°C. At night, the air temperature often drops to 1.8°C - 2.9°C, which can lead to frost, although strong and prolonged freezes are rare here. Daytime highs in winter usually range from 6.2°C to 7.7°C. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, show gradual temperature changes, while in spring (especially in April) significant diurnal temperature fluctuations can also be observed, where the difference between the daytime high (about 11.5°C) and the night-time low (about 3.4°C) is quite noticeable.

In the city of Leeds, precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, making it difficult to single out a distinct rainy season or dry period. A characteristic feature of the climate is frequent, but usually very light, precipitation. Monthly rainfall amounts, according to the provided data, are low and fluctuate in the range of 2 to 3 mm.

The highest frequency of precipitation is observed in March, October, and December – in these months, an average of 16 days with precipitation is recorded, with about 3 mm of moisture falling. There are slightly fewer rainy days in February, July, and August (15 days each). The "driest" month in terms of precipitation frequency is April, when there are on average about 12 rainy days, and the total amount of precipitation is 2 mm. In other months, such as January, May, June, September, and November, the number of rainy days varies from 13 to 14, with a total precipitation volume of 2-3 mm.

Given the low average monthly precipitation volumes and the large number of "wet" days, it can be assumed that frequent drizzling rain or very light precipitation is typical for Leeds, rather than heavy downpours. In the winter months, such as January (average temperature 4.0°C, minimum 1.8°C) and December (average temperature 5.0°C, minimum 2.9°C), with further temperature drops, snowfall or sleet is not excluded; however, the main volume of precipitation likely still falls as rain.

When planning a trip to Leeds, it is important to consider its temperate maritime climate, which is characterized by changeable weather and a significant number of rainy days throughout the year (from 12 to 16 wet days monthly). A key element of your wardrobe should be layered clothing. A light waterproof jacket with a hood or a high-quality compact umbrella will prove indispensable, as precipitation here is a frequent occurrence, though not always heavy. Also, be sure to bring comfortable, preferably water-resistant, footwear for long walks around the city, as the streets can be damp.

In the winter months (from December to March), when the average air temperature hovers around 4-6°C, and the minimum can drop to 1-2°C, you will need warm clothes: sweaters, fleece tops, perhaps thermal underwear, as well as warm, windproof, and waterproof outerwear, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. In summer (from June to August), the weather in Leeds becomes significantly warmer, with average temperatures around 14-16°C and maximums reaching 18-19°C. During this period, T-shirts, light trousers, or shorts are suitable. However, even in summer, do not forget a light jacket or jumper for evening walks or in case of sudden cooling and rain. Sunscreen may also come in handy on clear summer days.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) in Leeds are transitional seasons with quite variable weather. Average temperatures range from 7.5°C in April to 13°C in September. In these months, the principle of layering is especially relevant: light jackets, cardigans, and jumpers that can be easily removed or put on depending on the weather. Waterproof shoes and an umbrella remain your faithful companions, as the number of rainy days is still high. An adaptable wardrobe will allow you to feel comfortable in any weather while enjoying your trip to the United Kingdom.