October 2026 brought a mix of mild conditions, plentiful sunshine and some notable contrasts in rainfall across the UK.
County-level statistics show temperatures were above the 1991–2020 average across much of the country, while many areas also enjoyed considerably more sunshine than would normally be expected in October. Rainfall presented a much more varied picture, with some counties wetter than average and others ending the month relatively dry.
A mild October for many
Temperatures were above average across most counties during October, with the largest anomalies generally found across England.
Greater London recorded the highest average maximum temperature at 17.3°C, while Essex and West Sussex both recorded average maximum temperatures of 17.0°C.
The mild theme was also clear in overnight temperatures. Norfolk and Suffolk both had an average minimum temperature of 8.2°C, 2.0°C above average, while Essex recorded 8.4°C, 1.9°C above average.
Looking at mean temperatures, the Isle of Wight recorded 13.7°C, 1.3°C above the 1991–2020 average, while Greater London averaged 13.2°C.
The temperature anomalies were smaller across parts of Scotland. The City of Dundee's average maximum temperature of 13.7°C was 0.2°C below average, while the City of Aberdeen recorded 13.4°C, 0.1°C below average.
You can explore these stats using our interactive map below.
Rainfall varied considerably
There were some striking differences in October rainfall totals.
Ross and Cromarty recorded the highest total in the county dataset at 304.2mm, equivalent to 142% of its October average. Inverness recorded 272.6mm, or 126% of average, while the Western Isles received 247.6mm, equivalent to 144% of average.
Cumbria also experienced a wetter-than-average month, recording 204.5mm, or 128% of average. In Wales, Mid Glamorgan had 222.2mm of rain, although this represented a more modest 109% of its average.
Elsewhere, October was considerably drier. The City of Aberdeen recorded 80.5mm, just 80% of average, while Herefordshire received 71.6mm, or 81%. Moray recorded 84.2mm, equivalent to 87% of its average rainfall.
Environment Agency Chief Executive, Philip Duffy, said: “The recent rain is welcome, but the drought isn’t over. A few wet days cannot reverse months of hot, dry weather.
“Our rivers, reservoirs and groundwater need sustained rainfall to recover, and the effects on nature can last much longer.
“Everyone can help. Using a little less water, from taking shorter showers to turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, makes a difference. Saving water now will help our environment and water supplies recover.”
You can explore these stats using our interactive map below.
Overall, the county statistics paint a picture of an October characterised by above-average temperatures across much of the UK, but with much greater regional variation in rainfall.
READ MORE:
October 2026 weather stats: A regional breakdown
Why the UK sees fewer warnings for fog than wind or rain
Halloween weather quiz: Test your knowledge!
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