October is a month of transition for the UK, capable of producing conditions that feel like an extension of summer as well as an early taste of winter.
Historical records show just how varied the month can be, with exceptional warmth, sharp frosts, heavy rain, powerful winds and even significant snowfall all featuring among the UK’s October weather extremes.
The figures are based on data from MIDAS. Other records from historical sites, particularly before 1960, may differ.
Temperatures close to 30°C
The UK’s highest October temperature is 29.9°C, recorded at Gravesend in Kent on 1 October 2011. The same spell also produced England’s highest minimum temperature for the month, with temperatures at Emley Moor in West Yorkshire falling no lower than 18.6°C during the 24 hours to 0900 on 1 October.
Elsewhere, Wales reached 28.2°C at Hawarden Airport in Flintshire on 1 October 2011. Scotland’s October record is 27.4°C at Tillypronie in Aberdeenshire on 3 October 1908, while Northern Ireland reached 24.1°C at Strabane in County Tyrone on 10 October 1969.
Mild nights are also possible, particularly when warm air is accompanied by cloud and wind. The UK’s highest October daily minimum is 19.4°C, recorded at Aber in Gwynedd on 1 October 1985. On the same date, Aghanloo in County Londonderry recorded Northern Ireland’s highest daily minimum for the month, at 16.6°C.
A sharp autumn chill
At the opposite end of the scale, October can deliver notably cold conditions. The UK’s lowest October temperature is -11.7°C, recorded at Dalwhinnie in Inverness-shire on 28 October 1948. England’s record low is -10.6°C at Wark in Northumberland on 17 October 1993, while temperatures have fallen to -9.4°C at Rhayader in Powys and -7.2°C at Lough Navar in County Fermanagh.
Some days have remained cold even during daylight hours. The UK’s lowest October daily maximum is just 0.4°C at Glenmore in Inverness-shire on 4 October 1973. England’s equivalent record is 1.1°C, shared by Buxton and Macclesfield on 31 October 1934.
Exceptional rainfall and powerful winds
Autumn is often associated with Atlantic low-pressure systems, and the rainfall records underline October’s potential for very wet weather. The highest UK daily total is 226.6mm at Honister Pass in Cumbria on 25 October 2008. Scotland recorded 216.0mm at Skye Alltdearg House on 9 October 2005, while Wales received 183.4mm at Trecastle Portis in Powys on 12 October 2018. Northern Ireland’s record is 158.9mm at Tollymore Park in County Down on 31 October 1968.
The strongest October gust recorded in the UK reached 124mph at Rhoose in South Glamorgan on 28 October 1989. England’s record is 115mph at Shoreham in West Sussex on 16 October 1987, while Scotland has recorded 106mph at Salsburgh and Northern Ireland 92mph at Magilligan.
October’s pressure records also demonstrate the contrast between settled and stormy weather. Pressure reached 1045.6mb at Dyce in Aberdeenshire on 31 October 1956. At the other extreme, Scotland’s lowest October mean sea-level pressure was 947.9mb at Baltasound in Shetland on 4 October 2025.
Snow and autumn sunshine
Although widespread lowland snow is unusual in October, substantial accumulations have occurred. The UK record snow depth at 0900 is 17cm at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire on 29 October 1926. England recorded 15cm at Boltshope Park in Durham on 30 October 2000, while Wales and Northern Ireland recorded 9cm and 5cm respectively on 30 October 2008.
October can also bring lengthy spells of sunshine. The UK’s sunniest October day produced 11.4 hours at Tenby in Dyfed on 2 October 1943. England’s record is 11.3 hours at Rothamsted in Hertfordshire, with 11.1 hours recorded at Kinloss in Scotland and 10.8 hours at Bryansford in Northern Ireland.
You can explore these records using our interactive graphic below
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