Easter 2026 falls on Sunday 5 April, giving most of the UK a four-day bank holiday weekend from Good Friday (3 April) to Easter Monday (6 April). Whether you are planning a camping trip, a seaside day out, or just hoping to use the barbecue, the big question is always the same: what will the weather actually do?
It is too early for a reliable day-by-day forecast, but we can look at what early April weather typically delivers across the UK, how recent Easters have played out, and what the broader patterns suggest for 2026.
When Is Easter 2026?
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday (bank holiday across the UK) |
| 4 April 2026 | Saturday | Easter Saturday |
| 5 April 2026 | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| 6 April 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday (bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) |
Note that Easter Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland, though many Scottish schools will still be on their spring break.
What Does Early April Weather Normally Look Like?
Early April in the UK is a transitional period. Winter is loosening its grip but spring has not fully arrived. The weather can swing between warm sunshine and cold snaps, sometimes within the same day.
Average Temperatures by Region
| Region | Average High | Average Low |
|---|---|---|
| South East England | 13 to 14°C | 5 to 6°C |
| South West England | 12 to 13°C | 5 to 6°C |
| Midlands | 12 to 13°C | 4 to 5°C |
| North West England | 11 to 12°C | 4 to 5°C |
| North East England | 10 to 11°C | 3 to 4°C |
| Wales | 11 to 12°C | 4 to 5°C |
| Scotland | 9 to 11°C | 2 to 4°C |
| Northern Ireland | 11 to 12°C | 4 to 5°C |
These are averages. In practice, early April can produce days above 20°C in southern England or mornings below freezing in Scotland. The range is wide, which is exactly what makes Easter weather so hard to predict.
Rainfall
April is not one of the UK's wettest months, but it is far from dry. England and Wales average around 47mm of rain across the month, spread over roughly 14 days. Early April tends to see about 2 to 3mm per day on average, though this varies enormously by region. Western Scotland and the Lake District receive significantly more rainfall than the south east.
Daylight
One reliable positive: the days are noticeably longer by early April. Expect around 13 to 14 hours of daylight depending on where you are in the UK, with sunrise before 6:30am and sunset after 7:30pm. Even if the weather is mixed, you will have plenty of daylight for outdoor plans.
How Have Recent Easters Compared?
Easter moves around the calendar (anywhere from late March to late April), so direct comparisons need context. Here is what the early April period has delivered in recent years.
Easter 2025 (20 April)
Easter 2025 fell later in April and the UK enjoyed exceptional conditions. April 2025 was the sunniest April on record according to the Met Office, with 47% more sunshine hours than the long-term average. Temperatures were 1.7°C above the seasonal norm, making it the third warmest April since records began in 1884.
Easter 2024 (31 March)
Easter 2024 fell at the very end of March. Early April 2024 was notably wet, with the UK recording 155% of the average April rainfall. However, the Easter weekend itself saw some pleasant spells in southern England, with temperatures briefly reaching 20°C in London by 5 April.
Easter 2023 (9 April)
April 2023 was mixed. The Easter weekend brought cool, unsettled conditions for much of the country, with temperatures struggling to reach double figures in northern areas and frequent showers across the west.
The Pattern
The honest answer is that Easter weather in the UK is a lottery. The long-term data shows no consistent pattern for the bank holiday weekend. You are roughly as likely to get sunshine as showers, and temperatures can range from near freezing to over 20°C depending on the year and your location.
What Could 2026 Bring?
The Winter Context
The 2025/2026 winter has been exceptionally wet across the UK, with several regional rainfall records broken. A wet winter does not automatically mean a wet spring, but it does mean the ground is saturated heading into April. Even modest rainfall could cause localised flooding in low-lying areas, and rivers will be running high.
What to Watch For
Reliable weather forecasts extend about 5 to 7 days ahead. Anything beyond that is speculation, not science. The Met Office and other forecasters will begin issuing useful Easter weekend guidance from late March onwards.
In the meantime, the key factors to watch are:
- The jet stream position. If the jet stream tracks north of the UK in early April, we are more likely to see settled, warmer conditions. If it sits over or south of us, expect unsettled weather with rain and cooler temperatures.
- Atlantic weather systems. The UK's position in the North Atlantic means weather fronts can arrive with little warning. A blocking high pressure system over Scandinavia or the Azores could keep the rain away, but there is no way to predict this weeks in advance.
- North Sea influence. Eastern coastal areas often feel significantly cooler in early April due to onshore winds from the still-cold North Sea. If you are heading to the Norfolk or Yorkshire coast, pack layers regardless of what the rest of the country is experiencing.
Planning Your Easter Weekend
What to Pack
The safest approach for an early April bank holiday is layering. A typical Easter day in the UK might start cold (4 to 6°C), warm up to 12 to 14°C by the afternoon, and cool rapidly again by evening.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Waterproof jacket | April showers are not a myth |
| Layers (fleece or jumper) | Mornings and evenings will be cool |
| Sunglasses and sun cream | Spring sunshine can be surprisingly strong |
| Hat and gloves | Needed if heading to higher ground or the coast |
| Sturdy footwear | Ground will be wet after the winter we have had |
Best Bets for Dry Weather
If you have flexibility about where to go, the driest parts of the UK in early April are typically:
- East Anglia (Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk): the driest region of the UK year-round
- South East England (Kent, Sussex): sheltered from Atlantic weather systems
- East Midlands (Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire): benefits from the rain shadow of the Pennines
Western areas (Cornwall, Wales, the Lake District, western Scotland) are significantly wetter on average, though they can also produce spectacular clear days when high pressure builds.
Outdoor Activities
| Activity | Weather Sensitivity | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Camping | High | Check the forecast 3 days before and pack for cold nights (can drop to 2 to 3°C) |
| Beach day | Medium | South coast beaches will be warmer than east coast; sea temperature is still only 8 to 9°C |
| Hiking | Medium | Daylight is generous but paths will be muddy after winter rain |
| BBQ | Low to medium | Have a backup indoor plan; a gazebo helps with light showers |
| Garden centres and National Trust | Low | Peak Easter activity for a reason: enjoyable in most conditions |
Regional Forecasts: What to Expect Where You Are
While we cannot give a specific forecast this far out, here is what early April typically looks like across the UK.
London and the South East
The warmest and driest part of the UK at Easter. Expect daytime highs of 13 to 15°C, with the possibility of warmer spells. Rain is possible but usually lighter and less persistent than in the west.
South West England
Mild thanks to the maritime influence, but wetter than the south east. Cornwall and Devon can be glorious in April sunshine but are exposed to Atlantic fronts. Temperatures around 12 to 14°C.
The Midlands
Average conditions with temperatures of 12 to 13°C. The east Midlands tends to be drier than the west. Frost is still possible on clear nights.
Northern England
Cooler and wetter than the south, particularly in the Lake District and Pennines. Coastal areas in the north east can feel raw when the wind comes off the North Sea. Expect 10 to 12°C in the valleys, cooler on higher ground.
Wales
Similar to south west England but with more rainfall, especially in Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Coastal areas around Pembrokeshire can be pleasant in settled conditions. Temperatures 11 to 13°C.
Scotland
The most variable region. Edinburgh and the east coast can be dry and bright, while the west Highlands receive heavy rainfall. Temperatures range from 9 to 11°C at lower elevations, with snow still possible on higher peaks. Remember that Easter Monday is not a Scottish bank holiday.
Northern Ireland
Mild and often damp, with temperatures around 11 to 12°C. The Causeway Coast can be stunning in spring sunshine but pack waterproofs regardless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it snow at Easter 2026?
Snow at Easter is uncommon but not impossible, particularly in Scotland and on higher ground in northern England. The Met Office has noted that you are statistically more likely to see snow at Easter than at Christmas in parts of the UK, especially when Easter falls early. With Easter 2026 in the first week of April, a late cold snap cannot be ruled out, though it is unlikely at lower elevations.
When will we get a reliable Easter weather forecast?
About 5 to 7 days before the bank holiday weekend, so from around 27 to 28 March. Anything published before that is based on trends and averages rather than specific forecast data. The Met Office typically issues its first Easter outlook in the final week of March.
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in Scotland?
No. Good Friday (3 April) is a bank holiday across all four UK nations, but Easter Monday (6 April) is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only. Many Scottish employers still give the day off, and most Scottish schools will be on spring break, but it is not an official public holiday.
What is the sea temperature around the UK at Easter?
Cold. Sea temperatures around the UK coast in early April average 8 to 9°C, which is close to the annual minimum. The sea takes much longer to warm up than the air. If you are planning a swim, a wetsuit is strongly recommended. The warmest coastal waters will be in the south west (Cornwall, Devon) and the coldest along the east coast of Scotland.
What is the best region for Easter weather?
Historically, the south east of England and East Anglia offer the best odds of dry, mild conditions in early April. These areas sit in the rain shadow of the rest of the country and are furthest from the Atlantic weather systems that bring most of the UK's rainfall.
Should I book a holiday cottage now or wait for the forecast?
Book now if you can find cancellation-friendly terms. Easter is one of the busiest weekends for UK holiday accommodation, and the best properties sell out months in advance. Waiting for the forecast means you will have fewer options and higher prices. The UK's weather is never guaranteed regardless of what the forecast says, so plan for flexibility rather than perfection.
