What's Spring Like in the UK & Ireland?
The increased moisture in the air heightens our senses. Bunnies, badgers, and bees leap into action. And the forest blooms with blues, reds, and greens.
In the UK and Ireland, spring changes everything.
Whether you’re planning a trip or you’re just a fan of Mother Nature, here’s what you need to know about one of the most pleasing seasons.
When is Spring in the UK & Ireland?
That depends who you ask.
The simple answer is that the spring months are March, April and May. This is because that’s when the temperature rises on a monthly basis.
The complicated answer says it differs. This line of reasoning holds that spring starts on the vernal equinox and ends on the summer solstice. The vernal equinox is when the sun crosses the celestial equator, usually on 20th or 21st March; and the summer solstice is when the sun reaches its highest position in the sky, usually between 20th and 22nd June.
But that’s not all. There are two other curious answers.
In Ireland, lovers of Celtic culture may say spring is in February, March and April. This originates from the ancient pre-Christian Gaelic Calendar.
And then; if you ask a few Swedish meteorologists, they’d say spring is the first occasion when the average daytime temperature is over 0 °C (32°F) degrees for a week. Britain is not quite cold enough for that definition.
Personally, we think spring is a feeling rather than a date. That energy, that yearning to explore, the daffodils blossoming…
What is the Length of the Day in Spring?
The hours of daylight vary throughout the UK and Ireland depending on the time of year and where you are. In the summer, you get longer days in the north; whereas in the winter, you get shorter days in the north. For example, up in Kirkwall, they have 18.5 hours of daylight in the peak of summer and 6 hours of daylight in the midst of winter, whereas London has 16.5 hours on the summer solstice and 8 hours on the winter solstice.
So, in spring it can vary depending on the month and where you are, with an average of around 12 hours of daylight a day. It’s always good to check when the sunsets are to make the most out of your time. This website can come in handy.
What is the Temperature in Spring?
There have been strange temperatures in March. We’ve seen heat waves of 20 °C (68°F) and snowstorms on the same date in different years.
But in general, spring is said to have one of the best temperatures. The temperature is usually around 11°C (51°F). So, you’ll need a good jacket. but you can leave the scarfs, gloves, and pocket warmers at home.
What is the Weather Like in Spring?
The weather in the UK and Ireland is famously unpredictable. And as we said before, spring can involve rain, snow and sunshine at the same time. April and May tend to be a little drier, although nothing is guaranteed.
What Animals Can I Spot in Spring?
Tiny weevils, spawning frogs, busy bees, and butterflies: the list is endless. But rather than tell you what’s hiding within every shrub and handful of soil, we’re going to list a few of the most famous animals that appear around spring.
Boxing Hares
A hare is a little bit like a rabbit except lankier and faster.
In spring, they jump around and punch each other. Rather than this being some sort of silly spectator sport, it’s when the females fend themselves from advances off unwanted male attention.
Our friends at the wildlife trust have compiled some good advice on where to see this in action.
Hedgehogs
Firstly, here’s the bad news. You’re unlikely to spot these shy guys if you’re passing through the UK & Ireland. They’re nocturnal and in decline. So, your best chance of finding one is by living in the countryside and regularly checking your garden.
But if they’re on your must-see list, spring is when they come from their hibernation to fill their empty stomachs with tasty worms and slugs.
Seals
Seals are flabby, smelly, fish-eating sea mammals. They’re also very cute.
In spring, they come ashore to moult. This means you’ve got a good chance of spotting them if you go to the right place at the right time with a nice pair of binoculars.
Orkney, the Scottish Islands, and the east coast of Scotland are some of the best places to capture a glance of these lovely animals.
Osprey
These birds see no borders. They spend winter in west Africa and travel 5,000 miles up to Scotland for spring and summer.
They hunt for fish and have the wingspan that’s the size of a human.
Keen bird watchers can find these beautiful beasts around Loch Lomond and Loch Garten in the Scottish Highlands.
Where Should I Travel in Spring?
Spring is one of the best times to visit the UK & Ireland. It’s not as busy as summer and boasts longer days than the winter. Everywhere in Britain is equally beautiful but here are some places where this season gives you a good reason to travel.
The Cotswolds
Where celebrities live and fairy tales are born: the Cotswolds is one of the most stunning regions of the UK & Ireland.
At springtime, the quaint cottages look more beautiful than ever sitting under cherry blossom trees and surrounded by blooming daffodils.
Discover the magic of the Cotswolds
Kent
This place is nicknamed ‘the Garden of England’. So, it’s no surprise it’s a lovely location to visit in the spring.
Our advice is to check out Rye, Sissinghurst Castle, and the famous White Cliffs of Dover on a three-day tour.
The Cairngorms
Some of Scotland never looks that colourful. And spring is no different. It’s barren and rocky all year round. Nevertheless, there is something beautiful about the Cairngorms in spring. The snow rests on the tips of mountains and the grass breathes anew after the frosty months behind.
The Isle of Mull
Whether or not spring is your thing, the Isle of Mull is an unmissable part of Scotland. It’s teeming with wildlife, quaint fishing villages, and impressive landscapes.
But if you do visit this lovely location in spring, you’re blessed with drier weather, and you get to explore the sites before being bothered by Scotland’s notorious midges.