The best time to visit the Cotswolds
When is the best time to visit the Cotswolds? There’s no single answer. The UK is blessed with 4 very distinct seasons, so of course the charm of the Cotswolds changes along with them. Each season has something special to offer — golden hillsides, frosty village mornings, or pub gardens in full bloom. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best time for your trip.
Autumn in the Cotswolds: cosy walks and golden landscapes
If I had to pick a favourite, it would be autumn. The villages look their best framed by copper-coloured leaves, and the walks — Broadway Tower, Dyrham Park, or the path between Lower and Upper Slaughter — are just the right mix of brisk air and big views. You’ll find plenty of cosy pubs with fires going and a general sense of calm as summer crowds clear out.
Typical weather:
Expect cool, crisp air with temperatures ranging from 8–15°C (46–59°F). October is usually drier, while November can get foggy and damp — in a romantic, mist-over-the-fields kind of way, if you're feeling optimistic. It's always wise to bring waterproof shoes and jackets.
Dyrham Park
Best things to do:
Leafy walks, farm shops like Daylesford, and visiting gardens like Batsford or Westonbirt arboretums for full-blown autumn colour. Many National Trust estates (like Dyrham Park) are at their most atmospheric, and you’ll still catch the tail end of local food festivals and harvest events.
More: Read my full autumn Cotswolds guide
Winter in the Cotswolds: quiet villages and festive charm
Winter is underrated. Some attractions close, but if you time it right — especially in December — you get all the magic with none of the crowds. Christmas brings its own distinct charm to the Cotswolds, and it is one of my favourite times to visit. Think ivy-covered cottages with frost on the windowsills, Christmas markets in Cirencester and Chipping Campden, and pub lunches by the fire.
The Double Red Duke hotel
Typical weather:
Cold, often below 5°C (41°F) and occasionally snowy, especially in higher spots like Broadway. Expect short days, with early sunsets around 4pm, and pack layers — village charm only gets you so far if you’re underdressed.
Best things to do:
Cosy pub meals, Christmas light trails (like Blenheim Palace), browsing local craft shops for presents, and booking a snug stay with a fireplace. If you're lucky, you'll see the Cotswolds dusted with snow — it’s something out of a storybook.
Spring in the Cotswolds: blossom, lambs and garden visits
Late spring is a lovely time to go — hedgerows start blooming, the villages come back to life, and gardens like Highgrove and Hidcote reopen for the season. The days get longer, but it’s still peaceful compared to summer.
Typical weather:
Temperatures warm up to around 10–17°C (50–63°F), with the occasional April shower. May is often drier and more settled. You’ll want a light jacket and some good walking shoes. Again, waterproofs are always a good idea!
Best things to do:
Visit gardens, watch for newborn lambs in the fields, and take long countryside walks. Snowshill Manor is one of my favourite ones for this as the lambs wander round the hillside near the garden. Towards the end of May there are some incredible gardens which burst into bloom with wisteria and roses, Buscot Park. If you research well, you might be lucky to visit the 'on form' exhibition at Asthall Manor which is a stunning display of sculpture on the manor house's grounds.
Summer in the Cotswolds: lush green views and picnics
Summer is the busiest time — but for good reason. The Cotswold hills are at their greenest, pubs have tables outside, and everything from farm shops to gardens are open and buzzing. The UK has wonderful late evenings in the summer, with light until 10pm or so, so there's lots of time for walking and wandering villages.
Typical weather:
Warm and pleasant, with temperatures between 18–25°C (64–77°F). It can get hot in July and August, but it’s still the UK, so a raincoat isn’t a bad idea. Once in a while we'll get a dramatic heat wave - be prepared for no AC. Expect long evenings and plenty of daylight.
Best things to do:
Plan for long walks, wild swimming, local festivals, and lazy lunches outside. Just try to go midweek or early in the day to beat the crowds in popular spots like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Which month to visit the Cotswolds
Based on all the factors I’ve explored above, here are my pinpointed recommendations of when to visit the Cotswolds:
May or June
Anytime in these months will offer beautiful gardens and long daylight hours, with the added benefit of schools in the UK still being in session, meaning quieter visits than the summer months.
October
Particularly later in October, as the leaves change late in the UK. The beautiful autumn colour fits the atmosphere of the Cotswolds perfectly.
December
Christmas in the Cotswolds is magical and can’t be beaten. It’s probably the loveliest place outside of London to spend Christmas in the UK.
A guide to the best areas and hotels to stay in the Cotswolds, with tips on choosing the right base—whether you're after countryside charm, foodie retreats, or easy access to the region’s prettiest villages.