AI-generatedDurham at a glance
- Best time
- Jun – Sep
- Warmest month
- Jul · 19°
- Sunshine a year
- 1,380 h
- Rain a year
- 703 mm
- Climate
- Maritime
- Time zone
- UTC+0 / UTC+1
- Elevation
- 52 m
Climate in Durham
Durham has a maritime climate with moderate summers and cool, often grey winters. July is the warmest month with average highs of 19 °C, while January is the coolest at 6 °C. With around 1,380 hours of sunshine a year, Durham is rather dull; May is the sunniest month with 6.1 hours a day.
Holiday weather through the year
Weather in October
Holiday weather in October
Poor
Best time to visit: June – September
Keep in mindFrequent rain
A typical day in October
- Morning, 08:00: about 8°
- Midday, 13:00: about 13°
- Afternoon, 16:00: about 13°
- Evening, 20:00: about 11°
- Night, 23:00: about 10°
07:3318:11
Cold evenings: bring a warm jacket.
Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.
Light for photos in October
- Golden hour
- Morning 07:11–08:23 · evening 17:21–18:33
- Blue hour
- Morning 06:57–07:11 · evening 18:33–18:47
Golden hour: the sun between 4° below and 6° above the horizon; blue hour: 6° to 4° below it. Times for the 15th of the month; mountains and clouds shift the light.
What is the weather like in Durham in October?
In October, Durham is cool: daytime highs average 13 °C, and nights cool down to about 8 °C. The sun is scarce, with only about 3 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 65 mm in total. All in all, October is not an ideal month for a holiday in Durham.
More details for October
- Daylight
- 10 h 37 min07:33 – 18:11
- UV index
- 1 · lowclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
- Muggy days
- 0 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
- Wind
- 24 km/haverage daily peakAll months
- Cloud cover
- 72 %on averageAll months
- Hot days
- 0 days30 °C or more
- Snow days
- 0 days1 cm or more of fresh snow
- Time zone
- UTC+1Europe/London
How the score comes together
- Temperatureweight 50 %50 %
- Sunshineweight 20 %0 %
- Few rainy daysweight 30 %41 %
Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “City break”.
What to pack in October
- A jumper for the evenings
- Rain jacket or umbrella
Sunshine hours in Durham
Average hours of bright sunshine per day, next to the length of the day. Tap a month to select it.
In October, the sun shines for about 2.9 of 10.6 hours of daylight in Durham, 27 % of the day.
Sunshine hours: estimated from radiation data (ERA5, 1996–2025) and calibrated against measured station values; no weather station is close enough here. Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.
UV index in Durham
How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.
- Clear-sky UV in October
- 1 · lowLittle protection needed; sunglasses on bright days.
The sun is strongest in June (UV 7).
Minutes until sunburn in October
- Very fair skin
- about 90 min
- Fair skin
- about 115 min
- Light brown skin
- over 2 h
- Olive skin
- over 2 h
Rough guide for unprotected skin at noon under a clear sky; clouds lengthen it, water, sand and snow shorten it. Sunscreen extends the time only partly.
Monthly values: clear-sky noon estimate from the sun's angle, ozone and altitude. UV today: Open-Meteo forecast.
Rain in Durham: rainy days and rainfall
A rainy day is a day with at least 1 mm of rain or snow; the amount is what falls in the whole month. Tap a month to select it.
In October, Durham has about 12 rainy days with 65 mm of rain in total.
Wind and clouds in Durham
How breezy and how cloudy Durham is through the year. Tap a month to select it on the whole page.
Wind
Typical daily peak of the wind in km/h: what the afternoon breeze usually reaches, not the gusts.
In October, the wind in Durham typically peaks at 24 km/h during the day: Beaufort 4, moderate breeze.
Clouds
Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.
In October, cloud covers on average 72 % of the sky over Durham: mostly cloudy, with about 2.9 hours of sunshine a day.
Wind: mean daily maximum of the hourly wind 10 m above ground (ERA5, 1996–2025). Gusts are stronger, and the model grid of about 28 km smooths out local effects such as capes and valley winds. Clouds: mean total cloud cover of all layers over day and night (ERA5, 1996–2025). Thin high cloud counts as cover even when the sun still shines through.
Climate through the year
Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.
Nights and sleep in Durham
How warm the nights get in each month, from the mean night-time low. Tap a month for details.
- Cold 0–8°
- Cool 8–15°
CoolOctober: nights around 8°. A duvet at night and a jumper for the evening.
The coolest nights are in January (2°), the warmest in July (12°). Nights fall below 8 °C on average from November to May, so the room should be heated.
Temperatures through the year
Average daytime high, night-time low and sea temperature per month.
| Month | Score | Day | Night | Sun | Rain days | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 12 | 6° | 2° | 1.6 h | 12 | 57 |
| FebruaryFeb | 14 | 7° | 2° | 2.6 h | 12 | 50 |
| MarchMar | 22 | 9° | 3° | 3.5 h | 11 | 46 |
| AprilApr | 38 | 11° | 4° | 5.0 h | 11 | 49 |
| MayMay | 53 | 14° | 7° | 6.1 h | 12 | 52 |
| JuneJun | 67 | 17° | 10° | 5.4 h | 11 | 63 |
| JulyJul | 70 | 19° | 12° | 5.6 h | 13 | 69 |
| AugustAug | 68 | 19° | 12° | 5.1 h | 13 | 68 |
| SeptemberSep | 64 | 17° | 10° | 4.1 h | 10 | 54 |
| OctoberOct | 37 | 13° | 8° | 2.9 h | 12 | 65 |
| NovemberNov | 17 | 9° | 5° | 1.9 h | 12 | 64 |
| DecemberDec | 10 | 7° | 3° | 1.4 h | 13 | 66 |
Climate averages 1996–2025, not a forecast. Data: Copernicus ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), NOAA OISST, WMO 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI), GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Sources & licences
54.78° N, 1.58° W · 52 m · Europe/London
Best time to visit Durham
The best time to visit Durham is from June to September. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, conditions are most comfortable in June and in September. Rain is most frequent in May and from July to August and from October to January; the wettest month is July with 69 mm.
Durham through the seasons
How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.
Durham in spring
Mar – May
Poor
- 9–14 °C by day
- 5 h of sun a day
- 33 rainy days in all
Durham in summer
Jun – Aug
Good
- 17–19 °C by day
- 5 h of sun a day
- 37 rainy days in all
Durham in autumn
Sep – Nov
Poor
- 9–17 °C by day
- 3 h of sun a day
- 34 rainy days in all
Durham in winter
Dec – Feb
Poor
- 6–7 °C by day
- 2 h of sun a day
- 37 rainy days in all
Find your perfect month
Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Durham for you.
Your best months: July – August
Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.
Compare two months in Durham
Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.
July has the better holiday weather in Durham: score 70 against 37. In July, days are 6 °C warmer than in October. July has one more rainy day. The sun shines 3 hours longer a day in July.
| Month | October | July |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 37 | 70better |
| Day high | 13° | 19° |
| Night low | 8° | 12° |
| Sunshine | 2.9 h | 5.6 hbetter |
| Rainy days | 12better | 13 |
| Rainfall | 65 mm | 69 mm |
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Which month for what?
Beach & swimming
No sea nearby
Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry
Sightseeing & hiking
Jun, Sep
15–28 °C and not too much rain
Rainy months
May, Jul – Aug, Oct – Jan
12 or more rainy days
Durham month by month
The typical weather for every month at a glance.
12January6° · 2 h
In January, Durham is cold: daytime highs average 6 °C, and nights cool down to about 2 °C. The sun is scarce, with only about 2 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 57 mm in total. All in all, January is not an ideal month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in January14February7° · 3 h
In February, Durham is cold: daytime highs average 7 °C, and nights cool down to about 2 °C. The sun is scarce, with only about 3 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 50 mm in total. All in all, February is not an ideal month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in February22March9° · 4 h
In March, Durham is cold: daytime highs average 9 °C, and nights cool down to about 3 °C. The sun is scarce, with only about 4 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 46 mm in total. All in all, March is not an ideal month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in March38April11° · 5 h
In April, Durham is cool: daytime highs average 11 °C, and nights cool down to about 4 °C. Expect around 5 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 49 mm in total. All in all, April is not an ideal month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in April53May14° · 6 h
In May, Durham is cool: daytime highs average 14 °C, and nights cool down to about 7 °C. Expect around 6 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 52 mm in total. All in all, May is a so-so month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in May67June17° · 5 h
In June, Durham is mild: daytime highs average 17 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. Expect around 5 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 63 mm in total. All in all, June is a good month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in June70July19° · 6 h
In July, Durham is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 12 °C. Expect around 6 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 13 rainy days and 69 mm in total. All in all, July is a good month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in July68August19° · 5 h
In August, Durham is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 12 °C. Expect around 5 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 13 rainy days and 68 mm in total. All in all, August is a good month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in August64September17° · 4 h
In September, Durham is mild: daytime highs average 17 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. Expect around 4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 54 mm in total. All in all, September is a good month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in September37October13° · 3 h
In October, Durham is cool: daytime highs average 13 °C, and nights cool down to about 8 °C. The sun is scarce, with only about 3 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 65 mm in total. All in all, October is not an ideal month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in October17November9° · 2 h
In November, Durham is cold: daytime highs average 9 °C, and nights cool down to about 5 °C. The sun is scarce, with only about 2 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 64 mm in total. All in all, November is not an ideal month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in November10December7° · 1 h
In December, Durham is cold: daytime highs average 7 °C, and nights cool down to about 3 °C. The sun is scarce, with only about 1 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 13 rainy days and 66 mm in total. All in all, December is not an ideal month for a holiday in Durham.
Durham in DecemberDurham compared
Put Durham side by side with another destination.
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Durham vs. Sunderland
In October the holiday weather in Durham and Sunderland is about equally good (score 37 vs. 38). During the day it is about as warm in Sunderland as in Durham.
| in October | Durham | Sunderland |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday score | 37 | 38 |
| Daytime high | 13° | 13° |
| Sea | – | 12° |
| Sunshine | 3 h | 3 h |
| Rainy days | 12 | 13 |
| Best time | Jun – Sep | Jun – Sep |
Through the year
United Kingdom in October: the best places
In October, Durham ranks 9 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.
- Lincoln14°47
- 2Nottingham14°45
- 3Kingston upon Hull14°13°43
- 4York14°42
- 5Sheffield14°41
- 6Leeds13°39
- 7Sunderland13°12°38
- 8Stoke-on-Trent13°38
- 9DurhamThis page13°37
Planning a trip to Durham
Weather for your travel dates
Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.
Durham in the school holidays
How the weather suits the usual holiday periods. Dates vary by school and region, so each holiday uses the months it usually falls in.
Durham has its best school-holiday weather during the summer holidays (score 69) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 11).
- 33
Easter holidays
Mar – Apr
Poor
- 10 °C by day
- 4.6 h of sun a day
- 11 rainy days a month
- 56
May half-term
May – Jun
Fair
- 15 °C by day
- 6.0 h of sun a day
- 12 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
- 69
Summer holidays
Jul – Aug
GoodBest holidays
- 19 °C by day
- 5.3 h of sun a day
- 13 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
- 37
October half-term
Oct
Poor
- 13 °C by day
- 2.9 h of sun a day
- 12 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
- 11
Christmas holidays
Dec – Jan
Poor
- 7 °C by day
- 1.5 h of sun a day
- 13 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Getting there
Flying from
- Nonstop flight
- Short trip – train or car is often quicker
- Distance
- 380 km
- Time zone
- UTC+1
- Jet lag
- Hardly any (under 3 h)
Estimated from the straight-line distance: 30 minutes for take-off and landing plus 830 km/h cruising speed.
Frequently asked questions about Durham
When is the best time to visit Durham?
The best time to visit Durham is from June to September. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.
What is the warmest month in Durham?
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 19 °C and nights around 12 °C. January is the coolest month at 6 °C.
When does it rain most in Durham?
Rain is most frequent in May and from July to August and from October to January; the wettest month is July with 69 mm. The driest month is March with 46 mm.
How many hours of sunshine does Durham get?
Durham gets around 1,380 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is May with 6.1 hours a day; in December there are 1.4 hours a day.
What time zone is Durham in?
Durham uses the time zone Europe/London: UTC+0 in January and UTC+1 in July.
Which school holidays are best for Durham?
Durham has its best school-holiday weather during the summer holidays (score 69) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 11). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 33, May half-term 56, Summer holidays 69, October half-term 37, Christmas holidays 11.
Near Durham
Other destinations close by.
Places with a climate like Durham
Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Durham's – good alternatives.