Dullest October in almost 60 years for the UK

Dullest October in Almost 60 Years for the UK

The United Kingdom experienced one of its least sunny Octobers on record, according to provisional data from the Met Office. Sunshine was scarce throughout the month, marking the third dullest October since records began in 1910.

Weather Overview

October began with the season’s first named storm, Amy, followed by a typical autumn pattern. The month ended with above-average temperatures, slightly below-average rainfall, and significantly lower levels of sunshine.

Total recorded sunshine: 63.3 hours.
Only 1960 and 1968 had less sunshine since 1910.
Wales and Northern Ireland registered their second dullest October on record.
Northern Ireland saw just 41% of its typical October sunshine hours.

Expert Analysis

“October 2025 has been the dullest October in almost 60 years for the UK. A week of persistent ‘anticyclonic gloom’, combined with unsettled autumnal weather and a named storm, made it only the second month this year, after February, to see below-average sunshine for the UK.”

Dr Emily Carlisle, Met Office scientist, noted that temperatures were higher than average for October, though not record-breaking, and rainfall remained just below typical levels, with notable regional differences.

Temperature Summary

Mean temperatures across the UK were provisionally 0.7°C above the seasonal average, with Scotland and Northern Ireland slightly warmer than other regions.

Author’s Summary

This October brought an unusually dark month across the UK, with sunshine hours at their lowest in decades and mild temperatures offering little compensation for the gloomy skies.

Met Office — 2025-11-04