Bewitching Bath makes for one of Britain’s best urban breaks. This city’s gorgeous Georgian buildings gleam, richly deserving their UNESCO World Heritage status and tempting the Bridgerton location scouts. Add rare Roman baths, a vibrant cultural scene, fine restaurants, superb shopping, and an utterly indulgent geothermal spa, and you have an elegant city with an array of reasons to visit year-round.
Summer brings better weather to Bath; however, it also pushes hotel bills up and draws bigger crowds. Prices and visitor numbers also spike around Christmas and Easter – and at weekends. Late-summer, with its wealth of festivals, along with spring and autumn, which feature fewer visitors and lower room rates, are the best times to visit Bath.
High Season: June to September
Best Time for Sunshine in Bath
Bath is a compact city best explored on foot – the key attractions are all within easy walking distance. Therefore, summer’s dryer weather and temperatures of around 22 degrees Celsius make it the best season to stroll the streets drinking in all that extraordinary architecture. The downside is this is also peak visitor season – expect hotel rates to be higher and longer lines at some sights.
Moreover, September brings a calendar packed with everything from fringe festivals to events for foodies, hikers, and literature fans.
Low Season: November to February
Best Time to Soak in the Spas
Christmas sees Bath bedecked in twinkling lights; artisans showcase their creations, including at the famous Christmas markets; and festive food abounds. Attractions remain open, and while the weather isn’t terrible – with averages of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius – serious snow is relatively uncommon. The main draw is a night-time dip at Thermae Bath Spa, with its geothermally-heated, open-air, rooftop pool, as the steam rises against those festive lights.
Shoulder Season: March to May & October
Best Time for Exploring Bath Without a Crowd
Mild weather, spring flowers in parks, and seasonal leaf displays – spring and autumn are arguably the best seasons to visit Bath. The significant sights are devoid of summer crowds, allowing you to enjoy the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, and the Circus without having to sidestep someone else’s selfie. The city’s vibe is also more relaxed during these seasons, either gearing up for or recovering from the summer rush.
January
New Year celebrations bring revellers out in force. The January sales begin, and accommodation prices drop, enticing customers. The Bath Rugby season heats up.
Key Events: Gallagher Premiership, European Rugby Champions Cup
February
A quiet time for tourism is punctuated by Valentine’s Day – expect romantic menus, spiking hotel prices, and love-themed goods in stores.
Key Events: Bath Bach Fest
March
Spring flowers show in city parks, and some sights and attractions start extending their opening hours. Pulteney Cruisers boat trips resume.
Key Events: Bath Half Marathon
April
The Easter holidays bring a mini-visitor boom. Prepare for laughter as numerous comedians arrive for the annual comedy festival.
Key Events: Bath Comedy Festival
May
As temperatures edge higher, vintage boat hire at the Bath Boating Station reopens. The city’s biggest cultural celebrations ensure a festival atmosphere takes hold.
Key Events: Bath Festival
June
Visitor numbers edge up, as do hotel rates. When school summer holidays start (from the third week), things become busier still.
Key Events: Bath Fringe Festival
July
Alfresco cafes set up shop, and the summer holidays are now in earnest. If you want to explore now, it’s advisable to plan ahead. There are no big events, providing a great opportunity to enjoy the sights peacefully.
August
Accommodation prices peak, as do visitor numbers, but some sights remain open extra late. When it gets hot, locals relax in Sydney Gardens.
Key Events: Bath Bike
September
Schools typically resume around the end of the first week, leading to a slight dip in accommodation prices. Festivals draw foodies, hikers, and Jane Austen fans to town.
Key Events: Great Bath Feast, Jane Austen Festival, Bathscape Walking Festival, and the Children’s Literature Festival (starts)
October
Usually cooler and wetter, autumn brings a quieter time to Bath, offering an excellent opportunity to enjoy art exhibitions or cinema events.
Key Events: FilmBath Festival, Bath Society of Artists Annual Exhibition
November
Fireworks light up the skies around the 5th. Autumnal foliage enhances the city’s beauty, and hotel prices tend to be reasonable. Classical music takes centre stage.
Key Events: Bath Mozart Fest
December
Christmas lights illuminate the streets, while pubs and restaurants welcome visitors. Bath Abbey offers 20-minute services packed with carols.
Key Events: Shoppers Carols, Bath Christmas Market, and New Year’s Eve celebrations
