Dullest October in Almost 60 Years for the UK
The UK experienced one of its dullest Octobers ever recorded, with sunshine being particularly scarce, according to provisional data from the Met Office. The month began with the naming of the season's first storm, Amy, followed by a typically autumnal period.
October ended with above-average temperatures, slightly below-average rainfall, and significantly below-average sunshine levels. Overall, the UK saw its third dullest October since the Met Office's sunshine records began in 1910, with only 63.3 hours of sunshine throughout the month. Only 1960 and 1968 recorded less sunshine in October.
Regional Sunshine Statistics
- Wales and Northern Ireland experienced their second dullest October on record.
- Northern Ireland had particularly low sunshine, with only about 41% of its usual October sunshine hours.
Expert Commentary
“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
“Temperatures were above average for October, although not record-breaking, and rainfall for the UK falls just below average, although with much regional variation.” – Dr Emily Carlisle
Temperature Overview
Mean temperatures across the UK were provisionally 0.7°C above the long-term average for October. Scotland and Northern Ireland saw slightly higher temperature increases, though no records were broken.
Summary
October 2025 was marked by unusually low sunshine and slightly elevated temperatures, making it one of the dullest and warmest autumn months in recent decades for the UK.