Dullest October in almost 60 years for the UK

Dullest October in Almost 60 Years for the UK

The UK experienced one of its dullest Octobers on record, with sunshine notably scarce, according to provisional figures from the Met Office. The month began with the first named storm of the season, Amy, followed by a typical autumnal pattern.

Weather Overview

October ended with temperatures above average but rainfall just below average.
Sunshine was significantly below average, making it the third dullest October since records began in 1910.
The UK recorded only 63.3 hours of sunshine throughout the month.

Regional Records

Wales and Northern Ireland experienced their second dullest October on record. Northern Ireland was particularly affected, with only about 41% of its usual October sunshine hours.

Scientific Insight

Met Office scientist Dr. Emily Carlisle said: “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."

“Temperatures were above average for October, although not record-breaking, and rainfall for the UK falls just below average, although with much regional variation.”

Temperature Details

Mean temperatures across the UK were provisionally 0.7°C above the long-term meteorological average, with Scotland and Northern Ireland slightly warmer.

Author's summary: October 2025 was unusually gloomy across the UK, marked by scarce sunshine and above-average temperatures, making it one of the dullest Octobers in nearly six decades.

Met Office — 2025-11-04