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 typical autumn weather conditions.

The month ended with above-average temperatures, slightly below-average rainfall, and significantly reduced sunshine hours. The UK recorded only 63.3 hours of sunshine, making it the third dullest October since 1910, when the Met Office began its sunshine series.

Regional Sunshine Records

Wales and Northern Ireland experienced their second dullest October on record.
Northern Ireland had especially low sunshine, with just 41% of its usual 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

Temperatures remained above the long-term average, with the UK’s mean temperature estimated at 0.7°C above normal. Scotland and Northern Ireland recorded slightly warmer temperatures, although none were near record-breaking highs.

Rainfall across the UK was just below average, but levels varied greatly between regions.

Summary

October 2025 was marked by unusually low sunshine and mild temperatures, making it one of the dullest autumn months in decades for the UK.

Would you like the summary to be more technical or more conversational?

Met Office — 2025-11-04