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 being scarce throughout the month, according to provisional figures from the Met Office. The month began with the naming of the first storm of the season, Amy.

The rest of the month followed typical autumn patterns, ending with above-average temperatures, slightly below-average rainfall, and significantly reduced sunshine.

Sunshine Records and Regional Impact

The UK recorded only 63.3 hours of sunshine in October, making it the third dullest October since the Met Office started recording sunshine data in 1910.
Only 1960 and 1968 had less sunshine during October.
Wales and Northern Ireland faced their second dullest October ever.
Northern Ireland received just 41% of its average October sunshine hours.

Met Office Comments

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 and Rainfall Details

Temperatures were approximately 0.7°C above the long-term average for October.
The warming was consistent across the UK, with Scotland and Northern Ireland experiencing slightly higher temperatures compared to other regions.
Rainfall was below average nationally but varied significantly between regions.

Summary: October 2025 was marked by unusually low sunshine and above-average temperatures, making it the dullest October in the UK in nearly six decades.

Would you like the author’s summary to be more formal or conversational?

Met Office — 2025-11-04