When to go

Canterbury & Kent: month by month

Average temperature, rainfall, sunshine and daylight for each month, what to pack, and the bank holidays that can change crowds and prices. Averages are Met Office 1991-2020 figures, not a forecast.

Canterbury & Kent guide · Rainy-day ideas in Canterbury & Kent

The south-west front of Canterbury Cathedral with its towers, seen from the precincts
The south-west front of Canterbury Cathedral with its towers, seen from the precinctsPhoto: Hans Musil, CC BY-SA 4.0
Margate Harbour Arm, Margate and Broadstairs
Margate Harbour Arm, Margate and BroadstairsPhoto: No Swan So Fine, CC BY-SA 4.0
Fishing boats moored in Whitstable harbour, with black-boarded harbour buildings behind
Fishing boats moored in Whitstable harbour, with black-boarded harbour buildings behindPhoto: Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0

For a dry day and a wet one: photos from our guide, with where to find each place.

Canterbury & Kent climate by month

Warmest month: July (highs about 23°C). Coolest: January (about 8°C). Wettest: October (80 mm). Driest: March (39 mm).

Station: Faversham. Mean daily maximum and minimum, rainfall, days with 1 mm or more, sunshine hours and day length.
MonthMax °CMin °CRain mmRain daysSun hoursDaylight
January7.92.36412598 h 21
February8.42.25010819 h 51
March11.03.639712311 h 51
April14.25.245818413 h 50
May17.38.050821415 h 39
June20.510.845821916 h 34
July23.113.043722816 h 04
August23.113.157821914 h 30
September19.710.755816212 h 29
October15.58.2801212410 h 30
November11.15.07511688 h 47
December8.52.77212567 h 53

Source: Met Office, Faversham, 1991-2020 averages (Open Government Licence v3.0). Daylight is calculated from the latitude of Canterbury & Kent for the 15th of each month. The Met Office names Faversham, about 14 km north-west of Canterbury, as the station for the geohash of Canterbury city centre. The coast at Margate, Deal and Dover is not measured by it.

Pick a month

Choose a month for what to expect, what to pack and the bank holidays. Without JavaScript every month is listed below.

January in Canterbury & Kent

2–8°CTypical night to day
64 mmRain, 12 days
8 h 21Daylight
59 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 7.9°C at the warmest and nights 2.3°C at the coolest.
  • About 64 mm of rain falls over roughly 12 days with 1 mm or more.
  • Expect about 59 hours of sunshine in the month and 8 h 21 of daylight in the middle of the month.
  • This is the coolest month on average.

Planning

  • Short days (about 8 h 21 of daylight): plan outdoor sights for the middle of the day and keep evenings for museums, food and shows.
  • Averaging about 59 hours of sunshine in the month, so keep an indoor back-up for each day (see our rainy-day guide).

What to pack

  • A warm coat, hat and gloves, with thermal or wool layers underneath.
  • Shoes with a good grip for cold mornings.
  • A light waterproof or a compact umbrella: about 12 days a month see 1 mm or more.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in Jan

  • Fri, Jan 1, 2027: New Year’s Day
  • Mon, Jan 3, 2028: New Year’s Day

February in Canterbury & Kent

2–8°CTypical night to day
50 mmRain, 10 days
9 h 51Daylight
81 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 8.4°C at the warmest and nights 2.2°C at the coolest.
  • About 50 mm of rain falls over roughly 10 days with 1 mm or more.
  • Expect about 81 hours of sunshine in the month and 9 h 51 of daylight in the middle of the month.

Planning

  • About 9 h 51 of daylight: enough for a full day out, but check sunset if you plan a viewpoint or a long walk.

What to pack

  • A warm coat, hat and gloves, with thermal or wool layers underneath.
  • Shoes with a good grip for cold mornings.
  • A light waterproof or a compact umbrella: about 10 days a month see 1 mm or more.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in Feb

No bank holidays in England in February for the next two years.

March in Canterbury & Kent

4–11°CTypical night to day
39 mmRain, 7 days
11 h 51Daylight
123 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 11.0°C at the warmest and nights 3.6°C at the coolest.
  • About 39 mm of rain falls over roughly 7 days with 1 mm or more, the driest month of the year here.
  • Expect about 123 hours of sunshine in the month and 11 h 51 of daylight in the middle of the month.

Planning

  • About 11 h 51 of daylight: enough for a full day out, but check sunset if you plan a viewpoint or a long walk.

What to pack

  • A warm jacket and a sweater or fleece you can take off indoors.
  • A packable waterproof, just in case: a drier month on average, but showers still happen.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in Mar

  • Fri, Mar 26, 2027: Good Friday
  • Mon, Mar 29, 2027: Easter Monday

April in Canterbury & Kent

5–14°CTypical night to day
45 mmRain, 8 days
13 h 50Daylight
184 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 14.2°C at the warmest and nights 5.2°C at the coolest.
  • About 45 mm of rain falls over roughly 8 days with 1 mm or more.
  • Expect about 184 hours of sunshine in the month and 13 h 50 of daylight in the middle of the month.

Planning

  • About 13 h 50 of daylight: enough for a full day out, but check sunset if you plan a viewpoint or a long walk.

What to pack

  • A warm jacket and a sweater or fleece you can take off indoors.
  • A packable waterproof, just in case: a drier month on average, but showers still happen.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in Apr

  • Fri, Apr 14, 2028: Good Friday
  • Mon, Apr 17, 2028: Easter Monday

May in Canterbury & Kent

8–17°CTypical night to day
50 mmRain, 8 days
15 h 39Daylight
214 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 17.3°C at the warmest and nights 8.0°C at the coolest.
  • About 50 mm of rain falls over roughly 8 days with 1 mm or more.
  • Expect about 214 hours of sunshine in the month and 15 h 39 of daylight in the middle of the month.

Planning

  • Long days (about 15 h 39 of daylight): there is time for an early start and a late walk.

What to pack

  • Light layers: a sweater or fleece over a T-shirt, and a light jacket for the evening.
  • A packable waterproof, just in case: a drier month on average, but showers still happen.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for long days outdoors.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in May

  • Mon, May 3, 2027: Early May bank holiday
  • Mon, May 31, 2027: Spring bank holiday
  • Mon, May 1, 2028: Early May bank holiday
  • Mon, May 29, 2028: Spring bank holiday

June in Canterbury & Kent

11–21°CTypical night to day
45 mmRain, 8 days
16 h 34Daylight
219 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 20.5°C at the warmest and nights 10.8°C at the coolest.
  • About 45 mm of rain falls over roughly 8 days with 1 mm or more.
  • Expect about 219 hours of sunshine in the month and 16 h 34 of daylight in the middle of the month.

Planning

  • Long days (about 16 h 34 of daylight): there is time for an early start and a late walk.

What to pack

  • Light, breathable clothes.
  • One warmer layer for the evenings, when it cools to around 11°C.
  • A packable waterproof, just in case: a drier month on average, but showers still happen.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for long days outdoors.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in Jun

No bank holidays in England in June for the next two years.

July in Canterbury & Kent

13–23°CTypical night to day
43 mmRain, 7 days
16 h 04Daylight
228 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 23.1°C at the warmest and nights 13.0°C at the coolest.
  • About 43 mm of rain falls over roughly 7 days with 1 mm or more.
  • Expect about 228 hours of sunshine in the month, the sunniest of the year and 16 h 04 of daylight in the middle of the month.
  • This is the warmest month on average.

Planning

  • Long days (about 16 h 04 of daylight): there is time for an early start and a late walk.

What to pack

  • Light, breathable clothes.
  • A packable waterproof, just in case: a drier month on average, but showers still happen.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for long days outdoors.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in Jul

No bank holidays in England in July for the next two years.

August in Canterbury & Kent

13–23°CTypical night to day
57 mmRain, 8 days
14 h 30Daylight
219 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 23.1°C at the warmest and nights 13.1°C at the coolest.
  • About 57 mm of rain falls over roughly 8 days with 1 mm or more.
  • Expect about 219 hours of sunshine in the month and 14 h 30 of daylight in the middle of the month.

Planning

  • About 14 h 30 of daylight: enough for a full day out, but check sunset if you plan a viewpoint or a long walk.

What to pack

  • Light, breathable clothes.
  • A packable waterproof, just in case: a drier month on average, but showers still happen.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for long days outdoors.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in Aug

  • Mon, Aug 30, 2027: Summer bank holiday
  • Mon, Aug 28, 2028: Summer bank holiday

September in Canterbury & Kent

11–20°CTypical night to day
55 mmRain, 8 days
12 h 29Daylight
162 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 19.7°C at the warmest and nights 10.7°C at the coolest.
  • About 55 mm of rain falls over roughly 8 days with 1 mm or more.
  • Expect about 162 hours of sunshine in the month and 12 h 29 of daylight in the middle of the month.

Planning

  • About 12 h 29 of daylight: enough for a full day out, but check sunset if you plan a viewpoint or a long walk.

What to pack

  • Light layers: a sweater or fleece over a T-shirt, and a light jacket for the evening.
  • A packable waterproof, just in case: a drier month on average, but showers still happen.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for long days outdoors.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in Sep

No bank holidays in England in September for the next two years.

October in Canterbury & Kent

8–16°CTypical night to day
80 mmRain, 12 days
10 h 30Daylight
124 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 15.5°C at the warmest and nights 8.2°C at the coolest.
  • About 80 mm of rain falls over roughly 12 days with 1 mm or more, the wettest month of the year here.
  • Expect about 124 hours of sunshine in the month and 10 h 30 of daylight in the middle of the month.

Planning

  • About 10 h 30 of daylight: enough for a full day out, but check sunset if you plan a viewpoint or a long walk.

What to pack

  • Light layers: a sweater or fleece over a T-shirt, and a light jacket for the evening.
  • A proper waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet sidewalks: this is one of the wetter months here (12 days with 1 mm or more).
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in Oct

No bank holidays in England in October for the next two years.

November in Canterbury & Kent

5–11°CTypical night to day
75 mmRain, 11 days
8 h 47Daylight
68 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 11.1°C at the warmest and nights 5.0°C at the coolest.
  • About 75 mm of rain falls over roughly 11 days with 1 mm or more.
  • Expect about 68 hours of sunshine in the month and 8 h 47 of daylight in the middle of the month.

Planning

  • Short days (about 8 h 47 of daylight): plan outdoor sights for the middle of the day and keep evenings for museums, food and shows.
  • Averaging about 68 hours of sunshine in the month, so keep an indoor back-up for each day (see our rainy-day guide).

What to pack

  • A warm jacket and a sweater or fleece you can take off indoors.
  • A light waterproof or a compact umbrella: about 11 days a month see 1 mm or more.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in Nov

No bank holidays in England in November for the next two years.

December in Canterbury & Kent

3–9°CTypical night to day
72 mmRain, 12 days
7 h 53Daylight
56 hSunshine in the month

What to expect

  • Days average 8.5°C at the warmest and nights 2.7°C at the coolest.
  • About 72 mm of rain falls over roughly 12 days with 1 mm or more.
  • Expect about 56 hours of sunshine in the month and 7 h 53 of daylight in the middle of the month.

Planning

  • Short days (about 7 h 53 of daylight): plan outdoor sights for the middle of the day and keep evenings for museums, food and shows.
  • Averaging about 56 hours of sunshine in the month, so keep an indoor back-up for each day (see our rainy-day guide).

What to pack

  • A warm coat, hat and gloves, with thermal or wool layers underneath.
  • Shoes with a good grip for cold mornings.
  • A proper waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet sidewalks: this is one of the wetter months here (12 days with 1 mm or more).
  • Comfortable walking shoes: most sights are best reached on foot.

Bank holidays (public holidays) in Dec

  • Fri, Dec 25, 2026: Christmas Day
  • Mon, Dec 28, 2026: Boxing Day
  • Mon, Dec 27, 2027: Christmas Day
  • Tue, Dec 28, 2027: Boxing Day

Holidays and busy periods

Bank holidays (public holidays) for England come from GOV.UK, listed for the next two years in each month above. Many Britons travel on bank holiday weekends, so book transport and rooms early.

School vacations are set by each local council, so we do not list dates here. Check School term and holiday dates (GOV.UK).

From our Canterbury & Kent guide

East Kent is busiest on summer weekends and in the school holidays, when the beaches, Canterbury and the Dover ferries all fill up. Check opening days before you go out of season: several attractions open only at weekends in winter.

  • Spring (March to May): Quieter streets in Canterbury and good walking weather on the cliffs between Dover and Deal. Canterbury Cathedral's lower October to March ticket price ends in April.
  • Summer (June to August): The beaches at Margate, Broadstairs and Whitstable are at their busiest. Canterbury Cathedral charges its highest ticket price on weekends in July and August; book trains and rooms early.
  • Autumn (September to November): Calmer seafronts and lower cathedral prices from October. Some attractions cut their opening days: English Heritage listed Dover Castle as open at weekends only when we checked in November.
  • Winter (December to February): A good time for Canterbury's cathedral and museums. Many seaside cafés and attractions keep shorter hours, so check before you travel to the coast.

We do not publish crowd or price seasonality: none of the sources used for this page states it.

How we work this out

  • Temperatures, rainfall, rain days and sunshine are the Met Office 1991-2020 monthly averages for one weather station (Faversham). They describe a typical month, not a forecast. We never call a live weather service for this page.
  • Packing: warm coat below 10°C highs, warm jacket below 15°C, light layers below 20°C. A full waterproof when a month has 12 or more days with 1 mm of rain or at least 80 mm; a light waterproof from 9 days; sunscreen and a hat from May to September. Shoes with grip when typical nights are 3°C or colder.
  • Daylight is the astronomical day length, including the usual allowance for atmospheric refraction, on the 15th of the month at the latitude of Canterbury & Kent.

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