The best times of the year to visit Suffolk
We think Suffolk is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year – but we would say that! Read on to discover some of our favourite things to do in this beautiful county throughout the year.
Which are the best months to visit Suffolk?
The best time to visit Suffolk could depend on so many things – if you’d rather be part of a bustling Bank Holiday beach or a quiet coastal walk for two; if you prefer to peruse independent boutiques or enjoy gift shopping at Christmas markets; or if sipping hot chocolate and crunching through autumn leaves takes your fancy over ice cream and rose gardens.
Suffolk is one of the driest counties in the UK – our average rainfall is less than 650mm per year (although we can’t guarantee every day of your visit will be rain-free!). With stunning beaches on the Suffolk coast, glorious gardens and cosy pubs, the county has something for everyone to enjoy at any time of year.
Plan your visit to Suffolk with our month-by-month guide to everything this beautiful part of East Anglia’s countryside has to offer.
Visiting Suffolk in January
It may not be your typical time of year to go and see the sea, but a winter walk along the beach can be something quite magical. If you’re not keen on crowds then heading to popular spots during the off season could be the perfect way to start your year. You can also enjoy your pick of accommodation choices at lower prices, and take the opportunity to get cosy by the fire in your holiday cottage or one of the county’s many traditional pubs if the weather turns wet.
January is one of the coldest months of the year in Suffolk, but with cold weather often comes clear skies. With two designated Dark Sky Reserves in the county, it’s a perfect time to wrap up warm and head out to do some stargazing.
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for January: 7°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for January: 3°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for January: 11
Visiting Suffolk in February
The weather might still be on the chilly side, but the first signs of spring start making an appearance during February, and Suffolk is not short of spots to go for a stunning snowdrop walk. Fullers Mill Garden, Kentwell Hall and Sotterley Estate all run special Snowdrop Days throughout February. Make sure you wrap up warm, as temperatures can get down to a brisk 2°C.
February also brings with it Valentine’s Day and the first school break of the year. The braver among us may choose to go for a winter swim at Beccles Lido, or simply visit one of the area’s historic wool towns, whose Medieval architecture can be beautiful in winter weather.
Towns may be busier during half term, but the rest of the month is likely to be free from crowds as many people stay cosy indoors. Look for holiday cottages with open fires or hot tubs to avoid the winter chill.
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for February: 8°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for February: 2°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for February: 10
Visiting Suffolk in March
Spring sets in in March, as the days get longer and attractions that may have been closed over winter start opening up again. It’s the perfect time to go for a woodland walk to seek out daffodils, and enjoy quiet days on the coast before the crowds set in over summer. On chillier days, make the most of the chance to cosy up inside, and head to one of the many Medieval villages and towns for an afternoon tea treat.
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for March: 10°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for March: 4°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for March: 9
Visiting Suffolk in April
Temperatures creep up in April, making it an ideal time to see the spring flowers in bloom at one of Suffolk’s many beautiful gardens. During the Easter holidays, you can pay a visit to the zoo or a nature park, where you might be lucky enough to spot some baby animals.
The season will also see plenty of Easter activities throughout Suffolk. Look out for lambing weekends, treasure trails and egg hunts aplenty to keep the young and the young at heart entertained.
Later in the month, the East Anglian Game & Country Fair – a two-day family event – takes place at the Euston Estate. April is also a lovely choice to visit one of the many bluebell woods you’ll find in Suffolk.
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for April: 13°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for April: 6°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for April: 8
Visiting Suffolk in May
May’s warmer weather brings with it the start of the tourism season for most attractions in Suffolk. Flowers will be fully in bloom and the beaches will begin to feel busier, especially on either of the month’s two Bank Holidays. The sea may still be on the colder side, but with May being Suffolk’s driest month, it’s a good time to visit before the summer crowds descend.
Suffolk Walking Festival takes place every May. Never the same for two years in a row, the Festival takes in all corners of the county, with multi-day walks, woodland strolls and discovery tours to take you closer to both nature and history.
The Suffolk Show – a two-day celebration of the county – takes place at the end of May, usually coinciding with half term, and entry is free for children up to 15 years old.
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for May: 16°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for May: 9°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for May: 7
Visiting Suffolk in June
June in Suffolk is a truly special time to visit. The county enjoys Suffolk Day, a celebration of Suffolk and all that is wonderful about it – on the 21st June, coinciding with the summer solstice.
You’ll also find Aldeburgh Festival, First Light Festival (a free event held at Lowestoft beach), Southwold Arts Festival, Hevingham Hall Country Fair and Felixstowe Book Festival. Phew!
Aside from all of the events to enjoy, the county is likely to be warming up as temperatures reach for the high teens, but with the school holidays still a month away it’s a great time to visit while the crowds are smaller.
Coastal walks will be perfect while the weather is still not too hot, and will offer a chance to enjoy the seaside even if it’s not quite hot enough to spend a whole day making sandcastles just yet.
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for June: 19°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for June: 11°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for June: 9
Visiting Suffolk in July
Things are really starting to hot up as July rolls around in Suffolk – the average temperature reaches higher than 20 degrees, and the summer holidays bring with them more people and more things to do.
Enjoy long evenings and long days on the beach during the height of the summer season, as attractions are universally open and visitor numbers increase. Don’t forget to book in advance if you want to visit the more popular attractions and restaurants during the busy summer period.
Arguably the highlight of Suffolk’s summer, Latitude festival takes place at Henham Park, near Southwold, every July. Or if your preferred way of getting closer to nature doesn’t involve festival camping, Suffolk Wildlife Trust offers plenty of activities throughout the summer (and all year round) to keep everyone entertained.
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for July: 21°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for July: 14°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for July: 9
Visiting Suffolk in August
Summer’s here at last! August is Suffolk’s warmest month of the year – meaning there’s no better time to explore the great outdoors. Enjoy a sunny day on the River Orwell with a cruise from Ipswich to Felixstowe, or head to Dunwich Heath to look for birdlife and learn about the history of this once-thriving town, now almost completely lost to the sea.
The tourist season is in full swing in August, so you can expect the beaches and seaside towns to be busy, especially over the Bank Holiday weekend. Traffic is likely to be trickier and parking harder to come by at this time of year, but Suffolk has plenty of public transport options (including buses within the county, and the London-Ipswich train, which goes every half hour during peak time) to help you avoid the busy roads.
If you’re partial to a real ale, then the East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival takes place in Bury St Edmunds during August.
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for August: 21°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for August: 14°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for August: 9
Visiting Suffolk in September
The children head back to school and tourism season comes to a close in September. If your holiday plans aren’t restricted, it’s a great time to visit when the crowds get a little thinner and accommodation choices get easier. It’s still worth booking popular activities in advance, but it’s likely to be quieter than at the height of summer.
The weather can still reach the high teens in September, but don’t forget to pack a few layers as it starts to cool down later in the month.
If you’ve squeezed in a trip before the kids head back then it’s a perfect time to visit a maize maze or get them ready to learn with a trip to Framlingham Castle (extra points if they already know it’s Ed Sheeran’s famous Castle on the Hill).
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for September: 19°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for September: 12°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for September: 9
Visiting Suffolk in October
The nights start to draw in and you’ll find yourself reaching for your coat more often as October sets in in Suffolk. Make the most of the cosy autumn season with a fun day spent crunching through the golden leaves, picking blackberries and treating yourself to a hot drink from one of Suffolk’s many independent cafes.
As Hallowe’en approaches, Woodbridge, Bury St Edmunds and Southwold are all perfect spots to go pumpkin picking, and if you’re into all things spooky, Sutton Hoo Gruesome Graves tours start in Autumn, where you can learn all the gory details of this Anglo-Saxon royal burial site.
If you’ve got a four-legged companion, October is a great time to visit, as many of Suffolk’s beaches (including Southwold, Felixstowe, Lowestoft and Aldeburgh) are designated dog-free between April and September.
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for October: 15°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for October: 9°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for October: 11
Visiting Suffolk in November
November may be Suffolk’s wettest month of the year, but our rainfall is still well below the UK average – so even though we recommend packing your umbrella, you might not need it!
Suffolk’s beaches take on a very different persona in winter, with crashing waves and windswept sand dunes – perfect for a bracing walk along the coast. You’re also more likely to get the promenade to yourself as the summer crowds have long since left the seaside towns.
For non-seasonal attractions like historic halls and gardens, make sure you check their opening times before heading out, as many have reduced hours during the low season.
November also sees the start of Christmas and other winter festivities, with light switch-ons and Christmas fayres popping up towards the end of the month. Look out for the Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail, which runs for a month from mid-November.
East Suffolk Council offers free car parking in council car parks for specified festive events, including Christmas light switch-ons in towns across the county.
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for November: 11°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for November: 5°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for November: 13
Visiting Suffolk in December
There is absolutely no shortage of things to do in Suffolk in December. Christmas festivals are in full swing, and you’ll be spoilt for choice for foodie events and festive fun.
The weather will be much cooler, and with Christmas holidays coming, accommodation choices may be slimmer and prices a little higher than during other winter months.
A December day in Suffolk is perfect for a cold crisp walk on the beach, before heading into a pub (look out for local Southwold brewery Adnams) to warm up by the fire. Afterwards, why not wander through the independent boutiques to get started on your Christmas shopping?
If you prefer to step away from the crowds, pay a visit to RSPB Minsmere, where you can spot the thousands of ducks that arrive from the Arctic to spend the winter on the Scrape. Or simply take a moment of tranquillity away from the winter wild times with a quiet day on the coast.
Average maximum temperature in Suffolk for December: 8°C
Average minimum temperature in Suffolk for December: 3°C
Average days of rainfall in Suffolk for December: 12
Source: Met Office. Averages based on Lowestoft climate station and rounded to nearest whole number.
When is the best time to visit Suffolk?
You may have noticed that as far as we’re concerned, there is no bad time to visit Suffolk!
If your staycation plans need to stick to the school holidays, then you won’t be short of Easter, summer, Hallowe’en or Christmas-themed activities to keep everyone in the family busy. If your itinerary is more flexible, then the off season is a beautiful time to avoid the crowds and enjoy a wider choice of accommodation options.
Stay in Suffolk has a wide range of holiday homes in Suffolk available, from coastal cottages to terrific townhouses. Take a look and book your next holiday in Suffolk today.
