Travel time: Year-round
Stonehenge sits atop the windswept Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, an expansive chalk plateau that creates a distinct microclimate compared to the more sheltered valleys of nearby Salisbury or the urban sprawl of London. The monument is entirely exposed to the elements, meaning the weather often feels more intense than the mercury suggests.
The weather is characterized by its maritime temperate nature—rarely reaching extreme highs or lows, but notoriously unpredictable. Because there is no natural or structural shelter on the plain, wind is the most dominant factor. Even on a sunny day, a steady breeze can make the air feel several degrees cooler than the recorded temperature. Rain is frequent but often arrives in short-lived squalls rather than day-long downpours.
Spring is a season of rapid transition. March can still feel like winter, with occasional morning frosts and biting winds. By May, the plain transforms as wildflowers bloom and temperatures rise to a comfortable 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). This is often the driest time of year, though "April showers" are a localized reality that can bring sudden, brief drizzles.
Summers are mild and pleasant, with average highs of 19°C to 22°C (66°F to 72°F). July is typically the sunniest month, averaging around 7.5 hours of sunlight daily. However, the open landscape means there is no shade from the sun’s intensity. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly across the plain, providing a dramatic backdrop to the stones.
September often retains summer-like warmth, but by October, the weather becomes increasingly unsettled. November is traditionally one of the wettest months. Temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), and the sky often takes on a "dramatic" quality with fast-moving cloud formations and low, golden light that is highly prized by photographers.
Winter is atmospheric but harsh. Temperatures hover between 2°C and 9°C (36°F to 48°F), though the humidity and constant wind can make it feel near freezing. Snow is rare but transformative when it occurs. Morning mist and heavy fog are common, often partially obscuring the stones until the sun burns through in the late morning.
On the Salisbury Plain, the day often starts with radiational cooling, leading to mist or fog in the low-lying areas surrounding the monument. As the sun rises, the lack of tree cover allows the ground to heat quickly, often clearing the morning dampness by 10:00 AM. However, the elevation of the plain makes it a "wind tunnel" for Atlantic fronts moving across the southwest of England. The wind speed at the stones is almost always higher than in the neighboring town of Amesbury.
Archaeological evidence suggests that during the Bronze Age, the climate was slightly warmer and less windy than it is today, which likely aided the massive astronomical observations the site was built for. Today, locals and site wardens are well-accustomed to the "four seasons in one day" phenomenon. They anticipate the Summer and Winter Solstices not just for their spiritual significance, but for their specific weather challenges—the summer dawn often brings heavy dew and chill, while the winter sunset can be accompanied by driving rain or freezing winds.