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Best time to visit the South Downs

Are you wondering about the best time to visit the South Downs National Park? We have temperature charts, tips from our South Downs vacation specialists, festival and event recommendations, and – almost as importantly – advice on when not to go. Keep reading to find out more about when to go to the South Downs.

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Best time to visit The South Downs National Park

The Downs and the Weald enjoy some of the driest weather in Britain, with sunny summer days and cool coastal breezes.

Here, every season has a different flavour. Birds fill woods and gardens with song in spring, while a relay of snowdrops, daffodils, and bluebells brighten verges and woodlands. In March-April, when the fields are dotted with lambs and calves, the trees begin to bud. During the summer, bees and butterflies flit over classic flowers such as orchids, scabious, gorse and heather. Autumn is a glorious time to crunch through woods, while winter often brings bright, crisp days and, occasionally, proper snow.

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South Downs National Park Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

100

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

100

NOV

106

DEC

101

Our South Downs Vacations

When to avoid the South Downs National Park

The National Park’s most popular beauty spots, attractions, cafés and pubs can feel very busy on bank vacation weekends and during the Easter and summer school vacations, especially when the sun’s out. If crowds aren’t your scene, head for one of the quieter areas. There are plenty of lesser-known treasures buried across the Downs – it doesn’t take long to find them – and solace away from the masses, even on the busiest of weekends. During the winter months, some museums and heritage attractions close or limit their opening hours.

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What happens when in the South Downs National Park

Sandra Barnes-Keywood of Old Chapel Forge is one of our partners. She shares her favourite time of year: “Winter is a great time to visit. The trees look so regal, silhouetted on the skyline.”

Alex Evans, from our partner Wriggly Tin, loves early summer: “In June, everything is fresh, green and new and the weather tends to be better than some other national parks I could mention!”

South Downs festivals & events

In spring and summer, a flurry of bunting, gazebos and buskers signals the festival season is in full swing. The biggest is the Brighton Festival in May, a wide-ranging arts event which spills into the Downs. Others worth catching include Winchester and Petworth in July and Arundel in August. Alfriston hosts several quirky events including an old-fashioned August Bank Vacation fayre on the village green and a torchlit Dickensian parade a month before Christmas. Early November brings traditional Bonfire celebrations all over Sussex, with Lewes leading the charge.

More about South Downs

South Downs travel guide

There’s far more to South Downs vacations than the hills. It also includes the woodlands of the Weald, glossy rivers and castle towns, and a band of white cliffs. Read more in our guide.

Where to go in the South Downs

We reveal where to go in the South Downs. Cities include Winchester and Chichester, plus there are villages and vineyards along the South Downs Way.

South Downs accommodation map

Our South Downs accommodation map highlights the campsites, B&Bs and self catering cottages that provide a comfy home away from home.

Camping & campsites on the South Downs

If you’re thinking about camping on the South Downs, we know a few secret spots to tickle your tent pegs, from Mongolian yurts to shepherds’ huts.

Top 10 unusual places to stay near London

Our top 10 unusual places to stay near London centers on the South Downs, spanning the coast from Hampshire to Sussex and into Surrey.

Things to see & do in the South downs

We lay out our favourite things to do in the South Downs, from walking and cycling along the hilltops of the South Downs Way to exploring Norman villages.

South Downs for families

Family vacations in the South Downs mix old-fashioned fun in the countryside (think camping, conkers and picnics) with new stargazing sites and lively seaside cities.

Walking in the South Downs

Step off the train and onto the South Downs Way – the centerpiece of South Downs walking vacations. Read about hiking the South Downs here.

Best one day walking itinerary in the South Downs

Try our one-day walking itinerary in the South Downs, exploring Virginia Woolf's village escape.

Cycling in the South Downs

Cycling in the South Downs usually means cycling the South Downs Way – a 160km-long bridleway that tops swooping hills and dramatic valleys.

Best one day cycling itinerary in the South Downs

Our one-day cycling itinerary on the South Downs follows a chalky bridleway from Lewes to panoramic Blackcap.

Horse riding in the South Downs

Find out about horse riding on the South Downs, including which riding schools to visit for guided gallops along some seriously scenic bridleways.

Where to go in the South Downs

Find out about places to visit in the South Downs for wildlife, views and accessible trails, as well as the importance of park rangers.

Places to visit in the South Downs

Discover the best places to visit in the South Downs, including castles, cathedrals and churches that have stood the test of time for 1,000 years or more.

Breweries & vineyards in the South Downs

Read about South Downs breweries and vineyards, from flint farms specialising in sparkling wine to the 18th-century Harveys Brewery.

Farmers markets & shops in the South Downs

Read about farmers’ markets and shops in the South Downs, where farm shops and vineyards come fully stocked with local cheese, wine, coffee and chocolate.

Cafes, restaurants & pubs in the South Downs

Many restaurants and cafés in the South Downs are brilliant at finding inspiration from local produce and county recipes. Find out where to eat and drink here.

Festivals & events in the South Downs

There’s a variety of festivals and events in the South Downs National Park that take place throughout the year. Read on to find out more.

Food festivals & events in the South Downs

Food festivals and events in the South Downs are real knees-ups. Read about fiestas in Brighton, harvest in Chichester, and workshops in Steyning.

Dark Skies Festival in the South Downs

Find out why February is fast becoming one of the best times of year for stargazing in the South Downs National Park’s Dark Sky Reserve.

South Downs travel advice

We’ve spoken with our vacation experts to source the best South Downs travel advice, plus our travelers chip in with their packing tips and favourite finds.

South Downs autumn colours

The South Downs National Park is blessed with woodlands, heathlands and downlands from where to enjoy the autumn colours outdoors.

Christmas in the South Downs

From wild winter walks to spooky Sussex stories, find out things to do and where to stay if you’re dreaming of a South Downs Christmas.

Day trips from Brighton in the South Downs

We share our favourite day trips from Brighton. The South Downs is just a 20-minute bus journey away, bringing famous views like the Devil’s Dyke in easy reach.

Day trips from Chichester in the South Downs

Discover our favourite day trips from Chichester, from the ancient holloway at Halnaker to the kid-friendly Weald and Downland Living Museum.

Day trip from Farnham in the South Downs

Read about our favourite day trip from Farnham. Hop on a bus to explore Alice Holt Forest, wander the Shipwrights Way, and zip line at Go Ape adventure park.

Day trip from Lewes in the South Downs

Our day trip from Lewes follows the cycle lane to Kingston. Visit family-friendly Spring Barn Farm or keep on climbing up to the panoramic South Downs Way.

Responsible tourism in the South Downs

Read about how responsible tourism in the South Downs can preserve one of the newest national parks in Europe: the South Downs National Park.

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Written by Emma Gregg

Best time to visit the South Downs