Harrogate weather at a glance
Harrogate sits in North Yorkshire, close to the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and its weather changes quickly. A bright morning can turn showery by lunchtime, so plan for layers and a light waterproof in every month. The figures below are averages for 1991 to 2020 from the Met Office station at Bingley, a nearby town. They describe a typical year, not a forecast, and the higher Dales are usually cooler and wetter than the town.
In this series July is the warmest month and May is the driest. December has the most rain. If you are deciding between a garden trip and a Dales walk, the table in the next section helps you pick a month. For tours that run in the countryside, see our Yorkshire Dales tours from Harrogate.
Harrogate weather by month
Average daily highs and lows and average monthly rainfall, 1991 to 2020, rounded.
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.7 | 1.0 | 109 |
| February | 6.2 | 0.9 | 89 |
| March | 8.3 | 1.9 | 77 |
| April | 11.4 | 3.6 | 66 |
| May | 14.5 | 6.2 | 64 |
| June | 17.2 | 9.1 | 80 |
| July | 19.3 | 11.2 | 75 |
| August | 18.7 | 11.2 | 86 |
| September | 16.1 | 9.2 | 82 |
| October | 12.3 | 6.5 | 98 |
| November | 8.5 | 3.5 | 109 |
| December | 6.2 | 1.4 | 121 |
For most visitors, May to September is the easiest stretch for gardens and walks: highs of 14.5 to 19.3 °C and no month above 86 mm of rain. Pick May if you want the driest month, July if you want the warmest.
Our pick: canal cruise on a dry day
An outdoor boat trip that works best when the forecast is dry; it starts in Skipton.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Day trips and tours from Harrogate
Dales villages, Fountains Abbey, York and more, with live prices and availability.
Best time to visit Harrogate
What each season offers, based on the averages above and the local calendar.
Spring: March to May
Highs climb from 8.3 to 14.5 °C and rainfall falls to its lowest in May. Knaresborough's rowing boats open for the season from March and run to October. It is a good time for the town gardens and for a first walk in the countryside.
Knaresborough guide →Summer: June to August
July and August are the warmest months, with highs of 18.7 to 19.3 °C. This is the main season for Brimham Rocks and the Dales. The Great Yorkshire Show returns to the showground in Harrogate on 13 to 16 July 2027.
Brimham Rocks guide →Autumn: September to November
Highs drop from 16.1 to 8.5 °C and October and November are among the wetter months. Autumn colour suits the water garden at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. In October and November the deer there are in their rutting season, so keep dogs on a short lead and your distance.
Fountains Abbey guide →Winter: December to February
Highs stay between 5.7 and 6.2 °C, lows are close to freezing and December is the wettest month. Winter opening hours are shorter at the abbey and the castle in Knaresborough, but the Turkish Baths and the Royal Pump Room museum suit a wet day. Evening events at RHS Garden Harlow Carr run on selected dates from 26 November to 30 December 2026.
Christmas in Harrogate →Weather and your plans
Wet days and cold days both have good options.
Turkish Baths and spa sessions
A warm, indoor choice. Sessions start every 30 minutes and the minimum age is 16.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Day tickets vary by season, and the garden has a large glasshouse.
Walks in and around Harrogate
Town paths and the Nidd Gorge, with notes on muddy and steep sections.
Paths in the Nidd Gorge can be slippery when wet, and the route at Brimham Rocks can be waterlogged, so wear boots after rain. In the Dales, water levels can change quickly, so stay away from rivers after heavy rain.
Harrogate weather: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month in Harrogate?
July, with an average high of 19.3 °C and an average low of 11.2 °C in the 1991 to 2020 series. August is close behind at 18.7 °C.
When does it rain least?
May has the lowest average rainfall at 64 mm, followed by April at 66 mm. Averages do not promise a dry day, so pack a waterproof in any month.
What is the best time to visit Harrogate?
For gardens and walks, May to September gives the mildest temperatures. For Christmas events and evening lights, late November to December. There is no single best week, so choose by what you want to do.
Does it snow in Harrogate?
January and February highs are around 6 °C and lows are close to 1 °C, so frost is possible. Snow cannot be promised, and the higher Dales are colder than the town.
Are these figures for Harrogate itself?
They come from the Met Office station at Bingley, a nearby town, and cover 1991 to 2020. Treat them as a good guide to a typical year, and expect the high Dales to be cooler and wetter.