2025: The Warmest and Sunniest Year on Record in the UK
In 2025, the UK experienced its warmest and sunniest year on record, with a mean temperature of 10.09C, surpassing the previous record set in 2022. This temperature mark was only the second time since the 19th century that the UK's mean temperature exceeded 10C. Records dating back to 1884 show that the three warmest years – 2025, 2022, and 2023 – have all occurred within this decade.
From March to August 2025, each month was at least 1C above the 1991-2020 average, with every month except January and September warmer than average, contributing to an especially warm spring and summer. Despite this, the record hottest day remains 19 July 2022, with temperatures surpassing 40C; no new record for the hottest day was set in 2025.
The persistent warmth was sustained by high-pressure systems and above-average sea temperatures around the UK. The Met Office explains that this warmth aligns with human-induced climate change, noting the significance of a new highest UK mean temperature just three years after the last record.
In addition to temperature records, 2025 was also the sunniest year, recording 1,648.5 hours of sunshine, which is 61.4 hours above the previous record set in 2003. Solar energy contributed significantly to Britain's energy mix, accounting for more than 6% of annual requirements, representing over a 50% increase compared to recent years.
Overall rainfall was below average in 2025, with some areas experiencing record low precipitation levels, further reflecting the extraordinary climatic conditions of the year.
