Bath is a fantastic year-round destination, with museums and galleries changing exhibits throughout the year and the outdoor spaces coming alive with events in the (hopefully) warmer months.
Overseas visitors tend to explore here more in the summertime, with local tourists coming in the festive time too, and couples (and hen groups) enjoying the city year-round.
So, when’s the best time to visit? With typical British weather of cooler wet winters, spring showers, warmer summers, and pleasant autumns there is always a reason to come to Bath. Here’s what you can expect to see each season to help you decide when is the best time to visit Bath in 2023.
Winter
Ease into the new year with the Bath Jazz Weekend in January (6th-8th), or relax and unwind with the Bath’s brand new reBalance Bath Festival of Wellbeing for a feelgood February (7th-26th). The inaugural festival follows the seven pillars of wellbeing (mental, physical, social, financial, spiritual, vocational, and environmental) with events at spas, fitness clubs, hotels, and restaurants for three weeks of rediscovering yourself.
Winter is also a musical time, with MozartFest every November 10th-18th) and (try saying this fast!) Bath Bach Fest every February (16th-18th). November also brings FilmBath Fest at the perfect time of year to snuggle up and watch a movie!
Locals either love or hate Bath during the annual Bath Christmas Market time (usually late November to mid-December) but there’s no denying that the city sparkles during the festive season!
Get your skates on at Bath on Ice, with an ice skating rink, Alpine bar, and glow golf in Royal Victoria Park during Christmas time. There’s a reason you’ll see so many coach tours and people coming Christmas shopping here as the city offers lots of shops, restaurants, and other festive options like panto at Theatre Royal.
Spring
Bath is blessed with plenty of parks and gardens to explore when the April showers stop for long enough to see the beautiful blooms! Explore Parade Gardens and Royal Victoria Park’s Botanical Gardens for a burst of colour.
Have a big ole belly laugh at Bath Comedy Festival in April, check out the boutique Shindig Festival outside the city in May, or attend the iconic Bath Festival’s celebration of music and books in May (12th-21st) – heading to ‘Vicky Park’ for the free finale weekend used to be rite of passage for all local youngsters, but now you’ll need a ticket to the Rec Ground to catch the family-friendly festivities.
Summer
Summer is Bath’s busiest time of year outside of the festive season. While there are fewer events and festivals, all of the tours and attractions are open and visitors can enjoy al fresco eating in local cafes and restaurants when the patios open up.
Check out Bath Carnival in July, get a taste of tropical life at Bath on the Beach where you’ll find a pop-up beach and palm trees at the Royal Pavilion in Victoria Park, or experience all-things red, white, and blue at the Americana Fest at the American Museum in Claverton Down (around July 4th).
Sunny weather and (British) balmy temperatures mean summer is an ideal time to experience outdoor cinema at the Luna Cinema near the Royal Crescent, or enjoy theatre under the stars at the Holburne Art Museum.
Autumn
Season’s change and the days get shorter, but ‘fall’ is a great time to explore autumnal Bath with tons of festivals happening in September from the Regency-inspired Jane Austen Festival (September 8th-17th) to the more modern Bath Children’s Literature Festival (September 29th- October 8th).
Take some time to tuck into a taste of the south west at The Great Bath Feast (September 22nd-24th) and walk it off at free Bathscape Walking Festival (September 9th-24th) with outdoorsy events, guided walks, a self-guided tour and other outdoor events as the weather stays mild but grows colder. Need more of a challenge? Run it off at Bath Half Marathon on October 15th.
Looking for somewhere to stay? Whatever time of year you choose to come, here are the best places to stay in Bath in 2023.
Amy is an award-winning travel writer born and bred in Bath. She has written for national newspapers and magazines from the Guardian and Mail on Sunday to Conde Nast Traveller and Good Housekeeping. Now she’s helping travellers explore Bath, one story at a time.
