Best Places to Live in England & Wales for Weather

Setfords Law, Published: 15th July 2026, Last reviewed: 15th July 2026, Read time: 7 minutes

We explore the best places to live in England and Wales for sunshine, warmth, and mild winters based on the latest climate data. From the sun-drenched south coast to the sheltered corners of Wales, we cover the top locations and the property considerations worth knowing before you move.

Key takeaways

• The Isle of Wight is the sunniest place in England, with over 1,976 hours of sunshine a year.
• Pembrokeshire is the sunniest part of Wales, averaging over 1,700 hours of sunshine annually, with Tenby its sunniest town.
• Cornwall and Pembrokeshire benefit most from the Gulf Stream, giving them the mildest winters in England and Wales.
• Sunnier, drier locations aren’t risk-free: check subsidence risk on clay soils and coastal exposure before you buy.
• Property in Wales is subject to Land Transaction Tax rather than Stamp Duty Land Tax, with different rates and thresholds.

Why weather is worth factoring into your move

Weather matters more than people admit when choosing where to live. It shapes how much time you spend outdoors, how you feel day to day, and the long-term condition of your home. The reputation for rain and grey skies tells only part of the story. Sunshine hours, temperature, and rainfall vary across England and Wales, and choosing the right location can make a real difference to your quality of life.

Here’s a guide to the best places to live if weather is a priority.

The sunniest places in England: the south coast

The south coast of England is the sunniest part of the country. According to long-term Met Office data, the Isle of Wight leads the way with over 1,976 hours of sunshine per year, an average of more than five hours of sunshine every day. Behind it sits a cluster of East and West Sussex and Dorset towns that regularly outperform the rest of England.

Eastbourne, East Sussex records around 1,892 hours of sunshine annually. Tucked between the South Downs and the sea, it benefits from a natural microclimate that shields it from heavy rain and cold winds.

Bognor Regis, West Sussex records close to 1,920 hours of sunshine per year and enjoys warm, sheltered summers. Property here remains more affordable than many comparable south coast locations.

Weymouth, Dorset enjoys an average of over 1,900 hours of sunshine annually, with its south-facing bay capturing maximum sunlight throughout the day. It sits on the Jurassic Coast and offers a relaxed pace of life alongside strong community ties.

Bournemouth, Dorset combines high sunshine hours with a strong economy and a wide range of amenities. It’s a strong choice for families and professionals seeking sunshine without sacrificing city-level convenience.

The driest corner: East Anglia

While the south coast wins on sunshine, East Anglia holds its own as the driest region in England and Wales. Suffolk receives some of the lowest annual rainfall in the country. Locations like Woodbridge and Ipswich benefit from this dry climate alongside good rail connections to London, making them increasingly popular with buyers seeking a better quality of life outside the capital.

Mild winters: the south west and west Wales

For those who prioritise mild winters over summer sunshine, the south west of England and the western coast of Wales offer the most favourable conditions. The Gulf Stream keeps coastal temperatures warmer than inland areas at equivalent latitudes, particularly between October and March.

Cornwall is well known for its mild winters and relatively early springs. Coastal towns rarely experience frost, and the growing season extends well beyond what’s possible further north or inland.

Pembrokeshire, Wales is the sunniest part of Wales, averaging over 1,700 hours of sunshine annually according to climate data. Tenby is its sunniest town. Its position on the south-west tip of Wales means it benefits from Atlantic warmth while remaining sheltered from the harsher weather affecting northern and inland areas.

The Gower Peninsula and Swansea enjoy mild conditions year-round, with the south-facing coastline offering some of the warmest beach weather in Wales during summer months.

A note on Wales: microclimates worth knowing

Wales has a more varied climate than many buyers realise. The North Wales coast around Llandudno and Colwyn Bay benefits from an effect created by the mountains of Eryri, producing drier and warmer conditions than the surrounding area. Porthmadog and the Llŷn Peninsula can also record the highest temperatures anywhere in the UK during settled summer spells.

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What weather means for your property

Weather has real implications for the properties you buy.

Flood risk. Wetter regions and low-lying areas carry higher flood risk. The Environment Agency flood risk checker is an essential first step before committing to any property. Your conveyancer can advise on how flood risk affects insurance and mortgage eligibility.

Subsidence. Prolonged dry spells in southern and eastern England can cause clay soils to shrink, leading to subsidence. This is more common in Essex, Kent, and parts of East Anglia. A thorough building survey is important in these areas, particularly for older properties.

Coastal exposure. Properties on exposed coastlines face higher risks from wind and salt air damage. This can affect long-term maintenance costs and insurance premiums, so factor this into your budget before you buy.

Energy efficiency. Sunnier locations with milder winters can reduce heating costs year-round. This is increasingly reflected in EPC ratings and mortgage lender requirements. Your conveyancer can flag any energy-related obligations during the search process.

When to speak to a solicitor

A solicitor can’t tell you which climate suits you best, but the right conveyancer will make sure the property behind that sunshine is sound. It’s worth speaking to a solicitor if:

• The property is in a flood risk area and you want to understand what this means for insurance and your mortgage
• The property is older and sits on clay soil where subsidence risk is more common
• You’re buying in Wales and want to understand Land Transaction Tax and how it differs from Stamp Duty
• You want a clear picture of costs and timescales before you commit to an offer

FAQs

What is the sunniest place to live in England?

The Isle of Wight leads on sunshine hours, recording over 1,976 hours per year according to tracked Met Office data. On the mainland, Eastbourne and Bognor Regis are consistently among the sunniest locations in the country.

What is the sunniest place to live in Wales?

Pembrokeshire is the sunniest county in Wales, averaging over 1,700 hours of sunshine annually. Tenby is its sunniest individual town.

Where in England and Wales has the mildest winters?

The south west of England and the western coast of Wales benefit most from the Gulf Stream. Cornwall and Pembrokeshire experience far fewer frost days than the rest of the UK.

Does a sunnier climate affect property value?

Yes. Sunshine and mild climates are factored into buyer demand, and coastal and southern locations command premiums that reflect their weather advantage. Buyers should also weigh the additional costs that can come with coastal exposure and subsidence risk.

What should I check before buying a property in a high-sunshine area?

Subsidence risk is worth investigating for clay-soil areas in the south and east. For coastal properties, salt air and wind exposure can affect the building fabric over time. A specialist building survey and a thorough conveyancing search will highlight any issues.

Are there legal differences when buying in Wales?

Yes. Property purchases in Wales are subject to Land Transaction Tax rather than Stamp Duty Land Tax. The rates and thresholds differ from England, so it’s important to work with a conveyancer who understands both jurisdictions.

Ready to find your place in the sun?

Whether you’re drawn to the sun-soaked south coast or the mild shores of west Wales, the right location can transform daily life.

Our conveyancing team can guide you through your move, wherever in England and Wales you’re headed.

This article is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Climate data, property risks, and tax rules are subject to change; please verify current figures with the relevant source, and speak to a qualified conveyancing solicitor about your circumstances.