Best Time to Paint Your House Exterior in the UK

Choosing the best time to paint your house exterior in the UK is crucial for a long-lasting, high-quality finish. With the UK’s unpredictable climate varying between regions, planning ensures your paint job withstands the elements. Alongside having the right tools and paint, timing is one of the most important factors in achieving a durable exterior.

Additionally, understanding these timings helps homeowners avoid common pitfalls such as poor adhesion, uneven finishes, or weather-related damage. By painting in the best conditions, you ensure a professional, weather-resistant result that will last for years to come.

Key Tips for Success

Check the Weather Forecast:

Always monitor your local weather using a trusted weather app or website. Aim for a dry, mild period to ensure proper drying and adhesion.

1. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

The ideal painting temperature ranges between 5°C and 25°C. Too cold, and the paint won’t dry properly; too hot, and it may dry too quickly, causing uneven finishes.

2. Watch Humidity Levels:

High humidity slows down drying times and can cause streaky, uneven finishes. Opt for dry, breezy conditions whenever possible.

3. Consider Regional Differences:

Southern UK typically enjoys longer, more consistent painting windows, while northern areas may need to plan projects around drier spells.

Control Tower Norfolk using White

Best Times To Paint: Seasonal Breakdown

Spring: One of the Best Times to Paint Your House Exterior in the UK

Spring is usually the best time across the UK for exterior painting projects. Temperatures typically range between 10°C and 20°C and there is less rainfall overall, which makes it ideal for most paints. As spring progresses and the days become longer, this also means that you have more daylight to complete your project.

Summer: A Popular Time for Painting, but Watch for Heatwaves

Summer is another good option, though regional differences should be considered. Summer usually offers more consistent temperatures and longer dry spells, making it an excellent time to paint. While summer is reliable, occasional heatwaves in the United Kingdom can cause paint to dry too quickly, leading to uneven finishes. Aim for cooler days or paint during the morning or evening.

Autumn: Can You Still Paint Your House Exterior in the UK?

Early autumn can work well, where temperatures remain stable, and dry conditions often persist. However, as autumn progresses, northern regions face increased rain and cooler nights, making painting less practical – but not impossible.

Winter: Is It Ever a Good Time to Paint Outside?

As a general rule of thumb, winter is generally unsuitable for exterior painting in the UK due to cold temperatures and high rainfall. In southern regions, mild winter days might offer short painting windows, but in the north, it might be best to wait until spring. It’s probably better to have your exterior walls ready for these seasons.

Paul Bailey using Witney Cream

Regional Breakdown

Northern UK (Liverpool, Manchester, Scotland, Northern Ireland)

Best Time to Paint: Late spring to early summer

• Northern regions tend to have cooler, wetter springs, making late spring or early summer the most reliable time for painting.
• Always check the forecast carefully to avoid unexpected rain showers.
• Be prepared to break the project into smaller sessions if needed.

Southern UK (London, Kent, Cornwall, Channel Islands)

Best Time to Paint: Most of spring and summer

• The south experiences drier, warmer springs, allowing for an earlier start to painting projects.
• However, be cautious of heatwaves in mid-summer—extremely hot conditions can cause paint to dry too fast, leading to cracks.
• Early autumn can still be a good option in the south, provided the forecast remains dry.

Kel Garrod using shade Brown Sugar

Why Choose Emperor Paint?

At Emperor Paint, our super-hydrophobic masonry paints are designed to withstand the UK’s unpredictable weather. Unlike standard masonry paints, which often prioritise one feature over another, our advanced nanotechnology repels water while allowing walls to breathe, ensuring a durable, long-lasting finish in all UK climates.

But don’t just take our word for it – have a read at this!

Final Thoughts

In the UK, spring, early summer, and early autumn are the best times for exterior painting. By choosing the right time and using high-quality, weather-resistant products like Emperor Paint, you can achieve a stunning, long-lasting finish that stands up to the UK’s changing climate.

TOP TIP: No need to rush! Exterior painting involves multiple steps – prepping, cleaning, priming, painting, and drying. You can spread these out over several weekends or when the weather is on your side. Just factor in drying times to avoid issues.

@happy_harris_house_build using White

Want a long-lasting finish, no matter the season? Explore our masonry paint– designed to protect your home against the UK’s unpredictable weather.