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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Daily Press UK weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
If you drive in the UK and want a single set of tyres that can handle both mild winters and wet summers without swapping twice a year, all season tyres are a practical middle-ground option. They are designed to perform adequately in temperatures above 7°C while offering more grip than summer tyres in cold, wet, or light snow conditions.
What are all season tyres and how do they differ from summer or winter tyres?
All season tyres use a rubber compound and tread pattern that sits between summer and winter tyres. They remain flexible in colder weather (unlike summer tyres, which harden below 7°C) but do not have the deep sipes and soft compound of a dedicated winter tyre. For UK drivers who rarely encounter heavy snow, all season tyres can be a convenient alternative to seasonal swaps. The trade-off is that they will not match the dry-road grip of a premium summer tyre in July, nor the deep-snow traction of a winter tyre in January.
Are all season tyres worth it for UK drivers?
For most of the UK, where winters are wet rather than snowy and summers are rarely extreme, all season tyres are a sensible year-round choice. They eliminate the hassle of storing a second set and the cost of biannual fitting. However, if you live in a region that sees regular snow or ice, or if you drive a high-performance car, dedicated winter tyres remain the safer option. The best all season tyres, such as the Michelin CrossClimate 2, have closed the gap significantly in recent years, offering strong wet braking and respectable snow traction.
Can I use all season tyres in snow?
Yes, but only in light snow. They have a snow rating (3PMSF symbol) and offer better traction than summer tyres, but they are not a substitute for winter tyres in heavy or persistent snow.
How do all season tyres compare to summer tyres in the UK?
In summer, all season tyres have slightly longer braking distances on dry roads and less sharp handling. In winter, they outperform summer tyres significantly in wet and cold conditions. The difference is most noticeable below 7°C.
Are Michelin all season tyres the best choice?
Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 consistently tops all season tyres reviews for wet braking and longevity. However, brands like Goodyear, Continental, and Pirelli also produce excellent all-season options that may suit different budgets and driving styles.
Sources
For the latest conditions across the country, check our UK weather hub or the 10 day weather forecast UK before planning longer journeys. If you drive in cities such as Birmingham or Glasgow, where winter temperatures hover near freezing, all season tyres offer a practical balance of safety and convenience.