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.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Past weather refers to recorded meteorological conditions for a specific date, month or year, typically sourced from official stations. The live forecast above shows today’s conditions, but historical data helps you compare what actually happened against what was predicted, or check trends for travel, gardening or event planning.
What counts as past weather data?
Past weather includes temperature highs and lows, rainfall totals, wind speed and direction, sunshine hours and pressure readings. The Met Office holds the most comprehensive archive for the UK, with records stretching back over a century. For a quick look at past weather London or past weather Glasgow, you can use free online tools that pull from official stations. This data is useful for checking if a particular day was unusually wet, cold or sunny compared to the long-term average.
How can I find historical weather data for free?
Several sources offer free historical weather data UK without a subscription. The Met Office provides a “past weather” search tool on its site, where you enter a location and date range. For a broader view, the past weather map shows regional patterns at a glance. If you need past weather near Manchester or any other city, these tools typically cover all major UK towns. The data is usually presented as daily summaries, so you can see the maximum and minimum temperatures and total precipitation for any given day.
Can I get past weather data for any UK location?
Most populated areas have a nearby weather station. For smaller villages, the nearest town’s data is usually a reliable proxy. The Met Office covers all counties and major cities.
Is past weather data accurate for planning events?
Yes, but it shows what happened, not what will happen. Use it to understand typical conditions for a date, such as average rainfall or temperature, rather than a precise forecast.
How far back does free historical weather data go?
Free online tools typically offer data from the 1960s onwards. For older records, you may need to access the Met Office’s digital archive or published yearbooks, which go back to the 1800s.
For more on current conditions, see the UK weather hub or check the 10 Day Weather Forecast UK. If you need a city-specific outlook, visit Birmingham Weather or Glasgow Weather.