JUST HOW BAD IS BRITISH WEATHER?

If there is one thing the British love to do, it is talk and moan about the weather. 'It never stops raining', 'it´s too hot today', it's freezing', 'it's so muggy', 'I haven't seen snow like this for years'. Discussing the weather really is one of Britain's favourite pastimes, and Britain's bad weather is one of the world's most famous stereotypes. But just how true is the stereotype?

Like any country, the weather varies from region to region. The south-west for example is very comparable to the north of Spain. An average of 100cm of rainfall per year and very similar levels of sunshine, make life in Cornwall not that different to life in Asturias. While if we compare the south of Spain with the north of England or Scotland, then of course we will see vast differences. In Manchester for example, there are on average 140 days per year which see rain whereas we all know that a resident of Almería is unlikely to see that much rain in their lifetime.

As for the capital, London is perhaps undeserving of its reputation as a rainy city. While it may rain on more days than other places around the world, London's yearly total of precipitation is lower than Rome, Lisbon, Sydney and New York. Its average temperature in July is 24 °C.

One thing that cannot be denied however is the unpredictability of UK weather. If you're planning any outdoor event, from picnics in the park to weddings, to a game of cricket, you will always feel slightly nervous that the rain will destroy your plans.

So, if you come from a dry, sunny part of the world, do not be surprised if you find the UK weather to be a tad cloudy, wet and depressing during your visit. But rest assured, if it is a lousy day, there will always be a pub close by into which you can escape.