Recently updated on October 5th, 2025 at 02:27 am
In the UK, the weather isn’t just a background topic, it’s a full-blown national pastime. With a climate that changes faster than you can say “drizzle,” and a country small enough for it to be sunny in Sussex and hailing in Hull, there’s always something new to comment on. For Brits, weather talk is the ultimate small talk; a socially acceptable way to strike up a conversation, fill awkward silences, or bond with a stranger at a bus stop. And naturally, this obsession has produced a rich and often hilarious set of sayings. If you’re visiting and want to blend in, or just fancy learning a few local expressions, here are some classic British weather phrases and what they really mean.
1. “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”
A classic summer complaint, especially during those rare muggy days when the UK turns into a giant greenhouse. Brits aren’t used to tropical-feeling air, and even a modest 25°C can feel unbearable when the humidity is high. This phrase is usually accompanied by dramatic fanning and remarks about how “you just can’t cool down.” Bonus points if it’s followed by a rant about houses not having air con.
2. “It’s spitting.”
Not quite rain, not quite dry. It’s that irritating in-between stage where tiny droplets pelt you just enough to be annoying, but not enough to justify putting up an umbrella. You’ll often hear this as an excuse not to go back for a coat: “Nah, it’s just spitting.” It’s also usually said with a grimace, as if the sky has insulted you personally.
3. “It’s tipping it down.”
When the heavens open, this is your go-to phrase. “Tipping it down” means rain coming in sheets, often accompanied by wind that blows your brolly inside out. It’s a wonderfully visual term, as if the clouds have just decided to dump an entire bucket’s worth of rain over your head. Best followed with a resigned sigh and “typical.”
4. “Nice weather for ducks.”
Said during a downpour, this tongue-in-cheek comment acknowledges the awful weather while attempting a bit of humour. Ducks love water, so naturally, they’re the only ones enjoying it. It’s the British way of saying “this is dreadful” without actually complaining too much—just a dry, sarcastic nod to nature.
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5. “A bit nippy out.”
When there’s a definite chill in the air, but not quite frostbite territory. “Nippy” is a cosy sort of word, often used in the fall when you can “see your breath” but still get away with just a scarf. Expect it to be followed by advice to “wrap up warm” or mentions of the heating being “on a timer.” Though, with that said, the English love for understatement might mean you’ll hear this when in the dead of winter and it’s below freezing.
6. “It’s blowing a gale.”
This one’s all about the wind—and not just a breeze, but a proper, hat-snatching, bin-toppling, tree-bending gust-fest. When someone says “it’s blowing a gale,” they mean it’s so windy you have to lean into it to walk straight. Expect it to come with grumbles about broken umbrellas, sideways rain, and the possibility of someone being “blown into next week.” Despite being dramatic, it’s said quite matter-of-factly, as if to warn others: secure your hair and hold onto your sandwiches.
7. “The heavens have opened.”
This one’s reserved for sudden, torrential downpours—the kind where you go from dry to drenched in five seconds flat. It’s got a bit of dramatic flair, implying that the sky itself has split open in biblical fashion. Expect it to be muttered as people dash for cover or shout it from doorways while shaking out coats. It’s a declaration that the rain isn’t just bad—it’s apocalyptic.
8. “It’s raining cats and dogs.”
One of the most famous British weather phrases, though rarely used in everyday conversation now — it’s more of a playful, theatrical throwback. Still, everyone knows it. It means it’s chucking it down, pouring relentlessly. No one knows the origin for sure, but the image of cats and dogs falling from the sky is memorable enough to have stuck around for centuries.
9. “The sun’s got his hat on.”
This cheerful, almost childlike phrase is a sign of rare joy: it’s sunny! And not just for five minutes. Often said with a smile, it harks back to the old song “The sun has got his hat on, hip hip hip hooray!” and usually accompanies the decision to hang the washing out, open a bottle of something cold, or dare to plan a picnic. It carries a hint of disbelief too—like, how long will it last?
10. “It’s coming down sideways.”
Rain is one thing. Wind-driven, slanted, slap-you-in-the-face rain is another. “Coming down sideways” describes the kind of downpour where umbrellas are useless, and you’re soaked from head to toe in under a minute. It’s often muttered as someone enters a shop or pub looking like they swam there. A hallmark of true British winter weather.
11. “Four seasons in one day.”
Used to describe the kind of weather rollercoaster that Britain excels at: bright sun, sudden downpour, mysterious fog, and maybe even hail—all before lunch. It’s most commonly said with a shake of the head and a resigned chuckle. It also doubles as an excuse for wildly inappropriate clothing choices. “I was dressed for spring but then winter showed up.”
12. “It’s pelting down.”
Another way of saying it’s raining hard—especially when the drops are heavy and painful, like someone’s lobbing gravel from the sky. You might also hear “it’s chucking it down” or “it’s lashing it,” depending on the region, but “pelting” is a common catch-all across much of England.
13. “The weather can’t make up its mind.”
The most British of dilemmas. One minute you’re in a t-shirt, the next you’re sprinting through hail. This phrase gets used all year round and often with a sigh—half annoyed, half impressed. It’s also a classic icebreaker with strangers, best delivered while glancing at the sky like it’s personally responsible.
14. “Black over Bill’s mother’s.”
A wonderfully weird Midlands saying that points to a patch of dark sky in the distance. It basically means “it looks like rain’s coming.” No one really knows who Bill or his mum is, but that doesn’t stop locals from saying it with conviction while nodding towards ominous clouds.
15. “It’s brass monkeys out there.”
A shortened version of the “brass monkey” phrase, this one’s used when it’s absolutely freezing. Typically said with your breath clouding up in front of you, coat zipped to the top, and a strong craving for a cup of tea. Sometimes accompanied by a little shiver and a joke about moving to Spain.
Now, to close things out nicely, here are five weather-related idioms that actually aren’t about the weather, but still prove just how central it is to British expression.
16. “Under the weather”
If you’re feeling unwell or just a bit off, you’re “under the weather.” It has nothing to do with rain or cold — it just means you’re not quite yourself. Ironically, in the UK, most of us feel under the weather precisely because of the weather.
17. “Come rain or shine”
Used to show commitment and resilience, this phrase means something will happen no matter the conditions. Whether it’s a family BBQ, a long-planned walk, or your friend’s wedding — “come rain or shine, I’ll be there.”
18. “A storm in a teacup”
This one’s very British. It means making a big fuss over something minor — like arguing for hours over whether it’s “spitting” or “drizzling.” The phrase itself is a lovely image: chaos, but in the most contained, polite way possible.
19. “Break the ice”
It might refer to cracking frozen water, but this idiom is all about social situations. Brits often use the weather as the icebreaker — a safe, neutral topic to warm up a conversation. You’ll never go wrong starting with, “bit nippy today, isn’t it?”
20. “Throw caution to the wind”
This one’s about taking a risk or acting freely — often used when someone does something impulsive. In British culture, it might be the decision to go out without a coat “even though it looks like it might turn.” Bold move.
The sheer number of British weather sayings proves just how deeply the climate shapes the British national character — from small talk to full-blown idioms about life, mood and resilience. If you’re heading to the UK soon, don’t be surprised if your guide opens with a joke about the clouds, it’s practically tradition. Come rain or shine, there’s no better way to experience the than on a British guided tour that embraces all the quirks, charm and ever-changing skies.
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