As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer, convertibles are a popular choice of car. With their roofs down, drivers can catch the rays and enjoy a gentle breeze. The summer solstice is just around the corner on June 21, marking the longest day of the year.
But the UK is known for its less-than-perfect weather, so the idea of driving a convertible may not always seem practical. However, in our blog below, we have analysed data from air quality to average wind speeds, to discover the UK cities that are the best for driving with your roof down.
Rank | City | Avg. High (°C) in June | Avg. Sunshine Hours in June | Air Quality Index (AQI) | Avg. Wind Speeds in June (mph) | Avg. Rainfall in June (mm) | Total Rank/100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | London | 21 | 204 | 38 | 7.2 | 43 | 96.1 |
2 | Southampton | 19 | 195 | 35 | 9.5 | 50 | 75.6 |
3 | Bristol | 19 | 190 | 36 | 9 | 60 | 75 |
4 | Sheffield | 18 | 175 | 38 | 8.5 | 65 | 73.2 |
5 | Leicester | 19 | 180 | 42 | 8.2 | 66 | 73 |
6 | Derby | 19 | 178 | 40 | 8.3 | 70 | 72.6 |
7 | Nottingham | 19 | 179 | 40 | 8.5 | 68 | 71.7 |
8 | Portsmouth | 19 | 195 | 35 | 10 | 50 | 71.7 |
9 | Wolverhampton | 19 | 181 | 45 | 8 | 69 | 71 |
10 | Coventry | 19 | 180 | 45 | 8.1 | 68 | 70.4 |
The rankings were determined using Met Office data on wind speeds, temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine hours for the 20 largest UK cities. For detailed climate data, see the Met Office's location-specific long-term averages.
London ranks number one
Ranking number one is London, which might be a surprise to most. London has the highest average hours of sunshine, with 204, and the lowest average amount of rainfall in June, so drivers can enjoy plenty of sunshine and dry weather. London also has the lowest average wind speeds, at just 7.2 mph - so, convertible drivers don’t need to worry about losing their caps when driving around London this summer!
Bristol places in the top three
Bristol ranks as the third-best location to own a convertible in the UK, with the average temperature in June being 19°C. There is an average of 190 hours of sunshine, and the air quality is 36. Bristol is known for its iconic harbour, with pubs and restaurants alongside the river, so it makes for the perfect location to enjoy a day trip in the sun.
Southern cities rank higher than the north
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Southampton, Portsmouth and Bristol all rank in the top ten, with high sunshine hours in June, and relatively low rainfall. However, some northern cities still rank in the top ten, such as Sheffield and Nottingham, which rank high as some of the best cities to drive a convertible.
Despite UK cities having high sunshine hours in June, not every day will have ideal conditions to drive a convertible. Car leasing experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have revealed their essential tips to safely drive your convertible this summer:
- Wear sunglasses: The glaring sun can be dangerous to drive in if it obstructs your vision, so when driving with your car roof down, ensure you carry sunglasses in your car. Driving with obstructed vision can result in fines of up to £5,000, so to avoid penalties and dangerous driving, we advise drivers to wear appropriate sunglasses.
- Tie your hair up: Even on days with low winds, long hair can become a distraction when driving. Tie your hair back when driving to avoid your hair blowing across your face and blocking your vision when on the road. This will also prevent drivers from arriving at their destination with tangled hair!
- Plan ahead: It is best practice to check the weather forecast before setting off on your journey, as rain and high winds may ruin your experience when driving a convertible. Always know how to quickly close your roof; this way, if a rain shower occurs, you have less chance of getting soaked.
- Mazda MX-5: A lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster known for its engaging driving experience and affordability.
- BMW Z4: A stylish and comfortable two-seater with strong performance and a well-appointed interior.
- Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: A luxurious four-seater with advanced technology and a smooth ride, replacing the former E-Class Cabriolet.
- Porsche 718 Boxster: A luxury mid-engine sports car delivering exceptional performance and handling for driving enthusiasts.
- Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet: A unique blend of SUV practicality and open-top driving, featuring a soft-top roof and elevated seating position.
- Fiat 500 Electric Convertible: An all-electric city car with a retractable roof, combining eco-friendly driving with classic Italian style.
- Aston Martin Vantage Roadster: A high-performance luxury convertible with a powerful V8 engine and rapid roof operation.
For more details, read our Best 4 Seat Convertibles to Lease blog.
Thinking about leasing a convertible this summer? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts provides competitive leasing options to suit your lifestyle and budget. Check our latest convertible lease deals to enjoy the best open-air driving experience possible.
Enjoy your summer adventures, roof down!
While the weather in the UK can be unpredictable, choosing the right city for convertible driving can significantly enhance your summer experience. Whether you prefer urban charm, coastal breezes, or northern tranquillity, these cities offer fantastic opportunities to make the most of your convertible this summer
Take a look at our How to Use Your Car A/C Efficiently During a UK Heatwave blog for similar tips. We also publish weekly blogs on a variety of topics, browse them all in the blog section of our website.
As one of the UK’s top car leasing brokers, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts offers a wide range of leasing deals to suit different needs. For more information, visit our car leasing guides or speak to one of our experts on 0345 811 9595.
Originally posted: 27th June 2025
