The Ideal Cities In The UK To Drive Convertible With Your Roof Down
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, if you’re a convertible owner, car leasing experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts 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.
The Top 10 UK Cities To Own A Convertible
| 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 |
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.
Driving Experts Reveal Their Top Tips For Driving 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.
