As the Glastonbury Festival unfolds, festival-goers are breathing a sigh of relief. The Met Office forecasts sunny skies, soaring temperatures up to 27°C, and mild nights hovering around 18°C. A heat alert has even been issued for the South West, marking a welcome change from the often unpredictable British summer weather that has long been part of the festival’s charm.
Despite this positive outlook, weather at Worthy Farm has a reputation for wild swings. The muddy grounds and relentless rain are as much a part of Glastonbury’s identity as the world-class music. Over the years, the festival has been shaped by everything from blistering heat to bone-chilling cold and torrential downpours.
Looking back, one of the hottest days on record at Glastonbury was the opening day of the 2017 festival. That year’s lineup featured iconic acts like Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran, and a special “Legends” performance by Bee Gee Barry Gibb. Temperatures soared, offering sunshine-filled enjoyment despite previous warnings of heat waves earlier that summer.
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On the opposite end of the spectrum, 1987 stands out as the chilliest Glastonbury yet. Headliners such as Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, and The Communards performed under nightly lows of just 4.2°C, with daytime highs struggling to reach 14°C. Those cold conditions were a true test of endurance for attendees braving the elements.
Rainfall has been a constant wildcard. The soggiest day came in 2007 when a staggering 60.1mm of rain fell on a single day—equivalent to a UK summer month’s worth of rain. The downpour transformed the festival grounds into a slippery mudbath that challenged even the most prepared visitors. The muddy walkways, humorously dubbed “mudpaths,” remain an iconic and often dreaded part of the Glastonbury experience, making wellies an essential packing item.
Wind has also played its part in shaping festival lore. The strongest gusts, clocked at 41 mph, hit the festival site during both 1985 and 1987—adding an extra layer of challenge to those already demanding weather conditions.
While this year’s warm and mostly dry forecast offers some relief, the unpredictability of British weather has always been intertwined with the spirit of Glastonbury Festival—a reminder that whatever the conditions, the show goes on.