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- U.K.
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- Every July 15
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Saint Swithin’s Day on July 15 brings forth an age-old English weather prophecy: the weather on this day will determine the next 40. Embrace the quirky tradition, share your local forecast, and ponder the mysteries of meteorology.
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Expected Saint Swithin’s Day Deals
While specific ‘Saint Swithin’s Day’ promotions are rare, retailers often capitalize on seasonal weather. Expect deals on outdoor gear like Hunter wellington boots, Barbour waterproof jackets, and Totes umbrellas if the day is rainy. If it’s sunny, look for discounts on picnic supplies from Marks & Spencer, garden furniture from B&Q, or perhaps even travel deals to sunnier climes from British Airways. Beverage brands like Pimm’s might also see a boost. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 15 approaches.
Platform Guide for Saint Swithin’s Day
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #SaintSwithinsDay to share real-time weather observations and humorous takes on the 40-day forecast. Engage with weather services.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SaintSwithinsDay. Post photos or reels of your local weather, contrasting sunny skies with sudden downpours, or showing off your favorite rain gear.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SaintSwithinsDay. Share local weather predictions, discuss historical anecdotes, and engage with community groups about the folklore.
Saint Swithin’s Day Hero
Saint Swithin
History of Saint Swithin’s Day
Saint Swithin’s Day pays homage to St. Swithin, who was the Anglo-Saxon bishop of Winchester from 852 to 863. Within the same time period, he also became the patron saint of the Winchester Cathedral. Historical records do not talk much about his life before and after he became bishop. Furthermore, there aren’t many records of his miracles either. One of the few instances in which a miracle performed by St. Swithin is mentioned involves him repairing an egg basket of a woman who dropped it after being startled by the sudden appearance of the bishop. Even though there aren’t that many miracles associated with him, he is still quite the celebrated figure in Britain, so much so, that around 40 churches are dedicated to him all over the country.
The folklore attached to Saint Swithin’s Day involves the bishop’s supposed anger and thunderstorms. Having a love for the common people, he wanted them to have access to his shrine. Therefore, he built his shrine in the churchyard. He is recorded stating that this would also allow him to enjoy the rain falling from the heavens above. St. Swithin’s wish was granted in 863 and he was buried in the churchyard as per his instructions. While he enjoyed his resting place for 100 years, he was moved after it was deemed unfit for saints to be buried amongst commoners. Following this, heavy torrential rain clouds filled the English skies, and thus, a legend about Saint Swithin’s wrath was born. Other theories related to the day rest on old pagan beliefs about the changing weather patterns when the midsummer time struck.
Saint Swithin’s Day timeline
St. Swithin is appointed as the bishop of Winchester.
After a decree issued by King Edgar, St. Swithin’s remains are moved from the churchyard to the Winchester Cathedral.
St. Swithin becomes a celebrated figure in literature after he is honored in literary works like Aelfric’s “Lives of the Saints.”
King Henry VII has commissioners smash St. Swithin’s shrine, allowing them to take all the valuables.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Saint Swithin’s Day
Local businesses can embrace Saint Swithin’s Day with weather-themed promotions. Cafes might offer ‘rainy day’ discounts on hot drinks or ‘sunny day’ specials on iced beverages based on the morning’s weather. Garden centers could promote rain barrels or sun hats, while clothing boutiques might highlight stylish umbrellas or lightweight jackets. Pubs could host a ‘forecast party’ where patrons guess the next 40 days’ weather for a prize, fostering community engagement and a bit of fun.
Saint Swithin’s Day FAQs
When is Saint Swithin’s Day?
Saint Swithin’s Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, July 15. This fixed date in the calendar is steeped in English weather folklore, predicting the next 40 days.
How accurate is the Saint Swithin’s Day weather prediction?
The Saint Swithin’s Day legend, while charming, has no scientific basis. Meteorological data consistently shows no correlation between the weather on July 15 and the subsequent 40 days.
Where is Saint Swithin’s Day primarily observed?
Saint Swithin’s Day is primarily a piece of English folklore, with its origins and strongest traditions rooted in the United Kingdom. It is less widely known or observed in other parts of the world.
What is the origin of the Saint Swithin’s Day legend?
The legend stems from the reburial of Saint Swithin’s remains in 1086. When his body was moved from an outdoor grave to a shrine inside Winchester Cathedral, a fierce storm reportedly erupted and lasted for 40 days, giving birth to the popular superstition.
How To Celebrate Saint Swithin’s Day
Visit the Winchester Cathedral
Pay a visit to the Winchester Cathedral to learn more about St. Swithin. While you are there, you can also get to know about the history of the place, how it came to be, the historical events that took place there, and much more.
Read up on St. Swithin
St. Swithin appears to have been quite a simple figure, and we mean that in the best way possible. While there isn’t much mention of him during his time, the few mentions here and there allow us a glimpse into the life of a man who was loved by many.
Have fun with the weather
Weather forecast organizations have debunked the 40-day-same-weather theory, but that isn’t going to stop us from having fun. When it comes to predicting the weather, it’s a guessing game. Gather your friends and family or go solo to enjoy whatever the weather throws at you.
5 Facts About Midsummer That Will Blow Your Mind
The longest day
Midsummer is the longest summer day, and it is also known as the summer solstice, which usually falls on June 21.
Stonehenge for midsummer
Some historians believe that Stonehenge was a sort of a calendar that marked the sun’s path, allowing people to track seasons like summer and winter.
Important in Northern Europe
Midsummer is considered to be important in Northern Europe as the winter in this region tends to be long, harsh, and dark.
Midsummer flowers for true love
In some cultures, people pick midsummer flowers to find their true love, and they do so by keeping the picked flowers under their pillow in order to see their true love in their dreams.
One of the quarter days
Midsummer is one of the quarter days of the year, with the others being Michaelmas Day (September 29), Lady Day (March 25), and Christmas Day (December 24).
Why We Love National Saint Swithin’s Day
It’s a celebration of St. Swithin
St. Swithin was and is a beloved figure for many. His way of loving the commoners for their humanity is one of the most prominent values he left behind. There’s also simplicity attached to how he wished to be buried. Shirking the fanfare, his choice to be buried like a commoner amongst the commoners is lauded and appreciated.
It’s a celebration of miracles
Miracles make our faith stronger, and St. Swithin’s Day is all about miracles. St. Swithin is more known for his posthumous miracles, but the miracles that happened during his lifetime and during other saints’ times should be remembered.
It’s a celebration of unpredictability
It is impossible for us not to mention unpredictability when we are talking about the weather. Much like the weather, life is also unpredictable as we may be enjoying the happiest days of our life the one day, and the very next day could be completely gloomy. So, the point is, enjoy life and the weather as it comes, learn from every single ray of sunshine and drop of rain, and appreciate the unpredictability of it all.
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