Why Do So Many Brits Move Abroad Between August and November?

If you’ve been dreaming of starting a new life overseas, you’re certainly not alone. An estimated 246,000 British nationals emigrated from the UK in 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Here at Go Walkabout, we’ve noticed a significant increase in customers purchasing our Emigration Travel Insurance policies over the past few weeks. It got us wondering: is there really a peak season for Brits moving abroad?

The answer isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think.

What Are People Moving Abroad For?

Before jumping into the reasons for the timing, let’s first understand why people choose to emigrate in the first place. Spoiler… It’s more than just about chasing the sunshine!

While Australia and New Zealand’s climate certainly appeals to many Brits, moving abroad is rarely about the weather alone.

People emigrate for all sorts of reasons, including:

• Better work-life balance
• Career progression and higher salaries
• Family already living overseas
• A desire for more outdoor living
• Retirement in a warmer climate
• New opportunities and a fresh start

Whether you’re relocating permanently or planning a long-term stay, making the move is one of life’s biggest decisions and one that usually takes months of careful planning.

Is Late Summer Really The UK’s Emigration Season?

When we looked into the official data, we found something interesting.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports long-term international migration as rolling annual figures (for example, year ending June, September or December). It doesn’t publish data showing exactly which months people physically leave the UK.

So, while we can’t honestly say that “most people emigrate between August and November”, we can say something just as valuable.

Our own customer data consistently shows a noticeable rise in Emigration Travel Insurance purchases from late July through to early autumn. When you combine this with what’s happening in the real world, a clear pattern begins to emerge.

Why Late Summer Makes Sense For Moving Abroad

Although there isn’t official monthly emigration data, several factors naturally make August, September, and October ideal times for many people to begin their new adventure.

From the education system timeframe to more favourable conditions in seasons, here are a few reasons why late summer makes sense for moving abroad.

School holidays make moving easier

For families, timing is everything.

Moving overseas during the six-week summer holiday means children can settle into a new home, make new friends and begin the school year from day one, rather than joining halfway through a term.

It’s often the least disruptive time for everyone involved and simply makes sense. Just ask any parent that has emigrated with young children!

Teachers are ready for a new chapter

For teachers looking to make a fresh start working abroad, the reason is similar to the above. Many teachers complete their contracts at the end of the UK academic year before accepting new teaching positions abroad.

Countries such as Australia and New Zealand regularly recruit qualified UK teachers, making late summer departures a logical choice for those beginning a new career overseas.

Spring is just beginning Down Under

While autumn arrives in the UK, Australia and New Zealand are welcoming spring. The looming winter days and promise of warmer weather is like a carrot on a string for those considering emigration.

Longer days, warmer weather and the start of a new season make it an appealing time to settle into a new city, find somewhere to live and begin work.

For many emigrants, arriving in spring simply feels like the perfect fresh start.

Months of planning finally come together

Relocating overseas isn’t a last-minute decision. It takes a long planning process before you even think about leaving the ground.

Most people spend months organising visas, securing employment, arranging accommodation, booking flights and preparing their finances before they’re finally ready to travel.

For many, that planning begins earlier in the year, with departure naturally falling between late summer and early autumn.

Why Australia And New Zealand Remain Favourites

Australia and New Zealand have long been among the most popular destinations for UK emigrants.

Shared language, familiar culture and strong employment opportunities make the transition easier than moving somewhere completely unfamiliar.

Planning Your Move? Start With Trusted Advice

Every successful move abroad starts with good information.

Whether you’re still exploring your options or already have your visa approved, working with experienced relocation specialists can make the process far less overwhelming.

If you’re planning a move to Australia, we’d recommend taking a look at our trusted partners:

• Smart Steps to Australia offers personalised support throughout the migration journey, helping individuals and families navigate visas, relocation and settling into life Down Under.
• Downunder Centre has been helping Brits move to Australia and New Zealand for decades, providing expert migration advice, visa support and relocation services.

Each offers expert guidance for different stages of the relocation journey, helping you feel more confident before you board your flight.

Emigration Destination Guides and Forums

Before you set your heart on moving to a specific destination, why not reach out to people who have already done it? We highly recommend seeking out expats who have walked the path before and see what they have to say about the emigration process, city you’re hoping to move to, and integration into the local community.

Facebook and Reddit offer valuable forums and groups where you will have access to a wealth of information.

Travel guides and good old fashioned Lonely Planet books are also a fantastic place to start seeking information. Here are our destination guides that may be of interest to you:

• Australia
• Asia
• Dubai

Don’t Forget Your Emigration Travel Insurance

Once your visa is approved and your flights are booked, there’s one final piece of the puzzle that’s easy to overlook.

One-Way Travel insurance.

Unlike a standard holiday policy, Emigration Travel Insurance is designed specifically for people relocating overseas. It provides cover while you’re travelling to your new home and during those first important weeks before local insurance or healthcare arrangements are fully in place.

It’s one of the last things many people arrange, but one of the first things you’ll be glad you have if your luggage goes missing, your flight is disrupted, or you need emergency medical treatment along the way.

Your Pre-Departure Checklist

Before boarding your flight, make sure you’ve:

✔️ Received your visa approval

✔️ Booked your flights

✔️ Arranged temporary accommodation

✔️ Organised international banking

✔️ Notified HMRC

✔️ Collected important medical records

✔️ Cancelled or redirected UK utilities

✔️ Packed essential documents

✔️ Purchased Emigration Travel Insurance

It’s amazing how many people tick off everything else before remembering insurance just days before departure!

Ready For Your Next Adventure?

Every year we see patterns emerge in the types of policies our customers purchase. While official statistics can’t tell us exactly when people leave the UK, our own experience consistently shows an increase in Emigration Travel Insurance enquiries and purchases from late July onwards.

Whether you’re relocating for work, family, retirement or simply a new adventure, the months ahead are an exciting time to begin planning your move.

And when you’re ready to fly, we’ll be here to help you travel with confidence.

FAQs

Is there an official “emigration season” in the UK?

No. The Office for National Statistics publishes international migration figures as rolling annual totals rather than monthly departure data. While there is no official evidence showing that August or September are the busiest months, many practical factors make late summer a popular time for people to relocate overseas.

Why do so many families move abroad during the summer?

Moving during the school holidays allows children to settle into their new home before starting a new school year, avoiding disruption caused by moving during term time.

Why do teachers often emigrate after July?

Many UK teaching contracts end in July, allowing teachers to relocate before starting new roles overseas. Australia and New Zealand regularly recruit qualified teachers, making this a natural transition period.

When should I buy emigration travel insurance?

Ideally, as soon as you’ve booked your flights and confirmed your departure date. Buying early means you’re covered before you leave the UK and have one less thing to organise during an already busy moving process.

Can I use my normal holiday travel insurance if I’m moving abroad?

Not always. Many standard travel insurance policies are designed for return trips and may not provide suitable cover for people permanently relocating overseas. Always check the policy wording or choose specialist Emigration Travel Insurance designed specifically for moving abroad.

What does Emigration Travel Insurance cover?

Policies vary, but typically provide cover for medical emergencies while travelling, lost or delayed baggage, travel disruption and other unexpected events during your journey to your new home. Always check the policy wording for full details of what’s included.