As temperatures rise, so does spending. For millions across the UK, summer is the costliest season. New research from Creditspring reveals the regions most likely to overspend, as seasonal pressures and rising living costs fuel a wave of what Creditspring are dubbing the ‘Credit Sunburn’.
The new research, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults, reveals that over half (53%) say they spend more during summer than at any other time of year. Based on the UK population of 69.5 million, this equates to approximately 36.8 million people increasing their spending in the summer months. That figure is even higher among younger adults, with 69% of 25–34 year olds admitting to seasonal overspending - often driven by holidays, social events, and impulse purchases.
Greater London tops list of UK’s biggest summer overspenders
Creditspring’s ‘Credit Sunburn’ Index identifies where residents feel the financial heat most. Leading the list is Greater London, where 62% of people report spending more during summer, followed by Scotland (58%) and Wales (57%). The top five cities with the highest proportion of people spending more in summer are Glasgow (64%), Cardiff (59%), Manchester (58%), Belfast (57%), and London (57%).
Top 10 regions where people overspend the most in summer:
Greater London (62%)
Scotland (58%)
Wales (57%)
Northern Ireland (56%)
East Midlands (53%)
East of England (53%)
Yorkshire and the Humber (51%)
South East (48%)
South West (48%)
North East (46%)
Key drivers of summer spending
From higher grocery and utility bills to social pressures, the drivers of seasonal overspending are both emotional and financial. The biggest financial strains include higher grocery and utility bills (37%), holidays and weekends away (27%), eating and drinking out (27%), going out more (21%), increased travel costs (16%), repairs (to the car, home, or garden) (16%), and events, festivals or nights out (15%).
And for many, summer spending isn’t always planned - it’s impulsive. Nearly half (46%) admit to buying things simply “because it’s summer”.
Credit use and regret rising
Summer expenses lead many Brits to seek alternative financial methods to fund increased spending, with 42% turning to credit. This rises to 61% among 35–44 year olds. While 26% rely on credit cards, 13% turn to Buy Now Pay Later, and 12% dip into their overdrafts. Besides borrowing, 38% have delayed essential expenses, and nearly half say they regretted impulse or “treat” purchases (46%) or felt pressured to say yes to social plans they couldn’t afford (48%).
As summer wanes, regret peaks with nearly half of Brits, especially 70% of 16-24 year olds and 61% of 35-44 year olds, regretting their choices.
Summer spending higher among young Brits and men
Younger adults and men are the most susceptible to overspending and subsequent regret. Among 25-34 year olds, 69% say they spend more during summer, a trend seen in 62% of 16-24 year olds and 60% of 35-44 year olds. Men are more affected than women, with 57% spending more (compared to 49% of women) and 50% regretting it (versus 46% of women).
Tamsin Powell, consumer finance expert at Creditspring, said: “We’re seeing more and more people overstretching themselves financially just to keep up with summer plans. Whether it’s holidays, days out or just saying ‘yes’ to one too many social invites, the pressure to spend is real and it’s pushing many to make sacrifices they later regret.
“If you are considering borrowing, doing your research and choosing smart, affordable options is one of the best things you can do. Borrowing can be a practical solution when it’s clear, manageable and built with your financial wellbeing in mind. Everyone deserves to enjoy summer without the stress - and that starts with confident, informed decisions about how to manage your money”.
Top Tips from Tamsin Powell to beat the summer spending squeeze
- Make a seasonal spending plan - factor in holidays, day trips, weddings, kids’ activities and any extra travel or social plans. Even a rough budget helps you avoid surprise costs and impulse decisions
- Set a weekly ‘fun fund’ - give yourself a realistic amount to spend on treats, nights out or summer extras - and stick to it. It’s easier to say no when you’ve set your own limits
- Don't let FOMO drive your finances - if you can’t afford to say yes to every invite, that’s OK. Be honest with friends, suggest lower-cost alternatives, and remember that your long-term goals matter more than one afternoon in a beer garden
- Find smart loan solutions - With so many people turning to credit during the summer months, borrowing isn't something to be ashamed of but it's important to do it wisely. Creditspring offers various memberships that that not only help plan for the future but also build financial stability and boost finances for unexpected expenses
- Check in with your finances weekly - during busy summer months, it’s easy to lose track. A 10-minute money check-in each week helps you stay in control and adjust quickly if you’re overspending