Over half of people spend more in the summer

New research from Creditspring has found that over half (53%) of people report increased spending during summer, more 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.

The research 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%).

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%). For many, summer spending isn’t always planned – it’s impulsive. Nearly half (46%) admit to buying things simply ‘because it’s summer.’

Summer expenses lead many people 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 people, especially 70% of 16-24 year olds and 61% of 35-44 year olds, regretting their choices.

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.”

Top 10 summer spending regions:

1. Greater London (62%)
2. Scotland (58%)
3. Wales (57%)
4. Northern Ireland (56%)
5. East Midlands (53%)
6. East of England (53%)
7. Yorkshire and the Humber (51%)
8. South East (48%)
9. South West (48%)
10. North East (46%)