IELTS Speaking Part 1 Weather and Seasons: Perfect Responses

Quick Answer: For IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions about weather and seasons, use a mix of vocabulary (e.g., "scorching," "biting cold," "crisp"), extend your answers with reasons and examples, and show flexibility by discussing both positive and negative aspects. Aim for 3-4 sentences per answer, using present tenses and personal experiences.

Table of Contents

Why Weather and Seasons Are Common in IELTS Speaking Part 1

Top 5 Weather Questions and Perfect Responses

Band Score Comparison

Real Examples

Common Mistakes

Pro Tips from IELTS Active

How IELTS Active Helps

FAQ

Key Takeaways

Why Weather and Seasons Are Common in IELTS Speaking Part 1

Weather is a universal topic that every test-taker can discuss, making it a favourite for IELTS examiners. In Part 1, you'll be asked about your favourite weather, seasons in your country, how weather affects your mood, and what you like to do in different seasons. The examiner is looking for natural, fluent speech with a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Because weather vocabulary is rich (e.g., "humid," "overcast," "breezy," "freezing"), you can easily demonstrate lexical resource. Also, you can use comparisons, contrasts, and personal anecdotes to show coherence and fluency. Many candidates struggle because they give one-word answers or repeat the same words like "hot" and "cold." This guide will help you craft perfect responses that impress the examiner.

Top 5 Weather Questions and Perfect Responses

Below are the five most common weather-related questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1, along with model answers that target Band 8-9.

Question 1: What's the weather like in your country?

"Well, my country has four distinct seasons. Spring is mild and pleasant, with temperatures around 15-20 degrees Celsius. Summer can be sweltering, often exceeding 35 degrees, and it's quite humid. Autumn is crisp and cool, with beautiful foliage, while winter is bitingly cold, sometimes dropping below zero. Overall, the weather varies dramatically throughout the year."

Question 2: What's your favourite season?

"I'm particularly fond of autumn. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold – it's just perfect for outdoor activities like hiking. I love the vibrant colours of the leaves and the fresh, crisp air. Moreover, autumn reminds me of harvest festivals and cosy evenings with a warm drink."

Question 3: Does the weather affect your mood?

"Absolutely. I find that sunny days boost my energy and make me feel optimistic. On the other hand, continuous rain or grey skies can make me feel a bit lethargic. However, I've learned to adapt – for instance, I use bright lights indoors during gloomy days to keep my spirits up."

Question 4: What do you like to do in different seasons?

"In summer, I enjoy swimming and having barbecues with friends. Winter is when I prefer indoor activities like reading by the fireplace or watching movies. Spring and autumn are perfect for long walks and photography because the scenery is stunning."

Question 5: Has the weather changed in your country in recent years?

"Yes, I've noticed some changes. Winters seem milder than before, and summers are becoming hotter and more unpredictable. For example, last year we had a heatwave that lasted for weeks, which was unusual. I think climate change is playing a role."

Band Score Comparison

Band	Score	What Examiner Wants
6	6.0-6.5	Basic vocabulary (hot, cold, rain), simple sentences, some hesitation, limited expansion.
7	7.0-7.5	Good range of weather vocabulary (humid, chilly, scorching), extended answers with reasons, occasional errors.
8	8.0-8.5	Wide lexical range (pouring, drizzling, muggy, frosty), fluent with complex structures, natural use of idioms.
9	9.0	Near-native precision, subtle nuances, perfect grammar, idiomatic expressions, full coherence.

Real Examples

Band 7 Response:

"My favourite season is summer. The weather is hot and sunny. I like to go to the beach and swim. Sometimes it's too hot, but I still enjoy it."

Band 8 Response:

"I'd say autumn is my favourite season because the weather is mild and pleasant – not too hot like summer nor too cold like winter. The leaves change colour, which creates a beautiful landscape. I often go for long walks and take photos. It's also the season of harvest, so there are many local festivals."

Band 9 Response:

"Without a doubt, autumn holds a special place in my heart. The transition from the scorching summer to the crisp autumn air is invigorating. I relish the kaleidoscope of colours – the fiery reds and golden yellows – and the gentle rustle of leaves underfoot. Moreover, autumn offers the perfect balance for outdoor pursuits; I can hike without breaking a sweat or sit in a café with a pumpkin spice latte, watching the world go by. It's a season that appeals to all my senses."

Common Mistakes

❌Mistake 1: One-word answers. Saying "Summer" when asked "What's your favourite season?" without explanation. This limits your score in fluency and lexical resource.

❌Mistake 2: Repeating the same vocabulary. Using "hot" and "cold" multiple times. Instead, use synonyms like "scorching," "boiling," "freezing," "biting" to show range.

❌Mistake 3: Ignoring the question's tense. If asked "What's the weather like in your country?" use present simple. If asked "Has the weather changed?" use present perfect. Many candidates mix tenses.

Pro Tips from IELTS Active

Tip 1: Use collocations like "biting cold," "scorching heat," "crisp morning," "heavy downpour" to sound natural.

Tip 2: Add a personal story or opinion to every answer. For example, "I remember last winter, we had a blizzard that cancelled school – it was magical."

Tip 3: Practice paraphrasing the question in your answer. If asked "Does weather affect your mood?" start with "Absolutely, I believe weather has a profound impact on how I feel because..."

How IELTS Active Helps

At IELTS Active, we provide free practice tests, vocabulary lists, and model answers for all Speaking topics, including weather and seasons. Our website, ieltsactive.com, offers interactive exercises to build fluency, a band score calculator, and expert feedback on your recorded responses. Join over 500,000 students who have improved their scores using our resources. Get our free "Weather Vocabulary PDF" to master 50+ phrases for your next exam.

FAQ

Q: How long should my answer be for Part 1 weather questions? A: Aim for 2-3 sentences per question. Extend with a reason, example, or contrast. For instance, "I love spring because the flowers bloom and the weather is mild. Last year, I went cherry blossom viewing with my family." Q: Can I use idioms in Part 1? A: Yes, but use them naturally. Good idioms for weather: "under the weather" (feeling ill), "rain or shine" (no matter what), "break the ice" (start a conversation). Avoid overusing them. Q: What if I don't know the word for a weather phenomenon? A: Paraphrase. Instead of "blizzard," say "a very heavy snowstorm with strong winds." The examiner values communication over perfection. Q: Should I talk about negative weather? A: Yes, showing balance is good. You can say "I dislike humid weather because it makes me feel sticky and uncomfortable, but I appreciate that it helps plants grow."

Key Takeaways

✅Use varied weather vocabulary (scorching, muggy, crisp, biting) to boost lexical resource.

✅Always extend answers with reasons, examples, or personal experiences.

✅Match tenses to the question (present simple for general, present perfect for changes).

✅Practice common questions with a timer to improve fluency and confidence.

About IELTS Active: Trusted by 500,000+ students. Get free practice tests at ieltsactive.com Related:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Topics 2026: Complete List with Model Answers

IELTS Essay Writing Tips: How to Write Band 7+ Essays

Agree or Disagree IELTS Essay: Complete Guide with Examples