Marks & Spencer has identified November 7 as the recommended date for UK households to switch to a warmer winter duvet, based on the retailer's analysis of 2025 weather data. The data found that temperatures fell below 15°C on November 7 last year and remained at or below that level for the rest of the year.
Why November 7 is the recommended switch date
Melissa Goldman, senior buyer at Marks & Spencer, said: "7th November has been revealed as the date when UK households should switch their duvet for winter. Last year, temperatures dropped below 15°C on this date and remained there or below until year-end, making this the perfect time to switch to a warmer winter duvet of 10.5 tog or above."
The recommendation is based on outdoor temperatures, but the most suitable duvet can also depend on how warm a bedroom is and whether someone tends to feel hot or cold overnight.
How to choose the right tog rating
M&S recommends choosing a duvet according to the temperature, with a rating of 4.5 tog or lower for conditions above 18°C. For temperatures between 15°C and 18°C, the retailer suggests 7.5 to 10.5 tog, while 10.5 tog or higher is recommended when temperatures fall below 15°C.
"A tog (thermal overall rating) measures the thermal insulation of bedding," Ms Goldman explained. "The higher the number, the better the duvet will retain heat and keep you warm."
For people who regularly feel cold at night, M&S says a 13.5 tog duvet may be a better choice during the coldest winter weather. Ms Goldman added that a 10.5 tog duvet should provide sufficient warmth for most modern homes with central heating, although individual preferences and bedroom conditions will vary.
Considerations for a comfortable night's sleep
The NHS advises people to make their sleeping environment comfortable, with a bedroom that is quiet, dark and cool. Choosing suitable bedding can help with comfort, but a heavier duvet is not automatically better for everyone, particularly for those who tend to overheat while sleeping.
Households can use the November date as a reminder to check whether their current duvet is still suitable for the season. If nights are already leaving you cold, you may not need to wait until November 7 to make the change.
