The best times to visit London


Not sure when to visit London? We’ve put together a guide on London’s different seasons and highlights to help you decide. Ultimately, it depends on what you want out of your trip, whether it’s about getting the cheapest prices, or having the most events to check out. We’ll share plenty of tips for visiting London to help you make the best of your trip, whenever you choose to go.
London's peak season: June–August
Summer school holidays take place around late June to early September and many European companies close for several weeks around July and August as well, so expect London’s attractions to be quite crowded. Summer prices in London are some of the highest in the year for flights, accommodation, and transport, so make sure to book as early as possible to guarantee yourself a ticket and the lowest possible prices.
London temperatures are at their highest during summer, averaging around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. While it might not seem too warm, the Tube can be quite sweltering as it is (mostly) not air-conditioned, and in recent years there have been heatwaves where temperatures soar to above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool off by checking out London’s nearby beaches to fully soak in the sunshine.
Summer in London



Fans of the royal family should visit London in summer as Buckingham Palace is open for tours from June to October. Also in June is the annual Trooping the Colour, also known as the Queen’s Birthday Parade—another royal highlight worth seeing in person.
On the cultural front, the mild summer weather is especially great for large outdoor events like the Notting Hill Carnival, a celebration of Caribbean culture, and the British Summer Time Hyde Park music festival. For classical music lovers, the annual BBC Proms season will keep your weekends busy.
Other ways to soak up the summer include watching the Wimbledon tennis championships, admiring horticulture at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, or swimming at the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park.
London's shoulder season: March-May, September–November
Spring and fall are some of the best months to enjoy London without crowds. You shouldn’t face too many tourists during this period, though there are some major holidays to watch out for. Expect crowds and closures during the Easter weekend (the weeks before and after Easter Sunday) and the May Day bank holidays during spring; and the end of October when families may take a short break during fall.
The warmer spring weather coincides with the year’s lowest rainfall along with the first signs of flowers blooming, making it an ideal time to enjoy the many parks in London. Daylight stretches for longer and the U.K. turns to British Summer Time (BST) typically around the end of March, which may mean extended opening hours for tourist attractions.
Fall in London sees overall cooler weather at around 51–59 degrees Fahrenheit on average. While the daylight hours gradually shorten and there are more rainy days, there is still plenty to explore in London’s fall season along with lovely autumn foliage views to enjoy.
Spring in London


Florals are blooming all across London in spring, from the cherry blossoms around St Paul’s Cathedral to the spring tulips in Holland Park. For horticultural lovers, check out the RHS Chelsea Flower Show or Chelsea in Bloom for epic floral displays and activities.
For those looking to party, time your visit for special events like St Patrick’s Day in mid-March where the pubs and bars are decked out in green, or Easter weekend in April with egg-themed events throughout the city. Royal fans can also check out the gun salute at Hyde Park and the Tower of London, marking the Queen’s actual birthday on April 21.
The warmer weather is also prime for sporting events. The annual Head of the River Race features rowers racing along the River Thames in March, while long-distance runners can participate in the London Marathon in April and Hackney Moves races in May.
Fall in London


It’s hard to miss the golden hues of fall foliage that you can admire in London’s many parks. Some great spots to check out include Kynance Mews, with charming houses covered in fiery creepers, as well as Richmond Park, the largest of the Royal Parks outside of Central London and home to several herds of deer.
Some quintessentially British events to add to your itinerary include Guy Fawkes Day, also known as Bonfire Night, which sees bonfires and spectacular fireworks displays throughout London on the night of November 5. Also worth catching is the historic Lord Mayor’s Show with its annual street parade and pageantry typically held on the second Saturday of November.
Fall is also the season for cultural festivals in London, from the art installations and exhibitions of Totally Thames along the Thames River to the film screenings of the BFI Film Festival. Food lovers can savor the best of London’s diverse food and beverage scene with the annual London Restaurant Festival and London Cocktail Week in October.
London's low season: December–February
The low season in London happens in the cold winter months of January and February. However, the winter holidays and festive celebrations mean that prices for flights and accommodation tend to drop only after the New Year. There is a February half term break for U.K. school children so you may want to book your transport and hotels ahead of time as families might do some vacationing then.
Pack warmly and bring an umbrella or raincoat around with you as average rainfall is at its peak during London’s winter months. Be prepared for shorter days and reduced opening hours for attractions, so check before you visit. It may be cold and wet but it’s also your best chance to experience London’s sights without the massive queues and crowds.
Winter in London


London is a great place to celebrate the festive cheer in December with Christmas markets and major shopping districts like Piccadilly and Oxford Streets decked out in lights. Kew Gardens and the giant Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square are other great spots to check out as well. The year-end sees a large fireworks display over the River Thames on New Year’s Eve and the London New Year’s Day Parade the following day.
Shopping lovers will enjoy the annual post-Christmas sales in January. February is also popular with rugby fans when the oldest rugby tournament in the world is held, the Six Nations Rugby Championship.
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