Discover the best time to visit London with our complete month-by-month guide to weather, events, and seasonal highlights. From spring cherry blossoms to Christmas markets, find the perfect time for your London trip.
When Is the Best Time to Visit London?
London is a year-round destination with something to offer in every season. However, the ideal time to visit depends on what you want to experience — from blooming parks and outdoor festivals to cozy pubs and festive Christmas markets. Understanding London's seasonal patterns will help you plan the perfect trip. Always check the latest London weather forecast before finalizing your travel dates.
Spring (March – May)
Weather
Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit London. Temperatures gradually climb from around 8°C in March to 17°C by May. Rainfall decreases as the season progresses, and daylight hours increase significantly. April showers are a real phenomenon, so pack a light waterproof jacket alongside your spring layers.
What to Expect
London's parks burst into life during spring. Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Kew Gardens are stunning with daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms. The Chelsea Flower Show in May is a world-famous horticultural event. The London Marathon takes place in April, bringing energy to the city streets. Easter celebrations and the opening of outdoor dining terraces make this a vibrant time to visit.
Crowds & Prices
Spring is a shoulder season with moderate crowds and reasonable hotel prices, especially in March and early April. Late April through May sees increasing visitor numbers as the weather improves. Book accommodation early if you plan to visit during the Chelsea Flower Show or bank holiday weekends.
Summer (June – August)
Weather
Summer brings London's warmest weather, with average highs of 20°C to 25°C and occasional heatwaves pushing temperatures above 30°C. Days are long, with sunset after 9pm in June and July. Rain is still possible but generally lighter and less frequent than in other seasons. Check the London forecast for real-time conditions.
What to Expect
Summer is London's festival season. Wimbledon tennis championships, the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, Notting Hill Carnival in August, and countless outdoor cinema screenings, food festivals, and concerts in the parks make this the liveliest time of year. Open-air theatre at Regent's Park and Shakespeare's Globe are quintessential summer experiences. The long daylight hours mean you can pack more into each day.
Crowds & Prices
This is peak tourist season with the highest hotel prices and longest queues at major attractions. Book accommodation and popular tickets (Tower of London, London Eye, West End shows) well in advance. Consider visiting popular sites early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst crowds.
Autumn (September – November)
Weather
Autumn sees temperatures dropping from a pleasant 19°C in September to around 10°C by November. September is often one of London's best months — warm enough for outdoor activities but without the summer crowds. October brings beautiful autumn foliage to London's parks, while November becomes noticeably cooler and darker.
What to Expect
The cultural calendar kicks into high gear in autumn. The theatre season opens with major new productions in the West End. The London Film Festival in October attracts international stars. Bonfire Night (5th November) lights up the sky with fireworks across the city. The Frieze Art Fair and the Lord Mayor's Show add to the rich cultural programme. Autumn is also a wonderful time for food lovers, with seasonal menus and the start of the cozy pub season.
Crowds & Prices
September remains busy, but October and November see a welcome drop in tourist numbers and hotel prices. This is an excellent time for budget-conscious travellers who still want good weather and rich cultural offerings.
Winter (December – February)
Weather
London winters are cold but rarely extreme, with average temperatures between 3°C and 8°C. Snow is uncommon in central London but not impossible. Days are short, with sunset as early as 3:45pm in December. Rain and overcast skies are frequent, so warm layers, a good coat, and waterproof shoes are essential. Monitor the 16-day London forecast for any cold snaps.
What to Expect
December transforms London into a winter wonderland. Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street are spectacular, and Christmas markets pop up at South Bank, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, and Covent Garden. Ice skating rinks appear at the Natural History Museum, Somerset House, and the Tower of London. January brings the famous New Year's Day Parade and the start of the January sales. February offers quieter museums and romantic Valentine's Day experiences.
Crowds & Prices
December is busy with Christmas shoppers and visitors, but January and February are among the quietest and cheapest months to visit London. Hotel prices drop significantly, and you can enjoy world-class museums and galleries without the crowds.
Month-by-Month Quick Guide
January: Cold and quiet. New Year's Day Parade. January sales. Great for museums. Average 2–7°C.
February: Still cold but days are getting longer. Chinese New Year in Chinatown. Half-term activities. Average 2–8°C.
March: Spring begins. Daffodils in the parks. St Patrick's Day parade. Average 4–11°C.
April: Easter celebrations. London Marathon. Cherry blossoms. April showers likely. Average 6–14°C.
May: Warm and beautiful. Chelsea Flower Show. Bank holidays. Outdoor dining. Average 9–17°C.
June: Long days. Trooping the Colour. Open-air events begin. Average 12–20°C.
July: Peak summer. Wimbledon. BBC Proms begin. Longest days. Average 14–23°C.
August: Warm and busy. Notting Hill Carnival. Summer festivals. Average 14–23°C.
September: Warm shoulder season. London Fashion Week. Open House weekend. Average 12–19°C.
October: Autumn colours. London Film Festival. Frieze Art Fair. Average 8–15°C.
November: Bonfire Night fireworks. Christmas lights switch on. Average 5–10°C.
December: Festive magic. Winter Wonderland. Christmas markets. Average 3–8°C.
Our Recommendation
For the best overall experience, we recommend visiting London in late April to early June or September. These periods offer pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and a packed calendar of events. However, London truly has something special in every season — the festive magic of December, the cultural richness of autumn, or the endless energy of summer all make compelling cases for a visit any time of year.
Whatever time you choose, check the London weather forecast to pack appropriately and make the most of your trip.
