When to visit London
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London's mild climate means it can be visited at any time of year.
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In spring, the weather can be mild but wet. The Easter weekend brings several closures to be aware of, as well as plenty of celebrations.
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As well as warm weather, summer brings music festivals, open-air cinemas and many great outdoor activities worth experiencing.
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Autumn can often be mild to begin with and as the days get colder the Christmas lights begin to appear.
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While winter can be cold, the Christmas season in London is worth the cooler temperatures, and followed by spectacular New Year’s celebrations and, of course, the January sales.
When is the best time to visit London?
The "best" time to visit London all depends on just exactly what you want to get out of your trip. Throughout each season, the city plays host to an ever-changing landscape of events, things to do and more – meaning no matter when you visit, you'll always have plenty to choose from.
For example, those seeking the renowned yet rare London summer will likely want to visit in the warmer months to maximise your chances of sun. For moody and autumnal hues, Sunday roasts in a cosy pub, and a movie-like view of London, you'll want to visit in autumn. And for Christmas magic, cooler climates and plenty of celebration, winter will be the best time to make the trip.
When is the cheapest time to visit London?
Usually, the period between January and March is the cheapest time to visit London, due to the cool temperatures, occasional rainfall, and lack of public holidays and events. Prices for both hotels and flights during this time fall significantly compared to the summer or holiday season, making it the ideal time for any travellers on a budget.
What is the warmest month to visit London?
According to data reports from the last few years, July is statistically the warmest month to visit London. Temperatures reach an average high of 24C (75.2F) and an average low of 14C (57.2F). While this may seem somewhat low to travelers from warmer countries, London is prone to the occasional heatwave, with temperatures even exceeding 40C (104F) in July 2022.
Is there a rainy season in London?
Unfortunately for locals, there isn't a designated rainy season in London. Instead, the city experiences moderate rainfall all year round. According to data from Weather Trends, October is statistically the wettest month of the year, with 21 days of rainfall on average. Surprisingly, March and April have the lowest rainfall with a total average of around 15 days.
What month has the most daylight hours in London?
June has the most daylight hours in London each year. Daylight can be present for up to 16.5 hours per day, meaning the sky will stay bright until fairly late in the evening. The earliest sunrise in June usually happens around 4.40am, meaning the early risers among us can get out and explore the city without the crowds.
When is off-season in London?
Although London is popular all year round, for those looking for a somewhat quieter trip to the city, there are several periods of the year that could be considered "off-season". In line with the cheaper times to visit, the first off-season typically falls between January and April. The other comes directly after the summer peak – between September and November. While still packed with plenty events and things to do, these periods offer less footfall around key tourist areas and monuments.
To avoid bigger crowds, it's best to avoid the February half-term, Easter holiday and October half-term. The dates of these breaks change annually and this is when children across the country will be on a short break from school.
What months are peak season in London?
Peak season, or high season, typically takes place between June and September. Prompted by the weather, outdoor events, and school holidays around the world, these months see the number of tourists increase significantly across the city. During this time, hotels and flights are considerably more expensive when compared to quieter times of year.
However, if you are planning on visiting London during the peak season, don't let the increased crowds and higher prices put you off! The city truly comes to life during the summer, making way for events such as Wimbledon, a multitude of festivals, and just about every activity you can think of.
London can be visited at any time of year, as it has a mild climate and extreme weather is rare. But your visit will be different depending on the time of year. See our guide to visiting during London’s four seasons below, or take a look at our guide to London by month.
Spring: March to May
If visiting London in the spring, you’ll enjoy longer daylight hours and mild weather, with temperatures averaging 11C to 15C (52F to 59F). It’s still best to travel with an umbrella, as spring rainfall is common.
Easter falls in this period, with public holidays on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Most shops are closed on Easter Sunday, and there may be changes and reduced public transport services.
Central London is busy over the Easter weekend and for the duration of the two-week Easter school holiday.
Summer: June to August
The summer is a great time to visit, with warm (even hot!) weather meaning you can make the most of London’s green spaces, beer gardens and rooftop bars. Temperatures average 18C (64F) and can go above 30C (86F) – perfect if you’re attending one of London’s many summer music festivals or outdoor cinemas.
With the good weather and school holidays, the summer months are the most popular time of the year to visit London. Book attractions in advance to skip the queues.
Autumn: September to November
The busy summer season comes to an end in the second week of September. Autumn is a lovely time of year to visit London – the weather is mild, around 11C to 15C (52F to 59F), and you can enjoy a variety of annual events, from the Totally Thames festival to Halloween celebrations. You can see the city's spectacular Christmas lights and decorations from November onwards.
The October half-term is one of the key times for families to visit, taking advantage of the school holidays.
Winter: December to February
Although London is colder in winter, average temperatures of between 2C and 6C (36F to 43F) mean you’ll still be able to fully enjoy the city – just make sure you wrap up warm!
December has the added bonus of the Christmas lights, decorations and activities taking place. Make sure you check public transport in advance from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day as there may be engineering works and reduced services. Don't forget to visit the January sales, which start straight after Christmas.
January and February are generally quieter times of year to visit and, apart from the February half-term week, you can often find cheaper deals on accommodation, attractions and restaurants.
