Your Complete Month on Month Guide for the Best Time to Visit London | Seasons, Things to do, Travel Tips
The magical city of London is a bustling tourist destination all year round. Every month has something unique to offer travelers in London. Here's a complete guide to all you can do in London across each month. Pick your favorite time of the year and head to this iconic city!
What's the Best Time to Visit London?
Best Months for Staying Outdoors: June - August
Best Months for Sightseeing & Museum Hopping: March - May, June- August
Best Months for Honeymooners: June - September
Best Months for Budget Travelers: October - December, January - March
Best Months for Shopaholics: Late June - Early July
High Season
May - September
What to expect:
- Warm weather and massive tourist crowds since it is peak season.
- Expect long lines, booked hotels, and peak airline prices during these times.
- Longer daylight hours and fewer showers.
Shoulder Season
March to April and September to October
What to Expect:
- Fewer crowds and shorter queues at tourist hotspots.
- Late Spring will allow you to see gardens and flowers in bloom.
- The moderate weather that starts in September is ideal to enjoy Halloween, pre-Christmas celebrations and more.
Low Season
Late October to Mid-December
What to Expect:
- Cold temperatures and rain.
- Christmas festivities all around!
- You'll have London all to yourself as the tourist crowds begin to reduce.
Seasons in London
Spring
Months: March - May
Average Temperature: 11°C to 15°C
Spring in London is just the right temperature to travel and go sight-seeing. Gardens and flowers across London are in full bloom during this time making it a great time to go on picnics. Explore iconic London attractions during Spring for a memorable experience.
Travel Tips: It’s still best to travel with an umbrella, as rainfall in spring is common.
Summer
Months: June to August
Average Temperature: 21°C - 23°C
Summer in London is greatly relished as the locals enjoy the handful of sunny days they get in the year. You'll find lots of people out and about taking walks and enjoying the city. Summer also means the Wimbledon when visitors from across the world flock to London.
Travel Tips: It might be humid and sticky so remember to carry loose, light clothes for a comfortable trip.
Autumn
Months: September to October
Average Temperature: 12°C - 16°C
It starts getting colder in London once Autumn starts, so you'll need to have a coat handy. Autumn months bring in the River festival that celebrates the Thames with with a month-long festival of food, music, exhibitions and various river competitions. The Musuem of London is also open for night events during this time.
Travel Tips: It rains regularly during Autumn, so check the weather frequently before stepping out.
Winter
Months: November to February
Average Temperature: 2°C-6°C
Visit London in winter only if you're comfortable with the plummeting temperatures. It is cold and wet in the winter and it might not be the best time to go sight-seeing. Since winter isn't popular with tourists the crowds are thin giving you time to yourself.
Travel Tips: Enjoy the Christmas festivities across London during these months. Also day time is short so you'll have to see as much as you can in a short window of time.
Best Time to Visit London: Month on Month Guide
January
Average Temperature: 3ºC - 6ºC
London in January witnesses a slew of major commercial arcades open, and the weather cooperates by remaining pleasant. During this time of the year the days are shorter, giving you a shorter window to begin and finish sightseeing.
Things to do: Visit Christmas markets, go ice-skating, attend the New Year’s Day Paradetake in dazzling views at the Tower Bridge.
Travel Tips: Expect rain and snow and be prepared to stay in when that happens.
London in January
February
Average Temperature: 3ºC - 7ºC
Following a hectic holiday season, London in February sees the tourism scene cool down a lot. The weather is still quite cold, but most of the city is devoid of tourists.
Things to do: Visit London Eye, head to Camden market, celebrate Valentine's Day or head to Kew Garden for the Orchids Festival.
Travel Tips: When you're in the city during the winter, go ice skating at the Winter Wonderland.
London in February
March
Average Temperature: 5ºC - 10ºC
In March, London looks something out of a traveler's fantasies. After a long, cold winter, the flowers anticipate the coming warmth and begin to peep forth. Londoners reclaim their spirits, and the city's nights come alive once more.
Things to do: Visit the Shard, head to Kew Gardens, watch a show at the West End, or celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Travel Tips: Visit the local markets in March and purchase some of the fresh produce on offer.
April
Average Temperature: 7ºC - 13ºC
April is one of the most exciting months to visit London, as the city's blossoming spring flowers are complemented by a variety of special events and activities.
Things to do: Visit Windsor Castle, explore Kensington Palace, check out the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
Travel Tips: Be sure to visit some of the gardens of London like Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens in the latter half of the month to witness the Spring blossom.
May
Average Temperature: 9ºC - 17ºC
May is an excellent month for casual travel because the number of tourists haven't reached their peak yet and you'll get to go sightseeing at your own pace. If you visit London in May, you will have a variety of festivals and shows to pick from to keep you engaged.
Things to do: Attend a gig at the O2 Arena, head to the national gallery, attend the May Fayre and Puppet Festival
Travel Tips: The London Wine Week is an event not to be missed if you are interested in these delicious beverages and their accompaniments.
June
Average Temperature: 12ºC - 20ºC
The beautiful weather is a major selling point for a trip to London in June. The month of June is possibly the greatest time to visit London with the bright sunshine and long daylight hours.
Things to do: Visit Madam Tussauds, Hampton Court Palace or attend the Royal Ascot Race.
Travel Tips: Since June sees a lot of tourists in London, plan to visit the popular attractions early on in the day and try to avoid weekends altogether.
July
Average Temperature: 15°C to 23°C
Skies are clear in London in July making it ideal for going out and sight-seeing. Make the most of outdoor landmarks during this time as the sunshine makes everything infinitely more gorgeous!
Things to do: Visit Buckingham Palace, Kew Gardens, take a cruise on the Thames.
Travel Tips: Since the weather is great, visit gardens and parks to have leisurely picnics with your family or friends.
August
Average Temperature: 15°C to 23°C
August is one of the warmest months in London so remember to pack light, breezy clothes as you go around exploring the city.
Things to do: Attend the London Craft Beer Festival, take a London hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Travel Tips: Check out the Notting Hill carnival if you enjoy street festivals.
September
Average Temperature: 13°C to 20°C
September is officially festival season in London and there are a whole bunch of festivals and events you can attend aside from the regular place to go sight-seeing.
Things to do: Attend the London Design Festival, the free Open House London Festival, or the Chelsea History Festival
Travel Tips: Dress in layers as it is usually cool particularly in the mornings and evenings, especially on the observation decks.
October
Average Temperature: 10°C - 16°C
London becomes colder in October with autumn setting in. You'll find vivid autumnal colors all around you during this time of the year in London!
Things to do: Attend the British Film Institute London Film Festival, London Restaurant Festival, or the Trafalgar Day Parade.
Travel Tips: London is a very pedestrian-friendly city. Carry a pair of comfortable shoes if you plan to do a lot of walking.
November
Average Temperature: 7°C - 12°C
The festive spirit begins to set in during November in London as does the cold. Pack warm coats and jackets for your visit during this time of the year!
Things to do: Checkout the Bonfire Night London Fireworks, attend the EFG London Jazz Festival or a theater show at West End.
Travel Tips: This is a great time to indulge in snowy activities like sleigh rides, skating, snowball fights, and much more.
December
Average Temperature: 5°C - 9°
Christmas time in December ensures that nearly every street in London is lit up and the sprit of joy and celebration is all around you!
Things to do: Check out gorgeous views from The Shard, visit Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park for glorious Christmas festivites.
Travel Tips: Pack your rain gear: an umbrella, a light raincoat and water proof / resistant, comfortable walking shoes.
Top Things to do in London
Know More About the Best Time to Visit London
The months between March and May is the best time to visit London owing to the perfect weather to go sight-seeing.
Summers from June to August and the winters in December and January is high season in London.
June and July are warm, hot months in London when it is Summer.
January and February are the coldest months in London.
November and August see the highest rainfall in London.
The summer months of May, June, July is the best time to visit London.
London is less crowded during the shoulder season which comprises of Mid-September through November, March through April.
During the shoulder seasons of Mid-September through November, March through April. you'll get the best budget deals in London since tourist footfall is less.
Visit popular destinations like The Shard, Tower Bridge, Kew Gardens, and visit parks for picnics.
Check out Christmas markets, go ice-skating and enjoy the festive spirit all around London in Winter.
Go to parks and gardens and watch flowers in their full bloom in London in Spring.
Visit Tower Bridge, head to Kew Gardens, go to the Shard in London in Autumn.
Visit London with kids in the spring when the weather is mild and it is convenient to go around sightseeing.
Visit London in the shoulder season(Mid-September through November, March through April) for a truly romantic time when the crowds are less and you have the city all to yourself.
Late June - Early July is when all the sales are on in London making it a great time for shopping.