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Best Time To Visit London: A Complete Guide

Team AckoOct 4, 2024

London is one of the most multicultural cities in Europe. There's no better place in England than London to taste some of the best food, explore stunning architecture, and catch some live music. Before you sort out your UK visa and travel insurance, read ahead to know the best time to visit London.

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Best time to visit London

If you're wondering when is the best time to visit London from India, the answer is anytime! However, if you're looking for the perfect balance of warm weather, outdoor activities, and festive events, summer is the way to go.

From June to August, the city comes alive with street festivals, outdoor concerts, and beautiful parks. If you're more of a fan of cooler temperatures and lower crowds, the best time to travel to London is in the spring or fall. No matter when you visit, London is sure to delight with its rich history, vibrant culture, and endless things to do.

Here are 5 reasons to visit London

History and culture: London hosts several world-famous landmarks and cultural institutions, such as Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and the Tower of London.
Food: London is known for its diverse and delicious food scene, with cuisines from all over the world represented in the city's restaurants.
Shopping: It is a shopper's paradise, with a wide range of stores and markets to explore, including the famous Oxford Street and Camden Market.
Entertainment: This city is home to many theatres, concert venues, and other entertainment options, including the West End theatre district and the O2 Arena.
Natural beauty: London has many beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy, including Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Best season to visit London

London is a city that everyone flocks to because they know that they're going to have a great time. No matter what month you visit London, there are plenty of things to do and see. However, your choice of season will depend on what type of activities you like to do while visiting.

Here is a general breakdown of the different seasons and the best seasons to visit London so you can make the most out of your trip.

Peak season: June to August and December to early January is the busiest and most expensive time to visit as the weather is generally warm and dry and there are many events and activities taking place. If you don't mind the crowds and higher prices, this might be the best time for you to visit London.

Shoulder season: April to May and September to November is a good time to visit London as the weather is usually pleasant and there are fewer tourists. Prices for flights and accommodation are generally lower than during peak season.

Low season: January to March is the quietest time to visit London, as the weather can be cold and damp. However, there are fewer tourists and prices for flights and accommodation is generally lower so it can be a good time to visit if you're looking for a bargain holiday.

Best month to visit London

Ultimately, the best month to visit London depends on your personal preferences and what you want to do while you're there. If you're interested in outdoor activities, for example, you might want to visit during the warmer months of June to August. If you're more interested in culture and history, you might prefer to go to London during the quieter months of January to March.

Month-by-month guide to visit London

Here is a guide to visiting London, organised by month and with information about the weather, events, and travel tips for each month.

London in January

Weather: January is London’s coldest month, with average high temperatures of 8°C (46°F) and average low temperatures of 3°C (37°F). Rain is common throughout the month.
Events: The London Boat Show, Winter Wonderland (a festive theme park in Hyde Park), and the London Art Fair are all held in January.
Travel tips: Pack warm layers and a waterproof coat, and consider purchasing tickets to indoor events to stay warm.

London in February

Weather: February is similar to January, with average high temperatures of 8°C (46°F) and average low temperatures of 3°C (37°F). Rain is still common.
Events: The Chinese New Year celebrations, the London Fashion Week, and the London Classic Car Show are the events to go to if you’re visiting London in February.
Travel tips: As with January, pack warm layers and a waterproof coat. Consider purchasing tickets to indoor events to stay warm.

London in March

Weather: March is the beginning of spring in London, with average high temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and average low temperatures of 4°C (39°F). Rain is still common.
Events: If you’re heading over to London in March, make sure not to miss the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the London Film Festival, and the London International Mime Festival.
Travel tips: Pack layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. An umbrella may also be useful.

London in April

Weather: April is the start of warmer weather in London, with average high temperatures of 13°C (55°F) and average low temperatures of 6°C (43°F). Rain is still a possibility.
Events: The London Marathon, the London Coffee Festival, and the London Restaurant Festival are held in April.
Travel tips: Pack layers and an umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable.

London in May

Weather: May is a pleasant time to visit London, with average high temperatures of 17°C (63°F) and average low temperatures of 9°C (48°F). Rain is still a possibility.
Events: The Chelsea Flower Show, the Hay Literary Festival, and Camden Beach are the major events happening in London in May.
Travel tips: Pack layers and an umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable.

London in June

Weather: June is the start of summer in London, with average high temperatures of 21°C (70°F) and average low temperatures of 13°C (55°F). Rain is still a possibility.
Events: The Trooping the Colour (a ceremonial parade to mark the Queen's official birthday), the Glastonbury Festival (a music festival held in the nearby town of Glastonbury), and the Pride in London parade are all held in June.
Travel tips: Pack layers and an umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable. If attending outdoor events, also bring sun protection such as sunscreen and a hat.

London in July

Weather: July is the warmest month in London, with average high temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and average low temperatures of 16°C (61°F). Rain is still a possibility.
Events: The Wimbledon tennis tournament, the British Summer Time music festival in Hyde Park, and the Lovebox music festival are all held in July.
Travel tips: Pack layers and an umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable.

London in August

Weather: August is typically warm and sunny in London, with average high temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Events: Some events to check out in August include the Notting Hill Carnival (a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture and music) and the Reading and Leeds Festivals which are two of the UK's biggest music festivals.
Travel tips: August can be a busy time to visit London, so be sure to book your accommodations in advance. Also, be prepared for crowds at popular tourist attractions.

London in September

Weather: September is still relatively warm in London, with average high temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 22°C (72°F). However, you may experience some cooler and rainier days as well.
Events: Some events to check out in September include Open House London (an annual event that offers free access to hundreds of buildings across the city) and London Fashion Week.
Travel tips: September is a good time to visit London as it is less busy than the summer months. Be sure to bring a raincoat or umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable.

London in October

Weather: October is cooler and wetter than September, with average high temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64°F).
Events: Some events to check out in October include the BFI London Film Festival, which showcases the best in international cinema, and Halloween, which is celebrated throughout the city with parties and events.
Travel tips: October can be a good time to visit London as it is less busy than the summer months but it can be a wet month.

London in November

Weather: November is cold and wet in London, with average high temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 12°C (54°F).
Events: Some events to check out in November include the Lord Mayor's Show, a traditional parade and pageant, and the switching on of the Christmas lights on Oxford Street.
Travel tips: Be sure to bring a warm coat and umbrella, as the weather can be chilly and wet in November.

London in December

Weather: December is cold and wet in London, with average high temperatures ranging from 6°C (43°F) to 9°C (48°F).
Events: Some events to check out in December include the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which features rides, food stalls, and festive entertainment, and the Christmas markets at Southbank Centre and Leicester Square.
Travel tips: You may also want to book your accommodations in advance as the city can get busy around the holidays.

Cheapest time to visit London

The cheapest time to visit London can vary depending on a number of factors, including the exchange rate, demand for travel to the city, and the cost of accommodations. However, the cost of your trip will depend on a number of factors, including the time of year you go, the type of accommodations you choose, and how you plan to get around the city. Here are a few things you can do to save money on your trip to London:

Consider staying in a budget hotel or hostel rather than a luxury hotel.
Look for discounts on attractions and transportation, such as the London Pass, which offers discounted access to many of the city's top attractions.
Eat at local markets and pubs instead of at expensive restaurants.
Consider purchasing a Travelcard or Oyster card, which allows you to use London’s extensive public transportation that includes buses, the Underground (also known as the "Tube"), and overground trains.

Most expensive time to visit London

Prices to visit London are highest during peak tourist seasons in June–August and at major holidays such as Christmas and New Years. During this time, demand for flights, hotels, and other tourist activities is at its highest. If you're looking to save money on your trip to London, you may want to consider travelling during the shoulder season or during the winter months, when prices tend to be lower.

More about best time to go to London

Best time to visit London for a honeymoon

London is a city that can be visited year-round, as it has a mild climate and something to offer at any time of the year. However, some seasons may be more suitable for a romantic honeymoon than others.

Spring is a great time to visit London as the weather is mild and the city is adorned with blooming flowers. The cherry blossoms in St. James' Park and the tulips in Kew Gardens are particularly beautiful at this time of the year.

Summer is also a good time to visit London albeit it is quite crowded and hot. There are plenty of outdoor events and activities to enjoy, such as picnics in the park, al fresco dining, and beach parties.

Autumn is another good time to visit London as the weather is cooler and the city is less crowded than in the summer. The autumn foliage in the Royal Parks is also beautiful at this time of the year.

Best time to go to London for shopping

The best time to go to London for shopping depends on your preferences and budget.

If you're looking for sales and discounts, the best time to visit London for shopping is during the winter sales, which typically start in late December and continue through January. This is a great time to find discounted prices on winter clothing and holiday gifts.

If you're interested in shopping at high-end stores and boutiques, you may want to visit London during the summer, when many of the city's designer stores have their full collections available. However, prices may be higher during this time due to the higher demand from tourists.

Best time to see royal sites in London

The best time to see the royal sites in London depends on your personal preference and schedule. If you want to avoid crowds, it's generally best to visit on weekdays, as these days tend to be less busy than weekends. If you don't mind crowds, you can visit on a weekend or a public holiday.

The busiest times for the royal sites are usually around 9:00 am - 11:00 am and 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, so you may want to plan your visit outside of these times if possible.

It's also worth noting that some of the royal sites have specific opening hours, so you'll want to check the individual website for the site you're interested in visiting to find out when it is open to the public.

Now that you are all set for your London experience, don't forget the most important thing—travel insurance plan. It’s always a good idea to consider travel insurance to safeguard your trip. It may seem like a small step, but it can provide coverage for unexpected events like medical expenses, flight cancellations and delays, lost baggage, and more. So, take this extra step to make sure your trip is worry-free and unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a list of common questions and answers related to the best time to visit London.

Which is the hottest month in London?

The hottest month in London is usually July, when temperatures can reach an average high of around 26°C (79°F). However, it's important to note that the weather in London can be quite unpredictable and it's not uncommon for temperatures to soar into the 30s°C (86°F) or higher during the summer months. It can also get quite humid during this time of year.

When is the rainy season in London?

The rainy season in London generally occurs from October to April, with November being the wettest month. It's a good idea to bring a raincoat or umbrella with you if you're visiting London during this time of the year, as well as carry some layers of clothing that you can easily add or remove to adjust to the changing weather.

When is the best time to visit London with family?

The best time to visit London with your family will depend on your personal preferences and the age of your children. Some things to consider when deciding when to visit London with your family include the weather, school holidays, and the cost of travel and accommodation.

Is it a good idea to go to London in December?

London can be a great destination to visit in December, as the city is known for its festive atmosphere during the holiday season. Some of the highlights of visiting London in December include:

Christmas markets: London has several Christmas markets that are open throughout the month of December, selling festive foods, drinks, and gifts.
Christmas lights: London is known for its elaborate Christmas lights displays which can be found throughout the city, particularly in central London.
Festive events: London has a range of festive events on offer in December, including carol concerts, ice skating rinks, and Christmas shows.
Shopping: London is a great destination for shopping and the city is particularly festive in December with many stores offering special holiday promotions and sales.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.