A Guide to the Best Time to Visit London

The capital city of the UK has always been one of the most popular places in the country to visit. Absolutely overflowing with historical and cultural attractions, London is also a hub for music, sport and theatre which makes it a fantastic place to visit no matter what your interests are.

There will always be something that you want to do when you visit the city, so the real question is what is the best time to visit London? In this article, we explore what’s on in London every month and offer suggestions for what you can enjoy when you visit in every season.

Spring Season in London

Spring is one of the best times to visit London if you’re hoping for mild and sunny weather without the busy atmosphere of the summer. Temperatures start to rise and offer the ideal conditions for outdoor sightseeing, whilst rainy days can be spent exploring the city’s plethora of art galleries and museums.

London in March

March is the start of the spring season in London, bringing with it a decrease in the winter’s wet weather and the promise of more sunshine. Average temperatures in the city at this time of year are only around 10°C, so you’ll want to pack layers and probably a raincoat if you’re planning on being out and about.

An annual event that often takes place in London in March is the Gemini Boat Race, where the UK’s most prestigious universities, Oxford and Cambridge, compete in a rowing race down the Thames. It’s an event that has been taking place for almost 200 years and the route runs between Putney and Mortlake in the southwest of the city, creating a long stretch for festivities throughout the day that culminate in watching the race in the afternoon.

The rest of the month, March is one of the best times to go to London if you want to spend quiet weekends enjoying the city’s cultural offerings or relaxed mid-week breaks in some of the most popular areas.

London in April

April is the best time to visit London if you want to see the city in the spring. Average temperatures can reach up to 13°C, and whilst you might experience some of the famous ‘April showers’ there should be a fair amount of dry and sunny days too.

One of the top picks for what to do in London in April is to spend time in one of the city’s many parks and gardens. At the start of the month you might see the cherry blossom trees in places like Greenwich Park, whilst Kew Gardens will burst into bloom as the season progresses and is a gorgeous place for a day out.

Easter often falls in April which means that there will be a bank holiday in the UK, and as the country’s capital city you’ll find lots of activities and events taking place in London to mark the occasion, particularly catering towards families enjoying the school holidays. Another key event in London in March is the London Marathon, which is always an inspiring and celebratory occasion.

London in May

If you’re hoping for summer weather without the peak season crowds then May is the best month to visit London. Chances of rain continue to decrease and it’s usually around 15°C which is very pleasant for exploring the city on foot.

Sightseeing, walking tours and open-air bus trips should be on your itinerary for a trip to London in March, along with spending time at some of the city’s most popular attractions before the summer crowds start to gather. Take a boat ride down the Thames, explore Covent Garden and plan a picnic in one of the sprawling parks on a day when the weather is warm and dry.

A highlight of events in London in May is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, held in Chelsea in West London, which showcases some of the finest garden design and horticulture in the world. There are also two bank holidays at the start and end of May in the UK, which are often marked with a variety of events around the city.

Summer Season in London

The weather during the summer season in London is undoubtedly the best that the city sees all year. It’s also the busiest time in terms of the events and activities on offer, especially in August, which is why many people consider summer to be the best time to visit London.

London in June

June is the start of the peak season for tourism in London as the weather starts to properly warm up and the city prepares for a jam-packed events schedule during the school holidays. Expect highs of up to 20°C and light, mild evenings, offering the ideal conditions to enjoy a classic British tradition of drinking in a beer garden.

The warm weather in London in June means that spending time outdoors is one of the best things to do in the city, whether you’re exploring a park or visiting landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. If you’re a fan of fine food then June is also a great month to enjoy the extensive range of restaurants around London and appreciate the chance to dine outdoors before it gets too hot and cramped in the city.

For a cultural event, Trooping the Colour celebrates the King’s birthday in June and involves an impressive parade and pageant. One of the city’s biggest art shows, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, also starts in June and is one of the best things to see in London if you’re looking for creative inspiration.

London in July

Tourism statistics and plenty of recommendations will tell you that July is the best time to visit London. And if you’re looking for temperatures in the mid-twenties, a lively atmosphere and an endless list of things to do, then look no further than London in July.

The city is yours for the taking during the summer months in London. Make the most of the outdoor attractions, enjoy boat, bus and walking tours to see the city with a guide, or enjoy the air conditioning inside shops, galleries and museums if you want a reprieve from the sunshine. UK school holidays start at the end of the month, so you can expect plenty of family-focused events around the city from then, ranging from shows to activities and workshops.

A brilliant event in London in July is the Wimbledon tennis tournament, which usually takes place during the month and sees the finest players in the world congregate on the courts at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in southwest London.

London in August

August is the hottest month in London and the peak of the season, with average temperatures that can reach up to 30°C. It’s also one of the busiest months of the year in the city, so bear this in mind when you’re planning a trip as key attractions and public transport can sometimes be very crowded.

The influx of visitors in London in August is for good reason though, as it’s a brilliant time to enjoy all that the city has to offer. From exciting exhibitions to pop-up festivals and plenty of music and sporting events, there’s something for everyone on offer in London in August. And of course, the hot summer months in London are ideal for drinking, dining and relaxing outdoors.

For music lovers, the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall is a cultural highlight that you can enjoy in August. Theatre fans can either visit the West End or watch shows at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre, and if you’re looking for one of the biggest parties in the city is the Notting Hill Carnival at the end of the month.

Autumn Season in London

The excitement of summer in London slows down as autumn begins, offering a more peaceful atmosphere to enjoy the more relaxing activities on offer in the city. 

London in September

September is another month that is often heralded as the best time to go to London. At the start of the month you’ll likely still see warm average temperatures around 20°C, and as the school holidays finish it will also grow less busy.

Sightseeing, walking tours and museum trips are all great things to do in London in September, making the most of the mild weather and enjoying exploring the city. When it comes to events, a highlight is the Totally Thames festival that takes place all month with a diverse range of different cultural activities and performances. There’s also the London Design Festival for art and interior fans, and the London Open House if you’d like to learn more about the city’s architecture.

London in October

There’s something very romantic about London in October, as the days start to grow shorter and the city feels much cosier. It’s only about 13°C most days in the city and chances of rain are increasing, so you’ll want to wrap up warm when you visit.

Lean into the cosy aesthetic during the autumn season in London and enjoy afternoons of shopping in places like Covent Garden, Mayfair and the Seven Dials, followed by a trip to a cafe or restaurant. You can also enjoy uninterrupted afternoons browsing exhibitions during the week, making the most of the quieter atmosphere.

There’s a half-term school holiday in October when London tends to get a bit busier, and Halloween at the end of the month is also a cause for a range of celebrations.

London in November

The end of the autumn season in London is one of the wettest times of year across the whole UK, so make sure that you pack an umbrella! Temperatures fall as winter approaches, and some days it won’t be more than around 10°C, so you’ll want to wrap up warm as well.

Make the most of indoor activities if you’re wondering what to do in London in November, from watching shows at the West End to enjoying attractions like Madam Tussauds or the Harry Potter studios. Bonfire Night on the 5th of November will be marked with a fantastic firework display and many other events around the city, so this is a great time to be in the city.

Winter Season in London

It might be cold, but the winter season in London is still one of the most popular times of year to visit the city. Christmas celebrations in December are magical no matter your age, and at the start of the year there’s plenty to see and do.

London in December

December is a month of festive excitement in London, with the whole city decked out to celebrate Christmas. It’s unlikely to snow but it will be cold, so pack accordingly for temperatures which might not rise above 8°C!

In terms of festive things to do in London in December, take your pick from Christmas markets, outdoor ice skating, Christmas shopping and festive-themed concerts and film screenings. The city will also be decked out in Christmas lights from the end of November, which you can admire on a guided tour that takes you past all of the most impressive displays.

After Christmas, one of the biggest New Year's Eve celebrations also takes place in London on the 31st of the month. There are parties all around the city, but the fireworks display and light show around the London Eye is a real highlight.

London in January

January is quite a quiet month in London as the city recovers from its festive celebrations. It’s also pretty cold and rainy, which also means that you won’t see many crowds at key attractions which can be ideal if you prefer a more authentic atmosphere when you visit a destination.

Keep warm and dry during the London winter months and take advantage of all of the brilliant indoor cultural attractions to keep you entertained. If it’s cold outside it’s also the perfect time to indulge in a hearty British pub roast, which you will be served in establishments all over the city that will range from traditional to gourmet. 

London in February

Temperatures in London in February will still be pretty chilly, averaging at around 7°C and accompanied by a reasonable chance of rain. February also sees some beautiful crisp and clear days as winter starts to thaw however, which are ideal times to climb one of London’s skyscrapers or ride the London Eye to admire views of the city.

If you’re a romantic then you’ll find plenty to do on Valentine's Day in London, especially if you’re a foodie who wants to make the most of the flavours on offer at one of the city’s best restaurants in order to celebrate the occasion. Aside from the week when half-term holidays take place, February in London is another pretty quiet month, so it’s a good time to enjoy things like theatre trips and museum visits.

Summary

London is an iconic UK travel destination. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’ve visited before, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy. The fact that London also experiences four distinct seasons means that it offers something different depending on when you visit, so whilst summer tends to be the most popular time to go to London, there’s plenty to be said for spring, autumn and winter as well.

If you’re searching for somewhere to stay in London and are wondering about the best time to visit, browse our collection of beautiful luxury houses to rent in the south east.