Planning a London trip? The best time to travel to London hinges on your priorities – whether it’s sunny weather, smaller crowds, festivals, bargains, or holiday cheer. London’s temperate climate means it can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers a different experience. In this guide, we break down London by season and interest. You’ll learn when to visit for spring blossoms, summer sunshine, autumn colors or winter holidays. We also cover the best time to travel to London on a budget, for festivals, sightseeing, theater, shopping, and visiting famous landmarks. We incorporate tips from local experts and official sources to help you time your trip just right.
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild and blooming, but some rain. Ideal for parks and shoulder crowds.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest weather, long daylight, plus big events and festivals. High tourist season.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool and crisp. September-October sees thinning crowds and fall foliage, November brings holiday lights.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Coldest, with holiday markets and sales. Quietest Jan–Feb for bargains.
Each season is summarized above (with images and tips below). For example, London’s peak season is June through September when outdoor events (Wimbledon, music festivals) and school holidays fill the city. In contrast, the months of January–March tend to be off-season with the lowest prices on flights and hotels. Figure out what you want – summer sun or winter sales – and you’ll find the best time to travel to London for your needs.
Spring (March–May): Blooms and Mild Weather
London’s spring is often considered one of the best times to travel to London in spring. Daylight lengthens, parks and gardens burst into bloom (e.g. cherry blossoms and magnolias), and temperatures rise from winter lows. Average highs climb to about 11–15 °C (52–59 °F) in spring, which is pleasant but often still calls for an umbrella – spring rainfall is common. According to VisitLondon, March and April actually have among the fewest rainy days of the year (~15 days each), so spring can be drier than winter or autumn. However, occasional showers do occur, so pack layers and a light rain jacket.
Spring is shoulder season – not as crowded as summer, but with some visitors (especially around Easter). Note that Easter falls in spring and may bring holiday closures and crowds around early April. That said, late spring (April–May) often strikes a sweet spot: Londoners flock outdoors on sunny days, but overall visitor numbers are moderate. Travel + Leisure notes spring (especially May) has “milder weather, [and] the crowds are not as big” as summer. Museums and attractions reopen after winter, and the famous Chelsea Flower Show (late May) showcases London’s gardening flair.
Example: Tourists snapping photos of Buckingham Palace in London. Springtime brings long days and blooming scenery. The best time to travel to London in spring is often April–May, when mild weather and blossoming parks coincide with thinner crowds.
Spring highlights: The warmer end of spring (April–May) is often cited as “the best time to travel to London spring”. You can stroll Hyde Park, enjoy outdoor cafes, and catch spring festivals or parades. If you travel in mid-May, expect pleasant weather and great photo ops of gardens. March can still be chilly and rainy (with averages closer to 8–12 °C), while June (early summer) starts to warm up more (discussed below).
Summer (June–August): Warmth, Daylight & Events
London’s summer (June through August) is the warmest period and its busiest tourist season. According to VisitLondon, summer days can be quite warm – average highs around 18 °C (64 °F) – and occasionally exceed 30 °C (86 °F) during heatwaves. Long daylight hours (up to ~16.5 hours in June) mean evenings stay light and tourists pack the parks and attractions. In summer, London’s famous green spaces, rooftop bars, and open-air cinemas come alive.
Peak season (June–Aug) coincides with school holidays around the world, so expect high crowds and prices. Travel + Leisure confirms: “London tends to be more popular in the summer, a beautiful time of year when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor festivals to attend.” If you don’t mind crowds, summer rewards visitors with big events: Wimbledon tennis (late June/early July), London Pride parade (late June), outdoor music and film festivals, fireworks, and cultural fairs. For example, VisitLondon notes summer “makes way for events such as Wimbledon, a multitude of festivals, and just about every activity you can think of”.
To avoid the worst of crowds, plan outdoor visits early or late in the day. Book West End theater or popular attractions well in advance. Otherwise, summer’s warmth and energy can be unforgettable – think picnics on the Thames, festivals under the night sky, and buzzing markets.
Autumn (September–November): Mild and Festive
Autumn (fall) in London runs roughly September through November. Early autumn is often cited as the “shoulder season”: September and early October still have mild, comfortable weather (about 11–15 °C) and thinning crowds as the summer rush ends. VisitLondon highlights that the busy summer season “comes to an end in the second week of September,” and autumn is a lovely time to visit with cool, crisp days. London’s parks and tree-lined streets glow with fall colors in mid-late September and October.
By late October and November, temperatures drop further and rainfall increases, but this ushers in London’s famous holiday season. November evenings bring Christmas lights (from early Nov) and festive markets, especially near Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, Southbank, and local squares. Importantly, tourist numbers dip after early September (except for half-term school breaks), which means cheaper hotels and shorter lines at sites like the Tower of London. In fact, aside from October half-term, autumn can offer good deals – VisitLondon notes that after the summer peak, late Sept–Nov is considered an “off-season” with quieter streets.
Autumn highlights: Late September through October often showcases the “best time to travel to London autumn” for many visitors: still warm enough to wander outdoors, with festivals like Totally Thames (Sept) and Halloween events, but fewer tourists. Once November hits, bundle up for Christmas lights and New Year celebrations.
Winter (December–February): Holidays and Sales
Winter in London (December–February) is cold and damp, but also magical. Average daytime highs hover around 5–9 °C (41–48 °F). London rarely sees heavy snow, though frosty mornings are possible. Despite the chill, winter brings festive cheer: citywide Christmas lights, holiday markets, and New Year’s Eve fireworks. According to VisitLondon, winter’s “Christmas season in London is worth the cooler temperatures,” with decorations and events adding special charm.
In winter, daylight is short (only about 8 hours on Dec solstice), so plan sightseeing accordingly. Many attractions (museums, churches) are open year-round, but some parks may have restricted hours. It can be a good time to enjoy indoor activities: cozy pubs, theaters, galleries and winter festivals like the New Year’s Day parade.
Crucially, winter is London’s low season (except the holiday weeks). January–February see the lowest visitor numbers and best deals on flights/hotels. VisitLondon explicitly notes that “January and February are generally quieter times of year to visit and… you can often find cheaper deals on accommodation, attractions and restaurants.” Many retailers kick off huge sales: Black Friday (late Nov) starts big discounts, followed by Boxing Day and January sales. For example, department stores like Harrods, Selfridges and major shopping centers slash prices after Christmas. If you don’t mind the cold, this makes January–early March one of the best time to travel to London on a budget.
Image: Tower Bridge in winter – this iconic London landmark looks picturesque dusted with snow. London’s winter (Dec–Feb) is chilly (2–6 °C) but festive, with Christmas lights and January sales.
Winter highlights: December brings holidays: Christmas markets (e.g. Hyde Park), carol concerts, and Hogmanay-style pub parties. January offers quiet sightseeing (and fewer queues) along with major winter sales. February is still cool, but you’ll avoid most crowds (except Valentine’s Day events). For theater lovers, winter showcases West End musicals with some special holiday-themed shows – though ticket prices can spike around Christmas.
Budget Travel: Cheapest Time to Visit London
If saving money is your goal, timing is key. The best time to travel to London budget-wise is generally the off-season: January through March (excluding spring break). During these months, airfare and hotel rates plummet. VisitLondon confirms that “January–March is the cheapest time to visit London” because of fewer travelers and limited public holidays. This period sees dramatically lower prices than peak summer.
Practical tips: Book in late January or February for the lowest fares. Avoid the February half-term and Easter break (when families travel). Accommodations often offer winter specials. Many restaurants and attractions run deals to attract off-season visitors. London’s big attractions (museums, galleries, Westminster Abbey) remain open all year, so you won’t miss out on sightseeing by traveling off-peak. Even weather-wise, London’s rain is fairly even year-round, so the main trade-off is cooler temps, which some travelers find preferable to hot crowds.
Another budget-savvy strategy: travel in late fall (November) before the Christmas rush, when flights and hotels drop prices, and you can catch early holiday sales. Similarly, early September (when kids return to school) can offer moderate prices with still-nice weather.
Festivals and Events: Best Times to Visit for Celebrations
London stages events year-round, but festival season peaks in summer. If you search for “best time to travel to London festivals,” you’ll find that June–August is prime. The city comes alive with music festivals, cultural fairs, and free events in parks and squares. For example, VisitLondon mentions summer’s “many great outdoor activities” and festivals, while Travel+Leisure highlights summer’s “plenty of outdoor festivals”. Notable events include:
- June: London Pride (late June) and the Trooping the Colour parade (Queen’s official birthday).
- July: Wimbledon (mid July) – tennis fans flock to London’s summer event. Also, outdoor music (e.g. BST Hyde Park) and film festivals.
- August: Notting Hill Carnival (last weekend of Aug) – one of the world’s largest street festivals (Carnival vibes, Caribbean culture). Many smaller food, art and jazz festivals also fill late summer.
- November–December: As fall turns to winter, events shift to holiday themes. Christmas markets (e.g. Southbank Centre Winter Market, Leicester Square Christmas) and lights fairs sparkle through Dec. The New Year’s fireworks (Jan 1) around the London Eye are a highlight.
While summer has the most festivals, spring and autumn also have draws. For instance, the Chelsea Flower Show (May), Open House London (September) and film/music festivals happen in shoulder seasons. Winter has festive events like Winter Wonderland (Nov–Jan) and Chinese New Year parades (Feb), though fewer outdoor festivals.
So, the best time to travel to London for festivals generally means summer – especially July and August. If crowds are an issue, you might opt for shoulder months with smaller cultural events.
Sightseeing and Landmarks: Timing Your Visit
If sightseeing is your main goal, consider what you want to see and when. London’s top landmarks (Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, etc.) are open to visitors year-round, but the experience differs by season and time of day.
To avoid crowds at attractions, the shoulder seasons (late spring and early autumn) are often ideal. Travel+Leisure notes that experts recommend spring (especially May) as a sweet spot – milder weather and “not as big” crowds. VisitLondon similarly notes that spring offers longer daylight and mild weather. Autumn days (Sept–Oct) are also pleasant for strolling and sightseeing. In contrast, summer mornings and evenings can be packed, and winter daylight is short (sunset by 4–5pm).
Image: A bustling London street with a red double-decker bus. For sightseeing, you can explore iconic landmarks and London’s West End. Visiting early or late in the day helps avoid the crowds. London’s 16+ hours of daylight in June mean more time for sightseeing in summer.
Tips for landmarks: Aim to visit the British Museum, National Gallery, or Westminster Abbey on rainy winter days (indoors). For outdoor sights, try early morning or late afternoon to miss tours and school groups. Note that some landmarks (like Buckingham Palace) have limited opening months; summer opens the State Rooms while winter offers only exterior views. London’s famous parks (Hyde Park, Kew Gardens) are best seen between April and October when greenery or flowers are in bloom.
Also consider daylight and weather: London gets up to ~16.5 hours of light in June (sunrise ~4:40am, sunset ~9:20pm), great for long sightseeing days. By contrast, December can have as little as 8 hours of daylight, so plan indoor attractions accordingly.
Theater and Shows: Seasonal Tips
London’s West End theatre scene runs shows all year, but certain times have perks. The theater season peaks around the holidays, with many shows running Christmas specials from November to January. If you search for “best time to travel to London theater,” you’ll find that winter (especially just after New Year) often has “winter weeks” with discounted tickets for shows that didn’t sell out. Conversely, summer sees major musical premieres and outdoor performances (like Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).
For the budget-minded theatergoer, try mid-week matinees or off-peak seasons. January and February often have cheaper seats (post-holiday), whereas during summer holidays shows are packed. Many theatres also release lottery or day-ticket sales for same-day seats, a great way to see a show if your timing is flexible. Overall, any time is fine for theatre lovers, but if you want the atmosphere of holiday shows, aim for November–December; for deals, try January–March.
Shopping Spree: Sales and Seasonality
When is the best time to travel to London shopping? London is a shopper’s paradise year-round, but sale seasons make a big difference. The biggest sales occur after Christmas: from Boxing Day (26 Dec) through mid-January. VisitLondon notes that major shops slash prices on Boxing Day and run sales into January. Black Friday (late November) has also become popular: deals start on the last Friday of November and last through Cyber Monday.
In summer, many retailers hold end-of-season sales (often late June–July). However, summer shopping in London also means peak tourist crowds in areas like Oxford Street, so plan accordingly.
Image: Regent Street in central London. This fashionable shopping district buzzes with activity year-round. London’s famous sales (Black Friday in Nov, Boxing Day in Dec, January sales) make these streets particularly busy with bargain hunters.
Outside of sales, consider local shopping seasons: For example, December lights make Oxford Street and Carnaby Street magical for window shopping. January sales mean savvy shoppers can snag bargains on designer items (Harrods, Selfridges). If you’re after luxury discounts, visit in January; for holiday gift browsing, late November or early December lets you enjoy shops without full crowds. Areas like Covent Garden and Camden Market are fun any time for unique finds, regardless of sales.
Landmarks & Culture: Year-Round London
Whether it’s your first or fifth trip, London’s top landmarks and cultural institutions are worth timing. Buckingham Palace (for the Changing of the Guard), Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye are open in all seasons (though some have limited access in winter). The key is crowd management: these sites are busiest June–August and during major events (e.g., the Trooping the Colour parade). To avoid lines at the Tower or Westminster Abbey, try visiting on a weekday in late spring or autumn.
Museums like the British Museum, Tate Modern, and Natural History Museum are free and tend to be crowded around Christmas and summer school holidays. Off-peak (Jan-Feb, or late April–May before schools break) is best for a quiet cultural visit. Note that London’s weather is fairly stable all year, so rain won’t ruin museum plans any time.
For an iconic skyline view, pick a clear day: statistically, London has more sunshine from May through August. Fog is rare but more likely in winter mornings. In short, late spring and early autumn combine comfortable weather with manageable crowds – often the best time to travel to London landmarks for many tourists.
Conclusion: Tailor Your London Timing
In summary, there really is no single “best time to travel to London” for everyone – it depends on what you seek. Summer (June–August) brings warm weather, long days and festivals, but also high crowds and prices. Spring (April–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct) offer mild weather and thinner crowds. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold but festive and budget-friendly.
We’ve highlighted the best time to travel to London for different interests – from budget travel (aim for Jan–Feb) to shopping (November–January sales) to festivals (summer events) and more. Incorporate your priorities: if theater is key, maybe visit in winter for holiday shows; if sightseeing is your goal, consider spring or fall to avoid summer crowds. Wherever and whenever you go, London’s rich attractions ensure a rewarding trip.
Ready to plan your trip? Check local events calendars and book early for your chosen season. Don’t forget to share this guide with fellow travelers and let us know in the comments: What’s your favorite season or festival in London? We’d love to hear your London travel stories!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time to travel to London?
A: It depends on your interests. For warm weather and festivals, summer (June–August) is best. For fewer crowds and moderate weather, late spring (April–May) or early autumn (Sept–Oct) are ideal. For the lowest prices, visit in winter (Jan–Mar).
Q: When is London the cheapest to visit?
A: Typically in the off-season, January through early March. Hotel and flight prices fall after the holidays, and attractions run deals. Avoid school holiday weeks (Feb half-term, Easter) to save even more.
Q: What is London’s weather like year-round?
A: London has a temperate oceanic climate. Winters are cool (daily highs ~8°C in Jan) and summers mild (daily highs ~24°C in July). Rain is fairly evenly spread throughout the year, so there’s no true dry season. The sunniest months are May–August, with June having the most daylight.
Q: Are there rainy or wet seasons in London?
A: Not really. London gets moderate rain all year. VisitLondon data shows October is the wettest (averaging about 21 rainy days) while late winter/early spring (Mar–Apr) are relatively drier (~15 rainy days). Always carry an umbrella!
Q: What is the best time to travel to London for sightseeing?
A: For sightseeing, shoulder seasons (April–May, Sep–Oct) often work best. The weather is generally good and crowds are smaller than summer. Early morning visits help avoid queues at popular landmarks. December (after the 1st) can be okay too – cold, but you’ll enjoy festive lights at Tower Bridge or Westminster.
Q: What time of year has major London events?
A: Summer (Jun–Aug) has the most major events – Wimbledon (July), Notting Hill Carnival (Aug), music festivals, and outdoor concerts. Spring has the Chelsea Flower Show (May). In winter, look for Christmas markets (Nov–Dec) and New Year’s festivities. Each season has its own events calendar.
Q: Should I visit London in winter or summer?
A: Both have pros. Summer is warm with long days and lively streets, but it’s busy. Winter is cold, but you’ll save money and enjoy holiday decorations and sales. If you prefer cozy indoor activities (museums, theater), winter is great. If you want outdoor activities, summer is preferable. It comes down to crowds and cost vs. weather.
Q: Is London suitable for travel during festivals?
A: Absolutely – just plan around major dates. For example, London Pride (late June) and Notting Hill Carnival (last Aug weekend) draw huge crowds, so book lodging early. If you love street parties, these are prime times. Many small local festivals happen year-round (food fairs, carnivals), but the summer months have the largest festivals and cultural events.
Q: When is London nicest for shopping?
A: The top shopping times are during sales. Black Friday (late Nov) kicks off deals, and post-Christmas sales (Boxing Day through January) see major discounts. Outside of sales, the days leading up to Christmas are magical (with lights), though crowded. Summer (Jul) can have end-of-season sales, but nothing beats the winter bargains in London.
Q: What’s the peak tourist season in London?
A: Peak (high) season is June–September. This period has the best weather and longest days, but also the most tourists and higher prices. Shoulder seasons (Apr–May and late Sep–Oct) are “in between” with good weather and fewer visitors. Low season (late Oct–Apr) has the coolest weather and least crowds, with January–February being the quietest.
Each traveler’s ideal timing is different – use this guide to match London’s seasons with your travel goals. Enjoy planning your trip to London, and have a fantastic visit!
