Best time to visit London

A quick guide to the best months to visit London

What are the best months to visit London overall?

For most travelers, the best months to visit London are May, June, September, and October. These months usually offer the best balance of pleasant weather, good sightseeing conditions, and fewer crowds than peak summer.

When is the best time to visit London for sightseeing?

April, May, September, and October are best for sightseeing, with milder conditions for walking between landmarks, museums, parks, and neighborhoods.

When is the best time to visit London for events?

June, July, and August are best for major events, with highlights including Trooping the Colour, Wimbledon, Pride in London, the BBC Proms, and Notting Hill Carnival.

What are the best London events by season?

• St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March) - A lively celebration of Irish culture in Trafalgar Square.
• The Boat Race (March/April) - The famous Oxford and Cambridge rowing race on the Thames.
• Easter celebrations in Trafalgar Square (April) - Family-friendly Easter events with performances and activities.
• London Marathon (April) - A world-famous race passing many of London’s top landmarks.
• Chelsea Flower Show (May) - A prestigious garden show with floral displays and design ideas.

• Trooping the Colour (June) - A grand military parade marking the monarch’s official birthday.
• Wimbledon Championships (June/July) - London’s iconic grass-court tennis tournament.
• Pride in London (June/July) - A major LGBTQ+ celebration with parades and performances.
• BBC Proms (July to September) - A celebrated series of classical concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.
• Notting Hill Carnival (August) - Europe’s biggest street festival celebrating Caribbean culture.

• London Fashion Week (September) - A major showcase for leading designers and new talent.
• BBC Good Food Festival (September) - A food event with tastings, demos, and workshops.
• Black History Month (October) - A city-wide programme of exhibitions, talks, and performances.
• London Film Festival (October) - A leading film event with screenings and Q&As.
• The Lord Mayor’s Show (November) - A historic procession with floats, bands, and fireworks.

• Winter Wonderland (November to January) - Hyde Park’s festive fair with rides, markets, and skating.
• Christmas markets (November to December) - Seasonal markets selling gifts, food, and festive treats.
• Ice skating (November to January) - Outdoor rinks at landmark London locations.
• Santa Run London (December) - A fun charity run through the city in Santa outfits.
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks (December 31) - London’s biggest end-of-year celebration over the Thames.
• Chinese New Year (usually February) - A huge celebration in Chinatown and the West End.
• London Fashion Week (February) - The winter edition of London’s major fashion event.

What is the cheapest time to visit London?

January, February, and November are often better-value months to visit London outside festive dates and peak summer travel.

What is the least busy time to visit London?

January and February are usually among the quietest months for tourism, making them a good time for museums, galleries, theater, and indoor attractions.

When should you avoid visiting London?

Some travelers may want to avoid July and August if they prefer lower prices and fewer crowds, while others may want to avoid winter if they dislike shorter days and wetter weather.

The best time to visit London: a month-by-month guide

From spring blooms in the royal parks to summer events and festive winter markets, the best time to visit London depends on the kind of trip you want. Use this month-by-month guide to plan around the city’s top seasonal experiences, annual events, and best-known attractions.

London in January

January is one of the quietest months to visit London, making it a good time for museums, galleries, theater, shopping, and winter city walks without peak-season crowds. The city still feels festive in early January, and cozy pubs and indoor attractions are especially appealing at this time of year. Top January experiences include the London New Year’s Day Parade, winter sales, and classic indoor attractions such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the West End.

Weather in London in January

Cold, grey, and often damp, with short days. Average temperature: 3-9°C (37- 48°F) | Average rainfall: 45 mm.

London in February

February is a strong month for a cultural city break, with theater, museums, romantic restaurants, and seasonal events adding energy to the capital. It is also a good month for indoor sightseeing and quieter city walks. Top February events include Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown and the West End, plus London Fashion Week.

Weather in London in February

Cold and often overcast, with a mix of dry spells and rain. Average temperature: 3-9°C (37-48°F) | Average rainfall: 45 mm.

London in March

March marks the start of spring in London, with longer daylight hours, early blossom in the parks, and better conditions for walking around the city. It is a good time for first-time visitors who want to explore before the busier late-spring period begins. Top March experiences include spring walks in the parks, the St Patrick’s Day Festival, and The Boat Race on the Thames.

Weather in London in March

Cool and changeable, with brighter days and the first signs of spring. Average temperature: 4-12°C (39-53°F) | Average rainfall: 39 mm.

London in April

April is one of the best times to visit London for spring sightseeing. Parks and gardens come into bloom, temperatures are milder, and the city is easier to enjoy than in peak summer. Top April highlights include Easter celebrations in Trafalgar Square, the London Marathon, and spring visits to Kew Gardens and London’s royal parks.

Weather in London in April

Mild and changeable, with spring showers and longer days. Average temperature: 6-15°C (43-59°F) | Average rainfall: 42 mm.

London in May

May is one of the best months to visit London. The weather is more pleasant, the parks are at their best, and the city is ideal for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring on foot. Top May experiences include the Chelsea Flower Show, blossom-filled park walks, and longer days for exploring Westminster, Kensington, and the South Bank.

Weather in London in May

Mild and brighter, with longer days and more settled weather. Average temperature: 9-18°C (48-65°F) | Average rainfall: 46 mm.

London in June

June is one of the best times to visit London for long days, outdoor attractions, and major annual events. The city feels lively, and it is a great month for river walks, rooftop bars, alfresco dining, and open-air culture. Top June events include Trooping the Colour, early summer festivals, and the start of London’s peak outdoor season.

Weather in London in June

Warm and pleasant, with long daylight hours and generally comfortable conditions. Average temperature: 12-22°C (54-71°F) | Average rainfall: 47 mm.

London in July

July is peak summer in London and one of the busiest times to visit. This is the month for outdoor events, long evenings, and a lively city atmosphere, with full parks, busy terraces, and packed landmarks. Top July highlights include Wimbledon, Pride in London, the BBC Proms, outdoor cinemas, and riverside dining along the Thames.

Weather in London in July

Warm, bright, and occasionally humid, with the highest summer temperatures. Average temperature: 14-24°C (58-75°F) | Average rainfall: 46 mm.

London in August

August is one of London’s most energetic months, with festivals, summer attractions, and busy public spaces across the city. It is best for travelers who want a packed events calendar and a lively atmosphere. Top August events include Notting Hill Carnival, Hyde Park festivals, open-air entertainment, and summer dining across the capital.

Weather in London in August

Warm and often humid, with a mix of sunshine and showers. Average temperature: 14-23°C (57-74°F) | Average rainfall: 53 mm.

London in September

September is one of the best times to visit London if you want a better balance of weather and crowd levels. The city still feels lively, but the busiest summer holiday period has passed, making it a smart month for museums, markets, and sightseeing. Top September highlights include London Fashion Week, the BBC Proms finale, and early autumn walks through the parks and along the Thames.

Weather in London in September

Mild and comfortable, with early autumn light and cooler evenings. Average temperature: 12-20°C (53-68°F) | Average rainfall: 50 mm.

London in October

October is another excellent month to visit London, especially if you prefer cooler weather, autumn color, and a calmer city atmosphere. It is a good time for galleries, museums, historic sights, and cozy evenings out. Top October events include the London Film Festival and Black History Month programming across the capital.

Weather in London in October

Cooler and more autumnal, with shorter days and more frequent rain. Average temperature: 9-16°C (48-60°F) | Average rainfall: 65 mm.

London in November

November is quieter than December but still has plenty to offer. It is a good month for theater breaks, gallery visits, shopping, and indoor sightseeing, while festive lights and seasonal displays begin appearing later in the month. Top November highlights include The Lord Mayor’s Show, late-autumn city walks, and the start of London’s festive season.

Weather in London in November

Cool, damp, and darker, with cloudier days and higher rainfall. Average temperature: 5-11°C (41-53°F) | Average rainfall: 67 mm.

London in December

December is one of the best times to visit London for enjoying the festive atmosphere. Christmas lights, decorated shopfronts, seasonal markets, and winter events transform the city, making it ideal for a classic holiday city break. Top December experiences include Winter Wonderland, Christmas markets, ice skating, and New Year’s Eve fireworks at the end of the month.

Weather in London in December

Cold and often damp, with short daylight hours and a wintry feel. Average temperature: 3-9°C (38-48°F) | Average rainfall: 57 mm.

Where to stay in London

With so much to look forward to in each season, knowing the best time to visit London really depends on your own interests and expectations for a fun city break. Whichever season appeals most, staying in one of our London vacation rentals with optional Concierge promises to make your cosmopolitan break a seamless and unforgettable experience.