London is a year-round city, but the best time to visit London depends on what matters most to you: thinner crowds, lower prices, warmer weather, or big events. Here is a breakdown of London's travel seasons and the best months for each kind of trip, plus what to expect from the weather.
London's Travel Seasons at a Glance
- High season: June to early September. Warmest weather, longest days, highest prices, and biggest crowds.
- Shoulder seasons: Late April to May and September to mid-October. Mild weather and fewer visitors.
- Low season: Late October to early April. Cooler, darker, and cheaper, except around Christmas and New Year.
Best Time to Visit London for Fewer Crowds: April to May and September to Mid-October
The shoulder seasons are the sweet spot for most travelers. In late spring, the parks are full of blossom and tulips, and the days are already long. In early fall, the summer crowds have gone home, and the weather is often still pleasant. You will find shorter lines at the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum, and hotel prices are lower than in summer. Avoid the Easter and October half-term school holidays if you can, as family attractions get busy.
Best Time to Visit London for Lower Prices: January to February
After the holidays, London goes quiet, and prices drop. January and February often bring the cheapest flights and hotel rates of the year, along with January sales in the shops and deals on West End theater tickets. The trade-off is cold, gray weather and short days, so plan plenty of indoor time in museums, galleries, pubs, and theaters. See our guide to the best places to travel in Europe in January if you want to combine London with somewhere else.
Best Time to Visit London for Good Weather: June to July
For long days and warm evenings, early summer is hard to beat. Daylight lasts until after 9 PM around the summer solstice, and average highs are in the low 70s °F (low 20s °C), perfect for picnics in Hyde Park and Regent's Park and drinks by the river. Heatwaves do happen in July and August, and many older buildings and Tube lines have no air-conditioning, so pack a water bottle. Rain is possible in any month.
Best Time to Visit London for Festivals and Events
- April: The London Marathon.
- May: The RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
- Late June to early July: The Wimbledon tennis championships, plus outdoor theater and concerts across the city.
- Mid-July to mid-September: The BBC Proms, the world-famous classical music festival at the Royal Albert Hall.
- August bank holiday weekend: The Notting Hill Carnival, one of Europe's largest street festivals.
- October: The Frieze art fair in Regent's Park.
- Early November: Bonfire Night fireworks around 5 November.
- Mid-November to early January: Christmas lights, markets, ice rinks, and Winter Wonderland. See things to do in London in December and the best Christmas ice rinks in London.
- 31 December: Fireworks over the Thames. See our guide to New Year's Eve in London.
Dates change each year, so check event websites before booking.
London Weather by Season
- Spring (March to May): Cool to mild, with changeable weather. Bring layers and a light waterproof jacket.
- Summer (June to August): Warm, sometimes hot, with long days. Pack light clothes and an umbrella.
- Fall (September to November): Mild at first, then cooler and wetter. Bring a warm jacket by November.
- Winter (December to February): Cold and damp, rarely snowy, with darkness by around 4 PM. Bring a warm coat, scarf, and gloves.
Tips for Planning Your London Trip
- Book early for summer and December, when hotels fill up and prices rise.
- Check school holidays, which make family attractions busier.
- Plan for rain with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities each day.
- Stay connected. Weather updates, maps, and tickets all live on your phone. An egoViet UK eSIM gets you online as soon as you land. Compare options in our guide to the best UK eSIM.
Once you know when to go, plan what to do with our list of the best things to do in London and find out how many days you need in London.
FAQs: Best Time to Visit London
What is the best month to visit London?
May and September are often the best months, with mild weather, long days, and fewer crowds than in peak summer.
What is the cheapest time to visit London?
January and February, after the holidays, usually have the lowest prices for flights and hotels.
What is the rainiest month in London?
Fall and early winter, especially October to December, tend to be the wettest, but rain can fall in any month, so always pack an umbrella.
Is London busy in summer?
Yes. June to August is peak season, with the biggest crowds and highest prices. Book attractions and hotels well ahead.