Best Time to Visit London
The Travel Pages picks the best time to visit London taking into account the weather, hotel prices and any special events going on in the city.
London is a year-round destination with something to offer in every season. However, the best time to visit London depends on your priorities—whether you prefer warm weather, lower prices, or exciting events. The city has a temperate maritime climate, meaning mild winters, cool summers, and rainfall spread throughout the year.
To help you decide when to go, this guide breaks down London’s weather, hotel prices, and key events month by month.
Best Time to Visit London: Month by Month
January
Weather: Cold and damp, with occasional frost. Snow is rare but possible.
– Avg. Temp: 36–46°F (2–8°C)
– Rainfall: 2.1 inches (53 mm)
– Snowfall: Occasional light snow
Events:
– New Year’s Day Parade (Jan 1) – A vibrant procession with floats and performers.
– London Winter Film Festival – Showcasing independent films.
Hotel Prices: Low (one of the cheapest months to visit).
Best For: Budget travelers and those who enjoy indoor attractions like museums and theaters.
February
Weather: Similar to January, but slightly milder.
– Avg. Temp: 37–48°F (3–9°C)
– Rainfall: 1.6 inches (40 mm)
– Snowfall: Rare
Events:
– Chinese New Year (varies, late Jan/early Feb) – Celebrations in Chinatown with parades and fireworks.
– Valentine’s Day – Romantic dinners and events across the city.
Hotel Prices: Low to Moderate (still a good time for deals).
Best For: Couples and culture lovers.
March
Weather: Chilly early in the month but warming up by late March.
– Avg. Temp: 39–54°F (4–12°C)
– Rainfall: 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Events:
– St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March 17) – A lively parade and festivities in Trafalgar Square.
– London Book Fair – A major literary event.
Hotel Prices: Moderate (prices start rising toward spring).
Best For: Early spring travelers who want fewer crowds.
April
Weather: Mild and pleasant, but still unpredictable.
– Avg. Temp: 43–59°F (6–15°C)
– Rainfall: 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Events:
– London Marathon (late April) – A world-famous race with a great atmosphere.
– Easter Celebrations – Special events at landmarks like the Tower of London.
Hotel Prices: Moderate to High (Easter can drive up prices).
Best For: Runners, families, and those enjoying spring blooms.
May
Weather: One of the best months—warm but not too hot.
– Avg. Temp: 48–64°F (9–18°C)
– Rainfall: 2.0 inches (51 mm)
Events:
– Chelsea Flower Show (late May) – A stunning display of garden designs.
– Brighton Festival (day trip option) – One of England’s biggest arts festivals.
Hotel Prices: High (peak tourist season begins).
Best For: Garden lovers and outdoor sightseeing.
June
Weather: Warm and sunny, but can still be rainy.
– Avg. Temp: 54–70°F (12–21°C)
– Rainfall: 2.0 inches (50 mm)
Events:
– Trooping the Colour (early June) – The Queen’s official birthday parade.
– Pride in London (late June) – A massive LGBTQ+ celebration.
Hotel Prices: Very High (peak season).
Best For: Festival-goers and those who enjoy long daylight hours.
July
Weather: The warmest month, but not excessively hot.
– Avg. Temp: 57–75°F (14–24°C)
– Rainfall: 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Events:
– Wimbledon Tennis Championships (early July) – A must for sports fans.
– Summer Screen at Somerset House – Open-air cinema nights.
Hotel Prices: Very High (busiest month for tourism).
Best For: Sports fans and summer festival lovers.
August
Weather: Similar to July, but slightly more humid.
– Avg. Temp: 57–73°F (14–23°C)
– Rainfall: 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Events:
– Notting Hill Carnival (late August) – Europe’s biggest street festival.
– BBC Proms – A classical music festival at the Royal Albert Hall.
Hotel Prices: Very High (still peak season).
Best For: Music and carnival enthusiasts.
September
Weather: Mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds.
– Avg. Temp: 52–68°F (11–20°C)
– Rainfall: 2.0 inches (50 mm)
Events:
– London Fashion Week (mid-Sept) – A glamorous event for style lovers.
– Open House London (mid-Sept) – Rare access to historic buildings.
Hotel Prices: High to Moderate (prices start dropping).
Best For: Fashion lovers and those seeking good weather without summer crowds.
October
Weather: Cooler, with autumn colors appearing.
– Avg. Temp: 46–59°F (8–15°C)
– Rainfall: 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Events:
– Halloween – Spooky events at the London Dungeon and Tower of London.
– Frieze Art Fair – A major contemporary art event.
Hotel Prices: Moderate (shoulder season).
Best For: Art lovers and those who enjoy autumn scenery.
November
Weather: Cold and damp, with shorter days.
– Avg. Temp: 41–52°F (5–11°C)
– Rainfall: 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Events:
– Bonfire Night (Nov 5) – Fireworks displays across the city.
– Winter lights & Christmas markets (late Nov) – Festive atmosphere begins.
Hotel Prices: Low to Moderate (good deals before December).
Best For: Those who love festive lights and lower prices.
December
Weather: Cold, often foggy, with possible frost.
– Avg. Temp: 37–48°F (3–9°C)
– Rainfall: 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Events:
– Christmas Markets – Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a highlight.
– New Year’s Eve Fireworks – A spectacular display over the Thames.
Hotel Prices: High (festive demand).
Best For: Holiday lovers and those seeking Christmas magic.
Final Verdict: Best Time to Visit London
– Best Weather: May–September (warmest and sunniest).
– Best for Budget Travelers: January–February & November (lowest prices).
– Best for Events: June–August (festivals, Wimbledon, Pride).
– Best for Fewer Crowds: March–April & September–October (shoulder seasons).
No matter when you visit, London always has something special to offer. Plan according to your priorities, and enjoy your trip!
Best London Travel Guides
RECENT POSTS
