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Best time to visit London
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Benjamin Davies on Unsplash
Best time to visit London, United Kingdom
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2-8°C, often overcast with frequent rain and occasional frost. | low | low |
⚠ Many attractions are less crowded, but daylight hours are very short. | |
| February | 3-9°C, similar to January with overcast skies and rain, but a chance of brighter days. | low | low |
⚠ Still very chilly and wet; indoor activities are essential. | |
| March | 5-12°C, gradually warming with a mix of rain and sunshine. | low | low |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable, with a significant chance of rain. | |
| April | 7-14°C, mild with increasing sunshine but still prone to showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Easter holidays can see a slight increase in crowds and prices. | |
| May | 10-17°C, pleasantly mild with a good balance of sunshine and occasional rain. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ A very popular month, book accommodation and popular attractions in advance. | |
| June | 13-20°C, generally warm and sunny, though rain showers are still possible. | high | high |
⚠ Peak tourist season begins, expect higher prices and more crowds. | |
| July | 15-22°C, warm and often sunny, but with a higher chance of heatwaves and thunderstorms. | peak | peak |
⚠ Hottest month, can experience heatwaves. Very crowded and expensive. | |
| August | 16-23°C, similar to July, warm with sunshine, but also potential for thunderstorms. | peak | peak |
⚠ August bank holiday weekend sees significant travel and crowds. | |
| September | 13-20°C, often a lovely 'Indian summer' with crisp air and sunshine. | high | high |
⚠ Still busy due to good weather and fashion events, but slightly less frantic than July/August. | |
| October | 10-16°C, cooler with increasing chances of rain and wind. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Weather becomes more unpredictable, pack layers and waterproofs. | |
| November | 6-12°C, cold and damp with shorter daylight hours and frequent rain. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can be quite gloomy; indoor attractions are a good bet. | |
| December | 4-9°C, cold, often wet and windy, with very short daylight hours. | peak | peak |
⚠ Extremely busy and expensive around Christmas and New Year's, despite the weather. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
June
Trooping the Colour
Annual celebration of the monarch's birthday with a military parade.
July
Wimbledon Championships
The world's most prestigious tennis tournament.
August
Notting Hill Carnival
Europe's largest street festival, celebrating Caribbean culture.
September
London Fashion Week
A major global fashion event showcasing British and international designers.
November
Bonfire Night
Commemorates the Gunpowder Plot with fireworks displays across the city.
November
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Festive lights illuminate major shopping streets like Oxford Street and Regent Street.
Insider timing tips
- •While summer (July-August) offers the warmest weather, it's also the most expensive and crowded period. Shoulder seasons (May-June, September) provide a better balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
- •February and January are the cheapest months for flights and accommodation due to consistently cold, wet weather and short daylight hours, but many outdoor attractions are less appealing.
- •The period around Easter can see a surge in prices and visitor numbers, particularly if it coincides with school holidays.
- •London's parks are a major draw in spring (April-May) and autumn (October), offering beautiful scenery with fewer crowds than iconic landmarks.
- •Despite the chilly weather, December is a peak season due to the festive atmosphere, Christmas markets, and New Year's celebrations, leading to high prices and dense crowds.
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