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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.

Best time to visit London, United Kingdom

Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.

Month	Weather	Crowds	Prices	Highlights
January	2-8°C, often overcast with frequent rain and occasional frost.	low	low	• Post-holiday sales ⚠ 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	• Fewer crowds • Potential for crisp, sunny winter days ⚠ Still very chilly and wet; indoor activities are essential.
March	5-12°C, gradually warming with a mix of rain and sunshine.	low	low	• Early spring blooms in parks • St. Patrick's Day celebrations ⚠ 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	• Cherry blossoms in bloom • Easter festivities ⚠ 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	• RHS Chelsea Flower Show • Longer daylight hours • Parks in full bloom ⚠ 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	• Trooping the Colour • Vibrant outdoor events and festivals • Longest daylight hours ⚠ 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	• Wimbledon Championships • Outdoor theatre and music • Summer vibes across the city ⚠ 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	• Notting Hill Carnival • Summer holidays mean many families are visiting ⚠ 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	• London Fashion Week • Autumn colours starting to appear • Fewer families, more adult travellers ⚠ 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	• Autumn colours in parks • Halloween events ⚠ Weather becomes more unpredictable, pack layers and waterproofs.
November	6-12°C, cold and damp with shorter daylight hours and frequent rain.	moderate	moderate	• Bonfire Night fireworks • Early Christmas lights and markets ⚠ 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	• Christmas markets and decorations • New Year's Eve celebrations ⚠ 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.