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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 | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1-7°C, often overcast with frequent rain showers. | low | low |
⚠ Many attractions may have reduced hours. | |
| February | 2-9°C, cold and damp, with a mix of sun and rain. | low | low |
⚠ Still very much winter; indoor activities are key. | |
| March | 5-12°C, variable, with increasing sunshine but still chilly. | low | moderate |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable; pack layers. | |
| April | 7-15°C, mild and often sunny, though showers are common. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Bank holidays can lead to higher prices and more visitors. | |
| May | 10-19°C, pleasantly warm with good amounts of sunshine. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ A very popular month; book accommodation in advance. | |
| June | 13-22°C, warm and often sunny, with long daylight hours. | high | high |
⚠ Summer heatwaves are possible but rare; peak tourist season begins. | |
| July | 15-24°C, warm and can be humid, with occasional thunderstorms. | peak | peak |
⚠ Schools are on holiday; expect peak crowds and prices. | |
| August | 16-24°C, warm, can be humid, with a chance of thunderstorms. | peak | peak |
⚠ Many Londoners go on holiday, but tourist numbers remain very high. | |
| September | 12-21°C, mild and often sunny, with fewer showers than summer. | high | high |
⚠ Still busy from summer holidays, but slightly less intense than July/August. | |
| October | 9-17°C, crisp autumn air, with a mix of sunshine and rain. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Daylight hours decrease significantly. | |
| November | 5-12°C, cold, damp, and often overcast, with frequent rain. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can be very grey; indoor activities are recommended. | |
| December | 3-9°C, cold, with a chance of frost or snow, and frequent rain. | peak | peak |
⚠ Very popular for holiday tourism; book well in advance. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
Vibrant celebrations, parades, and food in London's Chinatown and beyond.
Commemorates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot with spectacular firework displays across the city.
Iconic light displays illuminate shopping streets like Oxford Street and Regent Street.
Famous fireworks display along the South Bank of the River Thames, best viewed from designated spots.
The King's official birthday parade, a spectacular display of British pageantry on The Mall.
The world-famous tennis tournament takes place over two weeks in South West London.
Europe's largest street festival, celebrating Caribbean culture with music, dance, and food.
A major LGBTQ+ celebration featuring a large parade, performances, and community events.
Insider timing tips
- •While summer (July-August) offers the warmest weather, it also brings peak crowds and the highest prices. Shoulder seasons (May-June, September) provide a better balance of good weather and manageable visitor numbers.
- •Many smaller, independent shops and some restaurants may close for a week or two in late August when Londoners traditionally take their holidays.
- •The UK's unpredictable weather means even in summer, you should pack layers and be prepared for rain. Conversely, winter can occasionally offer crisp, sunny days.
- •Christmas and New Year's are incredibly festive but also the most expensive time to visit, with accommodation often booked months in advance.
- •Bank holidays (late May, late August) significantly increase domestic travel and can lead to higher prices and busier attractions, even if the weather isn't ideal.
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