Is There Really a “Best” Time to Visit London?
If you’re planning a trip to London and you’re wondering, “When is the best time to go?” — you’re not alone. I’ve been living in London for over six years now, and I get this question from friends and family all the time, especially from those visiting from the US. The honest answer is: there’s no single perfect time to visit London, but there is a best time for you, depending on what you want from your trip.
London is a city that changes with the seasons. Some people love the cool and quiet of winter with its Christmas lights and cozy pubs. Others prefer long sunny days in summer with picnics in the park and drinks by the river. You might enjoy the fresh flowers and gentle sunshine of spring, or the colorful leaves and slower pace of autumn.
This guide is here to help you decide. I’m going to walk you through what each part of the year feels like in London — the weather, the costs, the crowds, and the special things you can do. I’ll also share my personal favorite month to visit London, and explain why I recommend it to nearly everyone who asks me.
Whether you’re someone who loves cold days and hot chocolate or you’re chasing sunshine and outdoor events, I’ll help you figure out when is your best time to visit London.
Now let’s start by looking at what each month of the year is like in London.
Month-by-Month Breakdown of Visiting London
Every month in London has its own mood, weather, and experiences. Here’s a simple breakdown of what each month feels like, along with things to keep in mind when planning your trip.
January
January is one of the quietest and cheapest months to visit London. Flights and hotel prices are usually low after the holidays. It’s cold — often between 2°C and 8°C (around 35°F to 46°F) — and daylight is short. But if you dress warmly, you can enjoy peaceful museums, post-Christmas sales, and fewer tourists around major sights.
February
Still cold, but starting to brighten up a little. London in February can be a bit grey and chilly, but it’s not as crowded, and some places start to offer early spring deals. I’ve walked through the city in February myself — it’s cold, yes, but not unbearable. Wrap up in a coat, grab a hot drink, and you’ll still enjoy walking tours, shopping, and warm meals in cozy pubs.
March
March is when things start to change. Days slowly get longer, and flowers begin to bloom in parks. It’s still jacket weather, but spring is clearly on its way. Crowds are still light, and prices are fair. Some years Easter falls in March, so you may see more families around during school breaks.
April
April brings more flowers, especially in places like Kew Gardens and St James’s Park. The weather can be mixed — sunny one moment, raining the next — so always carry an umbrella. It’s a lovely month for photos and seeing the city come alive with color.
May
This is my personal favorite month to visit London, and I’ll go into detail about why in the next section. But briefly: it’s cool but sunny, parks are green, flowers are everywhere, and the daylight lasts from around 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. It’s not too crowded, and major events like the Chelsea Flower Show take place. May feels fresh, alive, and very “London.”
June
June is the start of peak tourist season. The weather is warm, but not too hot. Parks are full, street performers are out, and festivals begin. It’s great for long days out — but also when prices for hotels and flights begin to rise. Book early if you’re planning to come in June.
July
One of the busiest months. London is full of tourists, especially families on summer break. The weather is usually warm, sometimes even hot, and there’s a lot happening — from open-air cinemas to music events. But this is also when crowds are thickest and lines are longest at major attractions.
August
Still very busy, and often warmer than locals like — especially since many places don’t have air conditioning. Some Londoners go on holiday during this month, so you might find smaller cafes or local shops closed. But if you love festivals and buzzing city life, August will feel exciting.
September
Another great time to visit. It’s cooler than summer but still pleasant. Kids go back to school, so it’s less crowded, and the city starts to slow down just a little. Prices may dip slightly compared to peak summer. It’s perfect for sightseeing, walking around, and enjoying quieter museums and parks.
October
Autumn in London is beautiful. Leaves turn red and gold, and the air feels crisp. October can be a peaceful time to visit, and it’s a good choice if you enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds. Toward the end of the month, Halloween events start popping up.
November
November is cold, but not yet freezing. It’s one of the cheapest months for flights and hotels. Christmas lights begin to appear in places like Oxford Street, and some Christmas markets open by mid-November. It’s a great month if you want a bit of winter charm without holiday crowds.
December
London turns magical in December. Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, festive decorations — it all feels like a holiday movie. But it’s also very crowded and expensive, especially around Christmas and New Year. Also, keep in mind: on Christmas Day, almost everything — including public transport — shuts down completely.
Each month in London has something special to offer. Next, I’ll explain why May stands out to me — and why I often recommend it over all the others.
Why I Think May Is the Best Time to Visit London
After living in London for over seven years and experiencing every season many times, there’s one month I always recommend to friends, family, and visitors — May.
Here’s why I personally think May is the best time to visit London, and why it offers a nearly perfect balance of weather, light, atmosphere, and activities.
Comfortable Weather, No Overheating
Londoners often say the city wasn’t built for extreme heat. Many older buildings and public transport lines don’t have air conditioning. In May, though, the weather is just right — usually between 50 to 65°F (10 to 18°C). You might still need a light jacket in the mornings and evenings, but it’s a relief compared to the stuffiness of the underground in summer.
There’s a gentle freshness in the air, and while you might get the occasional drizzle, most days are bright and comfortable enough for outdoor activities.
Long Days, More Time to Explore
In May, the sun rises around 5:30 a.m. and sets after 9 p.m. That gives you nearly 16 hours of daylight to explore the city. Compare that to winter when it gets dark by 4 p.m. — in May, you can take your time enjoying outdoor sights, picnics, or a relaxed dinner without rushing home before dark.
Evenings in May are lovely. I always suggest alfresco dining — sitting outside a café or pub during twilight hours feels peaceful and a bit magical.
Spring in Full Bloom
May is one of the most beautiful months for nature in London. The city’s parks — like Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St James’s Park — are full of flowers, fresh green trees, and birdsong.
If you walk through residential neighborhoods, you’ll often see houses covered in purple blooms called wisteria. It’s so popular on Instagram that people call it “wisteria hysteria.” And if you like gardens, a visit to Kew Gardens in May is truly unforgettable.
Lively but Not Overcrowded
May feels active and alive, but not yet packed. Unlike July and August, you won’t be stuck in long lines or trying to squeeze onto the Tube at every stop. Schools are still in session in the UK, so major attractions are manageable and walking through the city is more pleasant.
That said, there is a short school holiday near the end of May called half-term. If you want to avoid crowds completely, try to come earlier in the month or avoid that one week.
Special Events in May
May is a month full of celebration. One of the biggest and most famous events is the Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place in the last week of May. It’s not just a flower show — the whole city joins in. Shops decorate their windows with flowers, cafés offer floral-themed afternoon teas, and the streets feel festive and bright.
If you enjoy food and drink, London Wine Week also takes place in May. Many restaurants and wine bars take part, offering special tastings and menus. It’s a great way to explore the city’s culinary side.
Seasonal Drinks and Outdoor Vibes
In spring, Londoners start switching their drinks. In the winter, you’ll see lots of people drinking mulled wine and beer in cozy pubs. But in May, the vibe changes — people enjoy Pimm’s, gin and tonic, and other cool cocktails as they sit outside in pub gardens and along the Thames.
It’s a fun, relaxed energy — a feeling that summer is just around the corner, but the crowds haven’t arrived yet.
In short, May offers the best of London: nice weather, long days, blooming parks, fun events, and a calm but happy city atmosphere. It’s no wonder it’s my top recommendation for first-time visitors — or anyone looking to enjoy the city at its best.
Choosing Based on What You Want to Do in London
While May is my personal favorite month to visit, the best time for you depends on what you want to do during your trip. London is a city that offers something in every season — so it’s a good idea to match your travel time with your plans and interests.
If You Love Christmas Markets and Festive Lights…
Come in late November or December. London feels magical during this time. The streets light up with festive decorations, and famous markets pop up in places like Leicester Square, Southbank, and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Shops have holiday window displays, and even a walk down Oxford Street becomes an experience.
But do remember: Christmas Day (December 25) is a full public holiday. All public transport stops, and most restaurants, shops, and museums are closed. The same applies to many places on Boxing Day (December 26) and parts of Christmas Eve. If you visit during this time, plan ahead with care.
If You Want to Spend Lots of Time Outdoors…
Visit in late spring (May–early June) or early autumn (September). These months offer the best mix of comfortable weather and fewer crowds. You can enjoy parks like Greenwich Park and Regent’s Park, walk along the South Bank, take boat rides on the Thames, or have a picnic in Hyde Park without worrying about heat or rain.
Summer (July and August) is also great for outdoor events and festivals, but it gets hot, crowded, and expensive.
If You Want to Save Money…
Your best bet is to visit in the off-season months like January, November, or the first two weeks of December. Flights and hotel rates are usually much cheaper, and you’ll find shorter lines at popular attractions.
Just be ready for colder weather and shorter daylight hours. Many places open late and close early, so you’ll need to plan your days more tightly.
If You’re Visiting for Special Events…
London has major events happening all year. Some examples:
- April: The London Marathon, ideal for sports fans or participants.
- May: The Chelsea Flower Show and London Wine Week.
- June/July: Wimbledon, and Pride in London.
- September: Open House London, where many historic buildings open their doors for free.
- November: The Lord Mayor’s Show, Diwali celebrations, and the start of Christmas light switch-on.
If there’s a particular event you’re interested in, it’s best to plan your visit around those dates — but book in advance, as hotels fill up quickly.
If You’re a First-Time Visitor Who Wants a Bit of Everything…
Come in May or September. These two months offer mild weather, long days, blooming gardens (in May), and colorful leaves (in September). Tourist sites are open, but not too crowded. You can walk, take boat rides, visit museums, and enjoy the parks all in one trip without rushing or waiting in long lines.
London has so much to offer all year long — the key is knowing what matters most to you. Whether it’s winter lights, summer buzz, spring flowers, or autumn calm, there’s a perfect time waiting for you.
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