Category: Traveller Information

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