Has London been in your thoughts currently? It’s at all times vital to plan forward so you already know the most effective time to go to London primarily based on the actions you need to do, and the sights you need to see.
From the intense pink phone cubicles to the elegant Buckingham Palace, and a lot extra, there are infinite things to do in London. So, seize your cuppa and skim on for the complete scoop on the most effective time to go to London, UK.
London attracts roughly 21 million visitors annually and peak season tends to be in summer season (June to August). It’s vital to notice that every time you go, whether or not in December for the charming Christmas Markets or late March for the spring, there’s at all times one thing totally different and thrilling occurring.
London itself is a metropolis of delicate climate, each in the summertime and within the winter. Within the summertime, the temperature sometimes sits comfortably round 73°F when shorts and a pleasant T-shirt will usually do. Whereas the winters in London hover round 45°F, (ensure to pack a heat jacket!).
Within the spring you possibly can anticipate temperatures between 54°F and 64°F, and for these of you trying to journey in fall, you possibly can anticipate temperatures of round 64°F. Be taught extra concerning the best time to visit England
Total Greatest Time to Go to London
When it comes to the most effective time to go to London, it’s usually thought-about to be between Might and June; simply earlier than the height summer season season. September and October are additionally nice months to go to since they’re shortly after the busiest interval. Not solely are there fewer vacationers however the temperature continues to be pretty delicate.
I went to London in September, and I can confidently say it was less expensive than I imagined. I used to be at all times below the impression that London is an especially costly metropolis to go to and sure, it actually might be, however I discovered issues to be way more affordable on the finish of the season, particularly day excursions.
May – June might be nice choices when you’re trying to discover the town’s a number of parks. In actual fact, when you love the outside, or extra particularly flowers and nature, having fun with the blooming shows on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an effective way to spend a day within the metropolis. The competition exhibits many distinctive flowers together with London’s personal wildflower, the Pasque Flower.
September – October are nice choices when you’re on a tighter funds. Because the summer season rush is principally over for the yr, day excursions, accommodations, hostels, and vacationer sights are likely to run on the cheaper aspect right now as companies attempt to promote what they will earlier than the season dies down.
Peak Season in London
(July – August and December – Early January)
The height season is peak for a cause. Many vacationers flock to London between July – August and in December. July and August stay well-liked months as that is {the summertime} in London when the climate is normally at its warmest. Many discover it extra comfy to discover the town on a tour bus, reasonably than on foot when the climate is extra excessive.
Completely different festivals such because the Great British Beer Festival or Notting Hill Carnival are each unbelievable occasions that carry individuals from all corners of the world collectively, so when you plan on visiting inside time, remember to test these out.
December is one other magical time of the yr in London. All the things is lit up with among the most stunning lights and decorations, and among the most charming Christmas Markets you’ll ever see. Add to the combo some tasty treats and it makes for a spot properly value including to your record of locations to go to throughout the Holidays.
Usually talking, these from throughout Europe, Canada, the United States, and even different elements of Britain, flock to London throughout these peak occasions. It’s simply a type of cities that pulls everybody on the market indirectly.
A very good day tour to contemplate when visiting London throughout the peak season is “London: Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, and Roman Baths Day Trip” on GetYourGuide. This tour will take you to among the key day trip spots outside of London and is finest taken in the summertime months.
Shoulder Season in London
(September – October and March – April)
The shoulder season for London is any time between September-October and March-April. These are among the finest occasions to journey to the capital. Not solely will issues be barely cheaper however you’ll virtually actually keep away from among the heavy crowds.
March-April is the beginning of the spring season in London. The birds begin chirping once more, the bushes start to blossom, and every part appears somewhat brighter. Usually, right now, London isn’t terribly busy. Many people Britts are at residence doing our taxes and sadly (for us) not touring across the capital.
Nonetheless, that’s excellent news for these of you trying to journey inside this time. Many attention-grabbing festivals additionally happen in these months such because the London Coffee Festival, The Eat and Drink Festival, and the Easter Pageant.
Off-Season in London
(January – April and October – November)
The low season for London journey is wherever between January-April and October-November. The low season is when crowds are at their lowest and issues are usually on the cheaper aspect.
Many select to not journey throughout these occasions as it might probably get fairly chilly. With minimal outside actions occurring and typically excessive climate to deal with, many select to journey to London throughout the hotter months as an alternative.
In case you don’t thoughts wrapping up in a number of further layers, don’t let the climate put you off. Journey throughout this time might be thrilling too and it’s good to reap the benefits of the decreased crowds. January is a month of music in London. Many Blues and Jazz festivals happen throughout this time.
October-November is an effective time to go to when you’re trying to do some Christmas purchasing in London or get pleasure from among the Halloween actions that happen inside the metropolis. Halloween events, concert events and extra occur across the spookiest time of the yr. So, take benefit and expertise a extra festive aspect of London.
When to Go to London For Seashores
Whenever you consider London, you almost certainly don’t consider seashores. Nonetheless, the United Kingdom is an island and so is of course residence to many seashores, quite a lot of that are considerably surprisingly beautiful. Simply exterior of the town, there are a lot of stunning seashores for vacationers to discover.
Some of the stunning seashores exterior of London is Camber Sands, Sussex. Hottest for its sand dune-like seashores, this stretch is stored clear all yr round and plenty of vacationers flock to this spot in the summertime months. Not solely is it an important place to swim, but it surely’s a unbelievable place to fly kites or take a beautiful stroll alongside the shore.
One other unbelievable seashore to contemplate is Botany Bay Beach. Though rockier than the Camber Sands, Botany Bay is extra of a landmark than a swimming seashore. The tough waters make this location a spot to discover on foot reasonably than within the water. Check out more beaches near London here.
When to Go to London For Festivals
Festivals in London are a key think about tourism. Many vacationers come for the native festivities virtually weekly within the metropolis. Two of the most well-liked festivals in London are the “British Summer Time” and “South West Four.” Each are prevalent music occasions that happen within the spring and summer season.
In case you’re searching for one thing extra stress-free, the “Taste Of London” takes place each summer season. With totally different treats, music, and extra, the style of London is the right technique to get to know the town.
The very best time to go to London for the festivals is throughout the peak and shoulder season. Might-September is when issues are occurring in London. There’s one thing to maintain you busy virtually each weekend, so that you’ll discover at the very least one competition to fit your preferences.
When to Go to London For Historic Websites
As talked about earlier than, the climate in London might be reasonably delicate. Nonetheless, relating to visiting London’s historic websites, many are closed throughout the winter time or simply plain uncomfortable to go to. The very best time to actually expertise any historic websites inside London is throughout the summer season months when it’s hotter.
It’s additionally vital to notice that castles or historic ruins are principally exterior of the town reasonably than inside. So that you’ll must be ready to journey to every of those websites. Through the low season and the winter, the trains to every of those websites don’t run as incessantly – if pristine citadel ruins are in your record, it’s finest to plan your journey for the spring or summer season.
When to Go to London For Wildlife
Though characterised as an enormous metropolitan metropolis, the London space is (maybe unexpectedly) residence to an abundance of wildlife. In the summertime, whale and dolphin watching is a well-liked exercise simply exterior of ‘The Huge Smoke’, the place species such because the Minke Whale and the White Beaked Dolphin incessantly come as much as the floor to say whats up.
Chicken watching in London takes place within the late spring/early summer season. Might-June is the most effective time to expertise the native birds. Species just like the Kingfisher or the Redwing are frequent round right here and are stunning birds to see firsthand. Click on here to see extra on London’s wildlife.
When to Go to London For Low cost Costs
Everyone knows that London might be an costly metropolis. Nonetheless, it is potential to take advantage of it on a shoestring funds. Many free activities in London exist inside the metropolis’s limits and backpackers who need to expertise London with out breaking the financial institution can completely accomplish that.
The most affordable time to go to London is within the low season or proper after the height season. Through the peak season, costs are likely to soar, particularly for lodging. Within the low season, many hostels, accommodations, and tour firms try to make as a lot cash as potential regardless of the crowds being minimal,(which is nice information for a funds traveler!).
There are additionally many free strolling excursions, festivities, and different issues to do inside the metropolis, with out spending a penny.
When to Go to London For Mountaineering
London is a metropolis that won’t essentially be identified for mountain climbing, however there are a lot of stunning trails and mountain climbing experiences simply exterior of the capital. Examples of unbelievable hiking spots close to London are the Thames Path, Field Hill, and Mole Gap Trail.
All three spots are inside shut vary of London and provide a distinct expertise. In case you’re searching for extra of a better, sluggish hike, the Thames Path is the right choice for you. If you wish to embark on the last word hike, the Mole Hole Path or Field Hill are each unbelievable challenges.
The Greatest Time to Go to London By Month
In case you’re nonetheless undecided as to when could also be the most effective time so that you can e-book your break, let’s check out what it’s like to go to throughout every month of the yr. London is a metropolis with such a various record of issues to do or see all year long.
It actually is determined by what you love to do or see. In case you’re extra of an outside fanatic then visiting in the summertime months could be finest for you. In case you love the vacation magic then someday in December-January could be the prime time so that you can get pleasure from London. Every month presents one thing completely totally different from the subsequent.
London in January
London in January is commonly chilly and darkish however is missed in some ways.
Climate in London in January
When visiting London in January, you possibly can anticipate chilly temperatures of round 44°F. Throughout this month, you possibly can anticipate a ton of rain and moist circumstances. You may additionally be fortunate sufficient to see snow, (wrap up heat).
Most nature hikes and outside excursions aren’t out there till the hotter months. You’ll discover that costs will likely be less expensive proper after the Christmas holidays.
Issues To Do in London in January
Don’t let the climate scare you! There’s nonetheless heaps to do and see whereas in London throughout this time. Lots of the actually thrilling festivities occur in the beginning of the month. The New Yr’s Celebration and the January Blues Pageant are each unbelievable occasions to be part of, they usually each happen inside the first week of January.
London can also be residence to many gentle festivals throughout this time. Be at liberty to stroll the magical streets of London and witness the spectacular association on show. It’s really a beautiful expertise and is totally free.
London in February
Though thought-about the low season, February could be a nice time to keep away from the crowds.
Climate in London in February
Visiting London in February is a reasonably sensible concept when you ask me. You’re there proper after the vacation rush so issues will usually be cheaper, however the climate in London throughout this time might be similar to January. Anticipate temperatures to be within the mid to higher 40°Fs.
The winters in London are fairly moist in comparison with different locations world wide. As February involves an finish, the rain begins to die down and the solar begins to make a daily look.
Issues To Do in London in February
Close to the top of the month, outside actions grow to be extra available. You’ll be able to embark on a day cruise down the River Thames, or take a stadium tour.
London hosts many festivals throughout the month of February, too. The Chinese language New Yr festivities in addition to the Valentine’s Day celebrations are each well-liked to expertise when you determine to go to London throughout February.
London in March
Anticipate hotter temperatures and shiny inexperienced surroundings.
Climate in London in March
March is taken into account to be the shoulder season so anticipate among the perks of the height season with out the heavy crowds and expense. Because the springtime begins in London, the flowers begin to come alive and the rain begins to reduce. Anticipate a mixture of sunny and wet days (at all times carry a brolly, because the British would say!).
When it comes to temperature, anticipate something between 48°F and 53°F. Because the month goes on, the temperature begins to extend. It is a nice time to do any damage sightseeing comparable to visiting Stonehenge or close by castles. The climate is delicate sufficient to comfortably spend a day exterior.
Issues To Do in London in March
Many festivities just like the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, The Journey Journey Present, and the Vintage Present happen inside the month of March. Become involved in a number of of the town’s many festivals or maybe get pleasure from an organized tour.
An important tour to partake in is GetYourGuide’s “From London: Full-day Cotswold Small-Group Tour”. With the chance to make a journey exterior the town, you’ll have the prospect to see some historic small cities and nation roads. This tour is a bit more pleasurable earlier than the height season when there’s much less crowding and extra time to actually get a really feel for the Cotswolds.
London in April
April showers carry Might flowers!
Climate in London in April
April is such an attention-grabbing time to go to London. April is correct earlier than the height journey season for London. Usually, you possibly can anticipate delicate climate. It might nonetheless rain fairly a bit and humidity could play a think about your journey so maintain your raincoat close by.
Temperatures in April are round 60°F. For me, this is without doubt one of the finest occasions to go to London. Temperatures are excellent for exploring, but crowds are minimal and costs are low. Though, as with most occasions of the yr, you do want to organize your self for gentle showers.
Issues To Do in London in April
April is when Britain’s lush vegetation involves life as soon as extra. So after all there are a ton of thrilling actions to participate in. Seeking to get married quickly? Why not attend the London Excel Wedding Show?
Easter actions additionally pop up across the metropolis throughout this time. Easter egg hunts and totally different household actions are frequent and are nice for households searching for enjoyable issues to do in London.
London in Might
The shoulder season ends right here.
Climate in London in Might
The month of Might is when the crowds begin to choose up and the height season begins. Might is taken into account spring/very early summer season in London. So with that being mentioned, the climate is hotter and extra actions grow to be out there.
Temperatures in Might are roughly between 52°F and 75°F. Throughout this month, anticipate much less rain and extra sunny days. As summer season attracts nearer, the rain dies down and the solar makes its grand look extra usually.
Issues To Do in London in Might
Might is a good time to take an organized tour or bask in a neighborhood competition. As the height season creeps in, increasingly more actions, festivals, and day journeys grow to be available for vacationers.
The NHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Pure Canine Expo, and plenty of different occasions happen within the month of Might. In case you’re extra of an outside fanatic then this can be a great time to go on that hike! Since crowds are solely beginning to choose up in Might and the climate is similar to the summer season, this is without doubt one of the finest occasions to go.
London in June
Summer time is in full swing and so is peak season.
Climate in London in June
June is the beginning of summer season within the U.Okay. Throughout this time, you possibly can anticipate heat, sunny climate and minimal rain. You could even get a tan as you discover the town! Temperatures vary wherever from 65°F to 75°F.
Anticipate plenty of flowers, greenery, and distinctive wildlife when you’re right here. Town prides itself on its lush, open parks that are excellent for romantic picnics. Though usually sunny, I’d nonetheless pack a raincoat if I had been you. In spite of everything, it’s the U.Okay. we’re speaking about…
Issues To Do in London in June
June is when the height season is in full swing and naturally, that signifies that there’s a ton to see and do throughout this month. Anticipate plenty of pop-up occasions, festivals, and carnivals. Father’s Day occasions are additionally well-liked throughout the month of June.
Festivals like Mighty Hoopla or the London Pride Festival are each nice choices when you’re going to be touring within the month of June.
In case you choose for every part to be organized for you, GetYour Information’s “From London: White Cliffs Of Dover and Canterbury Day-Trip” is an ideal tour to embark on throughout the month of June. Though windy, the cliffs are an important spot to go to in the summertime months because of the milder climate however plan fastidiously to keep away from overcrowding.
London in July
Sunny, heat, and welcoming. Assume beer gardens and picnics – that just about sums up London in July!
Climate in London in July
July is the most well liked month of the yr in London. You’ll be able to anticipate sizzling temperatures and plenty of solar throughout this time. July temperatures run wherever from 70°F to 75°F. That is additionally the most effective time to go to when you don’t need to get moist.
Throughout this time, most are out of faculty and college so anticipate giant crowds and a few households too. That is proper in the midst of the height season.
Issues To Do in London in July
Since July is such a well-liked month to go to London, anticipate quite a lot of totally different festivals, actions, and occasions virtually every day. Participate within the London Wi-fi Pageant or benefit from the British Summer time Time Festivities in Hyde Park.
There’s additionally a variety of excursions and day journeys to get pleasure from in July too. Lots of the hop-on, hop-off buses grow to be extra available throughout this time when you’d reasonably keep inside the metropolis. Completely different day journeys to parks, outside areas, and historic landmarks are additionally an important concept when in London throughout the month of July.
London in August
Because the shoulder season begins, the costs drop.
Climate in London in August
London in August is kind of beautiful. It’s a good time to go to. The climate continues to be heat and summer season continues to be right here but the crowds are beginning to die down. Within the month of August, you possibly can anticipate heat temperatures just like July with a median of 70°F – 75°F every day.
Though it doesn’t rain fairly often in the summertime, when it does, you possibly can anticipate excessive ranges of humidity.
Issues To Do in London in August
Because it’s nonetheless summer season, actions and festivities are nonetheless commonly happening inside the metropolis. On the finish of August, stay up for the Notting Hill Carnival. In case you have a candy tooth, try the London Dessert Pageant which usually takes place in mid-August.
Out of doors actions are nice choices within the month of August. Because the crowds die down, it provides vacationers a extra customized expertise in nature. Head to one of many stunning beaches near London. In case you’re up for it, go on a hike to see the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk. Because the climate is delicate, the wind isn’t so chilly and the rain is usually stored at bay.
London in September
As the autumn begins, the leaves within the park begin to flip probably the most stunning colours – it’s picture-perfect!
Climate in London in September
London in September is when the climate begins to get somewhat cooler and the crowds actually begin to die down. You’ll be able to nonetheless anticipate hotter temperatures round 70°F. Humidity is usually low too until it rains, nonetheless, London is generally sunny right now of the yr.
Through the month of September, it’s finest to pack a mixture of brief and lengthy sleeves (simply in case). The nights in London throughout the month of September begin to get cooler so it’s possible you’ll find yourself carrying shorter sleeves throughout the day however require a sweater come the night.
Issues To Do in London in September
As tourism dies down for the season, tour firms begin to low cost their excursions. This implies you possibly can simply get a unbelievable deal on a tour that will have been way more costly within the months of June or July.
Though the crowds are waning, the festivals proceed. Completely different actions like Pub within the Park, The One Out Pageant, and the “Chill” Pageant all happen inside the month of September. You may even get your Oktoberfest on with many early celebrations happening across the metropolis.
London in October
The climate is getting chilly however the spooky season rages on right here in London.
Climate in London in October
October is when fall is in full swing. You’ll be able to anticipate cooler climate, bright-colored leaves, and a number of other celebrations. Rain in October is quite common so keep in mind to pack your raincoat and your umbrella. Temperatures normally hover across the mid 50°Fs and humidity is normally on the upper aspect.
Though it’s wet, it’s nonetheless a gorgeous time to go to.
Issues To Do in London in October
October is a time of festivals and celebrations in London. You’ll be able to anticipate a number of Halloween actions together with pop-up trick-or-treating or Halloween events. It’s also possible to anticipate issues to get wild and spooky within the pubs. As Oktoberfest begins, the town holds a number of occasions and events to have fun with out having to fly all the way in which to Germany.
If events and festivals aren’t your factor you possibly can at all times participate in a walking tour of the city to see all the attractive fall colours.
London in November
Because the temperatures begin to get chilly, the Vacation magic begins.
Climate in London in November
London in November is taken into account the low season so crowds are minimal. With that being mentioned it’s vital to notice that many actions are closed for the season. Don’t let that discourage you although. Lots of the Vacation actions comparable to Christmas Markets and Christmas baking begin up round this time.
In November, you possibly can anticipate plenty of rain and plenty of humidity, too. Temperatures usually sit within the low to mid 50°Fs. So pack that winter coat and a few heat pants.
Issues To Do in London in November
As talked about above, the Christmas/Vacation actions normally begin on the finish of November. That is additionally when the town begins to gentle up with Christmas lights, heat treats, and typically even snow. In case you’re into skating, there’s at all times at the very least one skating rink within the metropolis round this time of the yr.
The London Jazz Festival or Bonfire Night on November fifth are nice choices for getting out and assembly new individuals. In case you’re visiting throughout the second week of November, you might also pay your respects throughout the Remembrance Day celebrations inside the metropolis.
London in December
December in London is when the magic begins.
Climate in London in December
London in December is just extraordinary. I like the intense lights, the lovable Christmas outlets, and the nice and cozy sizzling candies are simply to die for. Through the month of December, you possibly can anticipate chilly temperatures something between 37°F – 45°F. Throughout this time, you possibly can anticipate A LOT of rain and even snow when you’re fortunate. Hats, scarf, gloves – remember to pack the lot!
As a result of chilly temperatures, the air could really feel dry. Nonetheless, that is frequent in virtually anywhere you go to that’s cooler in local weather. Be certain to pack plenty of moisturizers and lip balm, and keep hydrated.
Issues To Do in London in December
The vacation season is without doubt one of the busiest occasions in London. Everyone seems to be out and about both Christmas purchasing or having fun with the opposite assorted festivities. There are lots of occasions that happen within the metropolis throughout this time.
Many of those occasions are scattered across the metropolis and are held weekly. Be a part of a Christmas Lights Bike Tour, or try the Southbank Winter Festival, and plenty of extra vacation festivities might be loved inside a number of weeks of one another.
Greatest Time to Go to London: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on the most effective time to go to London:
There isn’t a selected month per se, nonetheless, October – November tends to be the wettest time of yr in London. So when you’re touring throughout this time, remember to pack an umbrella and a raincoat.
Any time between January – April is the least busy in London. One other much less crowded time is between the months of September – November.
The most affordable occasions to go to London could be any time between January-April and September-November. The low season/shoulder season has a significant impression on pricing.
The nicest month to go to London would completely be July. Any time between Might – June can also be good.
June – August is the worst time to go to London. Primarily because of the expense and insane crowding. In case you don’t thoughts sharing the town with giant quantities of vacationers, and your funds permits, nonetheless, there’s no dangerous time to e-book your journey.
The costliest month to fly to London is July. That is proper within the midst of peak season.
It’s a gorgeous time to be in London. The glowing decorations, lights, and Christmas markets, make it a dreamy place to be throughout the vacation season.
The time of yr with the most effective climate is usually any time between June and August. The summer season months are typically sunnier with larger temperatures.
In Conclusion
There actually isn’t any “finest time” to go to London. Your private preferences, your pursuits, and the stuff you love to do are all key elements when figuring out the most effective time to go to London.
Whether or not you’re obsessive about the vacations, otherwise you’re searching for some metropolis solar, there’s one thing for you in London. That’s a part of the explanation it’s such a well-liked place. There’s one thing for everybody in London. Now that you simply’re ready, it’s time to pack your suitcase and prepare to get pleasure from an journey to recollect. Cheerio!
