Has London been in your thoughts currently? It’s at all times vital to plan forward so you realize the most effective time to go to London based mostly on the actions you need to do, and the sights you need to see.
From the intense purple phone cubicles to the elegant Buckingham Palace, and a lot extra, there are limitless things to do in London. So, seize your cuppa and browse on for the total 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 time (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 completely different and thrilling happening.
London itself is a metropolis of gentle climate, each in the summertime and within the winter. Within the summertime, the temperature usually sits comfortably round 73°F when shorts and a pleasant T-shirt will typically do. Whereas the winters in London hover round 45°F, (be sure to pack a heat jacket!).
Within the spring you’ll be able to anticipate temperatures between 54°F and 64°F, and for these of you trying to journey in fall, you’ll be able to anticipate temperatures of round 64°F. Be taught extra in regards to the best time to visit England
Total Finest Time to Go to London
When it comes to the most effective time to go to London, it’s typically thought of to be between Could and June; simply earlier than the height summer time 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 remains to be pretty gentle.
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 beneath the impression that London is an especially costly metropolis to go to and sure, it definitely will be, however I discovered issues to be way more cheap on the finish of the season, particularly day excursions.
May – June will be nice choices in the event you’re trying to discover the town’s a number of parks. The truth is, in the event you love the outside, or extra particularly flowers and nature, having fun with the blooming shows on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a good 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 in the event you’re on a tighter finances. Because the summer time rush is principally over for the yr, day excursions, motels, hostels, and vacationer sights are inclined to run on the cheaper facet at the moment as companies attempt to promote what they’ll earlier than the season dies down.
Peak Season in London
(July – August and December – Early January)
The height season is peak for a purpose. Many vacationers flock to London between July – August and in December. July and August stay common 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, moderately than on foot when the climate is extra excessive.
Totally different festivals such because the Great British Beer Festival or Notting Hill Carnival are each incredible occasions that deliver individuals from all corners of the world collectively, so in the event you plan on visiting inside time, you’ll want to test these out.
December is one other magical time of the yr in London. Every part is lit up with among the most lovely lights and decorations, and among the most charming Christmas Markets you’ll ever see. Add to the combination some tasty treats and it makes for a spot effectively price including to your record of locations to go to throughout the Holidays.
Typically talking, these from throughout Europe, Canada, the United States, and even different elements of Britain, flock to London throughout these peak instances. It’s simply a kind of cities that pulls everybody on the market indirectly.
A great 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 greatest 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 greatest instances to journey to the capital. Not solely will issues be barely cheaper however you’ll nearly definitely 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 all the things appears a bit of brighter. Typically, at the moment, 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 fascinating 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 typically on the cheaper facet.
Many select to not journey throughout these instances as it could get fairly chilly. With minimal outside actions taking place and generally excessive climate to cope with, many select to journey to London throughout the hotter months as an alternative.
For those who don’t thoughts wrapping up in a couple of further layers, don’t let the climate put you off. Journey throughout this time will be thrilling too and it’s good to benefit from the lowered 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 in the event you’re trying to do some Christmas buying in London or get pleasure from among the Halloween actions that happen throughout the metropolis. Halloween events, live shows and extra occur across the spookiest time of the yr. So, take benefit and expertise a extra festive facet of London.
When to Go to London For Seashores
While you consider London, you probably 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 various lovely seashores for vacationers to discover.
Probably the most lovely seashores exterior of London is Camber Sands, Sussex. Hottest for its sand dune-like seashores, this stretch is saved clear all yr round and plenty of vacationers flock to this spot in the summertime months. Not solely is it a fantastic place to swim, however it’s a incredible place to fly kites or take a stunning stroll alongside the shore.
One other incredible seaside to contemplate is Botany Bay Beach. Though rockier than the Camber Sands, Botany Bay is extra of a landmark than a swimming seaside. The tough waters make this location a spot to discover on foot moderately 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 nearly 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 time.
For those who’re in search of one thing extra enjoyable, the “Taste Of London” takes place each summer time. With completely different treats, music, and extra, the style of London is the right option to get to know the town.
One of the best time to go to London for the festivals is throughout the peak and shoulder season. Could-September is when issues are taking place in London. There’s one thing to maintain you busy nearly each weekend, so that you’ll discover not less than one competition to fit your preferences.
When to Go to London For Historic Websites
As talked about earlier than, the climate in London will be moderately gentle. Nonetheless, in the case of visiting London’s historic websites, many are closed throughout the winter time or simply plain uncomfortable to go to. One of the best time to actually expertise any historic websites inside London is throughout the summer time months when it’s hotter.
It’s additionally vital to notice that castles or historical ruins are principally exterior of the town moderately than inside. So that you’ll should 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 fortress ruins are in your record, it’s greatest to plan your journey for the spring or summer time.
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 good day.
Hen watching in London takes place within the late spring/early summer time. Could-June is the most effective time to expertise the native birds. Species just like the Kingfisher or the Redwing are widespread round right here and are lovely 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 will be an costly metropolis. Nonetheless, it is potential to take advantage of it on a shoestring finances. Many free activities in London exist throughout the metropolis’s limits and backpackers who need to expertise London with out breaking the financial institution can completely achieve this.
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 inclined to soar, particularly for lodging. Within the low season, many hostels, motels, and tour corporations try to make as a lot cash as potential regardless of the crowds being minimal,(which is nice information for a finances traveler!).
There are additionally many free strolling excursions, festivities, and different issues to do throughout the metropolis, with out spending a penny.
When to Go to London For Mountain climbing
London is a metropolis that will not essentially be identified for mountain climbing, however there are various lovely trails and mountain climbing experiences simply exterior of the capital. Examples of incredible 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 special expertise. For those who’re in search of extra of a better, gradual hike, the Thames Path is the right possibility for you. If you wish to embark on the final word hike, the Mole Hole Path or Field Hill are each incredible challenges.
The Finest Time to Go to London By Month
For those who’re nonetheless undecided as to when could also be the most effective time so that you can guide 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 will depend on what you love to do or see. For those who’re extra of an out of doors fanatic then visiting in the summertime months can be greatest for you. For those who love the vacation magic then someday in December-January can be the prime time so that you can get pleasure from London. Every month gives one thing completely completely 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’ll be able to anticipate chilly temperatures of round 44°F. Throughout this month, you’ll be able to anticipate a ton of rain and moist situations. You might also be fortunate sufficient to see snow, (wrap up heat).
Most nature hikes and outside excursions aren’t obtainable 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 tons to do and see whereas in London throughout this time. Lots of the actually thrilling festivities occur firstly of the month. The New Yr’s Celebration and the January Blues Pageant are each incredible occasions to be part of, and so they each happen throughout 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 actually a beautiful expertise and is totally free.
London in February
Though thought of the low season, February generally is a nice time to keep away from the crowds.
Climate in London in February
Visiting London in February is a reasonably sensible concept in the event you ask me. You’re there proper after the vacation rush so issues will typically be cheaper, however the climate in London throughout this time will 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 around the globe. As February involves an finish, the rain begins to die down and the solar begins to make an everyday 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 common to expertise in the event 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. This can be a nice time to do any wreck sightseeing comparable to visiting Stonehenge or close by castles. The climate is gentle 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 throughout the month of March. Get entangled in a number of of the town’s many festivals or maybe get pleasure from an organized tour.
An amazing 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 pleasing 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 deliver Could flowers!
Climate in London in April
April is such an fascinating time to go to London. April is true earlier than the height journey season for London. Typically, you’ll be able to anticipate gentle climate. It might nonetheless rain fairly a bit and humidity might play a think about your journey so maintain your raincoat close by.
Temperatures in April are round 60°F. For me, this is among the greatest instances to go to London. Temperatures are excellent for exploring, but crowds are minimal and costs are low. Though, as with most instances of the yr, you do want to arrange 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 in fact 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 completely different household actions are widespread and are nice for households in search of enjoyable issues to do in London.
London in Could
The shoulder season ends right here.
Climate in London in Could
The month of Could is when the crowds begin to decide up and the height season begins. Could is taken into account spring/very early summer time in London. So with that being mentioned, the climate is hotter and extra actions grow to be obtainable.
Temperatures in Could are roughly between 52°F and 75°F. Throughout this month, anticipate much less rain and extra sunny days. As summer time attracts nearer, the rain dies down and the solar makes its grand look extra usually.
Issues To Do in London in Could
Could is a good time to take an organized tour or take pleasure in an area competition. As the height season creeps in, increasingly 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 Could. For those who’re extra of an out of doors fanatic then it is a great time to go on that hike! Since crowds are solely beginning to decide up in Could and the climate is similar to the summer time, this is among the greatest instances to go.
London in June
Summer season is in full swing and so is peak season.
Climate in London in June
June is the beginning of summer time within the U.Okay. Throughout this time, you’ll be able to anticipate heat, sunny climate and minimal rain. You might even get a tan as you discover the town! Temperatures vary wherever from 65°F to 75°F.
Anticipate numerous flowers, greenery, and distinctive wildlife whilst you’re right here. Town prides itself on its lush, open parks that are excellent for romantic picnics. Though typically sunny, I’d nonetheless pack a raincoat if I had been you. In any case, 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 implies that there’s a ton to see and do throughout this month. Anticipate numerous pop-up occasions, festivals, and carnivals. Father’s Day occasions are additionally common throughout the month of June.
Festivals like Mighty Hoopla or the London Pride Festival are each nice choices in the event you’re going to be touring within the month of June.
For those who want for all the things 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 a fantastic spot to go to in the summertime months because of the milder climate however plan rigorously 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 scorching temperatures and many solar throughout this time. July temperatures run wherever from 70°F to 75°F. That is additionally the most effective time to go to in the event you don’t need to get moist.
Throughout this time, most are out of college and college so anticipate massive crowds and a few households too. That is proper in the course of the height season.
Issues To Do in London in July
Since July is such a preferred month to go to London, anticipate quite a lot of completely different festivals, actions, and occasions nearly each day. Participate within the London Wi-fi Pageant or benefit from the British Summer season 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 in the event you’d moderately keep throughout the metropolis. Totally different day journeys to parks, outside areas, and historic landmarks are additionally a fantastic 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 sort of beautiful. It’s a good time to go to. The climate remains to be heat and summer time remains to be right here but the crowds are beginning to die down. Within the month of August, you’ll be able to anticipate heat temperatures just like July with a mean of 70°F – 75°F each day.
Though it doesn’t rain fairly often in the summertime, when it does, you’ll be able to anticipate excessive ranges of humidity.
Issues To Do in London in August
Because it’s nonetheless summer time, actions and festivities are nonetheless frequently happening throughout the metropolis. On the finish of August, sit up for the Notting Hill Carnival. If in case you have a candy tooth, try the London Dessert Pageant which typically takes place in mid-August.
Outside actions are nice choices within the month of August. Because the crowds die down, it offers vacationers a extra customized expertise in nature. Head to one of many lovely beaches near London. For those who’re up for it, go on a hike to see the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk. Because the climate is gentle, the wind isn’t so chilly and the rain is often saved at bay.
London in September
As the autumn begins, the leaves within the park begin to flip probably the most lovely colours – it’s picture-perfect!
Climate in London in September
London in September is when the climate begins to get a bit of cooler and the crowds actually begin to die down. You’ll be able to nonetheless anticipate hotter temperatures round 70°F. Humidity is mostly low too until it rains, nevertheless, London is usually sunny at the moment of the yr.
Through the month of September, it’s greatest 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 corporations begin to low cost their excursions. This implies you’ll be able to simply get a incredible 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. Totally different actions like Pub within the Park, The One Out Pageant, and the “Chill” Pageant all happen throughout the month of September. You could possibly 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 several other celebrations. Rain in October is quite common so bear in mind to pack your raincoat and your umbrella. Temperatures normally hover across the mid 50°Fs and humidity is normally on the upper facet.
Though it’s wet, it’s nonetheless a ravishing 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. You may as well 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 best way to Germany.
If events and festivals aren’t your factor you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to anticipate numerous rain and many 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 generally even snow. For those who’re into skating, there’s at all times not less than 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. For those who’re visiting throughout the second week of November, you might also pay your respects throughout the Remembrance Day celebrations throughout the metropolis.
London in December
December in London is when the magic begins.
Climate in London in December
London in December is solely extraordinary. I really like the intense lights, the lovable Christmas retailers, and the nice and cozy scorching goodies are simply to die for. Through the month of December, you’ll be able to anticipate chilly temperatures something between 37°F – 45°F. Throughout this time, you’ll be able to anticipate A LOT of rain and even snow in the event you’re fortunate. Hats, scarf, gloves – you’ll want to pack the lot!
Because of the chilly temperatures, the air might really feel dry. Nonetheless, that is widespread in nearly anyplace you go to that’s cooler in local weather. Ensure that to pack numerous moisturizers and lip balm, and keep hydrated.
Issues To Do in London in December
The vacation season is among the busiest instances in London. Everyone seems to be out and about both Christmas buying or having fun with the opposite assorted festivities. There are numerous 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 will be loved inside a couple of weeks of one another.
Finest 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, nevertheless, October – November tends to be the wettest time of yr in London. So in the event you’re touring throughout this time, you’ll want 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 instances to go to London can 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 Could – June can also be good.
June – August is the worst time to go to London. Primarily because of the expense and insane crowding. For those who don’t thoughts sharing the town with massive quantities of vacationers, and your finances permits, nevertheless, there’s no unhealthy time to guide your journey.
The most costly month to fly to London is July. That is proper within the midst of peak season.
It’s a ravishing 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 often any time between June and August. The summer time months are usually sunnier with greater temperatures.
In Conclusion
There actually is not any “greatest time” to go to London. Your private preferences, your pursuits, and the belongings 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 in search of some metropolis solar, there’s one thing for you in London. That’s a part of the rationale it’s such a preferred 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!
