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As with visiting any of the world's most exciting, cosmopolitan, and travel-friendly cities, a trip to London is always a good idea. But the best time to visit London can depend on what you're looking to get out of your trip. Some stretches of time draw more crowds than others due to school holidays and exciting cultural events happening in the capital, while other periods are quieter offering more room availability at hotels and even lower airfare prices.
To get the insider intel on the best time to visit London, we spoke to a handful of travel experts who count London among their areas of expertise: Camilla Davidson of Red Savannah, Andy Fidler of True Travel, and Angela Tupper of NoteWorthy. “London is truly a year-round destination,” says Davidson. “Whilst the summer months might be the obvious choice—with special events such as Royal Ascot, the Chelsea Flower Show, and Wimbledon filling up diaries—there is always something happening in the city.” Read on for recommendations from our experts about when to visit London, how long to stay, what to do and see, and more.
A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
When is the best time to visit London?
When you choose to come to London really depends on what you’re looking for during your trip. If you’re hoping for good weather, a visit during the summer (June, July, or August) means you’re more likely to see sunny and warm days. That said, remember that this is Britain: Rain or cooler days are possible even during months that might be more traditionally sunny elsewhere. In this peak season, however, events like Wimbledon and the Royal Ascot fill up the city, says Fidler of True Travel; additionally, schools break for the summer in July, which means local families head into the capital as well.
During this peak travel season season, Davidson of Red Savannah offers the reminder that hotel rates are usually elevated, public transportation can be packed, the most popular museums are full, and the best guides are already booked: “None of this is to say you shouldn’t visit during the summer,” she says, “but allow plenty of time to plan with your travel advisor or tour operator so that your itinerary is built around your preferences and interests, rather than just what’s available at the last minute.”
If you want to see the city at its most sparkly and magical, the best time to visit London is during the festive period, between late November and the end of December. The autumnal months of September and October bring with them gorgeous leaves, Sunday roasts, and cozy pubs.
Spring, however, is the season for nature lovers as blossoms and wisteria begin to flower across the city. Fidler says, “My favorite time of year in London is spring—when the trees of the royal parks are blossoming and the weather has started to warm up, but the crowds are smaller and room rates at hotels are more favorable.”
When is the cheapest time to visit London?
Although London remains busy with tourists all year, January and February are historically the quietest months in the capital and, therefore, can offer the best opportunities to save money and to bag deals. Avoid the February half term (a period of school holidays), the exact dates of which change annually. Tupper of NoteWorthy recommends January, when many of the Christmas decorations, lights, and shows are still on display: “You can take advantage of the seasonal atmosphere, but often at a better value.” Just don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket and some thermals, says Fidler.
Regardless of when you time your visit, there are easy ways to save money on a trip to London while getting a more relaxed and authentic experience, says Tupper: “Get away from the tourist hot spots with high prices and stay in local neighborhood areas.” You don’t have to stay right in Soho to visit the city’s theaters and clubs; you can commute like every other Londoner actually does.
Is there a rainy season in London?
There’s certainly a rainy “season” in London, but nothing like you'll experience in tropical climes. The city sees rain throughout all four seasons, but the months with the most average amount of rainfall are November (66.63mm), October (65.07mm), and December (57.05mm), according to Met Office data. January has the most days of rainfall, with 11.53 days on average.
That said, any time of year can be rainy season in London. “Weather in London is notoriously unpredictable, so downpours in August or unseasonably chilly May days are not uncommon,” Davidson says. “Being prepared to encounter ‘four seasons in a day’ is key. I suggest ‘dressing like an onion’—put on layers that you can easily remove or add.” Packing a lightweight rain jacket and reliable rain boots will go a long way to facing any and all weather you might encounter in London.
What is the warmest month in London?
According to Met Office data collected between 1991–2020, July is the warmest month in London with an average temperature of 23.89 degrees Celsius (or about 75 degrees Fahrenheit). August is not that far behind, with an average temperature of 23.40 degrees Celsius (although August has considerably more rain than July, on average).
To stay hydrated in London, especially when it’s hot, be sure to carry a reusable water bottle with you. “Most public spaces in London now have water fountains, so you don’t need to purchase plastic single-use bottles,” says Davidson. “You can just refill yours as you go.” She also recommends bring a portable electric fan as you’re exploring the city to stay cool: “But fashionistas might enjoy a brightly patterned hand fan, which is a surprisingly common sight on the London Underground in summer.”
Which month has the most hours of sunshine in London?
July is the sunniest month in London, according to Met Office Data, followed by June, then May, then August. This is the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful mix of urban and natural landscapes in London. “The Royal Parks are the lungs of the city and there is nothing better than taking a picnic into the park to enjoy the weather for an impromptu al fresco meal,” Davidson says, and recommends the open-air theater at Regent’s Park for a spot of artistic entertainment like Shakespeare productions and musicals.
And remember: Even if the sun isn’t fully out when you’re doing your daytime outdoor sightseeing putting on some good sunscreen never hurts. Your dermatologist and your future self ten years from know will be very pleased you took the time to apply some SPF.
When should you visit London for Christmas activities?
If you’re looking to visit London during the festive period, you’ll want to time your trip when the Christmas lights have begun to sparkle, holiday markets have opened, and fun events are taking place. Most big light displays—such as those on Oxford and Regent Street—happen in the second week of November, while Christmas markets kick off toward the end of the month. We’d recommend timing your visit toward the end of November or the beginning of December to get the best of London’s festivities without the busiest crowds.
When is the best time to avoid the crowds in London?
Speaking of crowds, London can be very busy with tourists during peak travel times. If you’d rather plan a more peaceful visit, consider traveling during the week (as in, not the weekends) and outside of school holidays (in the UK, these take place at Easter and during the end of July through to the beginning of September, with shorter school term breaks in February, May, and October).
How many days would I need in London as a first timer?
Both Findler and Tupper suggest a minimum of four full days for your first time in London. That offers you enough time to get the essential experiences—whether self-guided or with a tour operator—while providing some breathing room and spontaneity in between. “If London is your only stop, you can stay a week and delve deeper into the city’s history,” Tupper says. “You can also go into the countryside and stay at England’s newest retreats such as Estelle Manor.”
What are the essential, must-see sites I should visit in London?
If you’re visiting London for the first time, Findler and Tupper recommend checking out some classically British ceremonies and history, like seeing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace for some royal pageantry, or visiting the Churchill War Rooms, which is great for history buffs who want to learn more about the United Kingdom’s past. If you’re a more culinary traveler, make a reservation for afternoon tea at one of the city’s five-star hotels like The Savoy or The Dorchester. And there’s plenty to be excited about in the West End theater district, where plays, musicals, and experimental works can entertain your entire family or travel group; for the Shakespeare-inclined, there’s always the Globe.
For tourists who like to shop, Harrods is often on the to-do list, however Davidson suggests instead visiting the department store Liberty London: “It’s quintessentially British, packed with local designers, luxury homeware, and gifts within an iconic half-timbered building. It’s the perfect place to find a memento of your trip without so many of the crowds of other stores.”
And of course, London has plenty to offer art lovers through the city’s many museums, many of which are free to visit. “Though the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery on Trafalgar Square are popular, I love sending guests to The Wallace Collection on Manchester Square,” Davidson says, referring to the a Georgian Townhouse packed with art works from Dutch Masters to Impressionists. “It’s hugely impressive, bursting with heavenly furniture and decorative arts suggesting its heyday as a private residence. It even has obscure collections of samurai armor 16th-century weaponry.”
What else should I know before visiting London?
Safety and security, like in any major city, is something people should keep in mind, Findler says. But there’s no need to be overly concerned such that the anxiety sucks the joy out of traveling. Be sensible when it comes to carrying cash and wearing expensive watches or jewelry. In London, black cabs are readily available and trusted, though you can also order an Uber.
Double-check which airport you are flying into, Tupper says, as London has quite a few of them and first-timers might get confused. The two bigger ones are Heathrow and Gatwick, which will most likely be your gateways if you are flying internationally; there’s also Stansted, Luton, and London City for shorter regional flights. Heathrow and Gatwick have efficient express trains that take you into the London city center in a short amount of time.
And speaking of transportation: Traveling via taxi or public transport during peak rush hour times can be difficult in London, when queues and delays more likely. Try to plan your day accordingly to avoid the commuter traffic.
