Has London been in your thoughts these days? It’s at all times vital to plan forward so the very best time to go to London based mostly on the actions you wish to do, and the points of interest you wish to see.
From the brilliant purple phone cubicles to the elegant Buckingham Palace, and a lot extra, there are countless issues to do in London. So, seize your cuppa and skim on for the complete scoop on the very best time to go to London, UK.
London attracts roughly 21 million guests every year 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 happening.
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 that 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 seeking to journey in fall, you’ll be able to anticipate temperatures of round 64°F. Be taught extra in regards to the finest time to go to England
General Greatest Time to Go to London
When it comes to the very best time to go to London, it’s usually thought-about to be between Could 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 will be, however I discovered issues to be rather more affordable on the finish of the season, particularly day excursions.
Could – June will be nice choices in case you’re seeking to discover the town’s a number of parks. In truth, in case you love the outside, or extra particularly flowers and nature, having fun with the blooming shows on the RHS Chelsea Flower Present 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 in case you’re on a tighter funds. Because the summer season rush is especially over for the yr, day excursions, motels, hostels, and vacationer points of interest are inclined to run on the cheaper aspect presently 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 motive. Many vacationers flock to London between July – August and in December. July and August stay widespread months as that is {the summertime} in London when the climate is often at its warmest. Many discover it extra comfy to discover the town on a tour bus, quite than on foot when the climate is extra excessive.
Completely different festivals such because the Nice British Beer Competition or Notting Hill Carnival are each unbelievable occasions that convey individuals from all corners of the world collectively, so in case you plan on visiting inside time, you should definitely examine these out.
December is one other magical time of the yr in London. The whole lot is lit up with a number of the most lovely lights and decorations, and a number of the most charming Christmas Markets you’ll ever see. Add to the combination some tasty treats and it makes for a spot properly value including to your record of locations to go to through 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 kind of cities that pulls everybody on the market not directly.
A great day tour to think about when visiting London through the peak season is “London: Windsor, Stonehenge, Tub, and Roman Baths Day Journey” on GetYourGuide. This tour will take you to a number of the key day journey spots outdoors 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 a number of the finest occasions to journey to the capital. Not solely will issues be barely cheaper however you’ll nearly actually keep away from a number of the heavy crowds.
March-April is the beginning of the spring season in London. The birds begin chirping once more, the timber start to blossom, and all the things appears just a little brighter. Usually, presently, London isn’t terribly busy. Many people Britts are at dwelling doing our taxes and sadly (for us) not touring across the capital.
Nonetheless, that’s excellent news for these of you seeking to journey inside this time. Many attention-grabbing festivals additionally happen in these months such because the London Espresso Competition, The Eat and Drink Competition, and the Easter Competition.
Off-Season in London
(January – April and October – November)
The low season for London journey is anyplace 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 may well get fairly chilly. With minimal outside actions occurring and generally excessive climate to deal with, many select to journey to London through the hotter months as a substitute.
In the event you don’t thoughts wrapping up in just a few additional layers, don’t let the climate put you off. Journey throughout this time will be thrilling too and it’s good to make the most of the diminished crowds. January is a month of music in London. Many Blues and Jazz festivals happen throughout this time.
October-November is an efficient time to go to in case you’re seeking to do some Christmas purchasing in London or take pleasure in a number of the Halloween actions that happen throughout 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
If you consider London, you probably don’t consider seashores. Nonetheless, the United Kingdom is an island and so is of course dwelling to many seashores, numerous that are considerably surprisingly beautiful. Simply outdoors of the town, there are numerous lovely seashores for vacationers to discover.
One of the vital lovely seashores outdoors 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 a fantastic place to swim, nevertheless it’s a unbelievable place to fly kites or take a stunning stroll alongside the shore.
One other unbelievable seaside to think about is Botany Bay Seaside. 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 quite than within the water. Try extra seashores close to London right here.
When to Go to London For Festivals
Festivals in London are a key consider 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 season Time” and “South West 4.” Each are prevalent music occasions that happen within the spring and summer season.
In the event you’re in search of one thing extra stress-free, the “Style Of London” takes place each summer season. With totally different treats, music, and extra, the style of London is the right approach to get to know the town.
One of the best time to go to London for the festivals is through the peak and shoulder season. Could-September is when issues are occurring in London. There’s one thing to maintain you busy nearly 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 will be quite delicate. Nonetheless, in terms of visiting London’s historic websites, many are closed through the winter time or simply plain uncomfortable to go to. One of the best time to really expertise any historic websites inside London is through the summer season months when it’s hotter.
It’s additionally vital to notice that castles or historic ruins are largely outdoors of the town quite than inside. So that you’ll need to be ready to journey to every of those websites. In the course of the low season and the winter, the trains to every of those websites don’t run as continuously – 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 a giant metropolitan metropolis, the London space is (maybe unexpectedly) dwelling to an abundance of wildlife. In the summertime, whale and dolphin watching is a well-liked exercise simply outdoors of ‘The Massive Smoke’, the place species such because the Minke Whale and the White Beaked Dolphin continuously come as much as the floor to say good day.
Hen watching in London takes place within the late spring/early summer season. Could-June is the very best 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 right 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 attainable to take advantage of it on a shoestring funds. Many free actions in London exist throughout the metropolis’s limits and backpackers who wish to expertise London with out breaking the financial institution can completely accomplish that.
The most cost effective time to go to London is within the low season or proper after the height season. In the course of the peak season, costs are inclined to soar, particularly for lodging. Within the low season, many hostels, motels, and tour firms are attempting to make as a lot cash as attainable 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 throughout 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 numerous lovely trails and mountain climbing experiences simply outdoors of the capital. Examples of unbelievable mountain climbing spots near London are the Thames Path, Field Hill, and Mole Hole Path.
All three spots are inside shut vary of London and supply a distinct expertise. In the event you’re in search of extra of a better, sluggish hike, the Thames Path is the right possibility 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 the event you’re nonetheless undecided as to when could also be the very best 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 relies on what you love to do or see. In the event you’re extra of an out of doors fanatic then visiting in the summertime months could be finest for you. In the event you love the vacation magic then someday in December-January could be the prime time so that you can take pleasure in London. Every month affords one thing completely totally different from the subsequent.
London in January
London in January is usually chilly and darkish however is neglected 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 circumstances. 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 might 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 initially of the month. The New 12 months’s Celebration and the January Blues Competition are each unbelievable occasions to be part of, and so they each happen throughout the first week of January.
London can be dwelling to many gentle festivals throughout this time. Be happy to stroll the magical streets of London and witness the spectacular association on show. It’s really an exquisite expertise and is totally free.
London in February
Though thought-about 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 fairly good thought in case 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 will be similar to January. Count on 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 tip of the month, outside actions develop into extra available. You may embark on a day cruise down the River Thames, or take a stadium tour.
London hosts many festivals through the month of February, too. The Chinese language New 12 months festivities in addition to the Valentine’s Day celebrations are each widespread to expertise in case you resolve to go to London throughout February.
London in March
Count on hotter temperatures and brilliant inexperienced surroundings.
Climate in London in March
March is taken into account to be the shoulder season so anticipate a number of 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 minimize. Count on 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 wreck sightseeing akin to visiting Stonehenge or close by castles. The climate is delicate sufficient to comfortably spend a day outdoors.
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 take pleasure in an organized tour.
An ideal tour to partake in is GetYourGuide’s “From London: Full-day Cotswold Small-Group Tour”. With the chance to make a journey outdoors the town, you’ll have the prospect to see some historic small cities and nation roads. This tour is a bit more gratifying earlier than the height season when there’s much less crowding and extra time to really get a really feel for the Cotswolds.
London in April
April showers convey Could flowers!
Climate in London in April
April is such an attention-grabbing time to go to London. April is true earlier than the height journey season for London. Usually, you’ll be able to anticipate delicate climate. It could nonetheless rain fairly a bit and humidity could play a consider your journey so hold your raincoat close by.
Temperatures in April are round 60°F. For me, this is likely one of the finest occasions to go to London. Temperatures are good for exploring, but crowds are minimal and costs are low. Though, as with most occasions 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. Trying to get married quickly? Why not attend the London Excel Wedding ceremony Present?
Easter actions additionally pop up across the metropolis throughout this time. Easter egg hunts and totally 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 choose up and the height season begins. Could is taken into account spring/very early summer season in London. So with that being mentioned, the climate is hotter and extra actions develop into 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 season attracts nearer, the rain dies down and the solar makes its grand look extra typically.
Issues To Do in London in Could
Could is a superb time to take an organized tour or bask in a neighborhood competition. As the height season creeps in, increasingly actions, festivals, and day journeys develop into available for vacationers.
The NHS Chelsea Flower Present, the Pure Canine Expo, and plenty of different occasions happen within the month of Could. In the event you’re extra of an out of doors fanatic then it is a nice time to go on that hike! Since crowds are solely beginning to choose up in Could and the climate is similar to the summer season, this is likely one of the finest occasions 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 season within the U.Ok. Throughout this time, you’ll be able to anticipate heat, sunny climate and minimal rain. It’s possible you’ll even get a tan as you discover the town! Temperatures vary anyplace from 65°F to 75°F.
Count on a lot of flowers, greenery, and distinctive wildlife when you’re right here. The town prides itself on its lush, open parks that are good for romantic picnics. Though usually sunny, I’d nonetheless pack a raincoat if I had been you. In any case, it’s the U.Ok. 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. Count on a lot of pop-up occasions, festivals, and carnivals. Father’s Day occasions are additionally widespread through the month of June.
Festivals like Mighty Hoopla or the London Delight Competition are each nice choices in case you’re going to be touring within the month of June.
In the event you choose for all the things to be organized for you, GetYour Information’s “From London: White Cliffs Of Dover and Canterbury Day-Journey” is an ideal tour to embark on through the month of June. Though windy, the cliffs are a fantastic spot to go to in the summertime months as a result of milder climate however plan rigorously to keep away from overcrowding.
London in July
Sunny, heat, and alluring. 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 may anticipate scorching temperatures and many solar throughout this time. July temperatures run anyplace from 70°F to 75°F. That is additionally the very best time to go to in case you don’t wish to get moist.
Throughout this time, most are out of college and faculty 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 preferred month to go to London, anticipate numerous totally different festivals, actions, and occasions nearly every day. Participate within the London Wi-fi Competition or benefit from the British Summer season Time Festivities in Hyde Park.
There’s additionally a variety of excursions and day journeys to take pleasure in in July too. Lots of the hop-on, hop-off buses develop into extra available throughout this time in case you’d quite keep throughout the metropolis. Completely different day journeys to parks, outside areas, and historic landmarks are additionally a fantastic thought when in London through 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’ll be able to anticipate heat temperatures much like July with a mean of 70°F – 75°F every 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 season, actions and festivities are nonetheless usually happening throughout the metropolis. On the finish of August, look ahead to the Notting Hill Carnival. When you’ve got a candy tooth, try the London Dessert Competition 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 lovely seashores close to London. In the event you’re up for it, go on a hike to see the Seven Sisters Cliff Stroll. Because the climate is delicate, the wind isn’t so chilly and the rain is often stored at bay.
London in September
As the autumn begins, the leaves within the park begin to flip essentially the most lovely colours – it’s picture-perfect!
Climate in London in September
London in September is when the climate begins to get just a little cooler and the crowds actually begin to die down. You may nonetheless anticipate hotter temperatures round 70°F. Humidity is usually low too except it rains, nonetheless, London is generally sunny presently of the yr.
In the course of the month of September, it’s finest to pack a mixture of brief and lengthy sleeves (simply in case). The nights in London through the month of September begin to get cooler so you might find yourself carrying shorter sleeves through 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’ll be able to simply get a unbelievable deal on a tour that will have been rather more costly within the months of June or July.
Despite the fact that the crowds are waning, the festivals proceed. Completely different actions like Pub within the Park, The One Out Competition, and the “Chill” Competition all happen throughout the month of September. You possibly can 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 may anticipate cooler climate, bright-colored leaves, and a number of other celebrations. Rain in October is quite common so bear in mind to pack your raincoat and your umbrella. Temperatures often hover across the mid 50°Fs and humidity is often 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 may anticipate a number of Halloween actions together with pop-up trick-or-treating or Halloween events. You can even anticipate issues to get wild and spooky within the pubs. As Oktoberfest begins, the town holds a number of occasions and events to rejoice with out having to fly all the way in which to Germany.
If events and festivals aren’t your factor you’ll be able to at all times participate in a strolling tour of the town 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 akin to Christmas Markets and Christmas baking begin up round this time.
In November, you’ll be able to anticipate a lot of 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 often 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. In the event 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 Competition or Bonfire Night time on November fifth are nice choices for getting out and assembly new individuals. In the event you’re visiting through the second week of November, you might also pay your respects through 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 brilliant lights, the lovable Christmas outlets, and the nice and cozy scorching candies are simply to die for. In the course of 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 case you’re fortunate. Hats, scarf, gloves – you should definitely pack the lot!
As a result of chilly temperatures, the air could really feel dry. Nonetheless, that is widespread in nearly anyplace you go to that’s cooler in local weather. Be sure to pack a lot of moisturizers and lip balm, and keep hydrated.
Issues To Do in London in December
The vacation season is likely 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 part of a Christmas Lights Bike Tour, or try the Southbank Winter Competition, and plenty of extra vacation festivities will be loved inside just a few weeks of one another.
Greatest Time to Go to London: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on the very best 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 in case you’re touring throughout this time, you should definitely 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 cost effective occasions to go to London could be any time between January-April and September-November. The low season/shoulder season has a significant affect on pricing.
The nicest month to go to London would completely be July. Any time between Could – June can be good.
June – August is the worst time to go to London. Primarily as a result of expense and insane crowding. In the event 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 through the vacation season.
The time of yr with the very best climate is often any time between June and August. The summer season months are usually sunnier with greater temperatures.
In Conclusion
There actually is not any “finest time” to go to London. Your private preferences, your pursuits, and the stuff you love to do are all key components when figuring out the very best 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 just’re ready, it’s time to pack your suitcase and prepare to take pleasure in an journey to recollect. Cheerio!
