Best time to visit · London · United Kingdom
The best time to visit London
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best months for London are May, June and September, with long days, mild temperatures and the parks at their best, though June is also peak season. April and October are quieter shoulder months, and December trades short days for Christmas lights and markets. Pack for some rain whatever the month.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June and September
- Shoulder season
- April, July–August, October and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 24°C (75°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 9°C (48°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~11 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Seasons
London has a mild, changeable oceanic climate: cool, damp winters that rarely freeze for long, mild springs and autumns, and warm summers with occasional hot spells above 30°C. Rain is spread through the year but usually falls as showers rather than all-day downpours.
March–May
Spring
Blossom and daffodils in the royal parks, longer evenings after the clocks change and comfortable walking weather, with showers and busy Easter holidays.
June–August
Summer
Late sunsets, pub gardens, outdoor theatre and big events such as Wimbledon, the Proms and Carnival, but the most crowded and expensive season, with occasional heatwaves.
September–November
Autumn
Settled September weather, film and art festivals in October and autumn colour in the parks; it turns wet and dark by November, when prices ease.
December–February
Winter
Cold, short days but lively Christmas markets and lights, January sales and quieter museums; hotel prices dip after New Year.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 3°C | 11 | 8.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 9°C | 3°C | 9 | 9.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 12°C | 4°C | 9 | 11.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 15°C | 6°C | 9 | 13.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 18°C | 9°C | 8 | 15.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 22°C | 12°C | 8 | 16.6 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| July | 24°C | 14°C | 8 | 16.2 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 23°C | 14°C | 8 | 14.6 h | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 20°C | 12°C | 8 | 12.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 16°C | 9°C | 11 | 10.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 11°C | 5°C | 10 | 8.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 9°C | 3°C | 10 | 7.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | London New Year's Day Parade through the West End (1 January); Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown and Trafalgar Square (late January or February) |
| February | London Fashion Week (usually mid-February) |
| March | St Patrick's Day parade and festival (weekend nearest 17 March); The Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge on the Thames (usually late March or early April) |
| April | London Marathon (usually late April) |
| May | RHS Chelsea Flower Show (usually late May) |
| June | Trooping the Colour, the King's birthday parade (usually a Saturday in June); Wimbledon tennis championships (starts late June or early July); Pride in London (usually late June or early July) |
| July | BBC Proms classical concerts at the Royal Albert Hall (mid-July to mid-September); Wimbledon finals (usually early-to-mid July) |
| August | Notting Hill Carnival (August bank holiday weekend, late August) |
| September | Open House Festival — architecture open days across the city (usually September); London Design Festival (usually mid-September); Last Night of the Proms (usually mid-September) |
| October | BFI London Film Festival (usually October); Frieze London art fair in Regent's Park (usually October) |
| November | Bonfire Night fireworks displays (around 5 November); Lord Mayor's Show procession in the City (usually the second Saturday of November); Winter Wonderland opens in Hyde Park (usually mid-to-late November) |
| December | Christmas markets and ice rinks in Hyde Park, on the South Bank and elsewhere (December); New Year's Eve fireworks over the Thames (ticketed viewing areas) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February, and the sights are quietest in January–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit London?
The best months for London are May, June and September, with long days, mild temperatures and the parks at their best, though June is also peak season. April and October are quieter shoulder months, and December trades short days for Christmas lights and markets. Pack for some rain whatever the month.
+When are hotel prices lowest in London?
Usually in January–February. Cold and short days with sunset around 4pm, but post-Christmas sales and quiet museums make it a good-value month.
+What is the rainiest month in London?
January, with about 11 days of rain on average.
+How hot does London get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F).