best time to visit London
to uncover London to the fullest.London experiences four seasons throughout the year: summer, spring, autumn, and winter. Let’s take you through each season and explain why you should consider and evaluate the different seasons in London.
Summer Season
Months: June to August
Summers bring the best warm weather, ideal for exploring the lush green spaces, rooftop bars, beer gardens, summer music festivals, and outdoor cinemas. The temperatures hover between 18oC to 30oC. You can book the attractions early to be a smart traveler and skip the queue. The month of June brings complementary longer days and several outdoor events. Be ready for higher accommodation prices and other costly indulgences as this is the peak tourist season.
Key summer events: Wimbledon, London Festival of Architecture, Notting Hill Carnival, Film4 Summers Wireless, London World Naked Bike Ride, Trooping the Color, Meltdown, Lovebox, Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, Ashes Cricket Series, Buckingham Palace State Rooms, Notting Hill Carnival, British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Proms, and Price London.
Why should you consider traveling London during the summer season?You will experience longer days than in any other season. As a result, you will witness multiple events and festivals hosted during this season.
Cons – Due to a warmer climate, you will find an intense crowd at its peak. However, the extreme humidity does not falter the spirit of both the tourists and locals alike.
Spring season
Months: March to May
Spring brings along with it longer daylight hours and milder weather, yet unpredictable rains often play spoilsport where you get a minimum of 11oC and a maximum of 15oC. Carrying an umbrella or a raincoat will be a smart move, as you can be welcomed by sudden downpours. You may witness a reduced penetration of public transport services. March is also a great season to visit the beautiful gardens. The beautiful landscape brings in amazing vistas and provides the perfect backdrop for capturing click moments.
Key Spring Events: Head of the River Race, Flare, Chinese New Year, St. Patrick’s Day Parade,Pancake Day Races, Imagine Children’s Festival, Chelsea Flower Show, Underbelly Festival, Chelsea Flower season, London Marathon, University Boat Race, Virgin Money London Marathon, London Coffee Festival, and London Tweet Run.
Why should you consider traveling London during the spring season?
The moderate climate and lower humidity make it ideal for sightseeing and exploring various London landmarks. The nice weather here attracts far fewer crowds than in the peak summer months, giving you ample opportunity to explore the destinations. In addition, the bloomed flowers bring a vibrant, colorful environment to artistically carved gardens such as the Buckingham Palace gardens, St. James’ Park, and Hampton Court.
Cons – Early spring can also come with a complimentary cold and rainy climate, which may not be ideal for exploring the city. However, as the season progresses, the weather also normalizes.
Autumn season
Months: September to November
Autumn kicks off immediately after the summer sets with mild weather and plenty of events like Halloween and the Thames festival. The temperatures vary from 11oC to 15oC. The initial months of September are quieter as the local kids begin their new school year, but overall, London rapidly picks pace in the coming months. The beautiful weather makes it ideal for exploring the design and architecture.
Key events: Open House Festival, totally Thames, Greenwich Comedy Festival, London film festival, London Cocktail week, Affordable Art fair, London Jazz Festival, London Design Festival, Totally Thames, Guy Fawkes Night, Museums at Night, and Lord Mayor’s Show.
Why should you consider traveling London during the autumn season?
The moderate temperature and longer days make it an ideal time to explore the best of what London has to offer. You also witness leaner crowds, lower costs, and more time to enjoy the attractions.
Cons – As you gradually move towards the end of the autumn season, the days keep getting shorter, derailing all your travel plans.
Winter season
Months: December to February
The winters bring in several rounds of chilly winds with average temperature dropping between 2oC and 6oC. Hence, you can explore and discover pristine London like never before but with plenty of warm clothes. The Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations bring in warm lighting, activities, and decorations with reduced services overall. The winter months are best for visiting museums and galleries, with the sun making brief guest appearances and shorter daytime. As it is off-season, you may get better deals on accommodation, cafes, and attractions.
Key events: London Art Fair, The London Parade, Lighting of the Christmas Tree, London International Mime Festival, New Year’s celebrations, January Sales, Christmas Markets, Winter Wonderland, Bonfire night, and Boxing Day Shopping.
Why should you consider traveling London during the winter season?
It allows you to see a version of London that is almost untouched by tourists. Also, the Christmas and New Year celebrations give a different mystical vibrancy to the city, and plenty of shopping opportunities with some unbelievable discount deals on offer.
Cons – The winter cold and chill is not merciful to any local and tourists. It becomes impossible to enjoy the serenity and beautiful attractions of London in this type of weather.
Top Touristy Seasons in London
High season – The summer months make up most of the high season. The locals and tourists enjoy the pleasant weather despite relentless rain and humidity playing spoilsport. With numerous events dotting the summer calendar, you will never be short of visitors and tourists pouring in.
Shoulder season – This is set on either side of the high season. You will find a far lesser crowd and less rainfall than in the high season. You can look forward to explore London to its fullest at your own pace.
Low season – The winter season is a bit harsh on both the first-timers and the experienced ones with its extreme cold and chilly weather. You may get a good discount on accommodation, travel, and other aspects. But enjoying London solely depends on your adaptability to the extreme cold.
Travel tips:- If you are traveling during the peak season, try booking your accommodation early, as it gets filled up quickly.
- Book your attraction tickets well in advance as you may face a big queue while booking entry tickets in real time. It may land a good discount for you as well.
The multicultural capital of the United Kingdom brings in a vivacious atmosphere and ambiance to match all tastes and requirements of every global traveler across every season. Even though London’s population comprises foreign-born individuals, London is a true testament to remaining true to its heritage and culture, with every season bringing its own flavors and colors to the city. So, be ready for a London vacation.
