When Is the Best Time to Visit London?

Planning a London trip? The best time to visit London is like choosing your favorite British weather complaint – everyone's got an opinion, and they're all surprisingly valid!

You could chase spring's cherry blossoms through Hyde Park, embrace summer's glorious (and rare) sunny streaks, cozy up in autumn's sweater-perfect temperatures, or dive headfirst into winter's Christmas market madness. Each season serves up its own flavor of London magic.

The best time actually depends on your travel personality. Are you a crowd-dodging ninja? A bargain-hunting genius? A weather-chasing optimist? We've got you covered with helpful tips that'll help you nail the perfect timing for your London love affair. Let’s read one with TravelThru.

The Quick Answer for the Best Time to Visit London

Overall, late Spring (May to June) is the greatest time for the balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds before the summer rush, and blooming parks.

• Best for budget: Winter (January to February) for the lowest flight and hotel prices, provided you don't mind the cold.

   

• Best for weather: Summer (July to August) for the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours.

   

• Best to avoid crowds: Autumn (September to October), after the summer tourists have left and kids are back in school.

London by the Season

Spring in London (March, April, May)

Spring breathes new life into London. The city awakens as days become longer and brighter. Parks explode with colourful flowers. While you should expect some classic rain, the fresh air is worth it. 

Crowds are smaller than in summer, offering a pleasant atmosphere for exploring. It’s a great-value season for finding deals on flights and hotels. Key events like the London Marathon and the beautiful Chelsea Flower Show also take place.

Summer in London (June, July, August)

Summer in London brings with it the year's most pleasant weather, featuring long, sunny, and wonderfully warm days. This makes it the ideal season for outdoor activities like picnics and relaxing in traditional pub gardens.

As it is peak tourist season, you should anticipate large crowds at major landmarks and the highest prices for both flights and accommodation. In return, you get to experience the city's electric atmosphere. It’s highlighted by famous annual events like the Notting Hill Carnival and the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

Autumn in London (September, October, November)

In autumn, the summer heat gently fades away. You can enjoy beautiful and crisp fall days. The parks glow with gorgeous golden leaves. With the summer rush over, you will find much smaller crowds. This makes it a wonderful time for sightseeing. 

Prices also become much more affordable, so look for fantastic travel deals. Don't miss events like London Fashion Week or the fireworks on Bonfire Night.

Winter in London (December, January, February)

Winter in London offers a unique, dual experience. While the days are shorter, the early dusk creates a magical atmosphere. December is exceptionally busy, drawing festive crowds to its dazzling Christmas lights, charming markets, and spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks.

After the holidays, however, the city becomes very quiet. This makes January and February the cheapest time to visit. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a more peaceful side of London at a fraction of the cost.

When Is the Best Time to Visit London to Avoid Crowds

For the absolute quietest experience, visit London in January or February. The busy holiday season is over, and most tourists have gone home. You can explore famous museums and attractions at your own pace. This is also when you will find some of the year's best travel deals.

For a nice balance, the autumn shoulder season is a fantastic choice. Consider a trip in September or October. The big summer crowds have disappeared, and children are back in school. The weather is often still very pleasant and mild. This gives you the benefit of fewer queues while still being able to enjoy the city's beautiful parks and outdoor spaces.

You can also beat the crowds with a few simple tricks. Always try to visit attractions on a weekday instead of a busy weekend. It also helps immensely to arrive early in the morning, just as doors open, or later in the afternoon as the crowds begin to thin. Finally, booking your tickets online in advance is a great way to skip the longest lines.

When Is the Cheapest Time to Visit London?

If saving money is your top priority, there's a clear winner. The most affordable time to visit London is during the deep winter months. Specifically, you should plan your trip for January or February. This is when you will find the absolute best prices across the board.

During these first two months of the year, London is in its true off-peak season. The busy and expensive Christmas period is over. Most people are back at work and recovering from holiday spending. This creates a significant dip in tourist demand.

As a result, airlines and hotels slash their prices to attract visitors. You can find incredible deals on flights. Hotel rates are also at their lowest point of the entire year. This means your travel budget can stretch much further than at other times. The savings can be quite substantial.

When Is the Worst Time to Visit London?

Defining the "worst" time really depends on your priorities. Every season has its own unique charm. But certain times present challenges you should know about.

For Those Who Dislike Crowds and High Costs

The most challenging time is often late July and August. London is incredibly crowded then. This is peak tourist season for the city. School holidays also bring many visitors. You will find long queues at major sites like the Tower of London and the London Eye. Popular areas such as Covent Garden, the South Bank, and Westminster can feel overwhelmingly busy. The Tube can also get very hot and stuffy.

This intense demand naturally leads to the highest prices of the year. You will pay a premium for flights and hotels, and booking well in advance is essential.

Beyond the costs, the summer heat can be a real issue. Much of London's infrastructure, especially the older lines of the Tube, is not air-conditioned. 

A heatwave can turn a simple journey into a hot and uncomfortable experience. If you have little patience for crowds and are traveling on a tight budget, summer is likely the worst time for you to go.

For Those Who Dislike Cold Weather

On the other end of the spectrum, some travelers find the heart of winter to be the worst time for a trip. The main reason is the weather. January and February are London’s coldest, darkest, and often dampest months. 

You should expect persistent grey skies and a biting wind. While heavy snow is rare, a constant, light drizzle is common, which can put a damper on sightseeing plans.

Beyond the cold, the limited daylight can be a significant factor. The sun sets very early, often before 4:30 PM. This means your time for enjoying outdoor sights, exploring parks, or taking well-lit photos is dramatically reduced. 

While this period is by far the cheapest and least crowded, the gloomy atmosphere can be challenging. If your vision of London involves sunny strolls and long, leisurely days of exploration, you may want to avoid the depths of winter.

When is the Rainy Season in London?

This might surprise you. London doesn't really have a "rainy season" in the way many people think. The city’s reputation for rain comes from its consistency, not its intensity. You won't find daily tropical downpours here. Instead, a light shower or a bit of drizzle is a possibility any time of year.

The truth is, rain is spread fairly evenly throughout the year. There isn't a single month where you are guaranteed to stay dry. Likewise, there isn't a month of non-stop rain. Each month has between 11 and 15 rainy days on average. This means that a sunny spell can happen in winter. A wet afternoon can also happen in summer.

While the number of rainy days is similar each month, the total rainfall amount does change. Looking at the statistics, the autumn and early winter months are often the wettest. October and November typically receive the highest volume of rainfall. This makes late autumn the closest thing London has to a "rainy season."

No matter when you visit, you should always be ready for rain. A small, sturdy umbrella is a must-have item for your bag. A light waterproof jacket is also a very smart thing to pack. That way, a sudden shower won’t stop you from enjoying your day.

London Travel Tips

When to Book for Your Trip

Flights

For the best prices, book international flights about 3 to 6 months in advance. Waiting until the last minute is a risky gamble. Prices usually climb higher closer to the travel date. If you can, try to fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. These are often the cheapest days of the week.

Accommodation

Your booking strategy depends on when you go. For a summer or December trip, book your hotel at least 4 months out. Good places fill up fast during these peak times. If you're visiting in the quiet months of January or February, you can book much closer to your travel date and still find great deals.

TravelThru Tip: Look for hotels with free cancellation. This allows you to book a good room early. Then you can keep an eye out for any last-minute deals without any risk.

What to Pack for London

Packing for London can be summed up in one word: layers. The weather is famously unpredictable. A bright, cloudless morning can easily make way for a sudden downpour and a brisk afternoon chill.

Must-have clothing:

• Layers are your best friend. Pack t-shirts, long-sleeved tops, and sweaters. This lets you adapt easily as the weather changes throughout the day.

   

• A waterproof jacket is essential. It's more practical than an umbrella when it gets windy. You will likely be thankful you have it, even in summer.

   

• Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. You will walk for miles exploring the city. Your feet will thank you for choosing comfort over style.

   

• One smart-casual outfit. London can be quite stylish. Pack a nicer outfit for a theatre show or a fancy dinner.

Essential accessories:

• A sturdy day bag. Use a backpack or cross-body bag. You'll need it to carry your daily essentials.

   

• A reusable water bottle. London's tap water is safe to drink, and it’s also a good way to save money and lessen plastic waste.

   

• A UK power adapter (Type G). Your phone chargers from other countries won't fit the sockets.

   

• A portable power bank.

>>> Read more: Everything You Need to Know about Notting Hill Carnival 2025

London’s magic is always there, waiting to be discovered. It’s a city of sunny park picnics and cozy winter pubs, of royal pageantry and quiet neighbourhood strolls. The perfect trip is simply about matching the London you want to experience with the season that delivers it. You now have the insider knowledge to make that choice based on your budget and desires. We hope this guide helps you book what you know will be the best time to visit London.