Best Time To Visit London: Perfect Seasons For Your Ideal UK City Break – 2023

Is there really the best time to visit London? I have been to London countless times. I will share with you when is the ideal time of the year to visit the UK’s capital. While the city can truly mesmerize you on any given day, it is worth looking at which months are most conducive for travelling – especially if you will honor your preferences.

The best time to visit London varies greatly on your motivation to travel. If you are looking to bag the cheapest deals, come during winter. If you are after the most prestigious festivals and the best weather, visit when it’s summer. Spring and fall are great seasons if you wish to avoid the crowd. 

Let’s look at seasons in London, and then let’s dive further by noting what’s there to look forward to each month. Finally, let’s try to answer some of the most common questions about visiting London.

Best Time to Visit London: Weather, Climate and Seasons

London Climate Summary

Winter in London

Winter in London can be described as cold and damp. This season runs from December to January, with January being the coldest month. A “White Christmas” is considered relatively rare in London because of the UK’s climate and geographical location.

If you plan to explore London during winter, it is best to pack a lot of clothes for cold and rainy weather. There are plenty of activities to do indoors if it ends up getting too cold or wet outside, so do not fret.

Spring in London

Spring happens from March to May in London. This season is the start of the warmer days, as winter has just finished. Make sure to still be ready for any rain pouring down during your visit as the weather can be unpredictable at times.

It’s a nice time to visit parks during this time period as trees and flowers are in bloom. Outdoor activities are popular because there are more daylight hours in London during spring.

Summer in London

June to August are summer times in London. This is when the weather is most pleasant, so a boat cruise along the River Thames is a popular activity. Food establishments exhaust every opportunity to make the most out of summer by setting up outdoor seating, for example.

Pack light and comfortable clothing with you during your summer trip to London. It is essential as well to bring protection from the sun such as hats and sunscreen. 

Autumn in London

London has a unique charm when it’s fall/autumn season. From September to November, you’ll experience a cooler climate and a festival of natural autumn colors. Visitors frequent London during fall, too, but the crowd is noticeably smaller than during summer.

The autumn season is not immune to rain in London. Make sure to pack an umbrella if the weather changes. Also, bring some layers and a light jacket to stay comfortable.

Seasons in London

London, UK by Month

January in London

• Average Temperature: 5°C (42°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: You can’t miss the New Year’s Day Parade if you are in London on the first of January. There will be colorful floats and various performers lined up to make the festivities vibrant. It is also the best time to shop because the January sales are in full display.  

February in London

• Average Temperature: 8°C (46°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: Check out how London celebrates Chinese New Year, dubbed as one of the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia. Don’t forget Valentine’s Day, too! London is definitely among the sweetest spots to celebrate this special day with your significant other. There will be irresistible deals from hotels, restaurants, cruises and many more.

March in London

• Average Temperature: 9°C (48°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: St. Patrick’s Day around Trafalgar Square is something you should not miss! Irish celebrations partnered with parades, music, and dance dominate the London scene during this time. It is also in Marcha that you will get to witness the annual Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race which happens along the River Thames.

April in London

• Average Temperature: 11°C (52°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: Many sports enthusiasts come to London in April to participate in the famous London Marathon. Runners from around the globe run the distance of 26.2 miles to raise funds for charity. Aside from this event, there is also the much-anticipated Easter weekend. This is a holiday, so expect families gathering in London to take part in the festivities organized by different establishments.

May in London

• Average Temperature: 14°C (56°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: If you are a nature lover, don’t miss the Chelsea Flower Show. Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, this prestigious event has been running for more than 100 years now. On the other hand, if you are a football fan, then be sure to check out the schedule of the Emirates FA Cup Final. 

June in London

• Average Temperature: (16°C) 62°F
• Special Events and Festivals: It is King Charles III’s birthday in June! In celebration, there is the ceremonial event called Trooping the Colour where the reigning monarch inspects the troops. Afterward, a magnificent display of pageantry and military precision is performed. Also happening in June is the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival.

July in London

• Average Temperature: 19°C (66°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: If you’re coming to London in July, you must not miss the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club! It is well-regarded as one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments. There is also the Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s largest street festival celebrating Caribbean culture.

August in London

• Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: Come in August and join the Thames Festival. This riverside event is observed to celebrate the River Thames through art, music, and other river-related activities. If you are a cycling aficionado, catch the RideLondon festival, an annual cycling festival held over a weekend in August.

September in London

• Average Temperature: 16°C (60°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: September in London means the London Design Festival is on full display. See artistic exhibitions and installations all throughout the city during this time. Also, there is the prestigious London Fashion Week. This is where the latest spring and summer collections for the following year will be showcased.

October in London

• Average Temperature: 13°C (55°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: Are you a movie buff? Come to London in October to see the London Film Festival unfold. This event places the spotlight on a diverse range of international and British films. How about celebrating Diwali in the Square? This Hindu festival of lights, as the name suggests, happens at Trafalgar Square.

November in London

• Average Temperature: 9°C (48°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: The Lord Mayor’s Show is a special event that takes place in November in London. This grand parade is done in celebration of the newly elected Lord Mayor. It is also during this month that the Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) is held to commemorate the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot.

December in London

• Average Temperature: 7°C (42°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: It’s Christmastime, and so various Christmas markets pop up across the city. This only means one thing: it is time to shop! And as the year comes to a close, celebrate New Year’s Eve in London by watching the grand fireworks display over the River Thames.

More About London, UK

• Exactly where is London located? Thanks to the strategic location of London, it has been the UK’s capital city ever since its establishment. I have gathered and answered some useful FAQs and added in a couple of quick facts about London just for fun! 
• Let me help you make that ultimate London itinerary! I listed down all the best things to do in London right here. It includes visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum, appreciating the beauty of Kensington Gardens and shopping at Harrods.
• If you’re coming to London and you wish to be near the main attractions, here’s where you should stay. How about a couple of nights at the Staybridge Suites London in Vauxhall? It’s close to Central London should you wish to walk or ride a train.
• Are you coming to London on a special occasion? Here are the best hotels in London to spend the New Year, and here’s the list for when you want to stay at a luxury hotel in London.
• Foodies, hear me out! Don’t miss out on these best places to eat in London. How about a romantic date night at the popular Holborn Dining Room?
• Once you’re in London, you can easily get to nearby travel destinations. Brighton, Portsmouth, and many other places are a day trip away from London.
• Fancy a London River Thames Lunch Cruise? When you’re ready to visit London, make sure to check out Get Your Guide for all the best activities to do in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Time to Visit London, UK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Travel Blog

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British–Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in the Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.