Quick Answer
Best months: May, June, and September
These months offer the perfect balance: mild temperatures (14–21°C), long daylight hours, manageable tourist crowds, and hotel prices 15–25% lower than peak summer. You'll experience London's parks in full bloom or autumn colors without the July–August crush of tourists.
Pro Tip: May sees London's parks burst with spring flowers and outdoor festivals. September brings cooler weather, fewer tourists, and Totally Thames—a month-long river festival. Both are excellent value.
Why Timing Your London Visit Matters
London is a year-round destination, but your experience varies dramatically by season. Here's what timing affects:
Weather & Daylight
Summer days stretch until 9pm with sunset Thames walks. Winter? Dark by 4pm and temperatures around 5°C. Spring and autumn hit the sweet spot with 14–16 hours of daylight and 14–20°C.
Crowds & Queue Times
July–August means 90-minute waits at the Tower of London even with tickets. Visit in June? You'll get through in 30 minutes. The British Museum sees 20,000 daily visitors in August vs. 10,000 in November.
Hotel Prices Swing 40%+
A 3-star hotel in Westminster costs £180/night in August, £110 in May, and £85 in February. Multiply that by your trip length and the savings are significant.
Seasonal Experiences
Cherry blossoms in Hyde Park (April), Wimbledon tennis (late June–July), Notting Hill Carnival (August bank holiday), Christmas markets (November–December)—each season has unique draws.
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 4°C | 12 | Good |
| February | 10°C | 4°C | 15 | Wet |
| March | 11°C | 3°C | 10 | Good |
| April | 17°C | 6°C | 5 | Good |
| May | 19°C | 8°C | 1 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 21°C | 12°C | 18 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 22°C | 13°C | 10 | Excellent |
| August | 24°C | 15°C | 11 | Excellent |
| September | 20°C | 11°C | 6 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 14°C | 8°C | 20 | Wet |
| November | 12°C | 6°C | 10 | Good |
| December | 8°C | 3°C | 13 | Wet |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
London by Season
Spring in London (March-May): Best Overall Season
Spring is when London shines. Parks burst with daffodils and cherry blossoms, outdoor café seating returns, and the city shakes off winter's grey. April and May are the sweet spot—warm enough for outdoor exploring but not yet the summer tourist rush.
What's Great
- • Cherry blossoms peak in early April at Greenwich Park, Kew Gardens, and along the Serpentine in Hyde Park
- • Chelsea Flower Show (late May): Britain's most prestigious horticultural event
- • Outdoor dining returns—South Bank, Borough Market, and Shoreditch terraces reopen
- • Marathon & sports: London Marathon (late April), FA Cup Final (May), Cricket season starts
- • St. George's Day (April 23): English national day with parades and events
- • Long daylight: Sunset moves from 6:30pm (March) to 9pm (May)
Watch Out For
- • Rain is frequent—pack a compact umbrella. April averages 11 rainy days, May has 10
- • Easter holidays (late March/early April) bring UK school holidays and family crowds
- • Unpredictable weather—layers are essential. A sunny morning can turn into a rainy afternoon
- • Early March is still chilly (8–11°C) and feels more like winter
Summer in London (June-August): Peak Tourist Season
Summer brings the longest days, warmest weather, and most tourists. June is lovely—warm but not yet crowded. July and August are peak season: school holidays mean packed museums, expensive hotels, and 90-minute waits at major attractions.
What's Great
- • Wimbledon (late June–early July): Tennis grand slam with big-screen viewings across London
- • Notting Hill Carnival (August bank holiday): Europe's biggest street festival—Caribbean food, music, parades
- • Summer festivals: Wireless (July), British Summer Time Hyde Park (June–July), Proms concerts (July–Sept)
- • Long days: Sunset at 9:15pm (June)—perfect for evening walks along the Thames
- • Outdoor cinema: Rooftop film screenings in Peckham, Somerset House, and Regent's Park
- • Parks at peak: Green everywhere, perfect for picnics in Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park
Watch Out For
- • Crowds everywhere—Tower of London, British Museum, and Westminster Abbey hit capacity by noon
- • Hotel prices spike 30–40% compared to May/September
- • School holidays (late July–August): UK and European families flood attractions
- • Heatwaves are rare but uncomfortable (no AC in most older buildings)
- • August bank holiday (last weekend): Millions leave London for seaside—city empties, some restaurants close
Autumn in London (September-November): Second-Best Season
Autumn is underrated. September feels like an extended summer with fewer tourists and lower prices. October brings autumn colors and Halloween events. November is grey and damp but very affordable and authentic.
What's Great
- • September = best value: Warm weather (15–20°C), fewer tourists, 20% cheaper hotels than August
- • Totally Thames (all September): Month-long river festival with arts, walks, boat events, and installations along the Thames
- • Autumn colors peak in October at Kew Gardens, Richmond Park, and Hampstead Heath
- • London Film Festival (October): Premieres and screenings across the city
- • Bonfire Night (November 5): Fireworks displays in parks across London
- • Theater season kicks off—new West End shows premiere September–October
Watch Out For
- • November is grey—shortest days (sunset by 4:30pm), frequent drizzle, and overcast skies
- • Rain increases from September onward—pack waterproof layers
- • Some outdoor attractions close or reduce hours after October
- • Halloween crowds in late October—avoid if you dislike costume chaos
Winter in London (December-February): Festive & Budget-Friendly
Winter is London's off-season—cold, grey, and dark by 4pm—but also magical around Christmas and incredibly affordable in January–February. If you can handle the weather, you'll have museums and theaters almost to yourself.
What's Great
- • Christmas markets (late Nov–early Jan): Winter Wonderland Hyde Park, Southbank Centre, Leicester Square
- • Festive decorations: Oxford Street lights, Covent Garden tree, Trafalgar Square tree
- • January sales: Huge discounts at Harrods, Selfridges, and high-street shops
- • Cheapest prices: Hotels 30–50% cheaper than summer; flight deals common
- • Theater at its best: New shows, no tourist crowds, easy to get tickets
- • Museums are quiet: British Museum, V&A, Natural History—wander empty galleries
Watch Out For
- • Dark by 4pm—sunset around 3:50pm in December. Plan indoor activities for evenings.
- • Cold and damp—5–8°C with wind chill feels colder. Layers + waterproof jacket essential.
- • Christmas week chaos (Dec 20–26): Packed shops, expensive hotels, many restaurants closed Dec 25–26
- • January–February depression—grey skies, short days, and quiet streets. Not for everyone.
- • Some attractions close Dec 25–26 and reduce hours through winter
So... When Should You Actually Visit London?
First-Timer Seeking Classic London
May or early June. Perfect weather (14-20°C), parks in full bloom, long daylight hours (sunset at 8:30-9pm), and manageable crowds. Chelsea Flower Show (late May) adds extra magic.
Budget Traveler
Late January-February. Lowest prices all year (40-50% off summer), museums are empty, West End theater available, cozy pub culture. Just pack warm layers and embrace grey London.
Families with School-Age Kids
June or late August-early September. June has perfect weather and long days before peak crowds. Late August (after 25th) has families heading home while weather stays pleasant.
Couples Wanting Romance
Early May or early December. May brings spring blooms and perfect walking weather. December 1-18 offers Christmas magic (markets, lights, festive atmosphere) without peak-week prices.
Museum & Culture Lovers
November or January-February. Museums are gloriously empty, West End shows easy to get, afternoon tea culture at its coziest. Grey weather makes indoor cultural experiences even more appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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About This Guide
Written by: Jan Křenek
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Published: November 20, 2025
Updated: November 20, 2025
Data Sources: Met Office UK (20-year climate averages, 2004-2024) • Visit London tourism statistics • Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
Methodology: This guide combines historical climate data, current tourism patterns, and real traveler budgets to provide accurate, actionable recommendations for London.