Editorial Team

London Travel Tips 1: When is the best time to travel to London

London Travel Tips 1: When is the Best Time to Travel to London?

Choosing the ideal time for your London adventure can dramatically shape your experience. While this magnificent city offers something year-round, matching your travel style to the season is the key to a perfect trip.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect from London throughout the year, with a strong recommendation for the Shoulder Season as the ultimate sweet spot.

☀️ Peak Season: Summer (June – August)

This is when London is at its most vibrant and green, offering the best weather and the longest daylight hours (sunset can be after 9:00 PM in June and July!).

Aspect What to Expect
Weather Warmest and most pleasant, with average highs ranging from 19°C to 23°C. Perfect for parks and outdoor dining.
Crowds Maximum. Expect long queues at major attractions (Tower of London, London Eye) and crowded public transport. Accommodation and flights are at their peak prices.
Highlights Wimbledon Tennis Championships (Late June/Early July), Notting Hill Carnival (Late August), Trooping the Colour (King’s Birthday Parade), and countless outdoor festivals in Hyde Park.

Who Should Go Then?

Travellers whose priority is warm weather, long days, and a bustling festival atmosphere, and who don’t mind higher costs and sharing the city with millions of other visitors.

🍂 The Sweet Spot: Shoulder Season (March – May & September – November)

For seasoned travellers, the two “shoulder seasons” flanking the summer are arguably the best times to travel to London. They offer a fantastic balance of comfortable conditions, lighter crowds, and better value.

Why Shoulder Season is a Great Choice

  • Cost Savings: Hotel and flight prices typically drop by 20–40% after the summer school holidays end (September) or before they begin (April/May). This allows for a more budget-friendly trip or the chance to book better accommodation.

  • Milder Temperatures: The weather avoids the extremes of summer heat and winter cold.

    • Spring (March – May): Temperatures are mild 12°C to 18°C, parks are bursting with colour (look for the Chelsea Flower Show in May), and Londoners emerge from winter.

    • Autumn (September – November): Temperatures are cool and comfortable 10°C to 16°C. The city is painted in rich golden and red fall foliage, making the Royal Parks incredibly picturesque.

  • Fewer Crowds & Shorter Queues: You’ll spend less time queuing at places like the British Museum or the National Gallery, allowing for a more relaxed and immersive sightseeing experience.

  • Festive Build-Up: Visiting in November (late autumn) is particularly rewarding, as the city begins lighting up for Christmas, offering a magical, festive atmosphere without the December peak prices and crowds.

Who Should Go Then?

Travellers who seek the best overall value, comfortable walking weather, shorter waiting times, and the perfect conditions for sightseeing and museum-hopping.

❄️ Low Season: Winter (December – February)

Winter is the coldest and darkest time to visit, but it carries its own unique magic, particularly around the holidays.

Aspect What to Expect
Weather Cold and damp, with average highs around 7°C to 10°C. Expect short daylight hours (sunset around 4:00 PM).
Crowds Lowest, outside of the Christmas and New Year’s weeks. January is typically the quietest month for tourism.
Highlights Christmas Markets (Hyde Park Winter Wonderland), spectacular Christmas Lights across the West End (Regent Street, Oxford Street), and the massive January sales for shoppers.

Who Should Go Then?

Budget-conscious travellers seeking the lowest airfares and hotel rates, or those focused on indoor attractions (museums, theatre, shopping) who love the festive atmosphere or a cosy pub fireside experience.

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