Best Time To Visit London: Weather, Temperature, and Climate 2024
London is a vibrant city with a relatively mild climate, making it a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit can depend on your preferences and the type of activities you have in mind. Here are some considerations for different seasons:
- Spring (March to May):
- Spring is a popular time to visit London. The weather is mild, and the city comes to life with blooming flowers in parks and gardens.
- This season is great for outdoor activities, exploring parks, and enjoying the cultural attractions without the crowds of summer.
- Summer (June to August):
- Summer is the peak tourist season in London. The weather is generally warm, and there are longer daylight hours.
- This is an excellent time for outdoor events, festivals, and activities. However, popular attractions may be crowded, and prices may be higher.
- Autumn (September to November):
- Autumn is another pleasant time to visit. The weather remains mild, and you can experience the changing colors of the trees in the city’s parks.
- September might still have some summer events, while November begins the festive season with Christmas lights and markets.
- Winter (December to February):
- Winter is the off-peak season, and you can find lower hotel prices during this time.
- London is beautifully decorated for the holiday season, and you can experience festive markets and events. However, the weather can be chilly, and days are shorter.
- Shoulder Seasons (April and September):
- Consider visiting during April or September when the weather is generally pleasant, and you can avoid the peak tourist crowds of summer.
Keep in mind that London’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to pack layers and be prepared for occasional rain. Additionally, major events, festivals, and holidays may influence the timing of your visit. Check for specific events or celebrations happening during your desired travel dates to enhance your experience.
Best Time To Visit London: Weather, Temperature, Climate 2024
The weather in London is one of the aspects that most worries those who visit it, and with good reason. It is known that London has a complicated climate, with few hours of sun and many days of rain. In this article, we will see in more detail what the temperature of London is like and what is the best time to travel to London.
The first thing a tourist learns as soon as they arrive in London, regardless of the season, is the need to carry a folding umbrella or a raincoat in their backpack, as well as spare footwear to keep their feet dry.
But we cannot sentence the London city for its rains and, if you go with the proper preparation, your stay will be the most pleasant. Rain or not, it is a fantastic city. There are so many things to do and see in London that time should not deter you from visiting it or cloud your visit.
Weather in London
London’s climate is temperate oceanic, with cold winters and the possibility of snow and frost. Temperatures drop below 0 degrees many days, and you will see many cloudy days, although that does not mean that it will rain.
However, this is one of the hallmarks of London, and its inhabitants are more than used to it. In addition, London Christmas would not be the same without its climate accompanying the evenings. London spring is somewhat short and includes the months of April and May. March is spring in the northern hemisphere, but March in London is hardly different from winter.
For its part, the climate in London in summer is mild, with the possibility of experiencing a passing heatwave as has happened in recent years. Temperatures rarely exceed 25 degrees maximum, and there are more hours of sunshine. Summer is the peak season in London, with the most significant influx of tourists.
Autumn is a transitional season, where temperatures drop due to cold nights and an early frost. Visitors fleeing the peak seasons prefer to go to London in autumn when there are still daylight hours, and it is not very cold.
When to travel to London if I want to avoid the rain and cold? It is a question asked by tourists who do not wish to the showers to spoil their trip. However, answering this question is almost mission impossible in a city like London. The sooner you assume that you can be surprised by a sudden rain or overcast sky at any time of the year, the better.
When is the best time to travel to London?
Regarding the cold, the months of May to September, both included, are the warmest, with pleasant temperatures for which it is not necessary to wear a fleece coat. In addition, the central months of the year are the ones with the most daylight hours, something to keep in mind if you are going to do many activities outside.
The Christmas season, despite the low temperatures, visits the capital of the United Kingdom special. There is always something interesting to do in London, whatever the season. Another thing that you should take into account when choosing the best time to travel to London is its festivities and celebrations.
The best time to travel to London is in the summer. The weather is at its best. However, on the other hand, the mild temperatures attract visitors, which is evident in the high accommodation prices.
A compromise solution can be the spring and autumn months when there are fewer tourists and the prices, despite being expensive, moderate their costs, nor should we rule out visiting the city in its colder months.
With warm clothes, several changes of clothes and an umbrella, there is no need to fear winter! Below, you will find each season described in detail, with its advantages, disadvantages and events, so you can choose which month you are most interested in visiting London.
London from April to May
Spring in London is a short season as March is more wintry than spring. However, spring does not go unnoticed by Londoners, who use the warmest days of April and May to do outdoor activities and stroll through the green parks, taking advantage of the fact that the days have already been quite long.
Spring is an excellent time to visit London if you look for mild temperatures, around 15 degrees on average, without reaching extremes.
Another advantage of the spring months in London is that the influx of tourists is not as significant as in summer, allowing you to enjoy the monuments and museums with greater tranquillity. Spring prices for accommodation have not gone up much yet as it is not high season and you can find a decent offer.
In addition, in spring there is always accommodation available in central London areas, ideal for moving by public transport to all the exciting points of the city from your hotel. Don’t miss this article about the best places to stay in London.
Best Time To Visit London
As far as the rains are concerned, nothing that should surprise you at this point. The months of April and May have fewer cloudy days than those that March may have. But don’t expect primarily sunny days as London fog and clouds will be very present.
The rains can surprise you during the day, although they are not very copious and loose at the end of May. To give you an idea, you can expect that, of the 30 days that a month has, it will rain half of them.
In spring, with the arrival of good weather, there are many activities to do in London. Easter is celebrated in April, and it is customary to give decorated Easter eggs. In addition, there are two significant free sporting events this month: the London Marathon and the Oxford-Cambridge Regatta on the River Thames.
April 21 is the birthday of the Queen of England, and April 23 is the day of Saint George, the patron saint of England. You can see parades and celebrations around the city on these dates.
For its part, the month of May is ideal to go for a walk in the city’s many parks, which are already green and flourishing. This month there are also many outdoor activities, such as theatres and exhibitions.
In good weather, it is a good idea to venture out to the surrounding towns of London. Read this article and get an idea of the most popular day trips from London.
London from June to August
The months of June, July and August are high seasons in London. The city, receiving tourists throughout the year, has a more significant influx of visitors in summer, coinciding with the holiday season and pleasant temperatures.
Summer in London is not excessively hot, with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees at noon and highs rarely exceed 25 degrees. However, there are summers in which heatwaves hit Europes, also affecting the city of London. Luckily, these heatwaves only last a few days.
In terms of rain, the climate in London is more benign in the summer months, with weak rainfall and some summer storms. If you are trying to avoid rainy days on your visit to London, you should try going in summer.
But do not get too illusions because, as you may have already deduced, rainfall never leaves the streets of London. Remember, you can leave the fleece at home but always carry the umbrella with you. As for the famous London fog, it is hardly noticeable in summer.
In summer the streets of London are full of tourists taking advantage of the excellent weather, and you will find queues and crowds to access the main important points of the city. In addition, prices are rising, and hotel occupancy is nearing its maximum, so you should book accommodation in advance if you want to find a central place at a reasonable price.
Best Time To Visit London
Thanks to the suitable temperatures of London’s summer and the many hours of sunshine, the city bustles with events and activities. The month of June is famous for celebrating the Trooping the Color parade, in St James’s Park, in honour of the Queen of England.
If you are a classical music lover, you cannot miss the BBC Proms, a succession of musical events that last nine weeks at the Royal Albert Hall. You can also take the opportunity to visit Buckingham Palace, which opens its doors to the public during the summer months.
In summer, many bars and cafes, the Rooftop-Bars, customarily installing outdoor terraces on rooftops. It is a perfect opportunity to have a drink and to enjoy splendid views of the city. In August, the Notting Hill Carnival is celebrated, a two-day carnival that is celebrated in style.
September to November
The warm and sunny days come to an end as we move into September. London’s autumn is a season of transition, preparing citizens for its cold winter.
Temperatures in September are still pleasant, hovering around 15 degrees on average. You can feel the cold at night, as the temperatures drop below 10 degrees and the rain continues to rage 15 to 20 days a month. In the autumn months, the humidity rises little by little, so the feeling of cold is more excellent.
In October and November, it is already necessary to bring a coat and scarf. A set accompanied by an umbrella, of course, since late autumn is a stormy season.
Temperatures in October and November are decreasing, hovering around 12 degrees on average. It may appear warmer one day, but those are the last signs of summer. At night it starts to get quite cold, reaching temperatures of 0 degrees.
With the arrival of the cold and the reduction of daylight hours, tourists leave, and many accommodations are accessible. Hotels lower their prices, and it is possible to find accommodation in central London at competitive prices.
Best Time To Visit London
If you do not mind the cold, in autumn you will have more freedom when visiting the museums and monuments of the city, since there are fewer tourists and fewer queues.
Autumn landscapes invade London city. The month of September is ideal for walking around the city, taking advantage of the fact that there are still daylight hours and that the temperatures are mild. In September there are many festivals throughout the city, such as Totally Thames, a festival that lasts all month and during which many activities take place on the Thames.
In October, the London Film Festival and the London Food Festival are ideal for getting to know the local gastronomy. Halloween is also celebrated and, if it coincides with your trip, you will surely end up with an invitation to a party.
During November, the famous ice rinks begin to be installed. In addition, Christmas always comes early, and the streets are adorned with Christmas lights.
Bonfire Night is celebrated on November 5, an important night for Londoners full of fireworks, bonfires and music. In many parks, the typical Christmas events are already installed.
London from December to March
Winter temperatures in London can be pretty dissuasive if you don’t like the cold. Maximum temperatures rarely reach 10 degrees, even in March, and it is common to be surprised by some snowfall since minimum temperatures drop below 0 degrees.
Rain peaks in January and February, with 20 days of rainfall per month. It is no wonder that most Londoners seek out heated premises and avoid outdoor activities. Although there is nothing that a good coat, umbrella, scarf and gloves will not fix, winter is not the most popular time to travel to London, except for the Christmas season.
Daylight hours are scarce and, if you combine this with cloudy skies and the mists of the Thames, you will be forced to limit your outdoor excursions to a few hours.
Suppose you are going to travel to London in winter. In that case, the best option is to organize your itineraries to leave the visits to the museums in the afternoon and take advantage of the sunny hours in the morning to take a walk, since it gets dark early.
Best Time To Visit London
The good thing about the winter season is that, as in other countries, accommodation prices drop because there is less demand and you will always find a room in the most central hotels. Also, flights to London after Christmas are cheaper. Visiting London in January and February can be a good opportunity if you don’t want your budget to skyrocket and if you don’t mind the cold.
Although the temperatures are already rising a little in March, managing to exceed 10 degrees, it is still cold, and spring is difficult to start. With the rise in temperatures, the fog is persistent throughout the day, and the rain does not stop.
If you are looking for a spring month, bet on April or May, when flowering is best appreciated. The month of December attracts many visitors, and it is not for less since Christmas is wholly established in the streets of London.
There are numerous Christmas markets set up in each London neighbourhood, waiting for visitors to do their shopping.
The cold does not intimidate the locals, who are looking forward to the Southbank Center Winter Festival. During the winter, the Warner Bros studios open the temporary exhibition of Hogwarts in the Snow, from the Harry Potter universe.
Best Time To Visit London
New Year’s Eve is mythical in London, with fireworks everywhere, Christmas carols in the streets and lots of partying. On January 1, the famous New Year’s parade takes place, with dozens of floats and bands.
In February, the Chinese New Year takes place, which is celebrated in style. And if you are a fashion lover, you cannot miss the London Fashion Festival.
Although March is a month more winter than spring, it also has its celebrations. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in the middle of the month, with typical dances and lots of food.
It is difficult to enjoy the city when there are so few hours of light, it is cold, and the drizzle is persistent. It is not surprising that most visitors prefer the summer months for their visit, as the weather in London from April to September is milder and the hours of sunlight are longer.
To conclude, deciding when to travel to London depends on your taste and how you handle the cold and rain. There are many activities to do throughout the year, and the transition stations are ideal for enjoying the city without many crowds of tourists.
When is the high season and the low season in London?
Although, as we have already mentioned, there is tourism in London throughout the year, there are indeed three different seasons depending on the number of travellers that usually exist and, therefore, on prices:
Peak season in London: Peak season could be considered from June to mid-September, plus another peak in December when no one wants to miss out on the Christmas atmosphere. Expect the best weather in London, but also higher prices, both on flights and accommodation.
Also, there are many more tourists in museums, monuments and even on the street. We can best recommend that you book everything as far in advance as possible, have patience, and enjoy!
Low season in London:
January and February are the quiet season months in London, in addition to the weeks that go from mid-October to the end of November when the arrival of Christmas begins to attract travellers. On these dates, you will find better prices on flights and accommodation, less stress when it comes to sightseeing, and, of course, more possibilities to take advantage of offers and promotions.
Yes, for you, this is the best time to travel to London, you are going to save a little money, but you will have to be warm and always get up very early to take advantage of the daylight hours.
Shoulder season: The rest of the year is neither high nor low season, so you can find reasonable prices and enjoy the city without being overcrowded. The downside, of course, is that it is at this time when the weather in London is most unpredictable, so you will have to dress in layers and be a bit flexible with your plans.
When is the worst time to visit London?
The worst time. In my opinion, it would surely be at the end of January. When there is no Christmas lighting, the end of the sale is what nobody wants. It is still freezing, it continues to get dark very soon, and there are almost no events.
But if it is the first time you come to London, all that indeed will not matter, and you will enjoy it the same.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Time To Visit London
What is the cheapest time to go to London?
According to Cheapflights, the best time for bargains on flights to London is during September and October. Frommer’s indicates that November 1 to December 12 and December 25 through March 14 are other times to get the best airfare bargains.
Which is the best month to visit the UK?
The best time to visit the United Kingdom is in spring (late March to early June) and autumn (September to November), usually warm and dry. You’ll see beautiful spring flowers or the leaves changing hue in autumn, and avoid the much busier summer period.
What are the rainiest months in London?
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (45mm). The driest month (with the least precipitation) is April (22mm).
How many days should I spend in London?
We recommend spending at least 3-4 days in London if you are visiting for the first time. It will allow you to see the prominent landmarks and visit a few tourist attractions. If you also plan to take day trips and see some of the UK from London, then plan to stay for at least a week.
How much money will you need for your trip to London?
It would help if you planned to spend around £145 ($201) per day on your vacation in London, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travellers have spent, on average, £29 ($40) on meals for one day and £20 ($28) on local transportation.
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Best Time To Visit London: Weather, Temperature, Climate 2024
