What is the cheapest month to visit London?

January and February are the cheapest months for flights and hotels. Mid-week stays are always cheaper than weekends regardless of season.

Does it rain a lot in London?

London actually receives less rainfall than cities like Paris, Rome, and Sydney. Rain is spread throughout the year, so always carry a light waterproof layer. Summers are usually the driest months.

Is London busy at Christmas?

Yes, late November through early January is busy with Christmas shoppers and holiday visitors. The atmosphere is wonderful, but book accommodation and shows well in advance.

Best Time to Visit London: A Seasonal Guide for 2026

A month-by-month breakdown of London weather, events, crowds, and prices to help you pick the perfect time to visit.

Updated: 19 March 2026

Spring (March to May)

Spring is arguably the best time to visit London. The parks burst into bloom with daffodils and cherry blossoms. Temperatures are mild (10-18C) and the days are getting longer. Crowds are manageable outside of Easter week. Key events include the Chelsea Flower Show (May), the London Marathon (April), and the start of outdoor festival season. Hotel prices are moderate and attraction queues are shorter than summer.

Summer (June to August)

Summer brings the longest days (sunset after 9pm in June) and warmest weather (18-25C). This is peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Book accommodation and popular attractions well in advance. The upside is an incredible calendar of events: Wimbledon, the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, Notting Hill Carnival (August), and outdoor cinema screenings. Buckingham Palace State Rooms are only open from late July to early October.

Autumn (September to November)

September is an excellent sweet spot with warm weather (15-20C), thinning crowds, and lower prices. October brings beautiful autumn colours in the parks, especially Hyde Park and Richmond Park. November is quieter and cooler, with early Christmas lights and markets starting to appear. Bonfire Night (5th November) celebrations happen across the city. This is a great season for foodies, with seasonal menus and fewer restaurant queues.

Winter (December to February)

Winter London is magical during the Christmas season (late November to early January), with lights on Oxford Street, Christmas markets at the South Bank and Hyde Park, and ice skating at Somerset House and the Natural History Museum. January and February are the quietest and cheapest months, with many hotels offering significant discounts. Days are short (sunset around 4pm) and temperatures hover around 2-8C, but all major attractions are indoor-friendly.

Month-by-Month Highlights

January: Sales shopping, quietest month. February: Chinese New Year in Soho, Six Nations rugby. March: St Patrick's Day parade, spring flowers. April: London Marathon, Easter events. May: Chelsea Flower Show, late May bank holiday. June: Trooping the Colour, Pride Month events. July: Wimbledon, Summer Proms begin. August: Notting Hill Carnival, Buckingham Palace opens. September: Open House London (free access to notable buildings). October: London Film Festival, autumn colours. November: Bonfire Night, Christmas lights switch-on. December: Christmas markets, New Year's Eve fireworks.

Best Time for Budget Travel

January and February offer the lowest hotel and flight prices. Mid-week visits (Tuesday to Thursday) are cheaper than weekends year-round. Shoulder seasons (March-April and September-October) offer the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. Avoid school half-term holidays (late May, late October) and the two weeks around Christmas and New Year for the highest prices.