What is the cheapest month to visit London?

January and February offer the lowest hotel prices and cheapest flights. November (excluding bonfire night) is also affordable.

When is the best weather in London?

June to August has the warmest and driest weather, with average highs of 20-25°C. May and September are also pleasant with less humidity and fewer crowds.

When is London least crowded?

January to March (excluding Easter) is the quietest period. Weekdays are always less crowded than weekends at major attractions.

Does it really rain all the time in London?

No. London gets about 600mm of rain per year, less than Sydney, Miami, or Rome. Rain tends to be light and intermittent. Bring a waterproof jacket but do not let the rain reputation put you off.

Best Time to Visit London in 2026: Month-by-Month Guide

A month-by-month breakdown of what to expect in London, from weather and crowds to events and prices.

Updated: 24 March 2026

Quick Answer: When to Go

The best months to visit London are April to June and September to October. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. Spring brings blooming parks and longer days. Early autumn has warm temperatures and the excitement of a new cultural season. July and August are warmest but most crowded and expensive. Winter is cheapest but cold and dark.

Tower Bridge over the Thames on a sunny spring day with blue skies

Spring (March to May)

March: Still chilly (6-12°C) but days are getting longer. Daffodils appear in the parks. Hotel prices are low. St Patrick's Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square.

April: One of the best months. Temperatures rise to 8-15°C. Cherry blossoms in Greenwich Park and Kew Gardens. The London Marathon and the Boat Race add excitement. Easter can push prices up for a few days.

May: Warm and lovely (11-18°C). Chelsea Flower Show is the highlight. Parks are at their best. Bank holidays mean some crowded weekends but otherwise perfect for sightseeing.

Summer (June to August)

June: Long days (sunset after 9pm), warm temperatures (14-22°C), and outdoor events everywhere. Trooping the Colour (the King's birthday parade), Open Garden Squares Weekend, and the start of Wimbledon. Prices start climbing.

July: Peak season. Temperatures reach 15-25°C (occasionally 30°C+). The BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall begin. School holidays mean crowded attractions and higher prices. Book everything well in advance.

August: Notting Hill Carnival (bank holiday weekend) is Europe's biggest street festival. Warm weather continues. Crowds are at their peak. Many Londoners leave the city, which means great restaurant availability despite tourist numbers.

Autumn (September to November)

September: Excellent time to visit. Summer crowds thin, temperatures are still pleasant (12-20°C), and the cultural season kicks off with new exhibitions and theatre openings. Open House London (one weekend) lets you explore normally private buildings for free.

October: Beautiful autumn colours in the parks. Temperatures drop to 8-16°C. Frieze Art Fair attracts the international art world. Hotel prices drop from summer highs.

November: Bonfire Night (5 November) has fireworks across the city. Christmas lights are switched on from mid-month. Days shorten and temperatures drop (5-11°C). Good hotel deals.

Winter (December to February)

December: Christmas markets, ice rinks, and festive lights transform the city. Crowds return for the holiday season. Prices spike for Christmas and New Year. Cold (2-8°C) but magical. See our Christmas guide for the full festive experience.

January: The cheapest month for flights and hotels. Sales across every shop. Cold and dark (sunset before 4:30pm). Fewer tourists mean shorter queues at attractions.

February: Still cold but days start lengthening. Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown and Trafalgar Square. Valentine's Day makes restaurants busy. Snowdrops in the parks signal spring is coming.

Weather Tips

London's weather is famously unpredictable. Even in summer, you should always have a light waterproof layer. Rain tends to be light drizzle rather than heavy downpours. The average rainfall is actually lower than New York, Paris, and Rome. Layering is key: mornings can be cool, afternoons warm, and evenings chilly even in July.

For rainy day backup plans, see our London in the rain guide.

No matter when you visit, there is always plenty to do. Browse all London tours and tickets on GetYourGuide