The BEST Time to Visit London! [December 2024]

There’s a reason why London is consistently in the top 3 most visited cities in the world – between its historically significant landmarks, vibrant cultural and entertainment scene, and gorgeous scenery – the United Kingdom’s capital has a whole lot to offer!

But before you pack your bags, you want to figure out when the best time to visit London is for you according to the sights and activities on your wishlist. Here we’ll take a look at London’s seasonal weather and break down conditions by month, plus events to consider so that you can decide for yourself. With proper planning and preparation, you can be sure to have an unforgettable time in London, and that it will surely capture your heart!

When is the best time of year to visit London?

Depending on what you want to see and do, any season can be the best time of the year to visit London! You must consider this carefully, as the month you choose and its pertinent weather will affect the kind of experience you have.

If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors – sit on rooftop bars, stroll through parks and attend outdoor festivals – your best bet is to visit London in the summer, when the weather is warmest. However, don’t be surprised if it rains too! Just keep in mind that summer is also high tourist season, so prices and crowds will be at their peak. The average temperature is 65℉ (18℃), but you may find some days that get up to 90℉ (30℃).

If you’re prepared for fickle weather – ranging from pleasantly warm to chilly and wet – in exchange for fewer tourist crowds, you should consider late Spring and early Fall as your time to travel. The average temperature during these times is the range of 55℉ (13℃), with some days that go up to 70℉ (21℃) and some that are consistently rainy. Pack sunglasses and your umbrella!

What months are the best time to visit London?

If you’re looking to avoid crowds and high prices, it’s smart to consider the shoulder months – March, April (though be mindful of the Easter rush!), May, September, October and even into November. For travelers preferring mild and unpredictable weather over high tourist season, these months are the best time to visit London.

For those looking for London’s warmest possible weather and most hours of daylight – regardless of the number of fellow tourists – your preferred months will be June, July and August. Both July and August are the hottest months of the year with temperatures that generally stay between 66-70℉ (19-21℃) and often higher. Note that there’s still a monthly average of almost 2 inches of rain in the summer months, much like the rest of the year.

But let’s take a closer look by month to see the weather conditions and events London has to offer.

London Weather in January

January is London’s coldest month of the year with an average high of 48℉ (9℃) and low of 39℉ (4℃). Days are short and dark with an average of only 1 hour of sunshine and an average of 2 inches of rainfall. Even though it’s cold, the weather is quite mild compared to other parts of Europe. 

London Events in January

• London’s New Year’s Day Parade (January 1)
  • This famous parade attracts over 10,000 participants from the world – including performers, musicians, bands and floats – with a street audience of half a million people! More than just a parade, you can also enjoy various performances from the LNYDP concert series.
• January Sales (first two weeks of January)
  • Take advantage of the biggest shopping deals of the year in trend-setting London’s best stores along Regents Street, Oxford Street. If you want to shop at Harrod’s while things are on sale, this is your chance!
• Burns Night (January 25)
  • Join the rest of the UK as they celebrate the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Restaurants and pubs offer Scottish-themed drinks and food – so if you’re a haggis fan, this day is for you!

London Weather in February

February’s weather is typically much like January’s, as these are the two coldest months of the year. The average monthly temperature is 45℉ (7℃) with around 1 ½ inches of rainfall.

London Events in February

• Chinese New Year (early February)
  • London’s Chinatown and the West End go all out for Chinese New Year with free events – including a lively parade and lion dances – and performances in Trafalgar Square. Don’t miss out on the delicious Chinese street food!
• London Fashion Week: Insiders (mid-February)
  • A great 2-day immersion into London’s trend-setting fashion scene for all fashionistas hungry to know the latest and greatest trends. This industry event – full of talks and catwalks – is open to the public.
• Pancake Day (late February)
  • Who doesn’t love pancakes? This annual fun feast day takes place before Lent’s 40-day fasting period. You’ll not only find exquisite Pancake Day menus throughout London’t eateries, but you can also enjoy Pancake Day races that involve participants tossing pancakes into frying pans, as they complete the course for time.

London Weather in March

Many consider springtime to be the best time to visit London, and March starts showing the early signs of spring with slightly warmer temperatures. But the weather is unpredictable and rain is common, so prepare accordingly.  March temperatures typically range from a high of 54℉ (12℃) to a low of 43℉ (6℃).

London Events in March

• WOW Women of the World Festival (early March)
  • Commemorate International Women’s Day with WOW, a movement for women and girls, that involves three days of events, performances, debates and talks take place in London’s Southbank Center. 
• London St. Patrick’s Day Festival (weekend closest to March 17)
  • You won’t find a shortage of Irish celebrations taking place around London – especially with the festive parade that passes through the city and the free and popular festival in Trafalgar Square. 
• Head of the River Race (mid-late March)
  • A popular rowing race that takes place annually on the Thames. Over 400 crews of 8 rowers participate, making it one of the most participated events in London. The race draws spectator crowds from locals and visitors alike.

London is Big! You have to decide in which part you’ll stay, which is why we created our London neighborhood guide!

 

London Weather in April

April is a wonderful time to visit London as spring temperatures bring warmer days and fresh outdoor blooms. You can still expect a varied mix of wet, overcast and sunny. But it’s warmer than winter with temperatures ranging from a high of 55℉ (13℃) to a low of 41℉ (5℃).

London Events in April

• London Coffee Festival (early April)
  • For serious coffee lovers, these 4 days are a dream! Celebrate all things coffee at the Truman Brewery where fellow coffee buffs can enjoy 250+ artisan coffee and food stalls, demos from world-renowned baristas, workshops, live music, DJs and unbeatable coffee-based cocktails.
• Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race (early April)
  • Since 1829, Oxford and Cambridge University rowing crews have battled on the River Thames in this 4-mile rowing race. This annual tradition now attracts spectator crowds of over 250,000. Find your spot between Putney and Chiswick Bridge and cheer along with the rest!
• London Marathon (end of April)
  • Over 400,000 runners from around the world – both elite and amateur – flock to this famous 26.2-mile route that winds through some of London’s best sights including Buckingham Palace and Cutty Sark. Be one of 500,000 spectators witnessing this awesome event.

London Weather in May

• May is one of the city’s prime shoulder months, making it one of the best times to visit London. Days are longer with up to 6 hours of sunshine (compared to the 1 hour in winter!) and showing the first signs of summer weather. You’ll find average temperatures at a mild high of 62℉ (17℃) with an average low of 46℉ (8℃). But rain is still likely, so don’t put your rain jacket away just yet!

London Events in May

• London Wine Week (mid-May)
  • Different events take place every day over a summer week across London. Highlights include al-fresco parties, food and wine pairings, pop-up wine bars and affordably-priced prime wine flight tastings.
• Chelsea Flower Show (mid-late May)
  • For a quintessentially British experience, you can’t get much more prestigious than this 5-day exposition of plants and flowers in upscale Chelsea. You’ll encounter gorgeous flower displays and show gardens unlike any you’ve ever seen before.
• FA Cup Final (mid-June)
  • Brits love their football (soccer), and if you’re a sports enthusiast, you don’t want to miss this highlight featuring the best in British football. It’s the final match of the Football Association Challenge Cup and is the most attended local sporting event, and one of the most popular football events worldwide.

London is amazing! And these great hotels will blow your mind!

 

London Weather in June

June is a wonderful month to visit London, especially if you want to enjoy the outdoors and spend time exploring around town. Average highs linger at a comfortable 68℉ (20℃) with an average low of 52℉ (11℃). There’s an average of 2 inches of rainfall, so you’re likely to encounter some cloudy and rainy days too.

London Events in June

• Trooping the Colour: The Queen’s Birthday Parade (second Saturday of June)
  • Though the Queen’s actual birthday is in April, her ceremonial birthday always takes place in June as a public celebration. This royal event is a must-see as over 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses parade down the streets in honor of the Queen.
• Open Garden Squares Weekend (early June)
  • Explore some of London’s most precious hidden gardens and green spaces – which are usually closed to the public. For one weekend every June, visitors get a chance to discover and enjoy these green gems!
• West End LIVE (late June)
  • Musical lovers don’t want to miss this! Over a weekend in June in Trafalgar Square, free performances of London’s top musicals and new shows are showcased to the public. Past performances have included musical greats like Phantom of the Opera, the Lion King and Wicked. This is a popular one, so get there early to secure a seat!

London Weather in July

The main reason London is packed in July is because of the weather! Nights can be chilly with temperatures down in the 50s℉ (10s℃), but you can expect average daytime temperatures of 73℉ (23℃) and often higher. Although one of London’s driest months, July has some days of rain and drizzle. 

London Events in July

• The Chap Olympiad (mid-July)
  • For a truly original British experience, you’ll want to check this out. This event prides itself on celebrating unconventionality and eccentricity, so you can bet it’s a lot of fun! People don their best attire as they participate in whacky events like umbrella jousting and attempting to break the record for the fastest 100-yard sprint while holding a cup of tea.
• Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
  • Famous for being the world’s largest flower and garden show, this well-revered event covers 33 acres of the Hampton Court Palace ground. It’s a lot of ground to cover, so plan to spend a few hours to take in the blooming sights!
• Somerset House Summer Series (mid thru late July)
  • A fun 11 nights of open-air concerts right at the Somerset House, on the Thames’ north bank. The schedule includes a range of artists – from established to up-and-comers – across a variety of musical genres. 

London Weather in August

• Similar to July, August is the UK capital’s warmest month – making it many people’s choice as the best time of year to visit London. Along with tourist crowds, you can expect to find an average high temperature of 73℉ (23℃) with an average low of 53℉ (12℃) – and over 90% humidity. 

London Events in August

• Notting Hill Carnival (late August)
  • Taking place every year over the Bank Holiday, this popular carnival celebrates Caribbean culture with traditional costumes, dancing, reggae, rumba, calypso, Caribbean street food and more. Close to a million carnival-goers make their way to Notting Hill to take part in the celebration.
• Great British Beer Festival (early August)
  • Each August, Olympia hosts this well-attended festival where London’s best breweries showcase over 100 ales and ciders for sampling. You’ll also find plenty of food, live music to keep you more than entertained!
• London Desert Festival (mid-August)
  • A special treat, indeed! Indulge your sweet tooth with this unique 2-day event that takes you through a sensory experience of top sweet creations unlike any other.  

London Weather in September

• Fall weather starts settling in as temperatures drop, mainly in the mornings and evenings. Although the average September temperature is 61℉ (16℃), daytime temperatures see a high of 67℉ (19℃). With fewer crowds and manageable weather, September can be the best time to visit London. Just pack layers for cloudy and drizzly days too.

London Events in September

• Totally Thames (September)
  • This month-long program celebrates London’s beloved River Thames with cultural outdoors events including river races, live music, food, exhibitions, and the popular Regatta London where the masses take over the Thames for leisure sports activities.
• Proms (through mid-September)
  • You still have a chance to catch a brilliant concert from the BBC’s Proms calendar, one of the world’s best classical music festivals. Starting in mid-July, this popular festival ends in mid-September, so take advantage while you can!
• Open House London (mid-late September)
  • A special architectural treat that takes place only one weekend every year. Typically in the third week of September, 750 buildings throughout London open their (usually closed) doors to the public. Visitors get a chance to explore and appreciate the unique architecture of these famed buildings, both old and new. 

If you’re going to London, take a look at some amazing things to do in London while you’re there!

 

London Weather in October

Fall weather is in full effect in London, as cloudy skies and cool weather become the daily norm. Average highs can go up to 60℉ (15℃) but usually top off in the mid-50s℉ (10℃) especially towards the end of the month. There an average of 10 days of rain in October, so you’re more than likely to encounter some showers.

London Events in October

• British Film Institute London Film Festival (mid-October)
  • Since 1953, this popular film festival showcases hundreds of short films, full-length movies and documentaries from countries around the world. It attracts industry talent globally, so it’s a good one for serious movie buffs!
• London Restaurant Festival 
  • For the whole month of October, London celebrates is diverse and world-renowned restaurant scene. Over 70 events part of the program, including restaurant-hopping tours, chef-hosted special events, and value menus offered at over 250 of the city’s best restaurants.
• Chocolate Week (mid-October)
  • You can’t go wrong with a week-long celebration of chocolate at the UK’s largest chocolate-centered event! Learn about all things chocolate at workshops, demonstrations and – most importantly – chocolate tastings galore!

London Weather in November

• The first half of November feels much like October, with average highs at a chilly but mild 55℉ (13℃). It’s also one of London’s most overcast and rainiest months, and you’re not likely to find many sunny days. By the end of the month,  temperatures dip down to a high of 48℉ (9℃).

London Events in November

• Bonfire Night (November 5)
  • A long-standing UK tradition – also called Guy Fawkes Night – this unique event involves fireworks and massive public bonfires. An effigy of Guy Fawkes, a revolutionary who protested the government in 1605 by attempting to blow up the British House of Parliament, is burned to commemorate the anniversary of his controversial arrest.  
• London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (first Sunday in November)
  • Classic car lovers will enjoy this yearly tradition that dates back to 1896. The run celebrates the history of British automotive development, and only allows pre-1905 built vehicles to participate. Don’t expect a race though – all vehicles are limited to a max speed of 20 miles per hour!
• West End Christmas Lights (starting early November)
  • November marks the beginning of the Christmas season as London lights up for the holidays! Magnificent light displays turn on nightly on the city’s famed shopping streets, Oxford Street and Regent Street. Christmas extravaganzas also take place with live entertainment including gospel choirs and West End performers.

Have some time in London? These are our favorite day trips from London!

 

London Weather in December

• Although snow is rare – making it unlikely you’ll find a white Christmas in London – if cold and festive holidays are what you’re looking for, December may just be the best time for you to visit London! Most days are overcast, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find sunshine. The average high is 48℉ (8℃) with an average low of 37℉ (3℃).

London Events in December

• Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (first Thursday in December) 
  • Christmas cheer is in full swing during this annual event, when London is gifted a “thank you” Christmas tree from Norway, in recognition of England’s services in WWII. A choir singing carols adds a special holiday touch.
• The Great Christmas Pudding Race (early December)
  • This fun run is a holiday highlight! Participants dress in Christmas-themed costumes – from Santas to reindeer, to elves – and complete a wacky racecourse while carrying a Christmas pudding on a plate. Even better, it’s all for charity!
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks(December 31)
  • You’ll want to book one of the 100,000 available tickets early for the festive New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza by the London Eye. After Big Ben strikes midnight, the show begins – and dazzles all who are lucky enough to be a part of the celebration.

 

What is the best time to visit London weather-wise? 

Weather-wise, the best time to visit London is in summer – in terms of finding the highest temperatures, the longest days and the most hours of sunshine. June, July and August aren’t rain-free, but they’re when your chances of experiencing outdoor activities in the warmest conditions are the highest. If being out and about without needing to pack too many layers is a priority, then book your arrangements ahead and plan a summertime visit.

 

For those who don’t mind chilly weather, and find the idea of sweaters and warm socks to be cozy, the best time to visit London weather-wise is in Spring and Fall – particularly April, May, September and October. Conditions are on the colder side, but not so extreme that being outdoors and attending any number of events is out of the question. 

 

Final thoughts on the best time of year to visit London

London doesn’t exactly attract visitors from around the world because of its warm and dry weather. The city has so much to offer; people travel from near and far just to experience all of its history, energy and culture despite the often-rain and frequently-cloudy skies. In that regard, essentially any time of the year can be the best time of year to visit London! With so many activities available year-round, you can be sure that London will show you a bloody good time!

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