The English capital is one of the most touristed cities anywhere in the world, with nearly 19 million arrivals in 2023—but when is the best time to visit London? While many choose to travel here during the summer to make the most of the many of the destination’s parks, rooftop bars, and outdoor activities, all four seasons have something unique to offer for the traveler heading to London. Below, we break down when to visit for the best weather, the best rates, and more.
A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
When is the best time to visit London?
When you choose to come to London really depends on what you’re looking for during your trip. If you’re hoping for good weather, a visit during the summer (June, July, or August) means you’re more likely to see sunny and warm days. (That said, remember that this is Britain: Rain or cooler days are possible even during months that might be more traditionally sunny elsewhere.)
If you want to see the city at its most sparkly and magical, the best time to visit London is during the festive period, between late November and the end of December. The autumnal months of September and October bring with them gorgeous leaves, Sunday roasts, and cozy pubs. Whereas spring is the season for nature lovers as blossoms and wisteria begin to flower across the city.
Is there a rainy season in London?
There’s certainly a rainy “season” in London, but not in the same way as they do in tropical climes. The city sees rain throughout all four seasons, but the months with the most average amount of rainfall are November (66.63mm), October (65.07mm), and December (57.05mm), according to Met Office data. January has the most days of rainfall, with 11.53 days on average.
What is the warmest month in London?
According to Met Office data collected between 1991–2020, July is the warmest month in London with an average temperature of 23.89 degrees Celsius (or about 75 degrees Fahrenheit). August is not that far behind, with an average temperature of 23.40 degrees Celsius (although August has considerably more rain than July on average).
Which month has the most hours of sunshine in London?
July is the sunniest month in London, according to Met Office Data, followed by June, then May, then August.
When is the cheapest time to visit London?
Although London remains busy with tourists all year, January and February are historically the quietest months in the capital and, therefore, can offer the best opportunities to save money and to bag deals. Avoid the February half term (a period of school holidays), the exact dates of which change annually.