UPDATED February 2025
The best time to visit London England depends on why you’re visiting.
I know you don’t want to miss out on uniquely London experiences like a London theatre production, visiting world class museums, enjoying exceptional shopping and soaking up a thousand years of cultural heritage.
But, unless you’re traveling to London for a specific event, why not choose a time of year with fewer crowds and better weather?
The overall best month to travel to London is September – scroll to the bottom for my why below.
With a history stretching back to Roman times, London’s always been a sought after destination. London is not only the capital of England and the UK but literally one of the largest cities in the world. Greater London covers 600 square miles with a population of almost 9 million.
GETTING THERE: Traveling from the US to the UK? Heathrow and Gatwick outside London are the main airports. Here’s how to get to London from either one. This is how to get around London like a local.
Best Time to Visit London
What’s most important to you?
- Weather? it’s May, June and September
- Affordability? January and February
- Sports? Spring through summer
- Theater? Year round
- Markets? Year round
- Attractions? September to June
- Holidays? November to January
Shopping on Carnaby Street
Best Time to Visit London for Weather
The best months to visit London for optimum weather conditions are May, June and September.
Need to know:
- Hottest month: July averages 66 F/ 19 C – hot spells rarely last more than a few days
- Coldest month: January averages 43 F/ 6 C but it can get colder!
- Wettest month: October and November average 4.8 inches of rain
London is in southern England, so London will be warmer and drier than most other areas in the UK. Thanks to climate change, and erratic weather patterns, the month or year you visit may have a lot more rainfall than average. Just be prepared!
You may have heard about the summer heat waves here in England and Europe. If you plan to travel during the summer months, ask if your London accommodation has air conditioning (known as air con).
Why not start looking at hotel options now?
Shopping on a sunny May day near Regent St
Best Time to Visit for Affordability
The most affordable months to visit London are January and February.
Your best deals on airfares to London will be during the winter months. Hotels may also discount rates during this time. Average daily hotel room rates in London have increased so book ahead to get your best deal. Expect to pay the highest rates during summer’s high season!
- Super low season: January and February
- Low season: November to March
- Shoulder season: April to mid June and September to October
- High season: mid June through August
If you decide to visit London in the winter months, you’ll need to bundle up. Here’s what I recommend.
Get started booking a special treat!
Best Time to Visit for Sporting Events
London hosts world class sporting events year round but these are few worth checking out.
- Harlem Globetrotters London – O2 Arena April 21 2025
- London Marathon – April 27 2025
40,000 plus runners compete and run through London streets. Ready to enter? - FA Cup – Final at Wembley May 25
- British Grand Prix at Silverstone July 6 2025
- Wimbledon June 30 – July 13, 2025
The longest running tennis tournament in the world. Book tickets by entering a public ballot. Tickets are selected at random. - RideLondon – Cancelled for 2025
- For a complete list of all sporting events in London
Buzzy West End theatre district
Best Time to Visit London for Theater
Theater productions run year round – the main theatre district is in the West End of London.
These favorites are currently running in 2025. For more show dates, check here.
- Wicked
- Mamma Mia London
- Hamilton London
- Les Miserables London
- The Rest is History Live
- Back to the Future The Musical London
Soho is for dining and entertainment
Best Time to Visit London Street Markets
Most markets are open year round. Large markets usually combine food stalls, antiques, apparel and a huge variety of crafts, art and bits and bobs. Portobello is known for it’s antiques and Notting Hill location. Columbia Road is famous for it’s glorious selection of flowers and plants.
Open 7 days a week
Open Sundays
London gets very festive during the holidays
Best Time to Visit London for the Holidays
Looking for a festive vibe? The holiday season from November to early January is the perfect time to visit.
London pulls out all the stops during the holiday season so expect a dazzling display of lights, decorations, markets and special seasonal events. Why not stay for New Years Eve!
Christmas at Kew | Nov 14 2025 – Jan 4 2026
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in Richmond, London turns into an enchanted lit fantasy after dark. More info.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park | mid Nov 2025
Fairground rides, Christmas markets, ice skating and sculpting workshops turn this famous park into a wonderland. More info.
Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros Studio Tour | Nov 15 2025 – Jan 18 2025
Harry Potter film sets get transformed into a snowy wonderland as part of a self guided tour at Warner Bros Studio Tour. The Forbidden Forest and the Great Hall get a festive and magical makeover for the holidays. More info.
Christmas Carols at St Paul’s Cathedral | Dec 15 & Dec 23-24
Get in the mood by attending a free carol concert or a friendly service at the legendary London cathedral. More info.
Seasonal Festivities in London | December 1-31
From lights, decorations, ice skating rinks, Christmas markets, carolers to the spectacular lit tree in Trafalgar Square, London lights up for the holiday season all December long. Don’t miss the imaginative store window displays along Oxford Street. More info.
New Years Day Parade | Jan 1
Floats from around the world, performers and stunt motorcyclists put on a traditional New Years Day parade through the streets of Londons West End and the theatre district. More info.
Find your perfect 4* London pad with free Wi-fi here.
Overall Best Time to Visit London
September
- Daylight hours: 11:40 to 13:33
- Sunshine: 6 hrs per day (similar to August)
- Rainfall: 26mm /1.02”
- Affordability: Shoulder season, with some discounted rates
- Attractions: All attractions are open with normal hours
- Average room rate: 73% cheaper than July rates
September is the ideal time to visit London. The weather is usually warm, mild and sunny with little rainfall. Attractions, gardens, museums, markets and the theater are still operating at normal times and hours. You’ll find fewer crowds because most schools are back in session. Room rates are likely to be less expensive than peak summer.
Overall, September gives you the best combination of weather, attractions and cost.
Psst, why not plan your next trip with a little help from me!
