These Are the Best Times to Visit London, England. (original) (raw)
The best time to visit London is March through May when the temperatures are mild and the city's parks are green and blooming. However, late spring – along with summer – is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge. You're more likely to find airfare and accommodation deals in the fall and winter though you'll also encounter chilly temperatures. December in London is also an incredibly popular place to be during the holidays, so expect the streets to be crowded with both English and international tourists. And no matter when you travel, you should pack an umbrella: London is notorious for experiencing misty days and showers year-round. If you have any concerns related to the weather, crowds or other unpredictable factors, you might want to consider an international travel insurance policy or a cancel for any reason plan for more extensive coverage.
Another thing to keep in mind: it's nearly impossible to escape crowds in London. Along with being one of the biggest cities in Europe, London is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the world, so no matter what time of year you go, you're bound to run into lots of tourists.
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| March-May | Peak tourist season in London is pretty much year-round, but late spring (and summer) are especially busy. By making your London Town jaunt in late spring, you'll have the opportunity to witness the royal parks and gardens blossoming, and hit the city's weather sweet spot. However, the earlier you visit in spring, the more likely you'll run into slightly smaller crowds. While fall and winter can be especially rainy and summer can get a bit muggy, spring in London enjoys a happy medium, with average temperatures hovering between the 50s and 60s. Key Events: Vault Festival (late January-March) St Patrick's Day Festival and Parade (March) London Coffee Festival (March-April) Gemini Boat Race (April) London Book Fair (April) State Opening of Parliament (May) Hackney Moves (May) RHS Chelsea Flower Show (May) |
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| June-August | Fortunately, comfortable summertime temperatures (mid-70s Fahrenheit) make the tourist crowds a little bearable. Don't leave your shorts home just yet; in recent years, London has experienced record highs in the lower 90s. Also, summer affords no relief from rain and subsequent humidity. Packing an umbrella is a must. Key Events: Trooping the Colour (June) London Pride (June-July) Wimbledon Championships (June-July) Kaleidoscope (July) Underbelly Festival (July-September) Notting Hill Carnival (August) |
| September-November | London is still crowded with tourists well into mid-September, thanks to the mild 60 to 70-degree temperatures. The photogenic autumn foliage doesn't hurt either. If you're looking to really sink your teeth into the culture, however, this is the best time to visit. These months' annual events, especially Guy Fawkes Night in November, are celebrations deeply rooted in not only London but England's history. Key Events: London Fashion Week (September) London Marathon (October) Guy Fawkes Night (November) The Lord Mayor's Show (November) Christmas at Kew (November-January) |
| December-February | If you're looking to save a pound or two, travel during the chilly, winter season (except for December when rates rise around the holidays). Though temperatures average in the 30- to 40-degree range, you'll be able to enjoy a more authentic London experience sans large tourist hordes. Because the city sparkles with twinkling lights and festive events during the holiday season, central London is usually overrun with holiday shoppers, especially at Oxford Street. If you're in London for the holidays, plan to take in the city's Christmas splendor away from popular shopping hot spots. Key Events: Christmas at Kew (November-January) London's New Year's Day Parade (First of January) Burns Night (January) Pancake Day (February/March) |
Popular Times to Visit London, England
Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.