Best time to visit London in 2025
Best season to visit London | Seasonal activities & local tips
Best time to visit London
When is the best time to visit London?
London is one of the most popular cities in the world, offering unique experiences in every season. However, this variety can be both a blessing and a curse because it makes choosing the best time to visit London harder. So, when is the best time to visit London? The answer depends on what you’re looking for – whether it’s good weather, fewer crowds, or more events. This guide will give you a detailed breakdown of each season with the best and worst times to visit London, seasonal offers, temperature information, and tips for making the most out of your visit.
1. Spring in London
Best months: April and May
Average temperatures: 6°C (43°F) to 18°C (64°F)
Blooming flowers, lush parks, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds all sound like the elements of a perfect London visit. If you’re looking for that, spring is the perfect choice for visiting London. Let’s look at these and a few other reasons why visiting London in the spring is the best.
Mild weather
With London’s reputation for being a very rainy city, the temperature can be a big factor in deciding when to visit. Spring is your best bet if you’re looking for a season that is not too hot or too cold. April and May are usually the most comfortable as the temperatures start to rise.
Fewer crowds
When compared to the busy summer months, spring sees noticeably lower crowd levels. This makes it easier to visit the more popular attractions like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, or the Tower of London.
Great for outdoor activities
With comfortable temperatures, spring is a great time to explore outdoor attractions such as Hampton Court Palace, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Tower Bridge, or the Tower of London. Spring is also the perfect time to enjoy a Thames River Cruise – an activity you can’t miss while you’re in London. The cruise is a great way to see the city’s skyline and famous landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the Shard, and Tower Bridge from a unique perspective. It’s also the perfect setting to soak up the mild sun on the deck without worrying about extreme temperatures.
Events
Spring in London is also full of events, including St Patrick’s Day in March, which is commemorated with a St Patrick’s Day Parade from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square. The parade features complex floats, marching bands, Irish dancing schools, and much more, adding to the cheerful atmosphere. Other events you can check out are the London Marathon in April or the Chelsea Flower Show in May.
What to keep in mind?
When making plans, keep in mind that spring is the season with the most bank holidays in the UK. Most places that are closed on Sundays are also closed on bank holidays, which might interfere with your schedule. Easter, Easter Monday, the Early May Bank Holiday, and the Spring Bank Holiday all happen during the spring, so be sure to check the calendar to see when they fall and plan your visit accordingly.
Springtime means cruising time!
Book one of our best-value Thames River Cruise deals!
Cruise the Thames with live music
Evening Cruise
Escape the busy streets of London and join us after sunset for a relaxing two-hour evening cruise on the River Thames. See London’s top landmarks lit up at night while enjoying a tasting of sparkling wine and canapés with live music playing.
Lunch with a view
Lunch Cruise
Cruise down the River Thames, see historical London sights, and enjoy a delicious two-course lunch with coffee and tea. Listen to the audio commentary while passing by historical sights like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Shard.
2. London in summer
Best months: June and September
Average temperatures: 13°C (55°F) to 21°C (70°F)
Summer is by far the most popular time to visit London, which means it’s also the busiest. If you’re looking for a less stressful vacation, visiting London during the summer isn’t the best choice. There are quite a few factors that might make your visit less enjoyable so let’s go through some of them.
Large crowds
With summer being the prime vacation time, the city is full of tourists. The Tube, which is usually the most efficient way of moving across London, also gets strained by the large crowd levels. Many events, such as the Notting Hill Carnival in August, take place during the summer, which also brings in additional crowds.
Longer wait times
Such a large number of people also impacts the wait times at popular attractions. If you visit London in the summer without pre-booking your tickets, you can spend a lot of your time waiting in long lines instead of enjoying the actual attractions.
Increased expenses
The big influx of people also means that the flight and accommodation prices are increased during this period, straining your wallet. In fact, this is the most expensive time of the year to visit London.
Longer days and outdoor fun
Even though summer is the worst time to visit London in terms of crowd levels, it’s not all bad. With the daylight lasting until 9 PM, you can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities like concerts, theater performances, food festivals, and events such as the Notting Hill Carnival, one of the largest carnivals in the world, taking place in August.
3. Autumn in London
Best months: September and October
Average temperatures: 11°C (52°F) to 19°C (66°F)
Along with spring, fall is one of the best times to visit London. The peak summer season closes off, the crowds become smaller, and the city gets a special charm with the fall colors. The summer heat also dies down, and mild, comfortable temperatures come into play.
Fewer crowds
With the summer rush over, you’ll have a better time exploring London. There will be fewer crowds at the most popular attractions, making your visit more seamless.
Events
Fall is also full of exciting events that you can check out. The London Film Festival and the Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square both happen in October and are a lot of fun to attend.
Enjoy the fall atmosphere
Fall is the perfect time for walking through London’s parks and enjoying nature. Chelsea Embankment, Green Park, Greenwich Park, and Hampstead Heath are the prime spots to take in London’s fall charm.
What to keep in mind?
London’s weather is almost always unpredictable, but fall can get pretty rainy, so be sure to pack an umbrella and waterproof shoes. November is the worst in terms of rain, but it’s best to be prepared during other months, too. Also, some outdoor attractions, like the Kew Gardens and the London Eye, start closing earlier as the days get shorter.
Enjoy the fall atmosphere on the Thames River Cruise!
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The best London views
London Eye Cruise
The London Eye River Cruise is perfect for seeing the iconic sights of central London, such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and many more! Benefit from a multilingual audio commentary and enjoy a cruise on the River Thames.
Tea time on the Thames
Afternoon Tea Cruise
Join us for afternoon tea on the River Thames. Enjoy tea, sandwiches, and cakes while viewing historic buildings like Shakespeare's Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Shard along the river. Take a break from London’s busy streets and experience English tradition in style.
4. Winter months in London
Best month: December
Average temperatures: 5°C (41°F) to 9°C (48°F)
London is truly beautiful during the winter, especially in December. The city is decorated with festive lights, and the Christmas markets are in full swing. However, January and February can get quite cold, making it harder for you to comfortably explore popular outdoor attractions.
Festive Christmas markets
In December, London is full of Christmas markets that you can’t miss. The Christmas markets such as the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square Christmas market, and the Southbank Centre Winter Market are a must-visit.
See London from the Thames
The off-season is a great time to enjoy a Thames River cruise and sightsee the city from the water. Escape the cold in heated, covered boats and see London without having to travel around the city. Simply sit back and admire the views!
Explore indoor attractions
With the temperatures being quite cold and days short, it might be best to focus on exploring indoor attractions during the winter. London is full of museums and art galleries like the British Museum and the National Gallery which are perfect for this.
Affordable prices
Since fewer people visit London in January and February, they are the least expensive months to visit London. During the off-season, accommodation and flight prices drop, making it easier to get a good deal.
What to keep in mind?
The temperatures can get very cold, so warm clothing is a must. Also, some attractions, like the London Zoo, may have reduced working hours or closed certain sections during the winter, so be sure to check that before traveling to avoid disappointment.
5. The best time to visit London: Spring & Autumn
While the best time to visit depends on your preferences, Spring (April and May) and Fall (September or October) seem to be the best times to visit London. These seasons are a perfect blend of fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and comfortable weather, which will help make your visit a success.
6. The worst season to visit London: Summer
The season that stands out as the worst time to visit London is Summer, especially July and August. These months are the most crowded and expensive, and the weather can get pretty hot, making it uncomfortable to sightsee. Other than that, the weather can get pretty rainy and gloomy in November, so it might be best to avoid visiting London then.
Experience London from the Thames River!
No matter when you visit, a Thames River cruise offers the best way to see London’s iconic sights. From Buckingham Palace and the London Eye to Tower Bridge and Big Ben, you can explore it all from the comfortable seats. Enjoy stunning views, and relax onboard as you glide through the heart of the city!