4 Best time of the year to go to London
Are you planning a trip to London? One of the first things to consider when visiting the capital is the right time to travel.
In this post, we’ll explain all you need to know about London’s seasons and best time to visit.
London is a great holiday destination. The European city offers incredible attractions, art exhibitions, events, cuisines, and tours, all year round. However, certain months may provide a more pleasant experience for a vacation than others.
The capital city as we know, has earned a notorious reputation for its grey skies and high cost of living. So, choosing the right time to visit can greatly impact your travel experience in London.
To get the most out of your trip to London, read our guide for the best time of the year to go to London.
We’ll focus on factors such as weather, crowd level and affordability.
4 Best Time of the Year to go to London
- Spring Season (March – May)
- Peak Season (June – August)
- Low Season (December – February)
- Shoulder Season (September – October)
Best Time of the Year to go to London
1. Spring Season (March – May)
Spring Seasons is one of the best times to visit London before it becomes packed with tourists. The season is from early March to May, and it offers a multitude of outdoor activities, events and sightseeing.
During the spring season, the city is warming up after the winter,
and sees mild temperatures ranging between 11°c to 19°c.
Additionally, the days are longer and warm while nights are shorter and cold.
There are a lot of activities to do for free during spring in London. The city has a lot of amazing parks such as the Richmond Park, Regent’s Park and Hyde Park, where you can go for a picnic or to enjoy the cool weather.
You can also explore the beautiful Kew gardens to catch the cherry blossoms bloom.
When visiting London between March to May, it is advisable to pack thick outfits that can keep you warm.
Important Events in Spring SeasoniS
If you visit London in early March, you can celebrate St Patrick Day with the locals, visit some museums to catch free art exhibitions or attend the Chelsea Flower show – a major annual festival for flower lovers in London.
The London Marathon takes place during spring in London. You can sign up as a participant or watch runners from all over the world compete.
Lastly, The London Fashion Festival, Film Festival and Jazz Festival takes place in Spring.
2. Peak Season (June – August)
Peak Season aka Summer is hands down the best time for tourists to visit London and explore the city’s famous attractions like the Big Ben, Tate Modern, Thames River, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and much more.
Peak Season is when a lot of families, couples and solo travellers visit London. The prices for hotels and flights are usually more expensive during summer so it may not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget.
During peak Season, weather is warmest with temperature ranging from 21°c to 23°c. It is when the city truly awakens, offering a whole different vibe from spring and winter.
Summer in London is vibrant and packed with tourists from different parts of the world who have come to enjoy the various events, and activities that the capital presents.
London weather can be unpredictable. While it may be warm to go outside, it could still rain at any time. So, make sure you pack a small umbrella in your bag when you go out.
Important Events in Peak Season
London is filled with the best lineup of events during summer months( May/June to August).
You can attend fun events like the Little Venice Cavalcade, June Chesterton’s Polo in the Park, Royal Ascot (polo), Taste of Regent’s Park Food Festival, Henley Royal Regatta and Wimbledon.
July also welcomes the Nottinghill Carnival, one for the most vibrant carnivals in London which you do not want to miss.
3. Low Season (Mid November – February)
The Low Season in London is from Mid November to February.It is the best time of the year to go to London if you’re on a budget.
This season offers discounted prices on hotels and flight tickets. You will also encounter less tourists in the city so you can visit your favorite places without worrying about overcrowding.
However, you would still have to deal with the rain and gloomy London weather.
London experiences winter in December. The streets are cold, and the days are shorter than ever. With the sun setting as early as 4pm, you have little to no time to explore the city’s attraction.
Visiting during the low season is recommended if you enjoy spending the holidays in London. Christmas falls during the season and the streets come alive with thousands of dazzling christmas lights and the annual Christmas markets which fill the streets with the delicious aroma of freshly baked pastries and a variety of stalls to shop.
If you would love to spend your holidays surrounded by enchanting Christmas lights, a positive holiday spirit and tasty afternoon tea to keep you warm then perhaps, a trip to London in the Low Season is good for you.
Important Events in Low Season
Every year, during the low Season, Hyde Park hosts a special Winter Wonderland, which is a festival of food, rides and Christmas celebrations. The London Jazz Festival also occurs during this time.
Shoppers are not left out during the low Season. The city hosts its annual Christmas and new year sales where you can get amazing deals on your favorite products.
Winter in London is cold and wet, always pack an umbrella or rain coat with you at all times when touring the city.
4. Shoulder Season (September – October)
Shoulder Season is September to October in London or autumn season.
During this season, the weather is a bit cold, the air is starting get humid and the crowd becomes lesser by the day. In addition, hotel and flight prices are more reasonable than in summer or spring.
Shoulder Season offers you a somewhat peaceful experience of London, allowing you to explore the city’s famous attractions without bumping into large crowds or queuing for long hours.
Important Events in Shoulder Season
There are a lot of events to attend in the Shoulder Season. You can take a trip on the London Ghost Bus or go on a Jack the Ripper or Tales of Plague guided walking tour.
You can also attend the London Design Festival or purchase a painting at the Frieze art Fair in Regent Park.
There are museums that offer midmight tours in the city and the shoulder Season is one of the best times to experience a nighttime our in London.
Conclusion
A trip to London should be on your bucket list.
With the information in this post, you now have a good idea of the best time to plan your London trip.
So, what are you waiting for?
Book a trip to the UK’s capital and enjoy an unforgettable holiday experience unlike any other.
