You could easily argue that there’s never a bad time to visit England’s capital – world-class events year-round, incredible galleries and museums, cozy pubs, and beautifully landscaped parks and gardens.
London doesn’t stop showing off its many wonderful attractions no matter the weather…. although, spoiler alert, what it’s doing often involves gray skies.
Therefore, it is summer gave The season to be in this fascinating capital. Festivals flourish throughout the city, pop-up markets and beaches (yes, Pop Up Beach) are seen everywhere and food is all the rage. Prices can be high, but the option of outdoor entertainment means summer is when London is at its most exciting and charming.
As anywhere, you should time your visit according to your interests and budget. Our weather guide will help you decide the best time to visit London.
From June to August. Perfect time for festivals and sunny skies
Expect to jostle with strangers on a sweaty public transport system and overpriced accommodation. But it’s also a time when the city is buzzing with events – from one of the world’s biggest street parties to small pop-up book fairs and markets.
London’s parks fill up with locals enjoying the summer sun, and beer gardens fill with vitamin D-fueled cheer and laughter. This is the perfect time to leave the heat and humidity of the tube and explore the city on foot.
June begins with long, warm days (lightening until 10pm) and the arrival of many alfresco events, including a naked bike ride through the city. South Bank is a lively place to hang out, with something always happening, whether it’s a street food market or live music. It also pays the host. Meltdown Festival, which is produced by a different artist each year. Peek into the world of art and design. Royal Academy Summer Exhibition And London Festival of Architecture.
July brings high temperatures and sporting glory. Wimbledon Roll out the green carpet for international tennis stars. Enter the ticket lottery and you can enjoy strawberries and cream in the finale. London’s LGBTIQ+ community took to the streets to celebrate pride And the whole city becomes rainbow-filled joy. Keep the party going and dance the night away. Wireless Festival
August brings festive season across the UK but London goes into overdrive with the hugely popular Notting Hill Carnival. This wonderful celebration of Caribbean culture takes place on the last weekend of the month, a bank holiday when thousands of people party in the streets around this area of west London.
March to May and September to October are the best times for beautiful scenery.
Spring can be a pleasant time to visit the city, with events springing up and many flowers blooming in the city’s parks and gardens. It can also be quite wet, so bring a waterproof jacket. The Irish community comes together on St. Patrick’s Day in March to celebrate the culture and country with a parade and festival. In late March the clocks go forward and the days get longer. The whole city comes out to cheer on the brave souls taking part in the London Marathon in April.
May brings a respite for the public as two bank holidays are booked in the month and everyone is in partying mood. The days are getting warmer Underbelly Festival Brings cabarets, live music, circus acts and more to the streets of London while beautiful flowers brighten up the capital. Chelsea Flower Show.
Autumn can be anything from horrendously wet and windy days to crisp, bright sunshine brightening up stunning autumn scenery in the City of London’s many parks and commons. The city quiets down a bit in September as local children start the new school year. For architecture and interior design lovers, this is the best time to visit the city. Open House Festivalwhere properties normally closed to the public allow visitors and offer tours.
Temperatures drop in October but the parks are sprinkled with beautiful fall colors. The clocks go back to winter on the last weekend of the month, and school children celebrate Halloween with spooky costumes and trick-or-treating. Roams the city with silver screen glamour. London Film Festival And you can buy an original work of art as a souvenir of your trip. Affordable Art Fair in Battersea.
From November to February It is the best time to visit museums and galleries.
Winter brings cold, wet and gray days that don’t last long – the sun makes a fleeting appearance before slipping away in mid-afternoon.
The city isn’t empty, though, and major landmarks remain open, making it the perfect time to explore London’s incredible museums and galleries, wander the cool but atmospheric streets, and fill up on local eateries in the warmer suburbs. Is. Traditional London pub. Choose a venue and enjoy live music. London Jazz Festival before taking to the streets to enjoy a spectacular firework display on Guy Fawkes Night.
In December, the city gets into a festive mood as the Christmas markets open up across London. Ice banks open across the city, with popular landmarks such as Somerset House, the Natural History Museum, and the South Bank. Christmas Day is quiet, with all shops and museums closed and the public transport network closed. It all starts again on Boxing Day, as eager shoppers hit the sales to grab bargains for the New Year.
New Year celebrations begin with a big bang at midnight when fireworks light up the sky and people party in the streets. London is in the depths of winter, with short days: light appears around 8am and fades by 4pm. February is cold and wet, and it can snow, bringing traffic to a standstill in the city. Chinese New Year falls somewhere between late January and early February, leading to a huge celebration in London’s Chinatown. Locals rock with pancakes on Tuesdays.
This article was first published on March 5, 2021 and was updated on March 11, 2024.