When is the best time to visit London? From May to September: afternoons are mild, between 18 to 24 °C (64 to 75 °F) on average, days are long and the parks are full of people. For a better balance of price and crowds, aim for April, May, September or early October. In December, the city draws visitors with its lights, despite the damp cold and high prices.
London has an oceanic climate: no extreme cold, no intense heat, and modest but frequent rain. Contrary to its reputation, the capital is one of the least rainy cities in the United Kingdom, with about 40 to 67 mm (1.6 to 2.6 in) a month at Heathrow, often as drizzle or short showers. The real criteria for choosing are light, temperatures and crowds. Here is how to decide, based on the official normals of the Met Office, the UK’s national weather service.
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When to go to London at a glance
- Best time May to September
- Best compromise of weather, prices and crowds late April–May and September–early October
- Hottest month July, with an average high of 23.9 °C (75 °F)
- Coldest months January and February, about 8 to 9 °C (46 to 48 °F) in the afternoon and below 3 °C (37 °F) at night
- Driest month March (39 mm (1.5 in)); the wettest are October and November (65 to 67 mm (2.6 to 2.6 in))
- Cheapest period January–February, after the sales and outside school holidays
- High season July–August, the Easter holidays and December
When to go to London by priority
- Best weather: May to September; July is the hottest month
- Cheapest: January–February, after the sales and outside school holidays
- Fewest crowds: late April–May and September–early October; avoid July–August, Easter and December
- Events: marathon (April), Chelsea Flower Show (May), Wimbledon (late June–early July), Notting Hill Carnival (late August), Winter Wonderland (late November–early January)
London: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: April, may, June, July, September, October, December
London weather and climate month by month
The table uses the normals for the Heathrow station, west of the city, the most widely used reference for London.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.4 °C (47 °F) | 2.7 °C (37 °F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | Low (outside New Year) | Low | Gray and cool, low prices ⚠️ |
| February | 9.0 °C (48 °F) | 2.7 °C (37 °F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | Low | Low | Damp cold, school half-term in mid-February ⚠️ |
| March | 11.7 °C (53 °F) | 4.1 °C (39 °F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | Moderate | Moderate | The driest month, still cool ⚠️ |
| April | 15.0 °C (59 °F) | 6.0 °C (43 °F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | High (Easter) | Moderate → high | Parks in bloom, mild ✅ |
| May | 18.4 °C (65 °F) | 9.1 °C (48 °F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | High | High | One of the best months ✅ |
| June | 21.6 °C (71 °F) | 12.0 °C (54 °F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | High | High | Very long days, events ✅ |
| July | 23.9 °C (75 °F) | 14.2 °C (58 °F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | Very high | Very high | The hottest month, peak crowds and prices ✅ |
| August | 23.4 °C (74 °F) | 14.1 °C (57 °F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | Very high | Very high | Crowds, heat spells possible ⚠️ |
| September | 20.2 °C (68 °F) | 11.6 °C (53 °F) | 50 mm (2.0 in) | Moderate | Moderate → high | Mild, fewer crowds ✅ |
| October | 15.8 °C (60 °F) | 8.8 °C (48 °F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Mild early in the month, wetter ✅ |
| November | 11.5 °C (53 °F) | 5.3 °C (42 °F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | Moderate | Moderate | The wettest month, short days ⚠️ |
| December | 8.8 °C (48 °F) | 3.1 °C (38 °F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | Very high | High | Lights and Christmas markets ✅ |
Note: on average there are 8 days of rain (at least 1 mm (0.04 in)) a month from March to September and 11 to 12 in winter. Sunshine exceeds 200 hours a month from May to August, compared with 55 to 80 hours from November to February, according to the same Met Office normals.
London’s seasons: pros and cons
Spring (March to May): the city turns green
March is still cool but it is the driest month of the year. In April, trees blossom in the royal parks and afternoon temperatures exceed 15 °C (59 °F). May is one of the most pleasant months, with more than 18 °C (64 °F) and lengthening evenings: people eat outdoors and pubs spill onto the pavements.
- Pros: parks and gardens in bloom, returning light, prices still reasonable outside Easter, Kew Gardens at their best
- Cons: changeable weather, possible sleet showers, crowds during the Easter school holidays
- Our tip: late April and May offer the best balance; keep a light waterproof jacket in your bag
Summer (June to August): the season of parks and festivals
London summers are mild rather than hot: average highs of 21 to 24 °C (70 to 75 °F) from June to August. Heat spells occur some years, and accommodation and the Underground are rarely air-conditioned. In late June it stays light until nearly 9:30 pm, which leaves time to see everything.
- Pros: the most reliable weather of the year, long evenings, picnics in Hyde Park or Regent’s Park, open-air concerts, Wimbledon and the Proms
- Cons: crowds at the major sights, queues at the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, hotels at their priciest, oppressive heat on the Underground during hot spells
- Who is it for? Families and anyone who wants to enjoy the parks and events. Book paid visits in advance and start early
Autumn (September to November): mild, then gray
September still feels like summer (20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon), with far fewer tourists once schools are back. October stays mild but gets wetter, and the leaves take on their colors in the parks. November is the wettest month and days shorten sharply.
- Pros: pleasant temperatures in September, the cultural season restarting (theaters, exhibitions), Bonfire Night fireworks around November 5, first Christmas lights in November
- Cons: more frequent rain from October, clocks go back at the end of October, night falling around 4:30 pm at the end of November
- Our tip: September and the first half of October make the best autumn window
Winter (December to February): Christmas, then low prices
Winter is cool and damp, but rarely freezing: 8 to 9 °C (46 to 48 °F) in the afternoon, 3 °C (37 °F) at night on average, and snow remains rare and brief in the center. December is dominated by the lights of Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden, ice rinks and Christmas markets. January and February are quieter and cheaper.
- Pros: Christmas atmosphere, museums and theaters less crowded in January–February, winter sales, hotels at their lowest after the holidays
- Cons: short days (less than 8 hours of daylight in late December), often gray skies, public transport greatly reduced on December 25
- Who is it for? Museum, show and shopping lovers, and budget travelers in January–February
London and the rest of the United Kingdom: climate comparison
London is in the driest and warmest part of the country. If you combine the capital with another region, expect more rain in the west and north. Comparison of the normals for four cities:
| Month | London | Cardiff | Edinburgh | Belfast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.4 °C (47 °F) / 59 mm (2.3 in) | 8.6 °C (47 °F) / 127 mm (5.0 in) | 7.3 °C (45 °F) / 65 mm (2.6 in) | 8.2 °C (47 °F) / 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| February | 9.0 °C (48 °F) / 45 mm (1.8 in) | 9.2 °C (49 °F) / 93 mm (3.7 in) | 8.0 °C (46 °F) / 53 mm (2.1 in) | 8.8 °C (48 °F) / 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| March | 11.7 °C (53 °F) / 39 mm (1.5 in) | 11.3 °C (52 °F) / 85 mm (3.3 in) | 9.7 °C (49 °F) / 49 mm (1.9 in) | 10.5 °C (51 °F) / 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| April | 15.0 °C (59 °F) / 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14.4 °C (58 °F) / 72 mm (2.8 in) | 12.2 °C (54 °F) / 41 mm (1.6 in) | 12.8 °C (55 °F) / 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 18.4 °C (65 °F) / 46 mm (1.8 in) | 17.4 °C (63 °F) / 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14.9 °C (59 °F) / 48 mm (1.9 in) | 15.7 °C (60 °F) / 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| June | 21.6 °C (71 °F) / 47 mm (1.9 in) | 20.1 °C (68 °F) / 74 mm (2.9 in) | 17.4 °C (63 °F) / 66 mm (2.6 in) | 17.2 °C (63 °F) / 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| July | 23.9 °C (75 °F) / 46 mm (1.8 in) | 21.8 °C (71 °F) / 84 mm (3.3 in) | 19.3 °C (67 °F) / 72 mm (2.8 in) | 19.7 °C (67 °F) / 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| August | 23.4 °C (74 °F) / 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21.4 °C (71 °F) / 105 mm (4.1 in) | 19.1 °C (66 °F) / 72 mm (2.8 in) | 19.4 °C (67 °F) / 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| September | 20.2 °C (68 °F) / 50 mm (2.0 in) | 19.1 °C (66 °F) / 86 mm (3.4 in) | 16.9 °C (62 °F) / 55 mm (2.2 in) | 17.3 °C (63 °F) / 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| October | 15.8 °C (60 °F) / 65 mm (2.6 in) | 15.3 °C (60 °F) / 129 mm (5.1 in) | 13.4 °C (56 °F) / 76 mm (3.0 in) | 13.8 °C (57 °F) / 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| November | 11.5 °C (53 °F) / 67 mm (2.6 in) | 11.6 °C (53 °F) / 131 mm (5.2 in) | 9.9 °C (50 °F) / 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10.7 °C (51 °F) / 102 mm (4.0 in) |
| December | 8.8 °C (48 °F) / 57 mm (2.2 in) | 9.1 °C (48 °F) / 140 mm (5.5 in) | 7.3 °C (45 °F) / 67 mm (2.6 in) | 8.4 °C (47 °F) / 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Southern England (London, Oxford, Bath, Stonehenge)
The southeast is the sunniest and least rainy region of the country. Day trips from London (Windsor, Oxford, Stonehenge, Bath) can be made year-round, but outdoor sites are more pleasant from May to September. Stonehenge, very exposed to the wind, can be bitterly cold in winter.
Wales (Cardiff, Eryri)
Cardiff receives about twice as much rain as London, especially from October to January (more than 125 mm (4.9 in) a month). For hiking in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, aim for May to September.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
Further north, summers are cooler (19 to 20 °C (66 to 68 °F) at best in Edinburgh and Belfast) and days are even longer in June. May, June and September are the most balanced months. For Scotland, see our article when to go to Scotland.
When to go to London by trip type
| Your trip | Best time | What to plan |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | May–June, September | Book hotel and visits 2 to 3 months ahead |
| Christmas atmosphere | Mid-November to late December | High prices, crowds on Oxford Street at weekends |
| Budget | January–February, outside school holidays | Free museums, short days |
| Parks and gardens | April to June | Kew Gardens, Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath |
| Long weekend | Year-round | Book rail tickets early for the best fares |
| Shopping and sales | Late December–January, late June–July | Sales often start as early as December 26 |
| Musicals | Year-round | Same-day tickets are cheaper on weekdays |
| Family trip | Spring, autumn half-term and summer school holidays | Major museums are free, book attractions |
| Excursions (Windsor, Stonehenge, Oxford) | May to September | Train or organized day tour |
Major events to plan your trip around
UK bank holidays, especially in late May and late August, cause peaks in crowds. Major sporting and royal events also push up hotel prices.
| Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| December 31 | New Year fireworks (ticketed access) | Thames embankment, around the London Eye |
| January or February (Lunar New Year) | Chinese New Year celebrations | Chinatown, Trafalgar Square |
| Around March 17 | St Patrick’s Day parade and festival | Central London |
| April (April 24–25 in 2027, over two days) | London Marathon | Greenwich to The Mall |
| May | Chelsea Flower Show, major flower show | Royal Hospital Chelsea |
| June (a Saturday) | Trooping the Colour, military parade for the King’s official birthday | The Mall, Horse Guards Parade |
| Late June – early July (June 28 – July 11 in 2027) | Wimbledon tennis championships | Wimbledon (southwest London) |
| Mid-July – mid-September | The Proms, classical concert season | Royal Albert Hall |
| Late August bank holiday weekend | Notting Hill Carnival | Notting Hill |
| September | Open House London: buildings open free to the public | Citywide |
| Around November 5 | Bonfire Night, fireworks | City parks |
| Late November – early January | Winter Wonderland, fairground and Christmas market | Hyde Park |
London month by month: what to expect
Still undecided about the month? Compare with our selections where to go in May, in October and in December.
January: Cool and gray (8.4 °C (47 °F) in the afternoon), but hotels are at their lowest after New Year. Sales, quiet museums: a good month for a cultural stay.
February: The coldest month along with January (2.7 °C (37 °F) at night). Low prices, except during the mid-February school half-term. Chinese New Year some years.
March: The driest month (39 mm (1.5 in)), still cool. First blossoms in the parks. St Patrick’s Day around the 17th.
April: Mild weather arrives (15 °C (59 °F)), parks bloom. Crowds during the Easter holidays. London Marathon.
May: Excellent: more than 18 °C (64 °F), about 200 hours of sunshine, long evenings. Chelsea Flower Show. Bank holiday weekends at the start and end of the month.
June: The longest days of the year and 21.6 °C (71 °F) in the afternoon. Trooping the Colour and start of Wimbledon. A very popular month.
July: The hottest month (23.9 °C (75 °F)), but also the busiest along with August. Wimbledon, start of the Proms. Book early.
August: Hot and lively, heat spells possible. Notting Hill Carnival on the late August bank holiday weekend. High prices.
September: Still mild (20.2 °C (68 °F)) and fewer crowds once schools are back. Open House London. Our favorite month.
October: Mild early in the month (15.8 °C (60 °F)), more frequent rain afterwards. Autumn leaves in the parks.
November: The wettest month (67 mm (2.6 in)) and short days. Bonfire Night around the 5th, Christmas lights switched on during the month.
December: Cool (8.8 °C (48 °F)), Christmas markets, ice rinks and shop windows. Very busy and expensive, especially at weekends and in the last week. Public transport almost at a standstill on the 25th.
When to book your trip to London
For summer, the Easter holidays, December and the dates of major events (Wimbledon, the marathon, New Year), book your hotel 3 to 4 months ahead: well-located rooms go quickly and prices climb. In low season, a few weeks is often enough. Rail tickets and flights are generally cheaper when booked early. London is served by several airports, often far from the center, so allow for transfer time.
Planning your trip to London
- Entry requirements: see our page with the entry requirements for the United Kingdom.
- Time difference: London is on GMT (UTC+0) in winter and British Summer Time (UTC+1) in summer; it is usually 5 hours ahead of New York.
- Currency: the pound sterling (GBP). Contactless cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts, and some venues no longer take cash. Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees, and use our currency converter to estimate your budget.
- Health and emergencies: the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025) says free NHS treatment is available only to UK residents, EU nationals and some visa holders; tourists and short-term visitors are charged 150% of the cost of any NHS treatment, and it encourages medical evacuation insurance. For all emergencies, dial 999.
To organize your stay on the ground, see our London travel guide: must-sees, neighborhoods, itineraries and where to stay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit London?
May, June and September offer the best balance: between 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F) in the afternoon on average, long days and more reasonable crowds than in July–August. July is the hottest month, but also the busiest and most expensive.
Does it rain a lot in London?
Less than people think: about 600 mm (23.6 in) a year at Heathrow according to the Met Office normals. It does often rain a little, though: 8 days of rain a month on average in spring and summer, 11 to 12 in winter. A compact umbrella or a waterproof jacket is enough.
When is the cheapest time to visit London?
January and February, outside New Year and the mid-February school half-term. November, outside weekends, is also affordable. Since the major national museums are free, a winter stay remains attractive despite the gray weather.
Is London cold in winter?
Not really: in January, average highs are 8.4 °C (47 °F) and average lows 2.7 °C (37 °F) at Heathrow. It rarely freezes and snow is rare in the center. It is mostly the damp, the wind and the lack of light that make winter unpleasant.
When should you go to London for Christmas?
The lights come on during November and the Christmas markets, including Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, generally open in late November. Early December, on weekdays, is the best time: the atmosphere is there, with slightly fewer crowds than at weekends and during Christmas week. Note that public transport almost completely stops on December 25.
Is London hot in summer?
It is mild: average highs of 21 to 24 °C (70 to 75 °F) from June to August. Occasional heat waves can exceed 30 °C (86 °F), and most hotels, apartments and older Underground trains are not air-conditioned: check this if you are sensitive to heat.
What is the weather like in London in October?
Still mild early in the month: an average high of 15.8 °C (60 °F) and average low of 8.8 °C (48 °F), with 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain (1991–2020 Met Office normals, Heathrow station). Bring an umbrella.
And the rest of the United Kingdom?
Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds, Wales or the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland combine easily with the capital. To build a wider itinerary, see our United Kingdom travel guide.
Our sources
- London: 1991–2020 normals for the London-Heathrow station, Met Office (UK national weather service) (temperatures, rainfall, rain days, sunshine)
- Regional comparison: Met Office, 1991–2020 normals: Cardiff (Bute Park), Edinburgh (Royal Botanic Garden), Belfast (Newforge)
- Information read on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, United Kingdom country information (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
