Best Time to Visit London (2026)
London is a year-round city but summer (June–August) is peak season for good reason — long days, outdoor events, and the best weather. Spring and autumn offer a quieter, more atmospheric experience.
Green ✓ = Best months · Red = Consider avoiding
London Travel Guides
June–August
Long daylight hours (sun until 9pm), outdoor festivals, Wimbledon, Notting Hill Carnival. Warmest and driest.
April–May & September–October
Fewer tourists, more pleasant than winter, and cheaper than summer. Spring blossom and autumn colour are gorgeous.
November–March
Cold, dark, and grey — but Christmas markets (November–December) are magical, and New Year is spectacular.
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Weather | Avg Temp | Rain | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Cold, grey & wetPost-Christmas sales | 5°C | Moderate | Low | Budget |
| Feb | Cold & grey | 6°C | Moderate | Low | Budget |
| Mar | Cool, spring startingSt Patrick's Day parade | 10°C | Moderate | Low | Budget |
| Apr | Mild & pleasantEaster holidays — family crowds | 13°C | Moderate | Moderate | Mid |
| MayBest | Warm & lovelyChelsea Flower Show late May | 17°C | Moderate | Moderate | Mid |
| JunBest | Warm & sunnyWimbledon starts late June | 20°C | Moderate | High | Peak |
| JulBest | Warm & sunnyPeak summer — long evenings, rooftop bars | 22°C | Low | High | Peak |
| AugBest | Warm, sometimes hotNotting Hill Carnival (last weekend Aug) | 21°C | Low | High | Peak |
| Sep | Mild & pleasantBest shoulder month | 17°C | Moderate | Moderate | Mid |
| Oct | Cool & colourfulAutumn half-term school holidays | 12°C | Moderate | Moderate | Mid |
| Nov | Cool & wetChristmas lights turn on late November | 8°C | High | Low | Budget |
| Dec | Cold, festiveChristmas markets + NYE fireworks (ticketed) | 6°C | Moderate | High | Peak |
Key Events & Festivals
Wimbledon Tennis Championships
The world's most prestigious tennis tournament. Queue from dawn for grounds passes, or ballot for Centre Court tickets a year ahead.
Notting Hill Carnival
Europe's largest street festival — two million people, Caribbean music, food, and costumes in west London.
Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park)
Enormous festive market with ice rinks, rides, and food stalls in Hyde Park. One of Europe's best Christmas markets.
Planning Tips
May and September are London's secret best months — good weather, fewer tourists, lower prices
London tap water is excellent — carry a reusable bottle and save money all day
Most world-class museums are free (British Museum, V&A, Natural History Museum, National Gallery)
Buy an Oyster card or use contactless payment on all transport — paper tickets are significantly more expensive
Plan your London trip
London Packing List
What to pack for your London trip — by season and category