There is no bad time to visit London, but each month feels different. Daylight ranges from around eight hours in December to more than sixteen in late June, crowds rise and fall with school holidays, and the calendar is full of annual events worth planning around. Here is what to expect through the year.
January
Quiet and often cold and grey, with short days. Hotels are at their best value after New Year, and the winter sales run early in the month. London’s New Year’s Day Parade opens the year. A good month for museums, galleries and theatre deals.
February
Still cold, but days start to lengthen. Chinese New Year celebrations around Chinatown and the West End often fall in late January or February. Many UK schools have a half-term week mid-month, so family attractions get busier.
March
Spring arrives in the parks, with daffodils in St James’s Park and blossom later in the month. Weather is changeable. Easter sometimes falls in late March, bringing school holidays and a busier long weekend.
April
Mild days, cherry blossom and the start of the main tourist season. Easter school holidays make attractions busy. The London Marathon usually takes place in late April, closing roads across the city; in 2027 it runs over two days, 24 and 25 April. The Boat Race on the Thames falls in late March or early April.
May
One of the best months: long days, fresh green parks and outdoor dining. There are two bank holiday weekends. RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place in mid-to-late May and brings floral displays to shops across Chelsea and Knightsbridge.
June
The longest days of the year and plenty of events. The King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) on Horse Guards Parade happens in June, and Royal Ascot draws racegoers west of London. Wimbledon starts at the end of the month. Book hotels early; see our Royal Ascot and Wimbledon travel guides.
July
Warmest month on average, with outdoor theatre, rooftop bars and the BBC Proms, which run from mid-July to mid-September. UK school summer holidays start in late July, so expect queues at the biggest attractions and higher hotel prices. London can feel hot on the Underground; plan around the midday heat.
August
Peak family season. Notting Hill Carnival fills west London over the August bank holiday weekend, with major road closures. Some locals are away, so parts of the city feel more relaxed, but the main sights are at their busiest.
September
Often settled, warm weather once schools return, making it one of the best months for sightseeing. Open House London opens the doors of buildings that are usually closed to the public. A good time for day trips by car to the countryside.
October
Autumn colour in the parks, crisp days and fewer visitors. Half-term in late October brings a short family rush. The clocks go back on the last Sunday, so evenings get dark much earlier.
November
Grey and damp but atmospheric. Fireworks around 5 November for Bonfire Night, the Lord Mayor’s Show in the City, and Christmas lights switching on across the West End. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland usually opens in mid-to-late November.
December
Festive and busy in the run-up to Christmas, especially at weekends. Public transport does not run on Christmas Day and services are limited on Boxing Day, so plan any travel carefully. Our London at Christmas guide covers it in detail. New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Thames are ticketed.
Packing for the Season
London weather changes quickly in any month, so layers and a light waterproof are always useful. See London weather and what to pack for a season-by-season list.
Event dates change each year. Check each event’s official website for the current year’s dates before you book.