Best time to visit London in 2025
Best seasons to visit London | Things to do, events & weather
Best time to visit London
When should you visit London?
London is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, with a population larger than that of some countries (and not just Luxembourg). There is always something going on there. Sports, music, film festivals, cultural events, and many must-see attractions. But when’s the best time to visit?
Summer (June to August) brings warm weather, long days, crowds, and higher prices. Winter (December to February) can be quiet and more affordable – apart from the festive season, when the city fills up again for Christmas and New Year. Without a doubt, the best time to visit London is during the shoulder seasons – spring and early autumn. During these times, you can expect mild weather, fewer tourists, and plenty of exciting events. Read our guide and discover what you can do during each season!
Spring in London
Visiting London in spring is a wonderful experience, as the city comes alive with blooming flowers and pleasant weather. It’s the perfect time to explore at a relaxed pace before the summer rush.
WEATHER
Spring in London offers a welcome break from the grey skies and summer heatwaves. April and May bring moderate temperatures, typically 11 to 14°C (around 50°F). It is an ideal time to explore the city on foot. April is actually London’s driest month, with an average of just 37 mm of rain. So, while it’s always wise to pack an umbrella, you’re less likely to need it in spring.
SPRING MEANS SHORTER LINES
With schools still in session, spring is one of the calmest times to visit London. During April and May, there are fewer tourists, meaning shorter lines at major sights and a more relaxed pace. You’ll likely breeze through spots like the Tower of London and find a seat in SoHo without booking weeks ahead. In busy months, it can take up to an hour just to get into the Tower of London, plus extra time for the Crown Jewels. But in April, you might be inside in just 10 minutes. Visiting London in spring means less waiting and rushing and more time to enjoy the city.
LONDON IN BLOOM
In April and May, London’s parks come to life with flowers. Regent’s Park, Kew Gardens, and Hampstead Heath all bloom with color – tulips, cherry blossoms, daffodils, and more. It’s a great time for a walk, a picnic, or just enjoying the fresh spring air and beautiful views.
What to do in London in spring?
TAKE A THAMES RIVER CRUISE
Enjoy stunning views of London’s landmarks, like Tower Bridge and the London Eye. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
VISIT THE MUSEUMS
London’s museums are a must-see during your spring visit. Explore the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Madame Tussauds, and other famous museums.
ENJOY THE OUTDOOR MARKETS
Borough Market and Camden Market are vibrant and full of life in the spring. Taste delicious food, buy local crafts, and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
EXPLORE ICONIC LANDMARKS
See Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London without the summer crowds. Visit historic Westminster Abbey and enjoy the views from the Shard.
See more of London and spend less with our combo tickets!
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Tower of London and London Eye Ticket
Explore London’s history and enjoy the panoramic views of London with this combo deal. Visit the Tower of London to see the precious Crown Jewels, discover the White Tower and Tower Green, and meet the Beefeaters. Enjoy the stunning city views from the Bloody Tower. Then, ride Europe’s tallest observation wheel for 360° views of landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster, relaxing in your capsule on the London Eye.
Combo ticket
Tower of London and Thames River Cruise
Visit the Tower of London and experience the amazing history contained within its walls! See where the Crown Jewels are kept and observe the famous Yeoman Warders guarding the Tower. Afterward, take a sightseeing cruise from the London Eye and witness the city of London and its historic landmarks on the River Thames!
Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race, game festival, and more!
Spring in London brings exciting events without the summer crowds.
The Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race takes place in April – a classic rowing event along the Thames, fun to watch from the riverside.
It’s also the month for the London Games Festival, an exciting event for gamers of all levels.
St. George’s Day Festival (April 23) is a fun event in Trafalgar Square with music, food, and family activities to celebrate England’s national day.
The London Marathon (late April) is a big running race through the city.
Thousands take part, and many more come to cheer. The route passes famous landmarks and ends near Buckingham Palace. In May, it’s all about sports and flowers. The Premier League season ends with big matches, and the Chelsea Flower Show fills the city with stunning garden displays.
Brockwell Park is hosting the Field Day Festival (24 May): relax and enjoy electronic music.
London in summer
Summer in London is warm, busy, and full of life. The days are long, the parks are green, and there’s always something happening. Locals and tourists fill the streets, cafés, and markets. It’s the perfect time for river cruises, rooftop bars, and walks along the Thames. Just be ready for crowds and higher prices, especially in July and August.
WEATHER
London’s summer climate is mild, making it a pleasant time to visit the city. Summer temperatures in London typically average around 18°C (64°F), with highs often reaching into the low 20 °C (68-73°F). However, in recent years, London has experienced heat waves with temperatures surpassing 30°C (86°F). During the summer, there is less rain, and dry days are more common.
What to do in London in the summer?
VISIT OPEN-AIR MARKETS
Explore Borough Market, Camden, Portobello Road, and Columbia Road Flower Market. Enjoy delicious street food and shop for unique antiques. Find beautiful flowers and handmade goods.
ENJOY THE ROOFTOP BARS
Try spots like Sky Garden, Pergola Paddington, or Frank’s in Peckham. Enjoy stunning views, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere.
TAKE A STROLL THROUGH LONDON’S PARKS
Spend sunny days in Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, or Hampstead Heath.
WATCH OUTDOOR CINEMA OR THEATRE
Watch movies under the stars at Rooftop Film Club or see a play at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
WALK BY THE THAMES
Walk from the Tower Bridge to Southbank. Enjoy plenty of pop-ups, street food, and views.
GO TO A MUSIC OF FOOD FESTIVAL
Visit British Summer Time in Hyde Park or the Taste of London food festival.
VISIT MUSEUMS
Many museums, like the Victoria and Albert Museum or Science Museum, stay open late at night with live music and drinks.
SWIM OUTDOORS
Cool off at Hampstead Ponds or Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park.
SEE LONDON’S SKYLINE FROM THE LONDON EYE
Enjoy panoramic views of London from 135 meters high. See Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and other famous landmarks.
EXPLORE LONDON AT NIGHT FROM THE RIVER THAMES
Have dinner on the Thames River Cruise and see famous landmarks illuminated. We recommend taking a river cruise at night to avoid the daytime heat!
Save time and beat the summer crowds with our priority entry tickets and tours!
Easy booking process!
Skip-the-line
Tower of London Ticket
Discover the thousand-year history of the Tower of London and explore this historic castle, once a fortress, royal home, and famous prison. See the stunning collection of over 23,000 jewels, including the Imperial State Crown. Walk around the grounds, spot the ravens, and visit the site of historic executions. Hear fascinating stories about the tower from the Yeoman Warders and enjoy the beautiful view of London.
Skip-the-line
Tower of London and London Eye Ticket
Explore London’s history and enjoy the panoramic views of London with this combo deal. Visit the Tower of London to see the precious Crown Jewels, discover the White Tower and Tower Green, and meet the Beefeaters. Enjoy the stunning city views from the Bloody Tower. Then, ride Europe’s tallest observation wheel for 360° views of landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster, relaxing in your capsule on the London Eye.
London’s best summer highlights
- Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (1-6 July): Explore stunning gardens at the renowned flower show.
- Wimbledon (30 June-13 July): Watch world-class tennis at the iconic All England Club.
- BBC Proms (18 July-13 September): Enjoy classical music at the Royal Albert Hall.
- Notting Hill Carnival (24-25 August): Experience vibrant parades and music at Europe’s largest street festival.
- Summer Music Festivals: Attend festivals like GALA, Wide Awake, and Field Day.
- Great City Race (July): Participate in or watch a 5km race through the City of London.
- Flea London at Vinegar Yard (Mid-July): Browse vintage and antique goods at this popular outdoor market.
- Cocktails in the City (Early July): Taste cocktails at pop-up bars in a private garden setting.
PRO TIP
Book your London attraction tickets on time!
Magdalena PetrusicT&T Travel Expert
London is a famous tourist destination, with millions of visitors annually. To avoid long lines at the attraction entrances, we recommend booking your tickets far in advance!
Autumn in London
Autumn is definitely one of the best times to visit London. The weather is pleasant, there are fewer tourists, and the autumn scenery is stunning. If you enjoy cooler weather, outdoor walks, and cultural events, autumn in London is a great choice.
WEATHER
Early autumn in London typically brings mild temperatures and moderate rainfall. It is a comfortable time to explore the city. September temperatures range from 10°C to 19°C. October temperatures range from 7°C to 15°C. Autumn can be a season of variability with moderate rainfall, with October generally being wetter than September.
FEWER TOURISTS
You can enjoy popular attractions like the British Museum, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace with fewer visitors. Enjoy a more relaxed experience.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
There are many cultural events, including the Thames Festival, London Film Festival, and art exhibitions. It’s also the season for cozy cafes, warm drinks, and exploring the city’s neighborhoods.
VISIT LONDON PARKS
London’s parks, like Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Kew Gardens, are stunning in autumn. The autumn colors are stunning, perfect for walks and photos.
Top events to experience in London in autumn
- Totally Thames Festival (1-30 September): Join the festival celebrating the River Thames. Witness various arts, cultural, and environmental activities along its 42-mile stretch through London.
- Open House London (13-21 September): Explore over 700 buildings. Discover everything from historic landmarks to contemporary designs. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the city’s architecture up close.
- London Design Festival (13-21 September): View the latest trends in design. See installations, exhibitions, and more.
- London Fashion Week (18-22 September): See the latest fashion. Attend runway shows and view the latest collections from top designers.
- Great River Race (20 September): Watch over 300 boats compete in a 21.6-mile race along the Thames, passing under all 28 London bridges.
- BFI London Film Festival (9-19 October): See the new movies and screenings.
- London Literature Festival(2 October-2 November): Attend various events celebrating literature.
Avoid visiting London in November, January, and February
Visiting London in winter offers a unique experience with its own set of advantages and considerations. November, January and February aren’t the best months to visit London. They are the cold months, with freezing temperatures and frequent rain. Days are shorter, limiting sightseeing opportunities. Many attractions feel quieter after the holiday season.
Although London’s weather isn’t famous for being great, you can still enjoy various activities this city offers. Just make sure you dress warmly, as temperatures can go below freezing. It is advisable to carry an umbrella as rain is common during late autumn and winter.
Disadvantages of visiting London in winter
COLD AND RAINY WEATHER
November, January, and February are some of the coldest months in London. November is a bit milder, with an average of 9°C (49°F), but January and February can drop to 3-7°C (mid-30s to mid-40s °F). Cold, cloudy days can feel even colder, especially at night.
And don’t forget the rain: November is the rainiest month of the year, with 64mm of rainfall. You’ll likely need to carry an umbrella every time you step outside.
A QUIETER, LESS LIVELY CITY
Winter weather drives many local people indoors. Streets become quieter, and bars are less crowded. By 4 pm, it’s already dark. While fewer tourists mean shorter lines at top attractions, it also means the city feels less alive. This is especially true in areas where you’d usually see locals out and about.
SOME ATTRACTIONS CLOSE
Not everything runs as usual in winter. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre doesn’t put on plays from November to January (though tours are still available). The London Eye also closes for maintenance in January. Parks and gardens stay open, but don’t expect blooming flowers or green lawns. Trees are bare, fountains are off, and muddy grounds replace picnic spots.
Advantages of visiting London in winter
CHRISTMAS ATMOSPHERE
If you visit London in December, you will enjoy festive lights, Christmas markets, ice rinks, and decorations. Visit Covent Garden, Regent Street, Hyde Park (Winter Wonderland), and Oxford Street.
FEWER CROWDS
January and February are quiet, so attractions are less busy.
COST SAVINGS
Flights and hotels often cost less off-season and after the holidays.
GREAT INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Enjoy warm and exciting experiences at museums, shows, pubs, and shops.
THEATRE DEALS
Winter is a good time to see a West End play or musical, with special offers in January. Check London Theatre Week in January.
BIG SALES
Stores have big discounts in January. Visit Oxford Street and Westfield.
The best time to visit London – spring or early autumn
Although London is great all year round, we recommend visiting in spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-early October). These months offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and plenty to enjoy.
SPRING
London is full of great events in the spring. The Chelsea Flower Show brings beautiful gardens and lots of visitors. The London Coffee Festival is perfect for coffee lovers. The Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race is a big tradition on the Thames. Open Garden Squares Weekend lets you explore secret gardens. The London Games Festival is fun for anyone into gaming and tech.
AUTUMN
Autumn is just as exciting. The Totally Thames Festival brings art and music to the river. The London Film Festival shows new movies from around the world. Frieze London is a big art fair in Regent’s Park. The London Design Festival brings creative displays across the city. Frieze London takes over Regent’s Park with world-class art.
Get ready for your London adventure!
London offers unique experiences in every season, and the Tower of London is a must-visit attraction open all year round. Check out our best-value Tower of London tour deals and choose the option that captures your attention the most!