The best time to travel to London is anytime!
Seriously though, when is it the best time to go to London? We’ve been to London every time of the year, so we can confidently tell you when it’s the best time to go.
First, we’ll go through when it’s the cheapest to go to London.
Then, we’ll go through when it’s the best weather to go to London.
Then we will provide our best recommendation for when you should travel to London.
When is it the cheapest time to go to London?
The most affordable time to travel to London is generally during the winter months, from November to February, excluding the Christmas and New Year period. During this time, you can save a lot on flights and accommodations, as it is the off-season for budget tourism. However, do keep in mind that the weather can be quite cold and rainy during these months, so make sure to pack accordingly. The airlines are usually pretty desperate to take their planes to London, so you can usually get very good airfares (outside of Christmas and New Year’s, of course). The planes will usually be pretty empty, so you might get the bonus of a row to yourself. Attractions will be less crowded and may offer discounts.
The most expensive time to travel to London is during the summer months, from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the peak tourist season because it’s when most Americans and Europeans take their annual holidays. As a result, flight and accommodation prices tend to be much higher compared to other times of the year and not as budget London-friendly. Additionally, popular attractions and landmarks can be quite crowded during these months, so it’s best to plan ahead and make reservations in advance if you plan on visiting during this time. I cannot emphasize planning ahead enough during peak tourist season. Airplanes to London from America will be packed!
When is it the best time to go to London for the weather
Many will recommend going to London from June to August, as that’s when they will have the best summer weather. And this is completely true. The weather will usually be lovely and warm and sunny, with a low chance of rain. However, that also means that it’s peak tourist season (see above). Everything will be crowded and unpleasant. Also, London is prone to heatwaves in the summer. When I went in the summer of 2022, it was so hot records were broken. London is not built for heat. There is a major lack of the types of air conditioning that Americans are used to, and the older stone buildings are not designed for cool. The Tube, London’s underground railroad, can also get unbearably hot (mostly because the London clay retains heat).
If you’re looking for a quieter and more affordable time to visit, consider going in the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are thinner. You can still expect rain, but the weather will generally be much cooler and pleasant. And since it’s not peak tourist season, things will be much less crowded.
Londontopia’s favorite times to go to London
Our absolute favorite time to be in London is between Christmas and New Year’s. London’s winters are mild, so usually the weather is pleasant (compared to our winters in the US midwest!) Attractions are less crowded as people are off in the countryside celebrating the holidays with family, but most major attractions will be open. We love the lowkey, calm vibe of London between Christmas and New Year’s. You’ll pay a premium, though, when booking accommodation and travel. But it’s worth it!
If we had to pick when else to go to London – we would say between February and May and September to November. The shoulder season is our favorite London travel hack. Attractions are less crowded, especially on weekdays, and the weather will generally be cool and only occasionally wet. Always travel prepareed with an umbrella, and you’ll be fine. Always pack a waterproof jacket as well.
When is your favorite time to go to London? Let us know in the comments!
I’ve traveled to London in August-September, November, and December, February and March. I liked traveling there the end of March, because that’s when the flowers start to bloom, and Spring begins. The weather is starting to get warm, but not hot. Usually, you could get cheaper fares at that time in the past pre covid. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to travel there since covid. England is one of my favorite places to visit and love to find new places to have tea and explore new places to see.
London any time is a treat! But we’re partial to autumn … not so crowded, and the landscapes are breathtaking in fall! There’s a warm, cozy atmosphere in autumn: tree colours are awesome, walking a beach with the scent of the sea heavy in the air … oh, fragrant tea is never more enticing or fulfilling as it autumn! Guess you could say we’re in love with London, but our eternal romance reaches a high pitch in fall!
I’ve been in February (1996) and finally got back there for the last two weeks of May (2023) and it did not rain a single day. It was absolutely beautiful and the Coronation decorations were still up! Loved every minute of it and plan to go back in 2025!
I’ve been to London in August, September, April, May, and July, and I have to say I prefer May, generally. The weather’s usually nice, not too hot and not too rainy. There are few crowds. I took my niece last July, and we visited the British Museum on a Monday. It was absolutely heaving; I counted at least 5 school groups. At one point, we had to escape outside because my niece was getting overwhelmed by the crowds. Do not recommend!