Best time to go to London Average weather of London, England
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 18/04/2024When is the best time to go to London?
Like all European capitals, the city of London can be discovered in any season. However, the best time to visit London and enjoy pleasant weather is typically from May to October.
Firstly, to combine good weather and warmth with sightseeing, it is advisable to opt for the summer season. Indeed, during the months of June to August, the average temperatures range from 14 to 23°C (74°F) , and the long sunny days allow more time for discoveries.
You can also attend numerous outdoor festivals and various events such as the Wimbledon tournament. However, be prepared for a higher travel budget, as London hotels tend to increase their prices during the peak tourist season.
Therefore, if you are wondering when to visit London, you can find a good compromise by traveling during late spring or early autumn. The weather conditions from April to May and from September to October allow you to enjoy a favorable climate to explore the capital of the United Kingdom. Moreover, the travel budget will be more affordable, and the city a bit quieter.
Lastly, even though the climate is cold and unsettled, winter is not a period to completely avoid for a stay in London. During the holiday season, the capital takes on a magical appearance. With a bit of luck, you may even discover London under a light layer of snow, giving it a special charm.
So, when is the best time to go to London? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in London are May, June, July, August, September and October
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- January is the coldest month of the year
- The rainiest months are June and July
- The best months for swimming are August and September
Annual weather in London
Weather details in London month by month
Weather and climate in London
Like all English cities such as Bath and Bristol, London has an oceanic climate. It's true, you have to enjoy the rain to travel within the English capital, because showers are present all year round, even in summer.
That being said, the rains are always of low intensity, which means that in the end, London is one of the European capitals that receives the lowest amount of precipitation, especially when compared to the capital of Italy, Rome.
Traveling to London is possible throughout the year, with more or less favorable weather. Let's explore the climate in London in more detail to better prepare for your trip!
Climate in London in Summer
In London, summers are temperate. It is quite rare to experience high temperatures at this time of year, which helps avoid the stifling heat of some other cities like in Spain or Greece. Indeed, on average, temperatures range between 16 and 23°C (74°F) in July and August.
It cannot be said that summer is a drier season than autumn or winter, as it rains about 5 days per month throughout the year in the English capital. However, September is a slightly less rainy month, which you could bet on if you want to avoid using your umbrella as much as possible during your vacation.
Despite this, summer is the most favorable period for a stay in London as the sun is largely present. In fact, it quickly reappears in the London sky after a shower.
Climate of London in Winter
The climate of London in winter is rather cold, but temperatures are rarely icy. Indeed, in December, average temperatures range between 5 and 9°C (49°F) and between 4 and 8°C (47°F) in January and February.
You may experience snowfall, but it is a relatively rare phenomenon in London. As with the rest of the year, rain is always present in the form of light showers. However, the gray sky dominates London in winter, sometimes with fog, creating a rather gloomy atmosphere...
Furthermore, the presence of the Thames tends to accentuate the sensation of cold, especially when the wind picks up... It's the ideal time to seek refuge in London's cafes and museums.
Climate in London in Spring
Humid, London's spring also experiences beautiful sunny days. Temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging from around 11 to 18°C (65°F) in May.
However, evenings remain quite cool at this time of year. Additionally, temperatures rise slowly after winter, so in March and April, the climate remains cold. The good news is that spring is a relatively low rainfall period in England, with about 3 days of rain per month.
Climate in London in Autumn
Like the rest of the year, the weather in London in autumn remains quite humid. Nevertheless, September and October experience quite little precipitation, making it an ideal period for a stay in the capital. The weather also remains sunny throughout the month of September.
However, even in the absence of rain, the sky is often gray from October onwards, creating a rather gloomy atmosphere for exploring the city.
Additionally, in autumn, temperatures drop rapidly with mercury around 11-15°C in October and below 10°C (50°F) in November.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in London
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of London: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in London
Find out when London has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in London
- Very low season in London
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February and March. - Low season in London
The months with low numbers of tourists are: April. - High season in London
The number of visitors to London is high in: May, June, August, September and November. - Peak season in London
The largest number of tourists visiting London is during: July, October and December.
Figure: Visitor index for London month by month
Best time for low prices in London
Average prices of hotels in London month by month
Generally, January is the month with the lowest hotel prices in London. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, July is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to London
A return flight between Dublin and London is generally cheaper if you go in january ($ 55 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 19 more for your airline ticket to London if you go in may.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to London
Average price of hiring a car in London
On average, it costs $ 34 per day to hire a car in London. This price varies by $ 18 depending on the month. In november, hiring a car costs an average of $ 26 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in december is $ 44.
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