London, the capital of England, is among the most visited cities in the world, attracting around 19 million visitors in 2025. But when is the ideal time to explore London? While summer is a popular choice for many due to the city’s parks, rooftop bars, and outdoor activities, each season offers its own distinct experiences for travelers. Below, we outline the best times to visit based on weather, pricing, and more, with insights from luxury travel experts Andy Fidler of True Travel and Angela Tupper of NoteWorthy, both part of our network. Condé Nast Traveler Leading Travel Experts: Continue reading for our analysis of the ideal times to visit London.
A previous version of this article was published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .
When is the best time to visit London?
The timing of your visit to London largely depends on what you hope to experience during your trip. If you’re looking for pleasant weather, the summer months (June, July, or August) are more likely to offer sunny and warm days. However, keep in mind that this is Britain, so rain and cooler temperatures can occur even during typically sunny months in other parts of the world. During this busy season, events such as Wimbledon and the Royal Ascot attract many visitors, and with schools breaking for summer in July, local families also flock to the city, according to Fidler from True Travel.
To experience the city in its most enchanting and dazzling state, the ideal time to visit London is during the holiday season, from late November through the end of December. Meanwhile, the fall months of September and October offer beautiful foliage, hearty Sunday roasts, and inviting pubs.
Spring is the ideal season for those who love nature, as flowers and wisteria start to bloom throughout the city. Fidler shares, “Spring is my favorite time in London—when the trees in the royal parks are in bloom, the weather begins to warm up, yet there are fewer crowds and hotel prices are more reasonable.”
When is the most affordable time to travel to London?
Even though London attracts tourists throughout the year, January and February are traditionally the least busy months in the city, making them great times to find savings and special offers. Be sure to steer clear of the February half-term school holidays, as the specific dates change each year. Tupper from NoteWorthy suggests visiting in January, when many of the festive decorations, lights, and performances are still up: “You can enjoy the seasonal charm, often at better prices.” Just remember to bring a waterproof jacket and some thermal clothing, advises Fidler.
No matter when you decide to visit, Tupper suggests there are simple methods to cut costs on a trip to London while enjoying a more genuine and laid-back experience: “Avoid the pricey tourist attractions and opt to stay in local neighborhoods.” It’s not necessary to stay in Soho to enjoy the city’s theaters and clubs; you can travel like the typical Londoner does.
Is there a rainy season in London?
London certainly has a rainy “season,” but it is quite different from what you would encounter in tropical regions. The city experiences rainfall in every season, but the months that typically see the highest average rainfall are November (66.63mm), October (65.07mm), and December (57.05mm), based on data from the Met Office. January has the highest number of rainy days, averaging 11.53 days.
