Best Time To Visit London

The fall season from September to November and early spring from March to May can be termed as the shoulder season for London. During autumn the temperatures are from 11-15 degrees and precipitation more than 2 inches. The fall season is immediately after the busy summer season; schools reopen after the summer break and the family vacationing crowds considerably disappear. On the other hand, early spring is beginning to see a slow influx of more tourists with temperatures at 11-15 degrees and precipitation at 1.8 inches. The Easter weekend is busiest during the spring, whereas during autumn Halloween and pre-Christmas celebrations are the highlights of the city.

The winter months of January and February can be categorised as the offseason. The rates are relatively cheaper, and one could save around 30% on flight tickets. The crowds thin out to an extent, and the queues shorten. The temperatures drop to one degree accompanied by heavy rains and snowfalls too. January, however, is the best time to shop after the New Year though it also happens to be the coldest month of the year.

Weather in Spring
During the spring season in London, temperatures rarely cross 20 degrees. There are a few showers with precipitation from 1.8 to above 2 inches, but the mild temperatures are perfect for exploring the city. During the earlier months of spring, March and early April the crowds are relatively thinner but begin to pour in during the late spring. The gardens and royal parks are starting to blossom, and the warmth after a cold spell of the winters is inviting for various outdoor activities. Various flower shows, such as the Chelsea Flower Show in May and the Kew Gardens attract tourists and the British alike. April and May have a whole range of flower shows as well as beautiful sights of gardens and open green spaces. It is also a great time to enjoy cruises on River Thames, bike along the Regent’s Canal, row through Regent’s Park or picnic at the London Fields.

Key Events in Spring
Spring is also the time for festivities that include Easter and St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade in March. On Good Friday and Easter Monday, most shops are closed, and there are chances of reduced public transports as well. On the other hand, Central London is usually busy during the weeks that lead up to the Easter weekend. Some other festivals and celebrations that occur during the spring season are the Virgin Money London Marathon and the London Coffee Festival. Explore the Museums at Night a twice-yearly festival that takes place in May, as well as in October- November.

Weather in Summer
Summer is the peak season of London with minimum temperatures at 18 degrees and maximum temperatures at 30 degrees. This means that it can get quite hot during the summer and shorts and suitable clothing is advisable. July is usually the hottest month and precipitation hovers between 1.9 to 2.2 inches. Rains and humidity are a part of the summer months, yet the sunshine makes outdoor activities entertaining. The summers are but very crowded with long queues at almost everything. Booking in advance is essential for enjoying the vacation. With long days where the sunsets at around 9 pm, the summers are the best time to be outdoors, enjoy the concerts, take a train ride to Cambridge or Oxford.

Key Events in Summer

• Rooftop bars, beer gardens and open green spaces are popular attractions.
• It is also the best season to visit all things related to royalty. The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open for tours from July to August, and the Clarence House opens in August alone. The Changing of Guards happens every day from April to July. The highlight is the Queen’s birthday parade, called Trooping the Color in June.
• Shopping is also a popular thing to do with many summer sales, such as the Harrod’s Summer sale.
• Besides, the summer vacations are the best time for family vacationing coupled with free transport within the city that is provided for children below 11 years.
• Museums and galleries are crowded, and the tickets of some of West End’s best shows are booked in June. The Natural History Museum, London Transport Museum and Science Museum are famous amongst kids.
• The London Theatre’s Kids Week begins in August which has one free child ticket against an adult’s.
• The Wimbledon Tennis Championships one of the most fabulous sporting events takes place during this season.
• The annual London Pride parade takes place in June, whereas the Notting Hill Carnival in August is a cultural extravaganza.

Weather in Autumn
Tourists throng London until mid-September after which the crowds begin to lessen to an extent. The temperatures are between 11-15 degrees and the shoulder season also ensures that the rates are lower. Rains continue to come and go, and precipitation is usually above 2 inches each month. These are the wettest months, and one should be prepared at all times with a raincoat or umbrella.

Key Events in Autumn

• October is the time for half term breaks at school, and there can be an increase in crowds at museums, galleries and theatres.
• The city landscape gives way to the cool look, yet it is the cultural activities that occur during the fall that are the season’s highlight.
• The Totally Thames Festival in September, the Frieze Art Festival in Regent’s Park and the Museums at Night are some beautiful events in October.
• The London Fashion Week in September and the BFI London Film Festival in early October need to be booked in advance.
• The Guy Fawkes Night in November is when the night lights up with fireworks.
• And Halloween grips the city with events, such as Haunted Medieval Banquet at St. Katharine Docks or diving in the dark with sharks at the London’s Sea Life Aquarium.

Weather in Winter
The winter season is a bit of a paradox in London’s tourism. Where December is thriving with tourists, who come to the city to celebrate Christmas and New Year, January and February experience probably the lowest influx of travellers. During December the temperatures vary from 3 to 9 degrees and the precipitation is also pretty high at 2.2 inches. But December is the holiday season and the city is decked up in lights and enveloped in a fantastic festive mood. January is one of the best months for shopping; however, the crowds begin to pull out and by mid-January London is a quieter version of itself. Precipitation is still high in January above 2 inches but comes down in February to 1.5 inches. The temperatures range between 2-8 degrees, but the major downside of the winter months is the reduced daylight hours. It gets dark usually by 4 pm, and the chill makes it a little challenging to remain outdoors. Those on a budget should not mind visiting London during January and February as the rates are considerably lower and flight fares slash down too.

Key Events in Winter
Oxford Street is crowded with shoppers, Trafalgar Square is lit up gorgeously, and Christmas pantomimes and plays are performed and received with much enthusiasm.
Boxing Day perhaps sees the maximum number of shoppers thronging outlets which remain open with sales through the first week of January. Some of the best sales happen in January.
The London Parade in January and Pancake Day in February/March are some of the events that take place during the off-season months.
It is an excellent time to walk up to the London Eye or the Buckingham Palace or easily get tickets to shows and seats at the restaurants.