Best Time to Visit London

When to visit London

May–September delivers long days, rooftop bars and open-air festivals (14–24°C). December brings Christmas markets, ice-rinks and Oxford Street lights. November–February is quietest with the best hotel rates; expect rain year-round and pack layers.

What each season changes

London packs world-class museums, food from every continent and centuries of history into a network of walkable neighbourhoods.

Season and price

Hotel rates in London follow demand more closely than weather. Shifting your dates by a week either side of a peak period often moves the nightly rate more than switching hotel category — check live prices for both before committing.

Seasonal planning tips

• Tap in and out with any contactless card — a daily cap applies automatically.

• Stand on the right on Tube escalators.

• Museums are free — donations welcome; special exhibitions still ticketed.