It’s autumn. Well, not technically, but September is close enough to fall and the weather in London has been so cool recently that it might as well be. With the changing seasons, I always start to think about what part of the year sees London at its best. While I love the (sometimes) warm summer months, the city shines in other ways in other seasons, too. As such, today I bring you A Lady in London’s guide to the best time to visit London.
When is the best time to visit London?
I should start this post by saying that the best season to visit London is like the best wine in the world: it’s the one you like the most. But whether you’re a summer person or a winter one, there are factors to consider that go beyond just the weather (not least because the weather in London is so predictably unpredictable).
Autumn
Since it’s September, I will start with autumn. It’s one of my favorite times of year to be in London, partly because the weather (sometimes) stays warm through mid-October and partly because the summer tourist crowds thin. It offers the best of summer without the worst of summer. Autumn is also a fun time to be in the city because parks like Hampstead Heath are beautiful with their red and orange leaves, and because it’s a great excuse to dress in classic British trench coats and boots.
Winter
People never think to visit London in the winter, but before you skip this section, I encourage you to keep an open mind. Locals know that winter is one of the best times to be in London, particularly in the run-up to Christmas (don’t come in February. We all want to kill ourselves / move to the Caribbean by then). From late November, the city lights up from Regent Street to Sloane Street, with each year bringing an even bigger display of Christmas lights and markets. And on New Year’s Eve there’s a spectacular fireworks show on the Thames. If you can handle darkness, grayness, and coldness (top tip: pubs help!), the Christmas season in London is spectacular.
Spring
Spring is another great time to visit London. The winter chill has lifted, and with it everyone’s spirits (by April, we no longer want to kill ourselves / move to the Caribbean). Add to that the purple clouds of wisteria throughout London’s neighborhoods and the spectacular displays of daffodils in Green Park, tulips in Holland Park, and roses in Regent’s Park, and it’s one of the prettiest times to be in London. Spring is also the time when outdoor events and festivals start taking place, so there’s a lot going on in the city.
Summer
Ah, summer. I miss you already. Possibly because you never really showed up this year anyway. But when summer does come, whether for a week or several months, London comes alive. The parks and (beer) gardens fill with people, and there’s an energy in the city that gets more kinetic as the sun gets stronger. On top of that, the summer season brings a constant stream of entertainments, from the Chelsea Flower Show to Wimbledon. Festivals and outdoor concerts and cinemas abound, and there’s no shortage of things to do. The only downside is that everyone on the planet seems to know this, and summer can be an overwhelming time to visit London. Which brings me back to autumn…
How about you? What do you think is the best time to visit London?
40 Comments on Lady on the Best Time to Visit London
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I love London all year round so it’s hard to pick!! I do think there’s something especially magical about it in the Autumn and later Spring though. I loved your guide! xxx
Thanks! Those are great times to be in London!
I agree with all your comments! Love autumn, love summer and love spring. People love shopping In London for Christmas. I love window shopping, the decor is gorgeous but it drives me nuts that it’s dark at 15!
Yeah, I don’t like that it gets dark that early either!
I’ve visited London in March, April, May, September and November, and I think April and September are my favorites. The gardens and parks were lovely, the weather wasn’t too bad and I didn’t have to mess with the summer tourist masses.
Visiting in November wasn’t bad and definitely helped get me in the holiday spirit. I collect tree ornaments, so it was great browsing through all the Christmas shops at the department stores. However, living at a lower latitude in Texas, I didn’t expect it to get dark so early in the day. My first day there, I was walking through St James’s Park around 4:00 p.m. and thought bad weather was coming, but it was just the sun already starting to set.
Agreed! It’s hard when it gets dark so early.
I’ve visited London in all seasons except Spring. London’s great no matter the season or the weather! 🙂
Yeah!
I have a soft spot for Christmas, and Christmas in London is simply wonderful! Autumn is beautiful too… it’s actually my favorite season! If the sun is shining, the air is cripsy and the trees are changing the colours… So beautiful! And perfect weather for sightseeing too!
xx,
E.
Yeah, it’s great at Christmas!
London is wonderful in the Autumn! Less crowded than in summer but warmer than in winter, and the parks look orange and lovely.
True! I love London in the autumn.
Nice post. I think Autumn is probably my favourite too, I love all the leaves on the streets :). Winter in central london gets so busy for christmas, although Winter Wonderland is so much fun. Shame summer finished so quickly, just when I was starting to get used to the warmth haha.
Francis
That’s great! I agree about summer this year!
Beautiful Pictures. Got to love London.
Leonie ♥
Thanks!
I visited London last winter (during the Christmas season) and it was amazing! I had such an incredible time I can’t imagine there being a bad time to visit at all!
I’m glad you had a good time!
It feels like autumn has already been here for a month! This has made me feel a little more positive about the impending winter, though I agree about February. It sucks.
Yeah, February is a difficult month to be in London!
Fall b is my favorite time b of year anywhere, but especially in London because the tourist crowds are gone and there is a crispness in the air. I can’t wait to get back!
That’s great!
I liked spring and autumn in London (although last October was apparently unusually warm so I might not like more “usual” autumn temperatures as much!) – especially spring when it gradually gets warmer and the days get longer. Such a happy time!
Which park is that in the second picture, by the way? 🙂
Yeah, last October was really warm! The second photo is from Hampstead Heath.
Such a well rounded guide Julie – you’ve certainly got me wondering why I always whinge about winter here! But you’re right about February though! Ain’t nobody loving England in February 😀
Haha, yeah, February is the worst!
It looks like ANY time is a good time to visit London 🙂
I’ve always dreamed of going for a romantic horseback ride in the English countryside, and the autumn leaves really add to the ambiance!
Yeah, the autumn leaves are amazing!
I love Londond anytime!
Nice!
Perfection! I was led to this post because I’ll be flying into London tomorrow. Good to know I’ll be in town at the best time of year!
That’s great! I hope you have an amazing trip!
I spent last fall in Oxford and I think it was the best possible time to visit. The weather was great, the colors of the trees and buildings combined with the light were gorgeous. I am hopeful to return next year as it was one of the best experiences of my life. London was equally beautiful and I think there is something very special about England in the fall.
That’s great!
“The winter chill has lifted, and with it everyone’s spirits (by April, we no longer want to kill ourselves / move to the Caribbean).”
Hilarious! So happy to have found your blog!
Thanks! Glad you like it!
ok lady……..you have me scared now !!………I am coming to London in Feb 16 , all bookings confirmed ,so no way out of it 🙁
You’ll still love London! Just dress warmly!
Great guide! I’m looking to visit London (maybe other parts of England or Scotland too) this October so this is very encouraging. About how long does autumn last for this lovely time you mention? I’m imagining leaves gone by mid-October but I know I’m basing that off of the season where I am located (Colorado), when the mountain leaves are well on their way by September’s end.
That’s great you’ll be visiting in October. How long the leaves last depends on the year, but they’re usually out through the end of the month so you should be fine.