Planning a trip to the Big Smoke? Yep, we´re talking about London - a city that's always ready to entertain, no matter the season. To help you figure out the best time to visit London, we've whipped up a month-by-month breakdown of all the exciting happenings this year. Let's jump right in!
The best time to visit London is during shoulder season, from April to June and from September to October. During these months, hotels and flights are affordable and the city is all yours to explore. Fewer crowds, but plenty of action. Generally offering milder weather and a ton of unique events. But as we've said before, London's a gem any time of the year. So, let's take a closer peek at its seasonality.
high vs low season London's high season usually runs from June to September, with another peak in December. Are you all about those long summer days, when the sun is shining and festivals are in full swing? Summer might just be the perfect time for your visit. Christmas market fanatic? Don’t miss out on London in December – you’re going to love it. On the flip side, if you're not afraid of the cold and love snagging a deal, January will be right up your alley! Picture cosy pubs and twinkling lights – it really is quite magical. With fewer tourists about, London feels like your own private playground! weather or not, here we come What's London without a little rain? Just remember to bring an umbrella and a positive attitude. The city's weather is as unpredictable as the next viral TikTok trend but it's all part of the charm. London’s most rainy months With 141 rainy days a year, you're more likely to forget your own name than leave home without a brolly. January gets the award for the most teardrops from the sky, at a whopping 15 days. Meanwhile, June tries to play it cool with a mere 9 days of rain. The city's motto? There’s no such thing as bad weather, just wrong clothes!
Come spring, London is bloomin’ beautiful. The parks come alive, the city buzzes with activity and Londoners are all smiles as they bid adieu to another winter.
April
April sees London shedding its winter layers. Head to Hyde Park or Regent's Park to witness the trees in full bloom—if you're lucky, you'll catch the pink cherry blossoms! The London Marathon on April 13 brings together elite athletes and enthusiastic amateurs, creating a citywide buzz. Additionally, the Underbelly Festival kicks off, offering a cultural extravaganza with performances, street food, and more.
May
May is when London truly shines. The world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show returns from May 20 to 24, showcasing stunning horticultural displays. Simultaneously, London Craft Week celebrates creativity and craftsmanship across the city. The Spring Bank Holiday on May 26 is the perfect excuse to relax outside with a cocktail—fingers crossed the sun comes out to play.
June
June in one word? Party. As the long summer days roll in, London cranks up the volume. The city is buzzing with concerts, open-air gigs, and enough music festivals to keep your calendar packed. Good vibes, cool crowds, and legendary lineups—what more do you need? Oh, and here’s a 2025 twist: SXSW London makes its debut from June 2–7, bringing a slice of Austin’s iconic festival scene straight to Shoreditch. Looking for a place to stay? Our citizenM Shoreditch hotel will put you right by the heart of the conference.
Summer in London is a dream come true. The city is at its absolute best – Sunshine! Sports! Pop-ups! Parties! Don’t miss a single second of it.
July
July in London has it all. Cricket season is in full swing, and open-air movie screenings under the stars are a must. Buzzing rooftop bars with equally buzzing crowds await. If you're a tennis fan, get ready for some edge-of-the-seat action as Wimbledon takes centre stage. Plus, Beyoncé brings her Cowboy Carter Tour to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in July.
August
The party is in full swing come August. From weekend festivals to concerts in the parks, there's always something happening. Don’t miss the London Craft Beer Festival to sample some of the finest brews in town. To top it off, the Notting Hill Carnival brings vibrant parades and Caribbean flavours to the streets.
September
September might signal the end of summer, but it doesn't mean the fun's over! The London Design Festival is heaven for design enthusiasts. Football fans can rejoice as the Premier League returns, bringing excitement to stadiums across the city. Plus, the Totally Thames Festival celebrates the iconic river with art installations and performances.
Public (or ‘Bank’) holidays in London are always something to look forward to. New Year's Day or Easter Monday, these days often come with special events and accompanying celebrations. Two of the best loved, May Day and Spring bank holiday, herald the beginning of summer, with locals and tourists alike flocking to the park for sun (hopefully) and fun (definitely). Join them!
There’s something magical about autumn in London. From the colourful fallen leaves to the cosy vibe all around, it's a season that’ll make you fall in love.
October
October is when the cultural scene in London really kicks off. Film buffs flock to the city for the London Film Festival, while karaoke bars across the city welcome aspiring singers for a night of fun and music. If you love a spooky vibe, London’s Halloween scene doesn’t disappoint—haunted walking tours, eerie cocktail bars, and over-the-top club nights make it a city that truly embraces the season.
November
Think of November as the calm before the storm. It's generally a quieter time for visitors as London gears up for the festive season. We say take the chance to experience the city at a more relaxed pace, with fewer crowds. Bonfire Night (November 5) lights up the city with spectacular fireworks displays—head to Alexandra Palace or Battersea Park for some of the best views. As London gears up for Christmas, the Southbank Centre Winter Market kicks off, offering roasted chestnuts, seasonal treats, and twinkling riverside lights.
December
December in the city is nothing short of enchanting. The city goes full festive mode, with Christmas markets popping up in Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Greenwich, offering everything from handcrafted gifts to steaming cups of mulled cider. Ice skating rinks take over iconic spots like Somerset House, the Natural History Museum, and Canary Wharf, perfect for embracing the holiday spirit. All together now! *It’s the most wonderful time of the year.*
Winter in London is as cosy as your favourite cashmere sweater. The chill might not have you frolicking outdoors all day, but there's no shortage of indoor fun to keep you occupied! Museums, art galleries and the legendary Warner Bros Studio Tour are all perfect escapes from the cold.
January joys
January in London gets a tough rep – cold, grey, wet – but it's also incredibly calm as a post-holiday peace descends. Some would even say the the ideal time for a sneaky romantic getaway… What could be cosier than a twinkly dinner (complete with stunning view) at the Shard or Duck & Waffle? Talk about heart warming.
Love is in the air in February
It may be cold outside but February in London is hot, hot, hot! See the city all dressed up in red and pink for Valentine's Day, before quickly changing into its Sunday best for London Fashion Week. Walk the bustling streets with your special someone and let the romantic vibe of the city sweep you off your feet.
marvelous March
Get ready for a jolly good time as London celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. Expect parades, colourful carnivals and plenty of cheer for the world’s favourite adopted holiday. Sure, it might still be a bit nippy out, but the joy of spring is just around the corner and the lighter evenings are enough to keep spirits high.
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to enjoying London year round! From the sunny days of summer to the charming winter months (yes, really!), this city has something for everyone, anytime. Pack your bags, book your stay at citizenM hotels and let's make some memories. London is ready for you – and so are we!