Every season brings with it a certain amount of charm and beauty, whether it’s the fresh florals and comforting aromas of Spring, or the magical excitement of Christmas. As the capital city of England, with endless attractions dedicated to the different seasons and to making sure that visitors from all walks of life can enjoy the fine traditions and beauty of London, the city has new things to offer throughout the year – not to mention deals and exclusive experiences in the 5 star restaurants near The Arch, and across some of the best luxury hotel rooms in London.
With all that in mind, and with London playing host to tourists every month of the year, is there ever really a “best” time to visit the city? Let’s find out.
The best time according to the weather and outdoor experiences
London is located in the United Kingdom, and if there’s one thing the nation is famous for it’s rain. Having said that, there are times of year where wet weather is far less prevalent, namely during the summer months when the April showers have passed, and the sun has arrived and is set to stay for a good few months of warm days and long nights.
If you want to explore some of London’s green spaces and gardens, then visiting during the summer is undeniably the best time to schedule your trip. However, if you feel more drawn to the inside attractions such as the art galleries and exhibitions, then visiting during the rainy Spring and Winter months likely won’t impact your itinerary. If you do visit during the so-called wet season, make sure to book one of the hotels near Marble Arch London so that you never have to walk far in the rain before you come to a tube station or restaurant to duck into.
It is also worth noting that depending on where you are travelling to London from, the fluctuation in temperature is certainly significant but not as overwhelming as it is in some destinations and locations. Make sure to wrap up warm with plenty of waterproofs in winter, and be ready for hot days (and a distinct lack of air con) in the summer.
The best time to find a discount or deal
Visiting London outside of the major tourist and holiday seasons is the best time to find a great deal or discount, with even the most famous 5 star hotels in London sharing discounts around the quietest times of the year.
But don’t let such deals fool you. All the major family attractions in London remain open all year round, with the ever-changing views and skyscapes giving you a clear picture of how the UK changes with the setting of each sun.
The best time for outdoor events
Summer is the time of year when London dusts off its outdoor events calendar, with events such as the London Marathon making the start of the season which sees Wimbledon and endless concerts and shows across London’s parks coming to life.
The Ashes is another summer event which takes place in London, with all of these activities and more seeing endless corners of London, bars, and restaurants opening up their terraces and offering rooftop cocktail experiences to really maximise the way they use the good weather.
Summer is also a great time to enjoy an open top bus tour through London, to book yourself onto a river cruise along the river Thames, and to enjoy attractions like the London Eye and the Sky Garden which offer far-reaching city views on a clear and sunny day.
Other outdoor events to look out for during the Summer (and sometimes Spring) months, include:
- Notting Hill Carnival
- The Chelsea Flower Show
- Taste of London summer festival
The best time for festive magic
No arguments, there is nothing more magical than London during the festive period – with every corner of the city immersing itself in Christmas magic with light displays, incredible shop and store windows, and all manner of pop-ups and markets appearing.
Winter Wonderland is one of the highlights on the London calendar, taking over Hyde Park with rides and endless bars and places for visitors to get food, drink, and catch up with their friends.
For foodies, Taste of London hosts a winter festival which is a great place to find Christmas gifts and treats for your table, or you can simply head to one of the many festive markets across the city to indulge in a hot chocolate or mulled wine after a long day of sightseeing.
We particularly love how many of the hotels and London attractions embrace Christmas with lights and trees – so much so that you’d be hard pressed to find a hotel in London that doesn’t have a massive Christmas tree shining in its lobby by the end of November.
Other festive and wintery events to look out for in London include:
- Ice skating at Somerset House
- Christmas shopping events for those visiting the city for a little retail therapy
And it’s not just Christmas. Autumn and Winter are great times to enjoy some of the indoor attractions that London has to offer, from the family friendly Madame Tussauds and the Natural History Museum to the iconic tours of the Tower of London.
When is the best time of year to visit London?
In short, it depends on what you’re looking for! A hive of activity all through the year, there is something for everyone in every season across the city of London, from foodies to adventure lovers and more. Just be aware of the potential for rain, download a map of London’s tube stops onto your phone or device, and be prepared to throw your itinerary out of the window when you come across some of London’s exciting and immersive surprises.
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