Best Time To Visit London

Are you wondering when the best time to visit London is? Keen on avoiding long queues and busy streets? Well the great thing about London is that its mild temperate climate makes it an amazing place to visit all year round – that is if you don’t mind a little rain! If you have the flexibility and know what you're planning on doing and seeing, there are times that might be more suitable for you to visit the capital.

Read on below to find out when you should visit!

The weather in the UK is notoriously volatile; your day can go from sunny and warm to grey and rainy in an instant. The weather in London is no different. Your best chances for warmth and sun are during the high season from May to September (18c-20c and <50mm rain). Expect peak prices, long queues and fully booked restaurants, but hey…at least you won’t need your umbrella…probably…

The best time for shopping in London is December. Although you are less likely to find any great bargains, the atmosphere in the city and festive displays will make it worth your while. If, however, you are on the hunt for a deal you should visit in June-July or late January when the sales are on. Harrods and Selfridges do a great summer sale. Bicester village is a great alternative to London for year round shopping deals if you are looking to get off the beaten track and avoid the rush.

 

Most of the museums in London are free which is great for your wallet, but also means they are generally well attended. So, in order to get the best experience, you should visit London’s museums and galleries in January and February; when they are quietest. The best way to get from one museum to the next is to book an unlimited travelcard, which allows you to travel on London's extensive public transport network. Some museums like the Imperial War Museum and the Jack The Ripper Museum are not free for admission, but are definitely worth the while – and luckily there are great deals on Klook!

The best time for theatre and shows in London is also in January or February during the tourism lull. West End tickets are easiest to come by then and are often offered at discount prices. Many of the must see shows in London are available on Klook like Les Miserables, Wicked, or Phantom of the Opera.  It is always a good idea to plan your West-End shows mid-week as it will be much easier to get a ticket. If you are not able to get tickets online it is always worth checking the kiosk at Leicester Square the day of, as they will usually still have some tickets.

The best time to visit London for budget travellers is also the low season – also referred to as the ‘shoulder season’. Accommodation will be at its cheapest as will flights, and the weather will be a little unpredictable but you should be able to avoid the crowds and save some money. And even though some attractions might be closed in January and February there is still plenty to keep you busy. 

So, no matter when you want to visit the UK, there is a best time to visit London for different types of trips. If you are a shopaholic who doesn’t mind the crowds then the summer period is perfect, but those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle and get the best views of London’s art and architecture should visit at the start of the year. London is a metropolis and will always be busy, and as it's located in Northern Europe the weather is always tricky, but with a culture and tourism scene as diverse as London’s it is worth it.

*Don’t forget to focus your gaze off the beaten track. There are many rewarding activities within reach of London. Here is a list of London day trips that will keep you inspired!