The Best Time To Visit London For Perfect Weather And Fewer Crowds

London is a magical place. From Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey to world-class shopping and dining, it's no wonder that London consistently remains one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It steadily attracts between 25 and 30 million visitors annually (depending on who is doing the estimating). In fact, London tourism is on track to meet or surpass its pre-pandemic numbers by the end of 2024.

So with the city in such high demand, when is the best time to visit? While the general consensus is that spring is best, especially for more pleasant weather, it depends on what kind of trip you're looking for. You can have such a variety of experiences in The Big Smoke that it can greatly influence when you should arrive. For instance, if you're longing to see Kensington Gardens in full bloom or catch a concert at Hyde Park, you obviously wouldn't show up in December. But whether you're visiting London for one day on your way to another destination or spending a week there with your family, there are always plenty of things to see and do, and ways to enjoy the weather anytime.

Although London is famous for being cold and rainy, it is also blessed with some gloriously sunny days. As you might imagine, you're more likely to run into warmer temperatures during the summer months – although rain is a possibility year-round, so be prepared.

However, in summer you're also more likely to land face-first into the prime tourist season. School is out, the city's 3,000 parks are looking lush and green, and the longer daylight hours allow for more time to explore. Not to mention, crowds from around the world flock to sporting events like Wimbledon and Ascot. Consequently, this is also when flight and hotel rates tend to peak.

If you'd like to experience the best weather London has to offer before the prices and crowds begin to swell, spring is the sweet spot. Even as late as May, the city isn't as crowded because many of the locals are leaving town on holiday while the tourists haven't fully arrived yet.

If you'd prefer to wait until the crowds have died down, a good rule of thumb is to visit during the week and avoid weekends and school holidays. Also, if you can tolerate the chillier weather, plan a trip in the winter. Of course, London is a popular holiday destination too, but if you wait until January, the city is still aglow with Christmas lights while the hordes have dispersed.

January and February tend to be when crowds and rates are at their lowest — although students in the U.K. have a half-term break in mid-February, so check the current dates to avoid overlap. Despite the frigid temperatures, there are still plenty of things to enjoy. You can take advantage of the many indoor attractions, including a shopping trip to the world-famous Harrods, see a show in the West End, visit a few of the 18 best museums in London, or savor some of the local pub culture with a pint and Sunday roast. If you do decide to take part in some of the outdoor events, don't miss the annual Chinese New Year celebration — the largest of its kind outside of Asia — happening each February.