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When To Go

Summer is the best time to visit London, not only because of the relatively stable weather (not as much rain as the rest of the year!), but also because it’s the only time to tour some of the city’s major attractions such as the Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. It’s also the season of many festivities, including the quintessentially British celebration of the Queen’s ‘fake’ birthday (her real one is April 21) known as the Trooping of the Colour (second Saturday in June). The renowned Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships are also held at this time (late June/early July), as is the music extravaganza known as the City of London Festival (late June to mid-July). Later on, you can experience the internationally flavored arts celebration of Greenwich & Docklands Festival (early to late July) or the colorful Notting Hill Carnival (late August).

If you want to avoid summer crowds and hiked up prices, visit any other time of year and, as long as you’re willing to deal with a capricious climate (read: lots of rain and fog with sporadic sunny spells), you’ll enjoy shorter lines at most attractions and plenty of special events to check out. That said, you’re most likely to get the best bang for your buck and most manageable off-season weather, by going between late-February and early May; spring hits London early and the sight of yellow crocuses and violet hyacinths perking up parks and walkways go along way to dispelling any rainy-day blues.

When To Go

High-season
June–September

Low-season
November–February

Best bang for your buck
Late-February to early-May