In this guide, we’ll explore the worst time to visit London because here’s the truth: Not all times are created equal. If you’re planning a trip to this fantastic city and you’re on a budget, you might want to steer clear of certain periods. We’ll also give you the lowdown on when to go for the best experience and savings.
London is a city of dreams. Its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and endless activities means that it is regularly in Top 10 lists for places to visit across the globe.
I will say, it’s rarely a bad time to go to London. I love London. You could spend 2 days in London or a full 2 weeks and never be bored. Heck, I’m pretty sure I could spend a lifetime in London and never be bored. It’s a city of epic proportions.
If you’re from the United States, I’ve always compared London to squishing Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington DC into one city that is over 1000+ years old. Which means incredible history, culture, and happenings. It also means squishing the crowds together in a lot of ways.
I will also say, London generally has anywhere from a 20% to 32% chance of precipitation every day, so even in the summer you’re looking at at least a 20% chance of rain in London each day. And in the winter months, that number creeps up to 32% which is still lower than Dublin’s 42% and Glasgow’s 52% for those same months.
Here’s the tl;dr: summer and Christmas time are going to be really crowded and super expensive. They’ll test your budget and your patience. For a decent shot at good weather and likely lower accommodation and airline prices, head in late September or the spring months of March, April or early May.
The High Season Hurdle
London’s high season is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, the weather is usually pleasant (ie. less rain and generally not too hot) and there are tons of events happening. On the other hand, it’s a time when prices soar, and you’ll be rubbing elbows with tourists from across the globe everywhere you go.
If you’re traveling on a budget, this is the last place you want to be. Most of Europe is, to be very honest, but London is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe.
Summer Madness
Summer in London sounds delightful, right? The days are long thanks to how far north the UK is, and there’s so much to see and do. But here’s the catch: Everyone else thinks so too.
From June to August, London is simply packed with tourists. The major attractions are crowded, and so are the streets. The city swells to capacity for the annual Trooping the Colour Parade every June in honor of the King’s birthday. Hotel prices skyrocket, and finding a decent deal becomes a challenge.
Not necessarily impossible, if you’re determined and planning ahead, but definitely not a cake walk either. And when I say planning ahead, I’m talking 9+ months in advance if you want to have the most options.
If you’re OK not getting a great deal, then you just have to ask yourself: how good is your patience? A simple visit to Buckingham Palace or the London Eye in July can turn into a test of patience. Expect long lines as well as attractions and restaurants filling up well in advance, robbing you of the ability to have much wiggle room or spontaneity in your itinerary if you do book in advance. And probably robbing you of the chance to see certain attractions if you do not.
If you’re on a budget, summer is the worst time to visit London.
Christmas Chaos
Christmas in London is beyond magical, no doubt. The city lights up with festive decorations, and there’s a cozy charm to it all. Don’t even get me started on the Christmas markets across the cities. If this is on your bucket list, don’t let this Basic Economy B stop you.
But if it’s not on your bucket list: it’s also a nightmare for budget travelers. Hotels and flights are at their peak season prices, and many places are crowded with shoppers and tourists.
It’s not just the cost that can be a pain. Many attractions close for a few days over the holiday period, including 12/26 Boxing Day. Plus, navigating the crowds in shopping areas like Oxford Street is not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking to save money and avoid chaos, it’s best to steer clear of London during the Christmas season.
If you are trying to travel during the above popular months but determined to save some money, I highly recommend investing in a service like Thrifty Traveler which is $99 for the year but will send you flight alerts when there are great deals from the airport closest to you. In the past couple of months, I’ve gotten several flight alerts from Minneapolis to London for under $500. If you’re traveling with 2 or more, booking flights from these alerts will save you serious money. Check them out here!
School Holiday Havoc
School holidays can turn London into a madhouse if you’re traveling with kids. Think of Florida during the Spring Break month of March in the US. During these times, the city is overrun with families and kids.
From late May to early June, and again in October for half-term breaks, expect higher prices and busier attractions. Places like the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are particularly crowded.
If you’re looking for a quiet escape or trying to stretch your travel budget, avoid London during these school break periods. The increased demand could mean higher costs and less enjoyable experiences. It isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but if you’re traveling with kids of your own, I would avoid those times.
The Rainy Season Reality
London’s weather is famously unpredictable. But there are times when the rain is just relentless. Even if you followed my London packing list and got all of the waterproof articles of clothing you needed, you’ll still end up pretty wet. If you’re hoping to save money and enjoy your trip, you’ll want to avoid the rainy season.
Autumn Deluge
Autumn in London can be a mixed bag. The city is often drenched in rain, and it can put a damper on your sightseeing plans. From October to November, the weather is particularly wet and dreary and gray. It’s not exactly the picture-perfect London experience you might have in mind.
During this time, you might find lower prices on flights and accommodation. However, you’ll need to pack your raincoat and be prepared for wet and potentially snowy weather. If you’re not keen on the idea of dodging puddles and getting soaked, autumn might not be the best time to visit London.
If your dream London trip involves visits to the city’s world famous museums and art galleries, or seeing shows at the West End or having afternoon tea (ie. you’re generally planning on indoor activities), these fall months might be perfect for you to see the city on a budget. January would also be a good option.
Plus, the weather really is a mixed bag at this time so you may get lovely days of sunshine to explore without an umbrella and raincoat. Or not.
The Best Time to Visit London
Alright, now that we’ve covered the not-so-great times, let’s talk about when London truly shines. If you’re on a budget and want to enjoy the city at its best, consider these times:
Spring Splendor
Spring in London is a hidden gem and springtime offers the best months to visit London. From late February to May mid May, the city starts to bloom with flowers, and the weather is mild and pleasant. You’ll avoid the summer London crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodation. Attractions are less crowded, making it easier to explore without long lines.
If I had to pick the absolute best month to visit London England it would probably be April. If you’re planning to travel from London to Scotland, April is also one of the best months to visit Scotland.
The best part? You can enjoy lovely outdoor spots like Hyde Park and the Chelsea Flower Show without the chaos of peak tourist season.
I visited London for the first time at the end of February and only had a couple of hours of rain to deal with but otherwise really pleasant temperatures and think it’s a good month to visit London. I didn’t get to see the city in full bloom, but I really enjoyed getting to explore the Tower of London and the British Museum without dealing with huge crowds that could put Disney World to shame (OK maybe that’s dramatic*).
*But seriously, as I detail in my 40 Tips for Visiting London for the First Time, if you do choose to visit in the summer, make sure you book your tickets for the Tower of London well in advance.
February is also probably the cheapest month to visit London, and I was on such a tight budget that I probably wouldn’t have been able to afford London during any of the other months.
Late Summer Bargains
Late summer, particularly in late September, can be a sweet spot for visiting London. The weather is still decent, but the summer rush is winding down. You’ll potentially find that prices start to drop as the peak summer tourist season ends, but this isn’t a guarantee with every accommodation.
You should have pretty decent weather at this point, with less rain than the winter months but hopefully not as much heat or humidity as the summer months. Plus, you’ll have the chance to experience the city’s events and festivals without the overwhelming crowds.
Deciding when to go to London can make a world of difference, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. While summer and Christmas are popular for good reason, they can be tough on your wallet and sometimes more importantly, your patience. Instead, think about visiting during the shoulder seasons like spring or early winter for a more enjoyable and affordable experience.
London is a city that offers something for everyone, no matter when you visit. By choosing the right time, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy a more relaxed and memorable trip. Happy travels, and may your London adventure be as budget-friendly as it is unforgettable!
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