When to Visit London: Best and Worst Times of the Year and Top Events

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Discover the best and the worst times of the year to visit London in this guide. Whether you’re looking for vibrant events, unique experiences, or simply the best weather, London has something to offer year-round.

Our guide breaks down the best and worst times to visit. From bustling festivals to quiet seasonal moments, find out when to plan your trip to this iconic city and make the most of your London adventure. Experience the best of art, culture & sports by immersing yourself in London’s top festivals, events, and special occasions each year.

We’ve curated a selection of our favorite annual happenings to enhance your visit to the city and add a unique touch to your London experience!

 

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Table of Contents


 

When to Visit London

 

BEST TIMES

April – May

During April & May you will enjoy pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers with moderate crowds in London. By May, you might even experience a quieter city as many locals head out of town for bank holidays.

Outdoor markets and street fairs are lively, but international tourist numbers haven’t yet peaked. Spring is ideal for sightseeing and picnics amidst the city’s vibrant gardens. April offers exciting events and blooming flowers, while May provides a more relaxed travel experience with fewer tourists and a variety of festivals and shows to enjoy.

Travel tip: Bring an umbrella, as spring showers are common.

 

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September – November

The mild, crisp weather of September through November offers beautiful autumn colors and fewer tourists than in summer. September is festival season, offering numerous events in addition to traditional sightseeing. October brings cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage.

By November, the city starts to embrace the festive spirit with Christmas displays and markets opening. The highlight of November is Bonfire Night, featuring spectacular fireworks.

Be sure to pack warm clothing for your visit, as temperatures drop.

 

 

WORST TIMES

 

July – August

London experiences warm temperatures during July through August, but it can also be humid and rainy. This peak season brings high prices for accommodations, long lines at major attractions, and crowded conditions, particularly on the Tube, which can become uncomfortably hot.

Airfare is also at its highest if you book your trip between June and July. July and August are especially hectic due to school holidays, making the city feel particularly crowded and stuffy. If you prefer to avoid the summer rush, it’s best to travel outside these months.

 

December – February

From December to February, London experiences cold weather with a chance of rain and occasional snow. Although temperatures range between 4 and 9 degrees Celsius and days are short—getting dark around 4 p.m.—this period sees fewer tourists, leading to lower accommodation prices. December, despite its dreary weather, turns into a festive wonderland with charming Christmas lights, markets, and pop-up ice rinks. However, January and February can be particularly gloomy and rainy.

Just remember to check the weather frequently and dress warmly.


 

The Festive Season in London

The Christmas season in London is truly enchanting, making it one of the most captivating times of the year in the city, with dazzling lights and spectacular decorations adorning shops, squares, and key landmarks. From the vibrant Covent Garden to the festive Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, there’s a multitude of events and activities that will delight locals and visitors alike, whether they’re families, couples, or solo travelers.

As an added highlight, London hosts one of the most impressive New Year’s Eve fireworks displays worldwide at midnight. The magic of Christmas in London is too vast to cover in just one paragraph (stay tuned for our full article on Christmas in London!), but it’s a must-visit destination for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Be prepared for large crowds (especially in NYE fireworks show), long queues, and the chilly winter weather. The memorable experiences and festive spirit will make the journey well worth it.

 

 

 

ANNUAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS IN LONDON: Our Top Picks

The most vibrant & exciting events

 

London New Year’s Day Parade (January 1st)

 

Celebrate the beginning of the new year at the annual London New Year’s Day Parade in central London & marvel at the vibrant display as live bands and performers from around the world perform in this grand and colorful day. It is the largest New Year’s Day Street event of its kind, and the show is broadcasted live by US television networks to millions of viewers globally. The parade also serves as a fundraiser for various London charities, with representatives from each of the 32 London boroughs participating and competing as “borough entries” during the event.

 

Notting Hill Carnival (23-25 August 2025)

 

Experience London’s biggest street party, the Notting Hill Carnival, as west London bursts with music, flavors and the colors of Caribbean. Enjoy the vibrant parade with intricate floats and performers with their special costumes on, dancing to the famous Caribbean calypso & soca beats and savor mouthwatering street food.

As the largest street festival in Europe, it attracts over a million attendees. Lineups are the most exciting part as they feature a broad music range, from Samba to Hip-Hop, and there are over 300 street food stalls offering delicacies from around the globe. Notting Hill Carnival is a free event, including the main parade and all the vibrant street performances.

 

Bonfire Night (November 5)

 

Celebrate Bonfire Night on the 5th of November with spectacular fireworks displays across London. Many parks host bonfires, funfairs, and food stalls, creating a lively atmosphere. The tradition commemorates the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes unsuccessfully attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

London offers numerous events, though tickets are often required for close-up views. Major displays include Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, Wimbledon Park fireworks, Battersea Park Fireworks, and more.

 

Chelsea Flower Show (20-24 May 2025)

 

Marvel at the stunning flowers, ingenious garden designs, and impressive flower displays at the celebrated Chelsea Flower Show. Held annually at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in late May, the event attracts over 150,000 visitors, including members of the Royal Family. Acclaimed garden designers, horticultural experts and florists gather to showcase innovative garden designs and influential exhibits.

The 2025 concept is “Your space, your story” and explores the themes of innovation, natural landscapes and the future. Tickets sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended. Enjoy various catering options and you are welcome to bring your own picnics too!

 

 

Celebrating London

 

Trooping the Colour (14 June 2025)

 

Experience the grand military ceremony of Trooping the Colour, marking the King’s official birthday. This annual event features hundreds of performers, officers & horses from the Household Division, all in their ceremonial attire. The parade starts at Buckingham Palace, moves along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, where the monarch inspects the troops, and then returns to Buckingham Palace. The event concludes with the Royal Family watching the Royal Air Force fly past from the Buckingham Palace balcony. Tickets for seated stands on Horse Guards Parade are available through an online ballot, while spectators with no tickets can watch from St James’s Park or The Mall. Rehearsal events, the Major General’s Review and the Colonel’s Review, also offer ticketed viewing.

 

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening (10 July -28 September 2025)

 

Plan your visit to London to coincide with the annual Buckingham Palace summer opening from July to September. Every summer, tourists can glimpse royal life and explore one of the world’s most renowned residences. Highlights include the Throne Room, the Grand Staircase, and fine art by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck.

After the self-guided tour, enjoy the panoramic view from the Garden Café and join a guided walking tour of the gardens, featuring over 350 types of wildflowers, 200 trees, and a three-acre lake (tickets include the garden visit). All festival sites are wheelchair accessible, assistance dog friendly, equipped with chairs and accessible toilets.

 

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Multicultural Events

 

Chinese New Year (29 January – 2 February 2025)

 

Honor the Chinese New Year in London, an event like no other outside Asia, attracting hundreds of thousands of people. The festivities, typically held between late January and mid-February, feature a parade and a festival in Trafalgar Square and the West End. Trafalgar Square hosts traditional ceremonies, firecrackers, lion dances, and stage performances with Chinese dance and martial arts. The event concludes with a techno lion dance and a fireworks show.

The celebration extends across the West End with performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts in Leicester Square, and martial arts displays on Charing Cross Road. In Chinatown, enjoy lion & dragon dances, zodiac animal selfies, and festive meals in local restaurants.

Click here to explore our Chinese New Year in London guide on Thatch.

 

Rathayatra Festival (late July)

 

Enjoy the Rathayatra festival, a colorful summer parade featuring the carrying of Hindu deities, starting at Hyde Park and ending at Trafalgar Square with free vegetarian food. Hindu deities are divine beings worshipped in Hinduism, representing the aspects of the divine. The beautifully decorated chariots are pulled by devotees in a grand procession. London hosts the largest Rathayatra parade in the UK, with over 13 festivals nationwide.

The event includes vibrant displays of color, sound, and dance, along with drama, philosophy, and a feast at Trafalgar Square.

 

Eid Festival (at the end of Ramadan)

 

Celebrate Eid at Trafalgar Square with impressive performances, family activities and a range of dining & street food options. This festival marks the end of Ramadan and features Islamic-inspired art, history, and culture. Enjoy musical performances on the main stage, diverse food stalls, creative arts workshops, storytelling, and VR experiences.

The Inspiring Muslim Awards honor unsung heroes from London’s Muslim community. Be prepared for a lively event with some lines and security checks.

 

 

 

Arts Events

 

Liberty Festival (24-28 September 2025)

 

Liberty Festival, displaying the work of deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists through accessible fitness sessions, exhibitions, dance & comedy shows are part of London Borough of Culture, and presents unique artwork each year. Scheduled for September, this free annual festival, presented by the Mayor of London since 2003, offers an accessible cultural experience for all ages.

Expect a relaxed environment with step-free access, accessible toilets, BSL interpreters, and various access provisions for individual events. The festival includes a variety of food and drink options.

 

Totally Thames (September)

 

Celebrate London’s largest river with Totally Thames, a month-long festival in September featuring arts, dynamic activities and eco-friendly projects. Spanning the 42-mile length of the Thames, the festival includes eye-catching performances, river activities & workshops, art displays, clean-ups, live shows and discussions.

Collaborating with artists, local communities, and businesses, Totally Thames offers diverse and accessible cultural activities, from foreshore walks to river races. Key themes include sustainability and environmental protection, with a focus on appreciating and preserving the river’s ecosystem.

 

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (early summer/ 2025 dates to be announced)

 

The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF) includes a variety of free art installations and performances, such as acrobatics, music and arts. This festival energizes east and southeast London with artistic and cultural shows across Royal Greenwich, Docklands, and Tower Hamlets. Experience cutting-edge art presentations, street theatre, circus acts, dance performances, and music by UK and international artists. While enjoying the festival, remember to explore Greenwich’s historic and cultural treasures, iconic TV and film locations.

 

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River Races Events

 

Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race (13 April 2025)

 

The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is an iconic annual event between the two prestigious universities, first raced by men in 1829 and by women in 1927. Held on the 4.25-mile Championship Course along the Thames from Putney to Mortlake, this race attracts over 250,000 spectators and millions of TV viewers. Competing in the race is a significant challenge for student athletes, balancing rigorous training with academic commitments.

 

Great River Race (20 September 2025)

 

The Great River Race, London’s River Marathon, is an annual boat race spanning 21.6 miles from Millwall in east London to Ham in Richmond. It features over 2.000 competitors who race under all 28 of London’s bridges on the Thames each September. This event appeals to both serious athletes and individuals having fun while fundraising for charity, making it an entertaining day for participants and spectators alike. Participants are vying for 37 trophies, making it the largest and most prestigious event of its kind in Europe.

If racing on the river isn’t your thing but you’d still like to experience the best of London’s waterways, consider joining a high-speed Thames River speedboat excursion.

 

 

Talking about marathons…

London’s Marathon (27 April 2025)

 

Join thousands of runners for the London Marathon each April, one of the world’s major marathons. Since its beginning in 1981, it has become a global sporting institution. The route features iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf. The MyWay initiative, started in 2020, allows participation from anywhere in the world, including children and young people. Whether running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, experience the vibrant atmosphere of this popular marathon.

 

More athletic events in London

 

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships (30 June – 13 July 2025)

 

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships, held in Wimbledon, London, is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Taking place over two weeks in late June and early July, it features five major events, along with junior and invitational competitions. Traditions include a strict all-white dress code for competitors, royal patronage, and the consumption of strawberries and cream, often accompanied by champagne.

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London E-Prix (26-27 July 2025)

 

Experience the thrilling conclusion of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and watch as all-electric race cars battle wheel-to-wheel on a unique track that weaves both inside and outside Excel London. This emission-free race is a first for top-level international motorsport. Alongside the intense racing, enjoy all-day entertainment with food and drink offerings, racing simulators, and more. The event takes place every summer, typically in July.

If you’re passionate about sports tourism, don’t miss our article on the best sports events in Budapest.

 

 

Remember! These are our top recommendations for annual London events throughout the year. Keep in mind that London offers a wide variety of other festivals and events to discover year-round.

 

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