London is a city that changes its character and its face every few months. The English capital brings in tens of millions of visitors each year, all visiting for the city’s history, job opportunities, culture and attractions. All of these things are open all year round, but it’s not those that change the city’s character, it’s a combination of weather and seasonal events. Guests staying at 5 star Edgware Hotels in London in the winter may have a completely different experience of the city compared to the summer.
So when is the best time to visit London? Of course, every individual has their favourite season, so there’s no “right” or “wrong” time to stay at
spa hotels in London
, but different aspects of London will be accentuated, depending on its weather and seasonal events. This blog will explore what visitors can expect from London in each season, and some of the practicalities to factor in when visiting during these times.
Spring In London
The sun is shining again, the flowers are in bloom, and locals and tourists alike will flock from the shelter of pubs and homes and back into the great outdoors again. Spring in London is generally considered to be between March/April and June.
Weather
Naturally, London’s weather, as with much of England, can be temperamental and quick to change. During the spring season, there’ll be average highs of 12 degrees celsius and lows of 6 in March, highs of 15 and lows of 7 in April and highs of 18 and lows of 10 in May. That’s to say spring isn’t exactly sunbathing weather in London, but the sun can indeed show its face.
Festive Events And Holidays
Prices for travel will be slightly inflated around mid-April due to Easter holiday school breaks and in May for half term. Otherwise, the springtime festive calendar is quite bare compared to other months. Off peak spring times might be the best periods in which to visit the city as prices will be slightly cheaper for flights and for rooms at Luxury Edgware Hotels London.
Atmosphere
With the sun beginning to shine but not hitting its stride yet, you can expect more outdoor activities in London. However, after dark it will still be rather chilly.
Summer
Summer in London is one of the best times to visit on account of the city’s many summer festivals and annual events. The streets will be teeming with activity so it’s a great time to get outdoors, picnic, barbecue and just generally explore.
Weather
London’s summer weather is usually running through the low to high 20 C’s, especially in recent years. The microclimate in London means that it’s always a little warmer than neighbouring counties and areas. Make sure to pack sun cream, water and light clothing, especially if you’re planning to ride the London Underground, which can get quite stuffy at rush hour.
Festive Events And Holidays
During the summer months, many events take place across London. Notably, British Summer Time music festival in Hyde Park, set over three weekends in July, is easy to reach for guests of the Montcalm Marble Arch. The Proms In The Park event in late summer, All Points East Music Festival and many other arts events are also popular with locals and tourists. London Pride takes place in early July and Notting HIll Carnival, celebrating Afrocarribean and West Indian culture in West London occurs on the bank holiday weekend of August.
Atmosphere
London in the summer is the perfect time to get out and explore the open spaces of the city. As a certified “green” city, London consists of at least 30% public green space. At 1500 square kilometres in size, that’s a lot to explore!
Autumn
Another season that’s rife with time honoured British traditions, London is an ideal time for a half term break or weekend away.
Weather
The weather between September and October spans from highs of 20 degrees celsius to lows of 7 degrees. That’s quite the fluctuation, and it’s mirrored by rainy periods and increasingly chilly evenings. Expect and prepare for diverse weather patterns when visiting London in the autumn months.
Festive Events And Holidays
Halloween in London is a much-celebrated affair, in part because of the city’s iconic status within film and TV culture. Enjoy all night cinema screenings of horror movies and spooky-themed nightclub events. Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Day is an English tradition celebrating the failure of would-be assassin Guy Fawkes’s plot to kill King James I and destroy the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Expect magnificent fireworks displays and bonfire events across many parks in the city.
Atmosphere
Autumn in London is still just about bearable for long periods outside, and the falling leaves on trees make for beautiful scenery. Visiting in October could see weather shift drastically so again prepare for varied temperatures. Autumn is also an ideal time to get off-peak bookings on flights and hotels, as the prices increase dramatically around Christmas.
Winter
Cities in the evening can be a place of wonder, and with days being shorter, you can appreciate the November to December dazzle of festive lights and Christmas decor in all its eye-catching glory. London is a true city of light, and whilst the temperatures may drop rapidly, the warmth and spirit of London in the winter is on full display.
Weather
The weather in London during the winter can vary from year to year, but average December and January temperatures see highs of 9 degrees and lows of 4 or 5 degrees.
Festive Events And Holidays
Festive events during the Chgristmas period include Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, a Christmas market and funfair with circus attractions. There are also a range of Christmas markets and light shows as well as New Year’s Eve celebrations, which London is particularly famous for.
Atmosphere
Winter in London is a peak time to visit the city. With streets adorned with beautiful lights and plenty of festive tourist attractions in December, you’ll have plenty to do during your visit. Just remember that bookings may be more expensive around the Christmas holidays and the weather a lot colder.
