The Best Time to Visit London—and How Many Days to Stay

What is the warmest month in London?

According to Met Office data collected between 1991–2020, July is the warmest month in London with an average temperature of 23.89 degrees Celsius (or about 75 degrees Fahrenheit). August is not that far behind, with an average temperature of 23.40 degrees Celsius (although August has considerably more rain than July, on average).

Which month has the most hours of sunshine in London?

July is the sunniest month in London, according to Met Office Data, followed by June, then May, then August.

When should you visit London for Christmas activities?

If you’re looking to visit London during the festive period, you’ll want to time your trip when the Christmas lights have begun to sparkle, holiday markets have opened, and fun events are taking place. Most big light displays—such as those on Oxford and Regent Street—happen in the second week of November, while Christmas markets kick off toward the end of the month. We’d recommend timing your visit toward the end of November or the beginning of December to get the best of London’s festivities without the busiest crowds.

When is the best time to avoid the crowds in London?

Speaking of crowds, London can be very busy with tourists during peak travel times. If you’d rather plan a more peaceful visit, consider traveling during the week (as in, not the weekends) and outside of school holidays (in the UK, these take place at Easter and during the end of July through to the beginning of September, with shorter school term breaks in February, May, and October).

How many days would I need in London as a first timer?

Both Findler and Tupper suggest a minimum of four full days for your first time in London. That offers you enough time to get the essential experiences—whether self-guided or with a tour operator—while providing some breathing room and spontaneity in between. “If London is your only stop, you can stay a week and delve deeper into the city’s history,” Tupper says. “You can also go into the countryside and stay at England’s newest retreats such as Estelle Manor.”

What are the essential, must-see sites I should visit in London?

If you’re visiting London for the first time, Findler and Tupper recommend checking out some classically British ceremonies and history, like seeing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace for some royal pageantry, or visiting the Churchill War Rooms, which is great for history buffs who want to learn more about the United Kingdom’s past. If you’re a more culinary traveler, make a reservation for afternoon tea at one of the city’s five-star hotels like The Savoy or The Dorchester. And there’s plenty to be excited about in the West End theater district, where plays, musicals, and experimental works can entertain your entire family or travel group; for the Shakespeare-inclined, there’s always the Globe.

What else should I know before visiting London?

Safety and security, like in any major city, is something people should keep in mind, Findler says. But there’s no need to be overly concerned such that the anxiety sucks the joy out of traveling. Be sensible when it comes to carrying cash and wearing expensive watches or jewelry. In London, black cabs are readily available and trusted, though you can also order an Uber.

Double-check which airport you are flying into, Tupper says, as London has quite a few of them and first-timers might get confused. The two bigger ones are Heathrow and Gatwick, which will most likely be your gateways if you are flying internationally; there’s also Stansted, Luton, and London City for shorter regional flights. Heathrow and Gatwick have efficient express trains that take you into the London city center in a short amount of time.

And speaking of transportation: Traveling via taxi or public transport during peak rush hour times can be difficult in London, when queues and delays more likely. Try to plan your day accordingly to avoid the commuter traffic.