The combination of old meets new is just one of the many aspects that makes London so special. The English capital is perfect for any kind of traveller – whether you prefer to wile away your time in a museum, people-watch in a park, or tick off as many foodie spots as possible. To the age-old question: what season should you visit London in?
Spring: March – May
As with every city, spring breathes new life into London. Sunny skies and warmer temperatures make it a lovely time of year to venture outdoors. London is full of beautiful green spaces where spring blooms are in full swing. Grab some snacks and drinks from a supermarket like Marks & Spencer’s for a picnic. Places like Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are perfect for some downtime and great people-watching. Spring is also a great time of year to stroll through one of London’s cherished neighbourhoods (hello, Chelsea!) or visit one of London’s markets before the summer crowds. Portobello Road Market has a great selection of antiques; Borough Market is a haven for foodies; and Columbia Road Flower Market is a sea of intoxicating colours.
Summer: June – August
If you are a fan of the heat, a London summer is just the ticket. The days are long (sometimes up to 16 hours of daylight!), hot and busy – all adding to London’s electric vibe. Londoners love an afternoon or post-work beverage in the sunshine at their local pub, beer garden or rooftop bar, so why not park up too? Summer also plays host to one of the city’s biggest sporting events – Wimbledon – which is at the beginning of July. If you’re an avid shopper, June and July are prime sales months, too. Where possible, we would recommend trying to avoid using the ‘deeper’ Tube lines (like Piccadilly and Central) as they aren’t air-conditioned.
Autumn: September – November
Photo by woth on Instagram
Even though the temperature begins to drop, the atmosphere of London does not. September is affectionately known as ‘Festival Month’, bringing a plethora of events that cover all kinds of interests. There’s the Totally Thames Festival, an art festival with street shows, live music and food. If you’re an architecture fan, don’t miss the London Design Festival that celebrates London as the design capital of the world. And for the history buffs, the Chelsea History Festival brings the past to life thanks to a partnership between the National Army Museum, the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Chelsea Physic Garden.
Winter: December – February
London in winter can be very grey and cold. However, it truly sparkles in the lead up to Christmas with markets and decorations galore. When you’re not out and about, there are plenty of museums, West End shows and pubs for you to cosy up in. As the weather starts to shift, Kew Gardens holds its annual Orchids Festival in February which is a wonderful ode to this beautiful plant.
No matter the season you visit London, there is always something happening in this bustling city. Visit London on a Globus or Cosmos tour, or as an extension with Avalon Waterways.
