When Big Ben calls: plan your adventure in London correctly
The British capital welcomes more than 30 million tourists annually. People from all over the world visit this rainy city to see Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
They are also interested in world-class restaurants and cocktail culture. However, to choose the right time of year, you need to know the nuances of the UK, as Travel and Leisure writes.
When visiting London, it's essential to consider the weather, as the city's climate can significantly impact your experience and plans for walks and excursions. Various events and festivals in London may be canceled, so it is important to be aware of temperature changes.
According to the publication, London's high season is considered to be from June to early September. The low season is from late October to early April.
The best time for small groups
Among the 30 million annual visitors to London, the majority choose the summer months to land. And it's quite understandable - during this period, the British capital blossoms with its unique appeal. Gray skies and rain become a rarity, revealing the city in all its glory. More than 3000 city parks and green spaces come to life, bringing a storm of life and freshness to London.
According to Ross Corcoran, the head of the Scottish travel company Lang Atholl, he considers spring to be the best period.
"The weather is milder, there are not so many people, and hotel prices are not yet rising. It also makes it relatively easy to get around the city and use the metro as a local rather than a tourist," he notes.
At this time, there are no crowds of tourists, and you can enjoy the opening of markets and visit street fairs. In addition, many natives travel outside the city to enjoy the holiday weekend.
The best time to visit London for good weather
The best weather, according to NoMad London general manager Chris Perone, is in June and July.
"Long days and warm evenings are ideal for walking along the city's endless winding sidewalks," he states.
The summer equinox makes London a particularly magical place. In mid-June, the light becomes bright by 5 a.m., and darkness comes only after 9 p.m. The sun shines for more than 16 hours, providing excellent opportunities for morning walks and enjoying the city.
You can indulge in a full English breakfast, visit the shops and restaurants of Mayfair, and take a ride down famous streets such as Regent Street. Take a look at the Thames and use the Elevator 109 observation deck. End the day at the BST concerts in Hyde Park, featuring world-class performances by international stars for an unforgettable experience.
Best time to visit London for lower prices
August and January in London are the times of the year when you can find great deals, says Perone. Although August can be hot, the city comes alive during this period, with pubs taking to the streets, creating an atmosphere of fun. January, despite the darkness and coolness, offers comfort in the form of warm drinks by the fire.
When booking a hotel in August, such as NoMad, make sure the room has efficient air conditioning. Despite the high temperatures, London at this time is not as stuffy as, for example, New York in the summer. By taking on a little climate challenge, you can enjoy reduced prices for accommodation and car rental.
In January, despite 12 days of rain and an average temperature of 40 degrees, you can fully immerse yourself in the coziness of British pub culture. This month is perfect for mingling with locals, exploring unique gastropubs like The Harwood Arms, London's only starred pub, or visiting new places like Bóha, where you'll find one of the best Sunday roasts in town. Remember an umbrella and a warm sweatshirt, and go ahead to discover London in January.
The best time to visit to make the mood bright
London during the holiday season becomes a real fairy tale. Squares are decorated with sparkling Christmas trees, and cozy doorways are adorned with colorful wreaths. From Clapham to Clapton, the whole city comes to life with themed Christmas markets.
One of the unique moments is Christmas by the River, where more than 50 shops are located along the London Bridge City pier under Tower Bridge. Leicester Square Christmas Market also impresses with its festive mood. With its small size, it creates a festive atmosphere. Many Christmas markets open in early November and continue the fun until the first week of January.
And if you're looking for something special, London Cocktail Week in mid-October will bring a unique flavor to the festive mood. The cocktail festival, which started in 2010, has grown to become the world's largest event of its kind. For 10 days, you can enjoy skilled mixologists, gastronomic experiences, and exclusive drinks, emphasizing London as a cultural center of cocktail art.
The worst times to visit London
When it comes to London, summer can be a less attractive time to visit than many people think. In hot weather, the underground becomes an unpleasant place, especially if you are used to air conditioning. Therefore, the period from June to July can lead to stress and discomfort when moving around the city with high temperatures.
Airfares will also be the highest at this time of year. If you do decide to tackle the crowds, you might consider a short retreat to the countryside, such as Brighton or the Cotswolds. These secluded corners will be the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing unexpected but enjoyable moments during your summer vacation.
July, with its many events and hot weather, can make London feel crowded and stuffy. Deep Tube lines, especially the popular routes, can be a real challenge due to the lack of air conditioning. However, if you prefer the subway, it is better to choose lines with controlled temperature and large space, such as the District, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, and the Elizabeth line with Wi-Fi.