Best time to visit London

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London

Best time of year to visit London

Even though it is virtually impossible to escape the crowds, March to May is probably the best time to visit London. Warm spring is a prime time for exploring blooming city parks and going wild and green during the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. High room and airfare rates reflect the surge of tourism from late May to early September. Besides excellent summer weather, the city enjoys numerous events like the Wimbledon tournaments, Notting Hill Carnival, and the Globe Theatre plays. You can always plan your trip for autumn and winter, but mind there is a higher probability that weather will pass you a curve-ball. Misty October will guide you through the London Film Festival and boozy nights in cosy pubs, while busy December will charm you with festive atmosphere. The main rule is, no matter when you visit London, pack an umbrella.

24 THINGS TO DO IN LONDON (JULY 25 - AUGUST 03)

BBC Proms

BBC Proms

unconfirmedmid-July–early September 2024 • event

Enjoy eight weeks of world-class music in iconic venue at a reasonable price

Poppy Fields

Poppy Fields

mid-June–September (best in late June–July) • nature

Enjoy rural England in early summer when the countryside turns red with flowering poppies

Lord Mayor's Balloon Regatta

Lord Mayor's Balloon Regatta

July 7, 21, 28, 2024 • event

London's only official ballooning event

Globe Theatre

Globe Theatre

May–October • event

Would you like to visit a Renaissance Theatre? The reconstructed open-air Globe stages plays in a 17th century fashion

Paddling on the Thames

Paddling on the Thames

March–October • activity

Observe London's historical buildings while drifting along the River Thames

Crabs

Crabs

April–November  • food

Crab meat is a real delicacy, it is tender, tasty, and like almost all seafood, very nutritious

Tower of London

Tower of London

all year round • activity

Visit the iconic landmark which played a pivotal role in the history of London

Buckingham Palace Tours

Buckingham Palace Tours

August–September • activity

The finest pieces of art, exquisite furniture, and the overall magnificence of the palace evoke great awe

Horse and Pony Riding

Horse and Pony Riding

April–October • activity

Horses—for adults, ponies—for younger riders, and beautiful natural trails with windmills​ and red deer—for all to enjoy

Deer Watching in Richmond Park

Deer Watching in Richmond Park

September–October (rutting) | May–July (birthing) • nature

This park is not fenced off, deer roam where they want

Birdwatching in Barnes

Birdwatching in Barnes

April–October • nature

Anything from wetland birds to wildfowl and migrating species can be found in the large area of the London Wetland Centre

Churchill War Rooms

Churchill War Rooms

November–March (all year round) • activity

This place used to be the best-kept secret of the British government, the place from where Sir Winston Churchill directed the World War II

Opera Holland Park

Opera Holland Park

May 28-August 10, 2024 • event

The London open air opera has its own charm and worldclass performances

Street Performances

Street Performances

June–August • event

Besides oranges, Covent Garden's jugglers are skilled enough to shuffle knives and chainsaws

Duxford Air Shows

Duxford Air Shows

May 5, 2024 | June 1–2, 2024 | July 26, 2024 | August 17, 2024 | August 31, 2024 | September 14–15, 2024... Show more • event

Visit Britain's largest aviation museum when it hosts military air shows

Highgate Cemetery

Highgate Cemetery

year round • activity

One of the creepiest sites in London known for its vampires and famous people's graves

Old Operating Theatre

Old Operating Theatre

all year round • activity

Britain's oldest surviving operating theatre​ dates back to 1822

Swimming

Swimming

April–October • activity

Though London has no access to the sea or ocean, it has the Thames River and moreover—ponds to bathe in

Lobster

Lobster

June–August • food

Be sure to try the local lobster in London

Power Kiting

Power Kiting

April–October • activity

It's an amazing feeling to be literally carried away by a kite in Richmond Park

Parkour in Westminster

Parkour in Westminster

April–October • activity

Make your way through the labyrinth of obstacles in The Leap—the largest parkour park in the world

Watersports at West Reservoir Centre

Watersports at West Reservoir Centre

April–October • activity

West Reservoir offers a variety of watersports from sailing to canoe polo

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

all year round • activity

Numerous sandy beaches around London are perfect for a weekend trip

Peas

Peas

August • food

Enjoy freshly shelled English peas!

97 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Lumiere Festival

Lumiere Festival

out of rangeNovember 16–19, 2023 • event

The largest light festival in the UK features amazing installations

World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR London)

World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR London)

out of rangeJune 8, 2024 • event

The annual event aimed to protest car culture and celebrate the human body

London Christmas Lights

London Christmas Lights

out of rangeearly November–early January • event

The capital of the UK glows and shines getting ready for the holidays

Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival

out of rangeAugust 24–26, 2024 • event

The capital of Great Britain is hardly recognizable when the Afro-Caribbean spirit revels in the streets of London

Open House London

Open House London

out of rangeSeptember 14-22, 2024 • event

A unique occasion to discover London's secret venues with free guided tours

Orchids Festival at Kew Gardens

Orchids Festival at Kew Gardens

out of rangeFebruary 3-March 3, 2024 • event

See some of the most beautiful orchids in the world

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

out of rangeNovember 5, 2023 • event

Spectacular cars from the end of the 19th century preserve the spirit of good old England

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

out of rangeNovember 20–January 1 • event

Immerse yourself in the magical holiday spectacular

West End LIVE

West End LIVE

unconfirmedJune 22-23, 2024 • event

Best London's musicals—for free

Christmas Carols in London

Christmas Carols in London

out of rangeDecember • event

The jolly singers share Christmas joy with everyone

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day

out of rangeMarch 17, 2024 • event

Raise a glass to Ireland while the green procession paves its way through the centre of London

London New Year's Eve Fireworks & Traditions

London New Year's Eve Fireworks & Traditions

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

The British consider the New Year to be a secondary holiday, but they celebrate it well anyway!

The Creative Craft Show

The Creative Craft Show

out of rangeSeptember 2–4, 2023 • event

A huge gathering of new and established crafters

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

out of rangeearly November–early January • event

Pop-up ice rinks and holiday fairs cheer up the dark winters with their twinkling lights

Changing of the Guard

Changing of the Guard

out of rangeApril–July • event

A guard in an iconic scarlet tunic and bearskin hat must be always on alert to protect the Queen, so the changing of the guard is a vital tradition

Southbank Centre Winter Market

Southbank Centre Winter Market

out of rangeOctober 28, 2023–January 7, 2024 • event

The Southbank Centre promises great winter fun starting with a Christmas fair and seasonal treats and captivating snow spectacles

Hogwarts in the Snow

Hogwarts in the Snow

out of rangeNovember 12, 2022–January 15, 2023 • activity

Still waiting for your invitation letter to Hogwarts? Luckily, today muggles can freely roam the school for wizards!

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

out of rangeAugust 25–September 10, 2023 • event

This summer weekend is devoted to modern art and outdoor performances

MCM London Comic Con

MCM London Comic Con

out of rangeMay 24-26, 2024 • event

One of London's favourite cosplay events

Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night

out of rangeNovember 5, 2024 • event

Thanks to Guy Fawkes' attempt to kill James I, Londoners have another reason to set off fireworks and eat festive toffees

Canalway Cavalcade

Canalway Cavalcade

out of rangeMay 4-6, 2024 • event

A range of nice neat boats arrive to the canalway of London's Little Venice

The Great British Tattoo Show

The Great British Tattoo Show

out of rangeFebruary 3-4, 2024 • event

How about a tattoo from one of the world's best masters?

Trooping the Colour & The King's Birthday Parade

Trooping the Colour & The King's Birthday Parade

out of rangeJune 15, 2024 • event

Even rows of marching soldiers called "Trooping the Colors​," royal flyovers, and salutes celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty

Feast of St George in Trafalgar Square

Feast of St George in Trafalgar Square

out of rangeApril 23, 2024 • event

Although the identity and the origin of England's patron saint are not 100% clear, the feast bears a great importance for this nation

The London Design Festival

The London Design Festival

out of rangeSeptember 14-22, 2024 • event

The world's capital of design dictates the best modern styles

Swan Upping

Swan Upping

unconfirmedJuly 15-19, 2024 • event

The swans are surrounded with special attention in England

Diwali in London

Diwali in London

out of rangeNovember 12, 2023 • event

Join Europe's largest live outdoor Diwali celebration and show

Pride in London Parade

Pride in London Parade

out of rangeJune 29, 2024 • event

One of the largest gay pride events in Europe and the world

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

out of rangeFebruary 10–11, 2024 • event

The biggest celebration of this kind outside of Asia

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom

out of rangeApril–early May • nature

Beautiful pink sign of spring arrival

Museums at Night

Museums at Night

overOctober 31–November 2, 2019 • event

Museums have a special charm when explored at night—​you might see something special you'd miss during the day

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

out of rangeMay 10–September 3, 2023 • event

The actors perform in both warm starry nights and stormy weather

London Wine Week

London Wine Week

overMay 13–19, 2019 • event

Wherever you go, you'll be offered a sip of wine

Royal Gun Salutes

Royal Gun Salutes

out of rangeFebruary 6 | April 21 | June 2 | June 10 | November 14 • event

Gun salutes mark special occasions in London often associated with the Royal Family

Lovebox Festival

Lovebox Festival

on holdJuly 12–13, 2019 • event

Enjoy the the genre-blurring lineup during one of the finest festivals in London

London Literature Festival

London Literature Festival

out of rangeOctober 19–29, 2023 • event

One of London's most exciting and prestigious literary events

Wireless Festival

Wireless Festival

out of rangeJuly 12-14, 2024 • event

Let this fantastic event be a highlight of your London summer!

BFI London Film Festival

BFI London Film Festival

out of rangeMarch 13-24, 2024 • event

This is a great event for the local and international film industry and a wonderful occasion to meet your favourite actors in person

Comida Fest

Comida Fest

overAugust 10–11, 2019 • event

The biggest Latin American food festival in London

Hampton Court Palace Festival

Hampton Court Palace Festival

unconfirmedJune 11-22, 2024 • event

Ten days of July are devoted to music and comedy to entertain the nightly visitors of Henry VIII's Palace Court

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

out of rangeMay 21-25, 2024 • event

The most famous and glamorous in the world, this show is truly unforgettable

Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park

Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park

canceledmid-to-late November 2023 • event

The 600-year-old gardens get transformed into wonderland by a light display

London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week

out of rangeSeptember 15–19, 2023 • event

London has become a fashion Mecca for talented young designers

Premier League

Premier League

out of rangeAugust 6, 2022–May 28, 2023 • event

Crazy about football? Give in to your passion at the greatest games of the English Premier League hosted in the capital

Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival

Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival

unconfirmedMay 12, 2024 • event

A puppet show holiday is a great delight for the whole family

Easter Weekend

Easter Weekend

out of rangeMarch 29–April 1, 2024 • event

London's busy Easter weekend features Good Friday performances, grand masses, egg hunts, locally-made sweets, and even an equestrian parade

Taste of London

Taste of London

out of rangeJune 12-16, 2024 • event

Nothing motivates more that the desire to be the best, so just relax and let the chefs try to please your palate

Lord Mayor's Show

Lord Mayor's Show

out of rangeNovember 9, 2024 • event

London celebrates an 800-year-old tradition as the iconic golden coach takes the mayor to the Queen

Reading & Leeds Festivals

Reading & Leeds Festivals

out of rangeAugust 21-25, 2024 • event

Some of the most popular music festivals in the UK with great names of pop and rock

International Pillow Fight Day

International Pillow Fight Day

out of rangeApril 6, 2024 • event

Let out your inner child andhave some fun in the middle of a megapolis

Tower Hamlets Fireworks at Victoria Park

Tower Hamlets Fireworks at Victoria Park

canceled2023 • event

A spectacular display on Bonfire Night in London

Hyper Japan

Hyper Japan

out of rangeJuly 19-21, 2024 • event

Celebrate J-culture with traditional art, performances, and food

Christmas at Kew Gardens

Christmas at Kew Gardens

out of rangeNovember 13, 2024-January 5, 2025 • event

An unforgettable after-dark explosion of colors and a festive trail of lights

BMW LSO Open Air Classics

BMW LSO Open Air Classics

out of rangeApril 4, 2023 • event

A free open-air concert by London's oldest orchestra in the heart of UK's capital

Spring Blossoms

Spring Blossoms

out of rangeMarch–May • nature

Floral show continues throughout the entire spring starting from daffodils in early March until wisteria in late May

Wimbledon

Wimbledon

out of rangeJuly 1-14, 2024 • event

The oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, one of four Grand Slam tournaments

Ice Skating

Ice Skating

out of rangemid-November–early January • activity

London's historical and modern landmarks make this traditional winter activity into a truly beautiful experience

The Boat Race

The Boat Race

out of rangeMarch 30, 2024 • event

The rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge reaches its peak

Halloween

Halloween

out of rangemid-October–early November 2023 • event

The festival of fear: London's spookiest Halloween events will scare the hell out of you

Horse-Racing: Royal Ascot

Horse-Racing: Royal Ascot

out of rangeJune 18-22, 2024 • event

Royal Ascot combines exquisite English fashion with high-quality racing

Christmas Shows

Christmas Shows

out of rangelate November–early January • event

Theatre is a must-see during the holiday season in London

Underbelly Festival Southbank

Underbelly Festival Southbank

out of rangeApril 28–July 31, 2022 • event

Comedy, circus and cabaret all summer on the south bank of the Thames river

London Coffee Festival

London Coffee Festival

out of rangeApril 11-14, 2024 • event

Dozens of tastings, special offers and barista competitions

Crocuses

Crocuses

out of rangelate-February–March • nature

Exploring London's parks, one might find a "Crocus Carpet" or even an entire meadow of crocuses

Great British Beer Festival

Great British Beer Festival

out of rangeAugust 1–5, 2023 • event

Sample some great street food, listen to live bands and enjoy a glass of special beer

Sweet Chestnut Season

Sweet Chestnut Season

out of rangeOctober–late December • food

Large steaming braziers, from which a fragrant smoke spreads, is a typical sight for the Englishmen in the fall

Rugby Union

Rugby Union

out of rangeSeptember–May • event

England takes great pride in Rugby Union, the oldest type of rugby football

RideLondon-Essex 100

RideLondon-Essex 100

out of rangeMay 26, 2024 • event

Watch the best cyclists of the world and experience the freedom of riding a bike through central London without cars

The Big London Flea

The Big London Flea

out of rangeJanuary 14, 2024 • event

London's largest indoor flea market is a true heaven for vintage and antique lovers

Lightopia Festival London

Lightopia Festival London

out of rangeNovember 17, 2022–January 2, 2023 • event

Spectacular fusion of art and culture transforms a park into wonderland

MOVE IT

MOVE IT

out of rangeMarch 15-17, 2024 • event

The world’s largest dance event, celebrating all forms of performing arts

London Short Film Festival

London Short Film Festival

out of rangeJanuary 19 - January 28 • event

The premiere UK showcase for gound-breaking short films

EFG London Jazz Festival

EFG London Jazz Festival

out of rangeNovember 10–19, 2023 • event

Meet your soulmates at this awesome jazz fest

Mushroom Season

Mushroom Season

out of rangeSeptember–October • food

Are you keen on fresh mushrooms? Local porcini must be a real treat for you!

Camellia Showcase

Camellia Showcase

out of rangelate February–March • nature

Apart from China and Japan, Chiswick's Camellias are the oldest in the world

London Cocktail Week

London Cocktail Week

out of rangeOctober 12–22, 2023 • event

The world's biggest cocktail festival showcasing UK capital's unrivalled cocktail scene

Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre

Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre

out of rangeNovember–March • activity

Discover skiing and snowboarding within one hour drive from London

Duck and Goose Eggs

Duck and Goose Eggs

out of rangeFebruary–June | September • food

Try a duck or goose egg omelette for a change or for the sake of new experience. You may develop a taste for it!

Oysters

Oysters

out of rangeOctober–February • food

In the 19th century, oysters were cheap and abundant, nowadays—much more expensive and scarce so be appreciative!

London International Mime Festival

London International Mime Festival

out of rangeJanuary 16–February 5, 2023 • event

A popular innovative theatre event in London

Fall Colors

Fall Colors

out of rangelast week of October-first week of November • nature

During autumn, London becomes even more dreamlike

Virgin Money London Marathon

Virgin Money London Marathon

out of rangeApril 21, 2024 • event

This London Marathon is a great way to observe the main landmarks of the city and collect money for charity all in a single day

Ealing Jazz Festival

Ealing Jazz Festival

out of rangeJuly 29–30, 2023 • event

Save the date for this unique music festival

London Restaurant Festival

London Restaurant Festival

out of rangeOctober • food

Even if you try 11 restaurants a day for every day of October you still won't get them all!

Jerusalem Artichokes

Jerusalem Artichokes

out of rangeSeptember–March • food

Though the once named "Girasole" artichokes have been renamed "Jerusalem" artichokes though the great taste remains the same

Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble

Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble

out of rangeMay • food

Sour rhubarb crumble topped with ginger and sweetened with cicely leaves is a classic London favorite

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)

out of rangeFebruary 13, 2024 • event

The day before the beginning of Lent when English families prepare a hearty meal with pancakes

Pumpkin Season

Pumpkin Season

out of rangeOctober • food

The "golden head" is full of delicious seeds and vitamins

Hunting Season & Game Meat

Hunting Season & Game Meat

out of rangeAugust, 12–February • activity

While London's licensed hunters try their shooting skills, you can treat your stomach to some delicious game meat

Cross the Tracks

Cross the Tracks

out of rangeMay 26, 2024 • event

London’s number one festival of jazz, funk and soul

Greenwich Christmas Market

Greenwich Christmas Market

out of rangeNovember 15, 2023–early January 2024 • event

The only market in London located within a World Heritage site

Halloween Treats

Halloween Treats

out of rangeOctober 31 • food

The taste of Halloween is embodied in cubed earwax, eyeball cubes, jelly dentures, and blood shots available in haunted pubs

Christmas at Borough Market

Christmas at Borough Market

out of rangelate November–early January | December 13, 2023 (Evening of Cheese) • event

The ultimate holiday food destination in London

London Beer Week

London Beer Week

overMarch 12–18, 2018 • event

Early spring in London is the time to feast on your favourite drink

Wheels and Fins Festival

Wheels and Fins Festival

overSeptember 7–8, 2019 • event

An eclectic music and action sports festival

Kingston Christmas Market

Kingston Christmas Market

out of rangeNovember 16–December 31 • event

A traditional market in the town of Kingston-upon-Thames in South West London

Camden Christmas Market

Camden Christmas Market

out of rangeNovember 8–December 31, 2023 • event

Holiday shopping and excellent street food

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