The Worst Time to Visit London in 2024
Deciding when to visit London can be one of the toughest decisions you make. There are several factors to consider to ensure you have the trip of your dreams. As someone who has traveled to London on several occasions, I’ll let you know the worst time to visit London and when you should consider taking your trip.
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The Worst Time to Visit London
There are several factors to consider when planning a trip to London. I’ll break down the worst time to visit London based on crowds, budget, and weather.
However, in general, if at all possible, you’ll want to avoid traveling during the peak summer months of July and August. This is due to increased crowds, it being a more expensive time to travel, and potentially unpredictable weather.
Worst Time for Crowds
Not surprisingly, summer is the worst time for crowds in London. The kids are out of school and families want to travel. Likewise, if you are a teacher, summer may be the only real time you have for exploring the world.
As a result, crowds increase significantly during the months of June, July, and August. Likewise, prices will also increase due to the demand. If can only travel during summer, try to go at the very beginning or at the very end to minimize the impact of peak travel season.
What Time is London Least Busy
January is the least busiest month in London. Since it’s after the holiday season and has some of the coolest temperatures, travelers tend to stay away. This makes for fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
The trade-off is that the city experiences cold and damp weather with short daylight hours. Daytime temperatures often range from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit), and there’s a higher likelihood of overcast skies and persistent drizzle.
Worst Time for Your Budget
As I mentioned before, traveling to London during the months of June through August, which is peak summer travel, will lead to the most strain on your wallet. Since many families travel during this time when the kids aren’t in school, it also leads to larger crowds and longer lines.
Ultimately, you will pay more to travel to London during the summer and have less time to see the sights due to longer lines and wait times for public transportation. If this is the only time you have available, I would still make the trip, but just set your expectations accordingly.
What is the Most Expensive Month to Fly to London?
Typically, the most expensive month to fly to London is July. During this peak summer season, London experiences a surge in tourist activity due to favorable weather conditions, longer daylight hours, and various events and festivals.
Furthermore, many people choose July for vacations, contributing to crowded attractions, popular landmarks, and a heightened demand for services. If flexibility allows, you may want to consider alternative months to secure more affordable travel options.
The first time I visited London, it was in July. There seemed to be lines everywhere and I was able to spend less time seeing the sights I wanted to as a result. It felt like I spent half of my time in line or trying to navigate through crowds to see anything. Restaurants were also more crowded and harder to get into.
Which Month is Cheapest in London
For budget-conscious travelers, the cheapest month to visit London is generally January. During this post-holiday period, the city experiences a dip in tourist activity, leading to lower demand for accommodations and potentially more affordable flight options.
Many hotels and airlines offer discounted rates to attract visitors during this off-peak season, making it an opportune time to explore London without putting a strain on your wallet.
While January may have cooler temperatures and shorter days, you will encounter fewer crowds and more budget-friendly options allowing you to have a fun and affordable trip to the city.
👉🏻 Make sure to read my post for more tips on finding cheap flights anywhere to help you save on your airfare to London.
Worst Time Based on Weather
The worst time to visit London based on weather considerations is generally during the winter months, particularly December and January. Daytime temperatures often hover around 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit), and evenings can be even colder.
Additionally, London experiences a higher chance of overcast skies and persistent drizzle, contributing to a damp and chilly atmosphere. The lack of sunlight and the potential for rain make outdoor activities less enjoyable, and the winter weather can affect your overall experience.
Ultimately, while the city is beautifully adorned with festive lights and decorations during the holiday season, travelers should be prepared for the cold and wet conditions of visiting London in December and January.
What is the Rainiest Month in London?
Much like Ireland, London experiences a relatively consistent level of rainfall throughout the year, but if one had to pinpoint the rainiest month, it would typically be October. During this autumn month, the city tends to receive a higher amount of precipitation, with more frequent and prolonged rainy spells.
The weather in October is characterized by cooler temperatures, shorter days, and increased cloud cover, contributing to a higher likelihood of rain. It’s advisable for visitors during this period to come prepared with waterproof attire and be ready for occasional showers.
However, despite the rain, October also brings the beauty of fall foliage and a quieter atmosphere, making it a unique time for those who don’t mind a bit of precipitation and appreciate the autumn charm of London.
What is the Nicest Month in London?
The nicest month in London in terms of weather is often considered to be June. During this month, London experiences pleasant and mild temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (64 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit).
The comfortable weather creates an ideal setting for exploring the city’s numerous parks, landmarks, and outdoor attractions. In particular, outdoor spaces such as Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens flourish with vibrant colors making for beautiful pictures and photography opportunities.
Additionally, June is characterized by lower precipitation levels compared to the fall and winter months, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of London without the inconvenience of frequent rain.
Best Time to Visit London
While the best time to visit London will ultimately be based on personal preferences, and taking into consideration the factors mentioned earlier in this post, I want to provide you with my overall recommendations.
I personally think that the best time to visit London is in May or September/early October. This timeframe provides mild temperatures (which as a wheelchair user is important to me), not quite as many people, and you can find some better prices than during the peak travel season of June through August. Although your travel deals still won’t be as good as in the winter.
Additionally, you will still have plenty of opportunity to see the famous changing of the guard as well as other iconic wheelchair-accessible things to do in London. For example, if you are into theater, early September is a wonderful time to visit the city.
Where to Stay in London on a Budget
When looking for budget-friendly accommodations in London, consider staying in areas outside the city center to find more affordable options. Neighborhoods like Brixton, Shoreditch, or Camden offer a vibrant atmosphere with options for all budgets.
This is also a good strategy for people who need wheelchair-accessible hotels in London as you can find accommodations near well-connected tube stations that can provide easy access to major attractions without the premium prices of central locations.
Alternatively, take advantage of budget hotel chains or boutique hostels that cater to travelers on a tighter budget. By booking in advance, especially during off-peak seasons, you can often secure lower rates.
Here are some of my top choices for budget hotels in London.
Point A Hotel London Shoreditch
This hotel is outside of the main attractions in London but close to public transportation for easy access to the city center. They have both standard and accessible rooms available along with a hearty breakfast option so you can fuel up for your day.
Check prices and availability for your travel dates by clicking here.
Holiday Inn London – Kensington High St., an IHG Hotel
Just a short walk from Kensington Palace and Hyde Park is the Holiday Inn. It’s also located close to public transport for a short ride to the other popular sights in London.
Accessible rooms with a roll-in shower, shower seat, and grab bars are available as well as standard rooms. A daily delicious breakfast buffet is also on-site for a small additional fee. Guests love the clean rooms and location.
Check prices and availability for your travel dates by clicking here.
London FAQs
Is London Worth Visiting in Winter?
I’ve mentioned that winter is one of the times to avoid if you don’t like colder temperatures, so you may be wondering, is London worth visiting in winter. If you get miserable in cold weather, then it may not be worth it for you.
However, if you want to enjoy Christmas Markets and other festive activities, or you just want to avoid massive summer crowds, then a winter trip to London may be a wonderful time to visit. It will be up to you to decide what is important to you for your trip to London.
Just note that if you have mobility problems or are a wheelchair user, winter can bring additional challenges to travel that you may want to consider such as snow, cold temperatures, and potentially slippery surfaces.
I use a wheelchair cozy to help stay warm in cold weather. So, if you are determined to get outside during cooler temperatures, it may help you as well. Please read my wheelchair cozy review for more information.
👉🏻 Check prices and order your wheelchair cozy by clicking here.
How Long Should I Stay in London?
If you’ve never visited London before, I recommend spending at least 4 days in London, which will allow you to see many of the highlights of the city. However, if you’d like to add any day trips to your itinerary, plan to spend at least 5 days in London.
That being said, a quick 2 days in London can make a nice weekend getaway if you’ve been to the city before, or that’s all the time you have. I’ve gone on several cruises leaving from Southampton so I always try to spend a few extra days in London before I board the ship.
What Should I Pack for My London Trip?
I always recommend packing layers and a few other travel essentials such as an outlet adapter, power bank, and other helpful items for your trip. Make sure to check out my London trip packing list post for a more detailed list of what to bring with you to the city.
Final Thoughts on the Best and Worst Times to Visit London
I hope that this post has helped you decide the worst time to visit London based on your individual needs and preferences. If you can’t travel during your preferred time, at least you’ll be prepared and know what to expect during your trip. London is a fantastic city, and I’m sure you will fall in love with it just like I did.
