When's the best time to visit London
Let's be honest - no-one comes to London for the weather. You're as likely to carry a brolly here in the summer as you are in the winter months, but Londoners know how to appreciate the good days. Just wait for a slither of sunshine to appear and watch the locals run to the nearest urban beer garden.
It's one of the best places in the world to escape a downpour too, whether you duck into a fancy hotel for afternoon tea or spend hours gawking at ancient treasures at the British Museum. In summer, back-to-back events take over parks and squares, and the winter sees Christmas markets line the South Bank.
You're never really going to escape the crowds in London but the best hotel deals can be found in August, when business travellers leave the capital, and the days between Christmas and New Year, when hotels cut their rates much like the shops along Oxford Street.
Spring: See the Royal parks (Richmond Park, below, is a particular highlight) in full bloom with a spring jaunt. Average temperatures range between 9°C in March and 14°C in May. The city really comes to life when spring arrives as sightseers and sporty types head outside. Popular outdoor events include the London Marathon in April and the Oxford vs Cambridge boat race in March.
Summer: You can't move for picnickers, al fresco drinkers and South Bank strollers in the summer months as Londoners take to the streets. Summer events include gigs in Hyde Park and Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park. July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 19°C with many days hitting the mid-20s°C.
Autumn: September is one of the best times to visit, especially after the school holidays finish. The summer crowds disperse but the days remain sunny and the nights are still long (before the clocks change in October). October is traditionally the wettest month although the first couple of weeks are usually pleasant.
Winter: December can get busy as Christmas shoppers fill the streets and ice rinks and markets provide festive fun. Temperatures range between 2 and 6°C and rarely drop below freezing. Snow is rare in central London. The coldest month is January.
Ready to book? Check out Travelzoo’s latest travel deals for London. Alternatively, see below for a selection of our favourite hotels in the capital…
5 Hotels We Love in London
K West Hotel & Spa
Location: Shepherd’s Bush, West London
Why we love it: This deluxe 4-star hideaway has it all: fine dining, a chic cocktail den and one of the best spas in the city. The location provides easy access to the sights of central London and instant access to the vast Westfield shopping centre.
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The Milestone Hotel
Location: Kensington, West London
Why we love it: This 5-star property is renowned for its exceptional service and hard-to-beat location – Hyde Park is just over the road, while Knightsbridge, Kensington Palace and the Royal Albert Hall are just a short walk away. Kids’ bonus: free colouring books and behind-the-scenes tours.
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Devonport House
Location: Greenwich, East London
Why we love it: A well-priced option given the 4-star rating and location in historic Greenwich. Nearby attractions include The O2, the National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark. Central London is 20 minutes away – a little longer if you take the boat.
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Chesterfield Mayfair
Location: Mayfair, Central London
Why we love it: This boutique property within walking distance of Knightsbridge and Buckingham Palace is renowned for its refined English atmosphere, superb afternoon tea and exclusive surroundings. Butlers Restaurant holds a prestigious 2-AA-Rosette rating.
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Hotel Xenia
Location: Fulham, Southwest London
Why we love it: This white-pillared Victorian building in South Kensington is a few minutes' walk from Earls Court, Kensington Gardens and attractions such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A Museum. Bonus points for the Living Wall cocktail bar with a heated terrace in the herb garden.
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