England

London

England

London

Updated Wed, Dec 10, 2025
London, England

Overview

London pulses with contradictions that make it magnetic. Beyond Big Ben lies a city of secret gardens tucked behind Georgian squares, underground speakeasies in Victorian railway arches, and markets selling everything from vintage vinyl to Bangladeshi street food. Navigate narrow alleys in Shoreditch where street art transforms daily, or discover gastropubs in Bermondsey where locals gather over craft beer and Sunday roasts.

Best time to visit. Visit May through September for long daylight hours and outdoor markets. Spring brings blooming parks while summer offers rooftop bars and Thames-side dining. Avoid January's gloom.

Month
January46°F - 36°F
43°F - 32°F
Cloudy8:06 am4:03 pm15 days
2.7 in
2 days
0.5 in
11 mph
February48°F - 37°F
45°F - 33°F
Partly Cloudy7:31 am5:02 pm12 days
2.0 in
1 days
0.3 in
11 mph
March52°F - 39°F
50°F - 36°F
Partly Cloudy6:34 am6:08 pm13 days
2.3 in
1 days
0.1 in
11 mph
April57°F - 43°F
56°F - 41°F
Partly Cloudy6:24 am7:17 pm11 days
1.9 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
May63°F - 48°F
63°F - 47°F
Partly Cloudy5:27 am8:16 pm11 days
2.1 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
June70°F - 54°F
71°F - 54°F
Partly Cloudy4:48 am9:19 pm9 days
1.8 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
July73°F - 57°F
75°F - 58°F
Partly Cloudy5:04 am9:08 pm8 days
1.8 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
August73°F - 57°F
74°F - 58°F
Partly Cloudy5:55 am8:19 pm9 days
2.1 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
September68°F - 52°F
68°F - 52°F
Partly Cloudy6:58 am7:03 pm10 days
2.1 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
October61°F - 46°F
59°F - 43°F
Cloudy8:04 am5:43 pm13 days
2.9 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
November52°F - 41°F
48°F - 37°F
Cloudy7:22 am4:00 pm14 days
2.7 in
0 days
0.0 in
9 mph
December46°F - 37°F
43°F - 33°F
Cloudy8:03 am3:53 pm15 days
2.7 in
1 days
0.4 in
11 mph

NameDateDescription

Travel rating

Closure rating

Recommendation
New Year's DayJanuary 1Celebrates the start of the new year. Many people attend parties or watch fireworks.
Avoid travel. Most places closed.
Good FridayVaries (March/April)Christian holiday commemorating Jesus Christ's crucifixion. Part of Easter weekend.
Limited services. Plan ahead.
Easter SundayVaries (March/April)Christian holiday celebrating Jesus Christ's resurrection. Families gather for meals.
Some closures. Family-oriented day.
Easter MondayVaries (March/April)Bank holiday following Easter Sunday. Many people enjoy a day off work or school.
Some closures. Popular travel day.
Early May Bank HolidayFirst Monday in MayPublic holiday celebrating the coming of spring. Many enjoy outdoor activities.
Busy day. Some services limited.
Spring Bank HolidayLast Monday in MayPublic holiday. Many people have the day off and enjoy leisure activities.
Popular travel day. Plan ahead.
Summer Bank HolidayLast Monday in AugustPublic holiday marking the end of summer. Often features outdoor events and fairs.
Busy travel day. Some closures.
HalloweenOctober 31Celebration of All Hallows' Eve. Children go trick-or-treating, adults attend parties.
Minimal impact. Fun atmosphere.
Guy Fawkes NightNovember 5Commemorates failed Gunpowder Plot. Features bonfires, fireworks, and effigy burning.
Exciting time to visit. Evening events.
Remembrance SundaySecond Sunday in NovemberHonors war dead. Features ceremonies, poppy wearing, and two-minute silence.
Solemn day. Most places open.
Christmas EveDecember 24Day before Christmas. Many finish shopping, attend church services, or gather family.
Busy day. Early closures common.
Christmas DayDecember 25Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' birth. Families gather for meals and gift-giving.
Avoid travel. Almost everything closed.
Boxing DayDecember 26Public holiday following Christmas. Known for shopping sales and sporting events.
Limited services. Popular shopping day.

NameDateDescription

Travel rating

Closure rating

Recommendation
London Fashion WeekFebruaryMajor fashion industry event showcasing designer collections and trends.
Hotels pricier, fashion venues busy.
London Marathonlate AprilWorld's largest annual fundraising event with 40,000+ runners through city.
Major road closures, transport disrupted.
Chelsea Flower Showlate MayPremier garden show featuring elaborate displays and horticultural innovation.
Chelsea area crowded, hotels book early.
Trooping the Coloursecond Saturday in JuneOfficial birthday celebration for the British monarch with military parade.
Central London busy, road closures.
Wimbledon Championshipslate June - early JulyPrestigious tennis tournament attracting global audiences and celebrities.
Southwest London crowded, tickets scarce.
BBC PromsJuly - SeptemberClassical music festival series featuring world-class orchestras and artists.
South Kensington busy concert nights.
Notting Hill Carnivallate AugustEurope's largest street festival celebrating Caribbean culture and heritage.
Avoid west London, transport severely impacted.
London Fashion WeekSeptemberSecond annual fashion showcase featuring spring/summer collections and trends.
Fashion venues busy, higher hotel rates.
Lord Mayor's Showsecond Saturday in NovemberHistoric procession celebrating the new Lord Mayor of the City of London.
City area crowded, some road closures.
Winter WonderlandNovember - JanuaryLarge Christmas market and funfair in Hyde Park with rides and attractions.
Hyde Park area very busy, expect crowds.

1
Queuing is sacred in England. Always join the end of a line and wait patiently. Cutting in or complaining about the wait is considered very rude and will likely upset locals.
2
Tipping is not expected in most situations. In restaurants, a 10-15% service charge is often included. For taxis and pubs, rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but not mandatory.
3
Greet people with 'Hello' or 'Good morning/afternoon/evening'. Avoid using 'Hi' with strangers or in formal settings as it may be seen as too casual or American.
4
The British often use indirect language. 'Not bad' can mean very good, and 'Interesting' might indicate disagreement. Pay attention to tone and context to understand the true meaning.
5
Punctuality is important. Arrive on time for appointments and reservations. Being late is considered disrespectful, especially in business or formal settings.
6
Don't talk loudly in public spaces, especially on public transport. The British value personal space and quietness in shared environments.
7
When invited to someone's home, bring a small gift like flowers or chocolate. Avoid bringing wine unless you know the host drinks, as some may not consume alcohol.
8
In pubs, order and pay at the bar. Table service is uncommon. If drinking with locals, learn about 'rounds' - each person takes turns buying drinks for the group.
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