The reasons to visit London – whatever the season

Most people assume that London’s best visited in the warmest, sunniest months? Surely, booking your flights and stay in the capital is a must in May, June, July or August, right? Well, hang on a moment, because being one of the world’s greatest, most essential cities, London is actually, quite rightly, enjoyed by travellers from all over the globe at every single time of the year. Yes, autumn and winter included.

So, the UK may be very much in the north of the northern hemisphere and it may rain a fair bit here, but its capital is a destination that’s suited to all four of the calendar year’s seasons… 

Spring

There’s no other way of putting it, really – London in spring is glorious. With the endless flowers that fill the Royal Parks to the vibrant petals that climb up white-brick townhouses and old city pubs and the long days that bask in ever-increasing hours of sunshine and pleasant mornings and afternoons spent at outdoor food, fashion and trinket markets, it’s a city that feels like it really comes alive in this season; in the most life-affirming ways. Running from late March to (usually, nowadays) late May, springtime tends to see temperatures in London vary from 11-20°C, with often mild weather, punctuated by showers or bursts of heavy rain – depending on your luck!

As with many destinations – especially those suited to city breaks (when you’re doubtless looking to catch the likes of Paddington hotel special offers) – London is always a popular place with visitors in springtime. Accommodation, too, can be a little cheaper than at the height of the summer season; the crowds at attractions a little less thronging. 

Summer

Officially, of course, summer in the Northern Hemisphere runs from late June to late September but, nowadays, the UK summer tends to effectively begin in mid- to late May and runs through to mid- to late September. For obvious reasons, many travellers choose to visit the capital this time of year, when the city is at its balmiest and, arguably, the largest number of events are going on and the place is at its most colourful and exciting.

Temperature-wise, you’ll find these months in the capital tend to range from 21-30°C; no question, summertime in London can sometimes feel like spring and summer – and even *autumn* – all in one season, so changeable can the unpredictable weather be. Showers and downpours are far from unusual (so, each day of your stay, be sure to step out of your accommodation Paddington London with your umbrella!). That said, warm summer sun is (just about) the more likely scenario for a summer week spent in London than gloomy cloud and a constant threat of rain.

A word to the wise, though; summer is obviously absolutely peak season in the UK capital. So, you may well find yourself sharing the city with the world and his wife. All the attractions are undoubtedly brilliant but many are also busy and some absolutely have to be booked in advance, such as a visit to the Royal palaces. 

Autumn

One of the chief reasons why people like to travel to London for a short-break in autumn (making the most of London hotels deals special offers) is because of the vibrant, natural colours of the season to be savoured throughout the city. Indeed, what with its 8.4 million trees turning all different shades of orange, red, yellow and brown, this time of year is quite unlike any other in London.

Beginning in mid- to late September and usually running through to mid- to late December, autumn in the capital coincides with a reduced number of visitors from around the world – compared, at least, to numbers at the height of summer. This ensures it’s easy-as-pie getting around the city and booking for attractions and special events requires less forward planning. Hotel and flight deals tend to be cheaper in autumn than in spring and summer, too.

Now, it’s only fair to point out that, yes, London’s weather at this time of year can be very changeable; even quite volatile. Showers and downpours are common, as is wind and, mercifully, sunshine and a bit of warmth, sometimes. The phenomenon known in the UK as an ‘Indian summer’ (i.e. summery weather/ temperatures in the autumn) can happen but is unusual; temperatures usually range from 11-15°C. Again, be sure you’re armed with an umbrella! 

Winter

Finally, of course, there’s winter – and, frankly, there’s nothing quite like spending the lead up to the festive season in old London Town. The setting for Dickens’ all-time classic, magical, seasonal tale ‘A Christmas Carol’, London seems to truly perk up and come to life in December; Christmas trees seem to sprout up out of nowhere (not least the gigantic one that’s perennially donated by the people of Norway and erected Trafalgar Square), Christmas markets pack out the South Bank, the windows of department stores are filled with wonderfully vibrant and inviting displays and the West End streets are illuminated by imaginative, intoxicating Holiday lights.

When it comes to temperatures, winter in London – which tends to run from December through to sometime in March – delivers a range of 0-10°C. Minus temperatures do come along in December, January and February, but aren’t that common; although, these are pretty dark months, it should be pointed out, what with sunset arriving at around 4pm when winter’s at its deepest.

For sure, booking a cosy stay at the likes of The Chilworth Paddington hotel at this time of year is a fine idea if you fancy a short-break in the UK capital on something of a budget – yet, it ought to be pointed out, prices certainly do rise around the Holidays. You’d have expected that, though, right?

All in all, then, there’s no ‘best time of year’ to visit London. The place is so diverse and with so much to offer and recommend it that it’s the perfect urban destination whatever the season – and whatever your budget!