There is never a bad time to visit London, but each season brings new activities and events. Whether you are planning a visit during a school holiday or simply want to organise your dream getaway, here are some of the best times to visit the city, and what to expect when you get there…
February
This is one of the best times to visit London in 2020, thanks to an array of great events throughout the month. From festivals to film screenings, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy as 2020 really gets underway. In addition to these events, visitors also benefit from the Spring school holiday and Valentine’s Day on 14th February.
The exact dates for the school holidays differ depending on which part of the UK students are enrolled within, but generally fall within the middle of the month – leaving you plenty of time to plan a family break at the Montcalm.
February is also a fantastic time for couples on a romantic break to visit the city. London is a top location to spend Valentine’s Day, with an array of events and attractions designed around this special date.
Some of the best events in February include the annual Kew Gardens Orchid Festival (from 8th February 2020), the Natural History Museum’s Valentine’s Day Film Screenings (14th February 2020) and the London Craft Beer Festival (21st-23rd February 2020).
Spring in London: March – May
This time period encompasses spring in the UK, and offers plenty of benefits to visitors who want to experience London.
During this time, you’ll be able to experience many of London’s top attractions in mild weather, yet for most of this time (except for public holidays) you can avoid the crowds which tend to descend on the city during the summer months. Whilst the days are longer than during the winter and you will experience warmer temperatures, we do recommend bringing an umbrella, as this is also the time of year when rainfall is commonplace.
March and April also include the Easter holidays, when families will have a fortnight to see the sights. We recommend using this time to pay a visit to some of London’s major museums and art galleries such as the British Museum, the Science Museum and the Tate, particularly if you want to introduce the kids to some culture during your stay.
Alternatively, you can try taking a spin on the London Eye as a unique way to see London from above, or enjoy a relaxing Montcalm afternoon tea after seeing some of the sights.
April Easter Weekend
This year the Easter weekend (10th April 2020 – 13th April 2020) is one to be aware of, with extended opening hours at many London stores and lots to keep adults entertained as well as crowd-pleasing events for children. Some of the top churches and cathedrals in the city will be hosting their own Easter celebrations, with places of worship such as Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and St Martin-in-the-Fields providing particularly lavish events.
Many of London’s foremost parks and nature spots will be hosting Easter egg hunts, while the city’s Royal palaces will also be hosting similar events. For adults who want to try some of the best chocolate treats in London, you’ll also find plentiful cake shops and chocolate shops dotted around the city providing the opportunity to create your own upscale take on the Easter egg hunt!
This is also the ideal time to find London hotels special offers which make the city a little more accessible.
Summer School Holidays: June – August
There is nothing quite like visiting London in the summer. The city truly comes alive during the summer months, but with the warmer weather you will also be surrounded by larger crowds, so this is not a time to visit for those who prefer a bit more peace and tranquillity.
If you do want to escape the crowded tourist traps, there are lots of ways to achieve this, even in the height of summer. London’s Royal Parks provide the ideal space for a picnic, and London also has many other green spaces, beer gardens and rooftop bars to choose from during your stay.
Be sure to look out for some of the top music festivals in the UK, which also take place within city limits. Summer is a great time for everyone to visit, but the long school summer holiday from the end of June to the end of August/start of September also provides families with a chance to experience London. There are many family-friendly options for entertainment and attractions, including everything from outdoor cinema screenings to special events at the top venues in the city.
Due to the sheer volume of visitors between June and August, we recommend booking any attractions in advance. This is particularly important during the school holidays, when tickets will be highly coveted.
Autumn: September – November
Autumn is a much quieter time for Londoners, with the end of the hectic summer season bringing milder weather and kids returning to school. However, there is still lots to enjoy during these months.
Halloween (31st October 2020) marks a particular flashpoint for events, with spooky activities and spectacles all across the city. In November, London also starts preparing for the upcoming Christmas season, adorning the UK capital with festive lights.
The busiest time during the autumnal season is the October half-term school holidays, when many families visit London. As the weather gets chillier and visitors start to think of pampering themselves, this is also a great time to visit the Montcalm Shoreditch Spa.
Winter: December – February
The winter season brings colder temperatures, so we recommend bringing a few layers on your visit! There is always lots to do, particularly during the earlier part of winter, when Christmas acts as a kind of centrepiece to London’s events.
Following the festive cheer, you can still entertain yourself in the annual January sales, by heading to some of London’s finest stores in places such as Oxford Street.
