London's Cheapest and Most Expensive Months To Visit
Trying to figure out the cheapest time to go to London, when it’s most expensive, or when to visit for good weather but still spend less than peak season? This guide has you covered.
The cheapest and most expensive times to visit London will vary based on seasons. Knowing when to go—and when not to—can help you save a lot or ensure you get the experience you're really after.
Here’s a complete breakdown of London's seasonal travel costs, highlighting off-season, peak season, and shoulder season, and what to expect during each time of year.
Cheapest Time to Visit London
The cheapest time to visit London is during January and February, right after the holiday season. These winter months bring colder, gray days and shorter daylight hours—but also some of the lowest prices you’ll find all year on flights, hotels, and attractions.
It’s considered the off-season, and while the weather isn’t ideal for long walks along the Thames or park-hopping, the city is still very much alive with museums, pubs, and indoor events. Crowds are minimal, and many major landmarks are easier to visit without lines or congestion.
Off Season Highlights
- Lowest hotel and flight rates of the year
- Shorter lines at major attractions
- Great time for theater, museums, and indoor experiences
- Post-holiday shopping discounts
Most Expensive Time to Visit London
The most expensive time to visit London is during the summer months, especially June through August. This is the peak season, with warm weather, school holidays, festivals, and major events drawing millions of tourists from around the world.
Hotels often charge their highest rates during this time, and flights to the UK from abroad—particularly from the U.S. and Europe—tend to spike. Even attractions can raise their prices slightly due to demand. The upside? The city is buzzing with energy, and outdoor events and long daylight hours make it easy to pack a lot into each day.
Peak Season Highlights
- Warmest weather of the year
- Long daylight hours, ideal for sightseeing
- Major festivals and events across the city
- All outdoor markets and parks fully open
Best Time to Visit London on a Budget
The best time to visit London if you're on a budget is going to be during the shoulder seasons—March to early May and September through mid-October. These months offer a sweet spot between weather and affordability.
During these periods, you’ll see lower prices on hotels and airfare, fewer tourists than peak summer, and milder weather that’s perfect for walking tours, markets, and parks. More importantly, traveling during shoulder season helps you avoid the worst of winter’s gloom and the crowds and inflated prices of summer, without risking bad weather that could ruin your trip.
Shoulder Season Highlights
- Comfortable temperatures and fewer rainy days
- Better hotel availability at mid-range prices
- Fewer crowds at popular spots like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace
- Ideal time for sightseeing without overpaying
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Sara Miller