London is famous for its gloomy rainy days all year round however we are here to prove our days in this impressive city are never gloomy! We often find ourselves in winter rising from our bed and are convinced we are still dreaming. The sun is out and the leaves are still on the ground (not transported by a 80 mile p/hr wind). We admit London weather is completely unreliable, but this doesn’t stop the city being one of the most beautiful places in the world. The best thing about our city is that most attractions are designed for this unreliable weather – perfect for any traveller coming to London town! You have no excuse for lazying around the apartment all day! So let us tell you the best things to do in each season!

 

Summer

We find ourselves always outside – making the most of the impressive clear blue skies. The whole city has a different attitude, we are positive, love walking and running marathons, and are even kind to each in the commute home on the tube! London is superb in summer!

Temperature:

The temperature averages from about 18°C (64°F) to 20°C, which is just hot enough to sunbath, but not too hot to go for a bike ride around the city. The sun typically rises at around 5:00am and sunset is typically around 9:00pm. The days are long and the climate is beautiful. To help you decide, we have listed below the top 3 activities which best capture the warmth and beauty of a London summer.

Top 3 activities to do in summer:

1. Enter a secret garden – London’s most secret and elaborate gardens are only open to the public on one weekend in June. The magnificent gardens range from traditional squares, roof terraces, and gardens of historic buildings.
2. Visit Buckingham Palace – The palace is a ‘must see’ in London, and the best time of year to see it is in Summer. Not only will you get the best photos, but The State Rooms are even open this time of year!
3. Ride a bike – The Boris Bikes/Santander Bikes or any bikes are perfect for taking in beautiful London landscapes – the city centre, along the Thames, canals, parks.

Backpack essentials:

Phone, camera, wallet/purse, oyster card, sun lotion, umbrella, water bottle x 2, shorts, sunglasses, Frisbee/ball (for the parks and gardens!).

 

Autumn

Autumn is when we no longer sweat profusely on the tube (and try to hide it), instead we relish the cool, crisp weather and pack away those flip flops!

Temperature:

Temperatures range from 11° to 15°C (52 to 59°F), the days are getting shorter and we start to see people in jackets, less people out and about walking and cafes are fuller inside than out!

Top 3 activities to do in autumn:

1. Hop On Hop Off Bus – perfect for autumn as you can either sit inside the bus or on top. We recommend taking the full tour and then visiting your favourite landmarks up close in person! It is the best thing to do when you first arrive.
2. Take in spectacular views: Autumn is a beautiful time of year and the best way to soak it up is to visit a hill or skyscraper.  The best hills in town are Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park and Crystal Palace.
3. Music – It’s not too cold yet to sit outside and listen to the best music in the world, whether you are interested in jazz, classical, drum and  bass or even Mongolian throat-singing… London has it all!

Backpack essentials:

phone, camera, wallet/purse, oyster card, umbrella, water bottle, scarf, reading glasses.

 

Winter

You might find your self slipping on icy footpaths and falling on your bum, but Winter in London is energetic and breathtaking! Forgot the cold, and take in the magical winter wonderland London has to offer.

Temperature:

The temperature ranges from 2 and 6°C (36 to 43°F). However don’t let this frighten you, the temperature rarely drops below freezing and London is well prepared with hot chocolate, mulled wine, and central heating!

Top 3 activities to do in winter:

1. Natural History Museum Ice Rink – lace up your skates and twirl around the ice rink at the iconic museum. Perfect if you have never seen snow before and it’s great for the kids.
2. Christmas Markets – Log cabins, craft markets, pine trees, hot chocolate, mulled wine, German sausages are just a few things you will find at the Christmas markets in London.
3. Afternoon tea – To escape the cold outside we recommend enjoying an afternoon tea. As the British say, ‘when the weather turns, the best thing to do is to get inside and have a nice cup of tea’. Why not devour some ham sandwiches, scones with jam and delicious cupcakes – so much the better!

Backpack essentials:

phone, camera, wallet/purse, oyster card, umbrella, water bottle, scarf, gloves, watch (you might get confused when the sun goes down at 4:00pm!).

 

Spring

The sun starts to peep out and the freshest time of year is here, spring! We put away our wool coats and we are ready to venture outside!

Temperature:

The temperatures ranges from 11° to 15°C (52 to 59°F) and the evenings stay lighter for longer (finally!). The animals are out to play in the parks and the flowers are blooming, every Londoner has a smile on their face.

Top 3 activities to do in spring:

1. Beer Gardens – With our obsession for vitamin D and love of drinking, all Londoners flock to the beer gardens. Enjoy a nice drink in the sun with your friends and family, overlooking the Thames – what a dream.
2. London Marathon – One of the most captivating spectacles in London is the London Marathon. Even if you don’t own a pair of trainers, the atmosphere is inspirational and not to be missed. See the remarkable sight of thousands of people pushing their limits (just don’t stand too close or you might get a mouthful of sweat!).
3. Parks and Gardens – You don’t need to leave London to enjoy lambs, daffodils and newly-budding branches, just visit your nearest park. Our top picks are, Kew Gardens, Holland Park, Green Park and of course Hyde Park.

Backpack essentials:

phone, camera, wallet/purse, oyster card, sun lotion, umbrella, water bottle.

 

When it comes down to it

As you can see London weather is unpredictable but it is never dull and gloomy as some might think. London is an energetic city with plenty to do and there is no point worrying about the weather! If all else fails, visit the infamous museums, the award winning theatre or duck into the shops. Let us know what time of you year you like to visit London and why!? If there are any other important facts about the weather other travelers need to know please leave us a comment!

---