Best Time to Visit London for Families
If you ask a Londoner what the weather is like, they’ll probably say “unpredictable.” And honestly… that’s the truth. London is a year-round destination, but the experience shifts dramatically by season. This guide helps families pick the *right* time — not the “best overall,” but the best for *your* children, your energy, your budget, and your travel style.
Your quick tools for planning London
So… When *is* the best time to visit London with kids?
London doesn’t have one ideal season — it has four versions of itself. Each comes with different light, energy levels, crowd rhythms, and child-friendliness. Below is the quick breakdown before we go deep:
- March–May: Best overall balance — mild temps, blossoms, manageable crowds.
- June–August: Warm, long days, huge events — but busiest and most expensive.
- September–October: Golden light, cooler temps, fewer crowds — amazing for kids.
- November–February: Cheapest months with magical holidays — but early sunsets.
Kids experience travel differently than adults. A 5-year-old notices playgrounds, animals, and space to run. A 10-year-old notices rides, hands-on exhibits, and food. Teens notice independence, fashion, shopping, shows, and “coolness.” So the best season also depends deeply on *your* family’s reality.
Backlinks to build your full plan:
Best Museums in London for Kids
Best Playgrounds & Outdoor Spaces
Spring (March–May): The Sweet Spot for Families
Spring is London's best overall blend of weather, daylight, comfort, and price — especially for families with younger kids. Flowers bloom everywhere, café terraces re-open, museums feel lively but not overwhelming, and the parks become long-session playground heaven.
Why families love spring
- Mild temperatures: usually 50–65°F (10–18°C)
- Longer days: more daylight for outdoor exploring
- Smaller queues: museums and attractions are nicer without summer crowds
- Cherry blossoms + gardens: unbeatable photos and park days
Spring is also ideal for Thames cruises, Kew Gardens, the Sky Garden, playgrounds in Hyde Park, and walking-heavy days around South Bank.
Best spring activities
Pair this guide with:
Best River Cruises for Families
Spring family hotel deals
Spring is often 10–25% cheaper than summer. Compare flexible stays:
Check spring family rates BOOKINGSummer (June–August): Peak Energy, Peak Crowds
Summer is loud, bright, warm, event-filled, and alive in a way no other London season matches. But it’s also expensive and crowded — and depending on your child, that could be exciting or overwhelming.
Pros of summer
- Very long daylight: 9:30–10pm sunsets
- Warm enough for splash pads + fountains
- Outdoor events everywhere
- Best time for picnics, canal walks, and river cruises
Cons of summer
- Crowds: the biggest of the entire year
- High prices: hotels often surge +30–60%
- Heat waves: some apartments do NOT have AC
Families who love atmosphere and long days do great here. Families who prefer calmer days should choose spring or fall.
Best Viator tours to book early for summer
Autumn (September–October): The Golden Family Season
Autumn is spectacular. Leaves turn gold, crowds drop, prices calm down, and London becomes comfortable, cozy, and cinematic. Many seasoned family travelers say September is the single best month of the year.
Why families love autumn
- Perfect weather: 50–65°F (10–18°C)
- Low crowds: schools back in session
- Perfect park days: Richmond Park is magical
- Peak for museums: great indoor/outdoor mix
Autumn also has the best visibility from the London Eye and Sky Garden thanks to cleaner air and stable light.
Where to stay in autumn
Autumn is perfect for mixing central locations (South Bank, South Kensington, Marylebone) with green escapes (Hampstead, Richmond & Kew).
Autumn family hotel deals BOOKINGWinter (November–February): Magical, Budget-Friendly & Cozy
Winter is cozy, sparkly, festive, inexpensive — and dark. But if you want Christmas markets, fairy lights, lower hotel prices, and quieter museums, winter is outstanding.
What winter families need to know
- Early sunsets: as early as 3:50pm
- Holiday magic: December is incredible
- Best prices: January–February can save families $500–$1500
- Perfect for indoor attractions: museums, Harry Potter, palaces
Winter shines for babies, toddlers, and stroller-age kids — you’ll be inside a lot, and London handles cold well.
Month-by-month guide for families
January: Quiet, cheapest, cold. Perfect for museums + indoor attractions.
February: Similar to January but more events. Good museum month.
March: Blossoms begin. Parks warm up. Great time to visit.
April: Gorgeous gardens, mild weather, Easter crowds.
May: Fantastic balance — one of the best.
June: Warm, lively, long days.
July: Busy, bright, all attractions in full swing.
August: Crowds peak but energy is fun.
September: Best month of the year. Perfect.
October: Cozy, leaf season, crowd drop-off.
November: Quiet, holiday lights turn on.
December: Magical, but busy on weekends.
Sample itineraries by season
Spring 4-day plan
Day 1: South Kensington museums Day 2: South Bank walk + London Eye Day 3: Kew Gardens + Thames boat Day 4: Hyde Park + markets
Summer 4-day plan
Day 1: Tower of London Day 2: River cruise + playgrounds Day 3: Harry Potter Studio Tour Day 4: Notting Hill + Portobello
Fall 4-day plan
Day 1: Natural History Museum Day 2: Richmond Park Day 3: West End show Day 4: Covent Garden + markets
Winter 4-day plan
Day 1: British Museum Day 2: SEA LIFE + South Bank Day 3: Harry Potter Day 4: Royal Palaces
So when should your family go?
If you want the safest choice: May or September. If you want magic: December. If you want savings: January–February. If you want energy: July. If you want balance: March–April + October.
London is always good — the trick is choosing the version that fits your family’s rhythms. And now you can.
© 2025 Stay Here, Do That. Written for real families who travel with snacks, strollers, and zero patience for vague advice.
Best time to visit London for families. London seasons guide. Weather, crowds, prices, kid-friendly planning. Spring, summer, autumn, winter for family travel. London with kids month-by-month. Stay Here Do That London.
