London in Spring: Weather, Outfits & Things to Do (2026)

Banner for privacy policy and affiliate disclosure.

PLANNING A TRIP TO LONDON IN SPRING?

I lived in London for 5 years and Spring is one of the best times to visit London!

The weather can be cold in March, but it turns warm in April and May. The days start to get longer, it is nice to chill in parks and you can also see the flowers in bloom.

The average temperature is between 3.7-17°C (39-63 °F) in London in Spring but the evenings still get cold. It does not rain much, but there can always be rain in London, so it is good to pack an umbrella.

Spring is a great time to visit London as the weather gets warm, but there are not that many tourists in the city, except around Easter which can get busy.

The best things to do in London in Spring is to go sightseeing, visit the Kew Gardens, chill in parks, watch a play at the West End, and see the sunset from the Sky Garden.

Here is everything you need to know about London in Spring, including the weather, outfits, and best things to do!

When is Spring in London?

Spring season in London is from March to May.

Spring is a great time to visit London as there are not that many tourists in the city and the weather is also pretty good, especially in April and May.

London Weather in Spring

Cherry blossoms in London in Spring.

The beginning of Spring season in London is still pretty cold and then it gradually starts to get warmer.

Thus, March is the coldest time in London in Spring, and by May it can get very warm and sunny.

The days are also shorter in March with the sunset around 6 pm. Then, the days start to get longer, and in April and May, the sun sets around 8-9 pm.

London Temperature in Spring

London monthly temperature chart.
London Temperature Chart (source: Weather Atlas)

The average temperature in London in Spring changes throughout the months.

Overall, the average temperature is between 3.7-17°C (39-63 °F) in London in spring. It is the coldest in March and then the warmest in May.

When planning to visit London in Spring, the average temperature in March is around 3.7-10.6 °C (39-51 °F), in April it is 5.5-14 °C (42-57 °F), and in May it is between 8.3-17 °C (47-63 °F).

Spring is not the rainiest season in London but there can always be some rain in London, so it is always good to pack an umbrella.

Is London Cold in Spring?

It depends when in Spring you visit London.

March, the beginning of Spring season, is cold, however by April, the weather is warm and it is proper Spring time.

Then May, is very warm and sunny, and it can sometimes feel like proper summer time.

So when visiting London in March, you should pack warm clothes that you can wear in layers. From April onwards, you can pack lighter clothes, but it is still good to have a jacket for the evenings.

Is it Rainy in London in Spring?

Spring in London is one of the least rainy seasons, however, there can always be some rain in London so you should always prepare for it!

The rainiest months in London are October and November, but you should pack an umbrella and waterproof shoes for all seasons.

Is Spring a Good Time to Visit London?

The Regent's Canal in Little Venice, London.
Little Venice, London

Yes, Spring is one of the best times to visit London!

The weather is great and there are not many tourists yet, so while you can enjoy the weather, you also avoid the big crowds that visit during summer.

When deciding when in Spring to visit London, the best months are April and May, as by then, the weather is warm and sunny.

The best things to do in London in Spring is to go sightseeing, visit the Kew Gardens, chill in parks, watch a play at the West End, and see the sunset from the Sky Garden.

Crowds

Spring is shoulder season in London, so there are not that many tourists visiting the city. Generally, Spring is not as busy as the summer season, which make it a great time to visit.

It can get a little bit busy around the Easter holidays, but apart from that, it is not so crowded.

Prices

The prices in London in Spring are still relatively low compared to the summer season.

March has the lowest prices in Spring, and from April and May, the prices start to go up.

You can still find some good deals for April and May (except for Easter) but you should book the hotels and flights well in advance.

Nevertheless, the prices all throughout Spring is lower than in the summer, so it is a great time to plan a trip!

The Best Things to Do in London in Spring

SEE THE HISTORIC SITES

The Tower Bridge in London, UK.
Tower Bridge, London

London has many famous attractions and historic sites that are must-see on a trip!

London is walkable and many of the attractions are in close walking distance of each other, so it is great to explore the city on foot.

The weather turns warm in Spring (although March can still be cold), so it is a great time to see London and be out and about.

In Spring, there are not that many tourists in London yet, so the famous places are not as crowded as during the summer.

Top Attractions to See in London:

  • Westminster Abbey
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • London Eye
  • Tower Bridge
  • Tower of London
  • Big Ben
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Trafalgar Square

VISIT THE KEW GARDENS

Kew Gardens in London, UK.
Kew Gardens, London
Flowers at the Kew Gardens in London, UK.
Kew Gardens, London
  • Kew Gardens Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm every day
  • Kew Gardens Tickets: GBP 20-24 (depending if you buy it online/in person and if for weekday or weekend)

The Kew Gardens is one of the best places to visit in London in Spring. Most of the flowers are in bloom in Spring, which make it the best time throughout the year!

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (known as Kew Gardens) is a botanical garden in Richmond, London. It is the largest botanical garden in the world and has over 50,000 plants.

The Kew Gardens is spread across a large area and to see everything, it is easy to spend the whole day there. If you get hungry, they also have cafes and restaurants on site!

Some of the best places to check out at the Kew Gardens is the Kew Palace, Treetop Walkway, Palm House, Great Broad Walk Borders, and the Temperate House.

There is also a train that goes around the botanic garden, so in case you get tired, it is a good way to get around. The train ticket costs GBP 6.50.

VISIT LITTLE VENICE

Boats on the Regent's Canal in Little Venice, London.
Little Venice, London

Little Venice is such a beautiful and peaceful part of London. It is a great place to be when the weather is warm, so from Spring onwards, it is the perfect time to visit!

Little Venice is known for boat trips between Little Venice and Camden on the Regent’s Canal. You can take a boat either from Little Venice to Camden, or vice versa.

The boat trip takes around 45 minutes and you can either go on the regular boat, shared by other travellers, or even hire your own private boat.

There is also a footpath along the canal, and it is a peaceful walk in the nature if you prefer to walk, instead of taking the boat. Along the canal, there are some cute cafes and art work, which make it more vibrant.

WATCH A PLAY AT THE WEST END

People and theatres at night at the West End in London, UK.
West End, London

The West End is known for some of the best theatres in London and watching a play is a nice activity all year around!

Many people come to London just to see a show at the West End, so if you like theatre plays, you should definitely watch one.

Generally, the tickets are between GBP 80-400 (USD 100-500) but they also have some deals online, where you can get 50-60% off on selected shows.

The discounts are usually for less famous shows but you can still catch some great shows if you keep an eye on the tickets.

Sometimes, you can also just show up at the ticket booths in the morning and get a ticket to a show the same day for a discounted price. These tickets are usually for less famous shows, but it is a good option if you are looking for a deal and don’t mind much what show you watch.

GO ON A DAY TRIP

The Stonehenge in England.
Stonehenge, England

The weather is cold in the beginning of Sping but then it starts to get warm and sunny from April onwards. Thus, Spring is a great time to go on a day trip from London!

There are many places near London that can be visited for a day trip. Going on a day trip is a great way to see more of England and learn about its culture.

Some of the best places to visit from London are Stonehenge, Canterbury, Windsor, Brighton, Oxford, Hastings, and Bath.

You can go on a day trip as part of a tour or organize it yourself. The trains and buses are fast and great options to visit places near London. For the best prices, you can check bus companies such as Megabus, National Express or Flixbus.

If you have more time, you can also extend the day trips to 2-3 days and spend more time in each place. This gives you more time to explore new places in a more relaxed pace!

CHILL IN A PARK

Flowers at the Secret Garden in London, England.
Secret Garden, Hampstead Heath
A small lake at the Secret Garden in Hampstead Heath, London.
Secret Garden, Hampstead Heath

While the beginning of Spring (March) may not yet be warm enough for outdoor activities, the weather turns warm and sunny in April, and it is finally warm enough to hang out in parks!

Some of the best parks in London are Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, Regent’s Park, and Primrose Hill.

One of London’s best kept secret is the Secret Garden in Hampstead Heath! It’s officially called as the Hill Garden and Pergola and it is popular among Londoners. It is was shown to me by my British friend and it is my favourite hidden gem in London!

WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE SKY GARDEN

A restaurant at the Sky Garden in London, UK.
Sky Garden, London

The Sky Garden is on the 35th floor of the “Walkie-Talkie” building and it has really nice views of London.

The Sky Garden is a great alternative to the Shard if you want to see London from high up, but don’t want to pay the price of the entry ticket for the Shard.

While, the entry to the Sky Garden is free, you have to reserve the tickets in advance. The tickets are released up to 3 weeks ahead and you have to book a specific time slot for your visit.

If you just show up at the Sky Garden without a ticket, and there are many people, they may not let you in. So, the best is to book the ticket ahead.

The best time to visit the Sky Garden is for sunset and you get a 360 degree view of London and its famous attractions, such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the Shard.

It’s a good place to spend a couple of hours, and there is also a cafe and a restaurant on site.

GO ON THE LONDON EYE

The London Eye in London, UK.
London Eye

The London Eye is a famous landmark in London and even though it is very touristy, it is a great experience!

The queues can be long, so it is best to get a fast track ticket to the London Eye. This way, you can skip the queues and not have to waste time queuing.

The London Eye is just by the River Thames and once you are on it, you get nice views of famous buildings in London, such as the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Skip the queue and book your ticket to the London Eye here!

GO ON A WALKING TOUR

The dome of the St. Paul's Cathedral in London, UK.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

The weather is great for outdoor activities in Spring in London, so it is a great time to explore London on foot!

March is still a bit cold, so it is good to wear warm layers, but from April onwards it is warm and sunny. There can be some rainfall too, so make sure to have an umbrella and waterproof shoes.

There are many walking tours in London that offer various options to learn about London’s history and culture.

When deciding on going on a walking tour, you have the options to explore historic sites, street art, go on a pub tour, or even a tour of British music!

Book a Walking Tour in London here!

HANG OUT AT A MARKET

Colourful umbrellas hanging at the Camden Market in London, England.
Camden Market, London
People and food stalls at the Borough Market in London.
Borough Market, London

London has many nice markets that are great places for vintage shops, artworks, jewellery, street food and drinks.

Some of the best markets in London are Camden Market, Portobello Road Market, Covent Garden, Spitalfields and Brick Lane.

Camden Market is a cool place in London and it has lots of food stalls, bars, second hand bookshops, vintage clothes shops.

The vintage shops are a great place to buy something unique or funny, or even to get a souvenir to take home! If you love books, it is a great place to browse books and find some second hand books at a good price.

Covent Garden is in central London and has many shops, restaurants and theatres. There are many hidden gems, restaurants and bars in small alleys around Covent Garden so it is a cool place to explore.

There are usually also street performers at that are fun to watch and it draws in big crowds.

Covent Garden is great but it is also a very touristy place in London. It can get very busy and crowded so make sure to watch out for your valuables.

The Borough Market is famous for its food stalls, restaurants, bars and shops. If you love food and snacking, the Borough Market is a great place to check out.

They sell many different delicacies, such as cured meat, street food, cheese, bakery items, fresh vegetables and fruits. It’s really a great place for food lovers!

It can get pretty busy on the weekends or during lunch hours, so the best time to visit the Borough Market is during the week (outside of lunch hours).

HAVE A DRINK IN A PUB

A pub in London, UK.
Elephant’s Head Pub, London
Drinks at an English pub with photos of British bands stuck on top of a table.
Drinks at a pub in England

The UK is know for its pubs, so you must go to a pub during a trip to London! Even if you are not up for drinking alcohol, they also serve meals in pubs.

In March it is still too cold to stay in the beer garden of pubs, but once the weather starts to turn warm in April, the outdoor areas of pubs are a nice place to chill.

Many of the pubs in the city centre can be very touristic, so if you want to go to more local pubs, just go a little bit further out from the city centre.

SEE A MUSEUM EXHIBITION

People at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, UK.
Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Animal skeleton at the Natural History Museum, London.
Natural History Museum, London

London has many museums and visiting the exhibitions can help you to learn more about the history of the UK.

The museums are open all year around, and have both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The best part is that many of the permanent exhibitions have a free entry, and you only have to pay for the temporary exhibitions.

Some of the best museums in London are:

  • Tate Modern
  • Tate Britain
  • British Museum
  • National gallery
  • Victoria and Albert Museum
  • Natural History Museum
  • Science Museum

VISIT THE HARRY POTTER FILM STUDIOS

The Hogwarts Express at the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio in Watford, England.
Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio, Watford

The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios near London is a fun activity all year around and it is great activity for both kids and adults!

The Harry Potter tour usually takes around 7 hours and you get to see the behind the scenes at the Warner Bros Studios in Watford.

You can walk around the set and also see the costumes that were used in the Harry Potter movies. It is a pretty cool experience and if you have time while in London, it is totally worth checking out!

You can either sign up to visit through an organized tour or plan the trip on your own. If you plan it on your own, the trains go from London Euston Station to Watford Junction.

Once you get to Watford Junction, there are shuttle buses every 30 minutes that run between Watford Junction and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios. The shuttle bus is free if you have a valid ticket to the Harry Potter Studio.

Book the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour here!

GO UP THE SHARD

The Shard at Sunset in London, England.
The Shard at Sunset, London
  • View From the Shard Ticket Cost: GBP 32-38 (General entry), GBP 45-51 (All inclusive entry)

The Shard is the tallest building in London with 309.6 metres (1,016 ft) and you get pretty cool, 360 degree views of London from the top.

There are restaurants and bars at the top, and the best time to visit is for sunset and evening. It is a nice place to visit if it is your only time in London or you want to celebrate is a special occasion.

It is open from 11 am to 7-8 pm on most days, except for Saturdays when it is open until 10 pm. It’s not possible to just show up, but you have to book your ticket in advance for a specific time and date.

Make sure to arrive a little bit before your scheduled time as if you arrive late (more than 15 minutes late), they could charge you a rebooking fee.

TRY BRITISH FOOD

Fish and Chips, a traditional British meal made out of fish and chips.
Fish and Chips

Trying the local cuisine in a new place is always a great thing to do. So, while you are in London, you should eat as much local food as possible.

British food is famous for the English Breakfast, Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and the Sunday Roast.

London is also a place of diverse culture and you can find many great restaurants serving other cuisines as well, such as Indian, Italian, Turkish and more!

There is also Secret Food Tour in London where you can have the best British food while also exploring London!

🥘 Book a Food Tour in London here!

GO ON A RIVER CRUISE

The Thames River and the Tower Bridge in London, England.
River Thames, London

The River Thames goes through London and a boat cruise is a nice way to see the attractions in the city. The London river cruises usually last between 1-2 hours and it includes a guide too.

There are many famous buildings along the Thames, such as the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament.

There are also public boats in London that take you through pretty much the same route as the paid cruises.

The public boats are run by the Uber Boats by the Thames Clippers, and you can even pay for the boat fare with an Oyster Card.

If you don’t want to go on a paid river cruise, the public boats are a great option. You get to go on a cruise and see the city for an affordable price.

BUY FLOWERS AT THE COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET

Flowers at the Columbia Road Flower Market in London.
Columbia Road Flower Market, London

The Columbia Road Flower Market is such a nice place and it runs every Sunday from 8 am to around 3 pm.

The weather turns warm in Spring, and being outdoors, shopping for flowers is relaxing activity in the morning.

The Columbia Road Flower Market is a nice place to be, especially in the Spring, with all the colourful flowers around. It is a popular place and can get busy, so it is best to arrive early around 9 am.

There are also many cafes and vintage shops on Columbia Road and you can spend the morning here, shopping for flowers and having a coffee.

You may be able to get some discounted flowers if you go later in the afternoon around 2 pm. Although just keep in mind that the later you arrive, the less flowers are available.

Tips for Visiting London in Spring

What to Wear in London in Spring

When deciding what to pack for London in Spring, it depends on when in Spring you are going to visit.

The temperatures are lower in March, so then, you have to pack clothes that you can wear in layers. For March, you can pack a waterproof jacket, but there is no need for a heavy, winter coat.

By April and May, the weather is warmer and you can wear Spring-like clothes. It does get cold in the evenings, so have some sweaters or a light jacket that you can wear in the evenings.

What to Pack for March:

  • Waterproof jacket (no need for heavy, winter coat)
  • Clothes you can wear in layers: jumper, long-sleeve T-Shirts
  • Scarf, beanie
  • Jeans
  • Waterproof shoes
  • Umbrella

What to Pack for April:

  • Jackets suitable for April: Light/waterproof jacket, leather jacket, or trench coat
  • Sweaters, cardigans
  • Blazer
  • Short-sleeved T-Shirt
  • Jeans, trousers
  • Full skirt Dress
  • Waterproof, comfortable shoes
  • Umbrella
  • Sunglasses

What to Pack for May:

  • Jackets suitable for April: Light/waterproof jacket, leather jacket, or trench coat
  • Light sweaters, cardigans
  • Short-sleeved T-Shirt
  • Dresses, Skirts
  • Jeans, light trousers
  • Waterproof, comfortable shoes
  • Umbrella
  • Sunglasses
Download page for a Printable London packing list.

Public Transport in London

The inside carriage of a tube train in London, England.
London Tube

The public transport in London is well-connected and safe. It can get crowded in the rush hours but it is one of the best ways to get around London.

The transport in London includes the tube, buses, trains, and there are also public boats that go on the River Thames.

The public transport runs as usual in Spring, except for some holidays, like Easter. During Easter and bank holidays, the public transport runs on a reduced, less-frequent schedule.

Overall, the public transport in London is easy to use and navigate. All tube stations have maps and while on the tube, the stations are always announced. In case you are not sure which way to go, you can always ask for directions.

You can pay for the public transport with contactless payment or Oyster Card. Oyster Cards are cards specific for transport in London and you can top it up and pay with it for public transport.

Oyster card works as a contactless payment on transport that you can tap on the bus or when going into the tube station.

Taxis in London

Black cab taxis in England.
Black Cabs, England

If you want to have some comfort, getting a taxi in London is safe and easy.

London has the famous black cab taxi services, as well as taxi apps (Uber, Bolt) that offer more affordable taxi prices. The price of Uber and Bolt are fixed, so you always know ahead the taxi fare.

The black cabs go on the meter, and it is a bit more expensive than Uber. However, black cabs can use the bus lane, so they can go faster than Uber or Bolt.

For booking black cabs, you can either hail them or use the Gett App to book.

London is safe and it is also safe to take taxis. If you take a taxi alone late at night, it is considered safer to take black cabs.

Walking in London

London is a walkable city and has a good system of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. Many tourist attractions are in close walking distance of each other and it is nice to explore them on foot.

Events in London in Spring

Hotels in London

Not sure where to stay in London? Check prices and availability for the top hotels for every budget:

📍 Best Hostel: YHA London Central

📍 Best Mid-Range Hotel: The Resident Covent Garden

📍 Best High-End Hotel: The Savoy

FAQs: London in Spring

Is Spring a good time to visit London?

Yes, Spring is a good time to visit London!

The weather is great and there are not many tourists yet, so while you can enjoy the weather, you also avoid the big crowds that visit during summer.

When deciding when in Spring to visit London, the best months are April and May, as by then, the weather is warm and sunny.

What to do in London during Spring?

The best things to do in London in Spring is to go sightseeing, visit the Kew Gardens, chill in parks, watch a play at the West End, and see the sunset from the Sky Garden.

Do I need a jacket in London in April?

You can wear a light, waterproof jacket in London in April. A leather jacket or trench coat is also a good option for April.

When is Spring season in London?

Spring season in London runs from March to May. While, the weather in March is still cold, it get warm from April onwards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spring is one of the best times to visit London!

The weather can be cold in March, but it turns warm in April and May. The days start to get longer, it is nice to chill in parks and you can also see the flowers in bloom.

The average temperature is between 3.7-17°C (39-63 °F) in London in Spring but the evenings still get cold. It does not rain much, but there can always be rain in London, so it is good to pack an umbrella.

Spring is a great time to visit London as the weather gets warm, but there are not that many tourists in the city, except around Easter which can get busy.

The best things to do in London in Spring is to go sightseeing, visit the Kew Gardens, chill in parks, watch a play at the West End, and see the sunset from the Sky Garden.

Like This Post? Pin It For Later!

Pinterest Pin design for a post on London in Spring.
Pinterest Pin design for a post on London in Spring.

Related Posts