As year-round a destination as they come, London may not always boast the best weather, but you’ll never run out of things to do. Summer is lovely, of course, but if you don’t mind rain, opting for a different season is definitely going to save you some money and the headache of thick crowds. Here’s the best time to go to London, depending on your interests.

When Is the Best Time to Go to London?

If you want to avoid the tourist crowd (and you do), the best time to travel to London is during the spring (March to April) or fall (mid-September to the end of November). There will still be visitors from out of town – London is popular that way – but it won’t be nearly as crowded as during the summer. The rates are lower and the reservations for things like hotels and theater easier to come by.

It is generally advised that you book London hotels four to six months in advance.

What Is the Best Time to See London’s Royal Sites?

Despite what we just said about visiting in the spring or fall, if it’s London’s royal sightseeing destinations you’re most interest in, visit during the summer. Many of the residences are only open to the public when the residents are away on vacation. You may tour the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace from late July through September. Clarence House (home to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall) is open to the public in August. Kew Palace is closed during the winter. The Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace takes place daily April through July, and on alternate days the rest of the year. If you want to see Trooping the Colour (the Queen’s birthday parade and annual regimental review), it takes place in June.

What Is the Best Time for Shopping in London?

Coming to London to shop? Head to Harrod’s for their famous summer sale in late June or early July. Post-holiday sales are great for nabbing deals. Or, any time of year, head north of the city to Bicester Village, a luxury outlet center that is a supposed favorite of Kate Middleton.

What Is the Best Time for Theater in London?

What Is the Best Time for Families to Visit London?

Avoid the crush and high prices of summer and the holidays, if you can, and visit off peak. This may mean pulling the kids out of school but think of the education they’ll receive! There are many free museums and art galleries to visit, historic sites to see and theater to experience. Even getting around is straightforward and inexpensive for families – kids under 11 ride buses and the Tube free.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Museums and Galleries in London?

Again, you’ll find the least crowds in London during January and February. At this time, there are unlikely to be long lines for admission. Look on the museum or gallery website to find out which night of the week they are open late (usually one evening per week). Visit then to avoid the rush of the daytime.

What Is the Weather Like in London During the Off Season?

If you’ve seriously considered traveling to London during the off (or shoulder) season, you will have to think a bit more about what to pack – and be more flexible about what your sightseeing will look like, depending on weather.

During March and April, expect the unexpected when it comes to precipitation and temperature. Mid-March may be warm and sunny or just above freezing with the chance of snow flurries. As the month goes on, the chance of more springlike conditions increases. April, too, brings a mix of chilly and warm weather. Park layers and be sure to bring a coat.

If you’re considering a fall visit, you can expect a cooling trend in September, as the city heads into fall. The days shorten and the possibility of rain showers increases. October brings the threat of heavier rainstorms and omnipresent mist. The upside is that the leaves are changing color, making for an atmospheric time in the city. November means colder temperatures and more rain. Plan for cold, wet and windy sightseeing weather.

What Festivals and Events Happen in London Throughout the Year?

If you’re one who likes to soak up local life, try to visit during a festival or event that speaks to you and your interests. Here’s a monthly calendar of popular London events as a guide:

January

• New Year’s Day Parade from Piccadilly to Parliament Square
• London International Mime Festival, with circus and performance art and puppetry
• London Theatre New Year Sale with deeply discounted tickets for more than 65 top London performances in January and February (typically go on sale in December)

February

• Chinese New Year Celebration, the largest outside Asia
• London Fashion Week

March

• BFI Flare: London LGBT Film Festival
• The University Boat Race, between Oxford and Cambridge universities

April

• London Marathon

May

• Chelsea Flower Show

June

• Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
• Trooping the Colour
• Royal Ascot horse race
• Taste of London
• Open Garden Square Weekend, with more than 300 of London’s secret gardens open to the public
• Wimbledon

July

• Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
• BBC Proms, eight-week classical music festival

August

• Notting Hill Carnival, two-day street festival

September

• Totally Thames, month-long arts and cultural celebration on and near the River Thames
• Open City London, when usually off-limits historical buildings are open to the public
• London Fashion Week

October

• Frieze Fair
• BFI London Film Festival

November

• Guy Fawkes Night/Bonfire Night
• The Lord Mayor’s Show, a grand street parade in honor of the year’s newly elected Lord Mayof of London
• Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
• EFG London Jazz Festival

December

• Christmas Market
• Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks