London in Spring: The Complete Guide for US Visitors

Sharing is caring!

Spring is one of the best times to visit London. From March through May, the city shakes off the grey of winter and comes alive with blossom, festivals, and longer days. Crowds are smaller than in summer, prices are often lower, and the parks look simply stunning. London in spring feels fresh, open, and easy to explore.

If you are planning a trip from the US, this guide covers everything you need to know — from weather and packing to the best events, neighbourhoods, and practical tips for making the most of a spring visit.

When Does Spring Start in London?

Spring in London runs from March through May. Each month has its own character, so the best time to visit depends on what you are looking for.

March: Early Spring

March marks the start of spring, though the weather can still be cold and changeable. Average temperatures hover around 10°C (50°F). Rain is common, so a waterproof layer is essential. On the plus side, crowds are thin and prices are lower. London feels like a local city again — less tourist traffic, shorter queues, and easier movement across the city.

April: Spring in Full Swing

April is when spring truly arrives. Temperatures climb to around 13°C (55°F), and the parks begin to bloom. Cherry blossoms appear in Battersea Park and Greenwich Park. Easter weekend brings bank holidays, special events, and a lively atmosphere across the city. April is the most balanced month — reasonable weather, good value, and plenty to do.

May: Peak Spring

May is the most popular spring month for a reason. Temperatures average around 17°C (63°F), and the days are long — sunset falls around 9pm by late May. The Chelsea Flower Show takes place in mid to late May, and the whole city buzzes with outdoor energy. Book accommodation and attraction tickets well ahead if you are visiting in May.

What to Pack for London in Spring

Layers are your best friend. Mornings can be cool, afternoons warm, and evenings chilly — sometimes all in a single day. Here is what to bring:

• A light waterproof jacket (not a heavy coat — you will overheat)
• A mix of light and mid-weight tops for layering
• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
• A small umbrella or packable rain poncho
• Sunglasses — spring sunshine in London can be surprisingly bright
• Antihistamines if you suffer from hay fever, especially for May

Avoid packing a single heavy winter coat. You will overheat by lunchtime and be cold again by dinner. Flexibility is everything in London spring weather.

Best Things to Do in London in Spring

London in spring offers a mix of iconic sights, seasonal events, and outdoor spaces at their absolute best. Here are the highlights worth planning around.

The Royal Parks in Bloom

London has eight Royal Parks, and spring is when they are at their finest. Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park, and Regent’s Park all burst into colour from March onwards.

Look out for daffodils and crocuses in Hyde Park through March, cherry blossoms in Battersea Park in late March and April, and tulip displays in St James’s Park through April and May. Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden is particularly beautiful — the formal beds fill with colour against the palace backdrop, and entry to the gardens is free.

The Chelsea Flower Show

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place every May at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. It is one of the most famous garden shows in the world, and worth planning your trip around if you enjoy gardens. Tickets sell out well in advance, so book early. The show runs for five days, with a special evening opening on the Saturday. Garden designers, nurseries, and sculptors display their work across a large outdoor site just off the King’s Road in Chelsea.

Explore Without the Summer Crowds

One of the biggest advantages of London in spring is the smaller crowds. Popular attractions like the Tower of London, Tate Modern, and the British Museum are far less busy than in July and August. You can spend longer at each exhibit and move through the city without fighting for space on the pavements or the Tube.

Book tickets for the most popular attractions in advance, but expect noticeably shorter queues than in peak summer. The difference is significant, especially at places like the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Easter Weekend in London

Easter falls in late March or April each year. The bank holidays mean some businesses close on Good Friday and Easter Monday, but London more than makes up for it. Bermondsey Square hosts an antiques market, Portobello Road in Notting Hill comes alive, and major museums run special family programming. If you are travelling with children, Easter weekend in London is an excellent option.

Spring Events Worth Planning Around

Beyond the Chelsea Flower Show, spring brings a range of events that make London particularly lively from March through May.

The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race

The Boat Race takes place on the Thames each spring, usually in late March or early April. Hundreds of thousands of spectators line the riverbanks from Putney to Mortlake. Entry is free, and the atmosphere is festive. Find a spot along the bank early and enjoy one of London’s great free annual events.

The London Marathon

The London Marathon takes place each April. Even if you are not running, watching from the streets near Greenwich, Tower Bridge, or the Embankment is a memorable experience. The atmosphere is warm, the crowds are enthusiastic, and the sense of shared celebration makes it one of the best free days out in London.

Kew Gardens in Blossom

Kew Gardens is worth a visit specifically in spring. The bluebell wood and cherry blossom walk are among the most photographed sights in London during March and April. Entry costs around £21 for adults. Book in advance to secure your preferred date — Kew gets busy on spring weekends.

Spring Street Markets

Borough Market, Brick Lane, Columbia Road Flower Market, and Broadway Market all come back to life in spring. Warmer mornings and longer afternoons make outdoor browsing far more enjoyable. Columbia Road is worth visiting on a Sunday morning in April or May specifically — the flower stalls are stacked high with spring colour, and the street is one of the most atmospheric in East London.

Where to Stay for a Spring Visit

West London works well for spring visitors. Staying in Kensington or Chelsea puts you close to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and the Sunken Garden — all at their most beautiful from March through May. Notting Hill is a short walk away, and the colourful streets look especially striking in spring light.

South Bank is another strong option. You can walk along the Thames, visit Tate Modern, Borough Market, and Southwark Cathedral, and enjoy the outdoor terraces of riverside bars and restaurants as the weather warms up. The South Bank is particularly pleasant on May evenings.

Shoreditch and Hackney suit visitors who prefer East London’s independent scene. Spring weekends bring street markets, galleries, and coffee shops to life in a way that quieter winter months do not.

Spring Travel Tips for US Visitors

A few practical things worth knowing before you travel to London in spring.

Check the Clocks

The UK moves to British Summer Time in late March — clocks go forward one hour. This affects flight timings and any pre-booked transfers if you are arriving around that date. Double-check your schedule if you are travelling in the last week of March to avoid missed connections.

Book Ahead for Peak Periods

Accommodation prices rise sharply during Easter weekend and Chelsea Flower Show week. If your dates are flexible, the weeks either side of these events are quieter and better value. Hotels in central London book up faster than most US travellers expect, especially in April and May. Book at least three to four months ahead for any spring trip.

Day Trips Are Excellent in Spring

Spring is ideal for day trips from London. Windsor Castle, Oxford, Bath, and the Cotswolds are all stunning in spring, with blossom and fresh greenery at their peak. The English countryside in April and May looks like a painting. See our full day trips guide for destinations worth the journey by train or coach.

Plan Your Full Itinerary

If this is your first visit, start with our complete guide to planning a trip to London from the US. It covers flights, budgeting, timing, and what to expect on the ground. Then build your schedule around the spring events and neighbourhoods that interest you most.

FAQ: Visiting London in Spring

What is the weather like in London in spring?

London spring weather is mild but changeable. March averages around 10°C (50°F), April around 13°C (55°F), and May around 17°C (63°F). Rain is possible on any day, so pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and dress in layers. Warm sunny days happen regularly, but so do overcast, rainy ones.

Is spring a good time to visit London from the US?

Yes — spring is one of the best times to visit London. Crowds are smaller than in summer, prices are often lower, and the parks and gardens are at their most colourful. April and May are particularly good months for first-time visitors from the US who want good weather without peak-season pressure.

What is the best month to visit London in spring?

May is the most popular spring month, with warm temperatures, long evenings, and the Chelsea Flower Show. April is a close second — it offers the parks in bloom and Easter events, without the same level of crowds as May. March suits budget-conscious travellers willing to accept cooler, wetter weather.

How does visiting London in spring compare to summer?

Spring is generally quieter and less expensive than summer. July and August bring the biggest crowds, highest hotel prices, and warmest weather. If you want a balance of decent weather and manageable crowds, April and May are the sweet spot for most US visitors planning a first or second trip to London.

Sharing is caring!