London in December

Festive, busy, expensive

The short answer

December is a good time to visit London.

The single most atmospheric month if you're here for the festive city.

7/10 overall4–9°CHigh crowds€€€€ (High)

Weather6/10

Crowds4/10

Prices4/10

Events9/10

December in detail

What December actually feels like

Weather: 4–9°C; Cold and dark, with the shortest days of the year
Crowds: High; Shopping streets and festive attractions are packed from late November onwards
Prices: €€€€ (High); High through the month, peaking over Christmas and New Year

+Christmas lights, festive markets and New Year celebrations make December uniquely atmospheric.

–Christmas shopping and the holiday period push crowds and prices higher.

My tip for December

Early December gives the same lights and markets for meaningfully less than the final fortnight.

How December compares

5th of 12 overall in London, 9th for weather, 10th for space, 9th for value. The emptiest month is January; the best value is January.

Plan around

Christmas and New Year: The city becomes significantly busier around Christmas shopping, festive attractions and New Year's Eve. Early December delivers the same atmosphere for less.

Not set on December?

Mild weather, long evenings, parks in bloom and major events arrive before summer peak.

Spring parks, longer evenings and a strong cultural calendar.

Christmas lights, festive markets and New Year celebrations make December uniquely atmospheric.

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