The English have always enjoyed the weather. In spite of the fact they often have to put up with a pretty heavy amount of rain and bizarre changes of weather within the space of a few minutes, it has always remained a source of fascination. Talking about the weather accounts for more casual conversations than any other topic, and there is no better way to ‘break the ice’ than mentioning something about the forecast! The golden rule is to expect rain, sun, heat and cold all in one day… and dress accordingly!

Official Dates:- 21st September to 20th December

Wet, damp, misty and grey is the usual perception of an English autumn. Yet when Keats described it as the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’, he certainly conjured up the right image. It’s also the perfect time to go and visit one of London’s beautiful parks, with the foliage turning deep hues of red, orange and yellow, the abundance of colour rivals the amazing flower displays seen during the summer. Take a waterproof coat and some sensible shoes and go for a stroll around some of the capital’s incredible 8,000 acres of royal parkland. Pubs come into their own in Autumn too, offering warm and cosy refuge from the elements – the trouble comes in getting out of them again after a few pints. With the shops looking their finest and filled with Christmas goods, Autumn is a great time to visit London.

Average temperatures for the time of year tend to be around 60F for September, 55F for October, 48F for November and 45F in December.

Official Dates:- 21st December to 20th March

The coldest time of year, although London doesn’t suffer from snow and ice quite as badly as other parts of the country. Nevertheless it is advisable to take some warm clothes, as you’ll be lucky to have a warm day. It can get as dark as early as 4pm, but winter remains perhaps the most atmospheric time to come to London. The shops start their famous January sales in the New Year, so wrap up warm and find some bargains! You’ll also find hot chestnut sellers in the streets roasting chestnuts over hot coals. Why not take a day trip by train to Oxford or Bath for example. There’s nothing nicer than cruising through the frosty countryside with a glass of red wine in the comfort of a train carriage.

Average temperatures are 45F for December, 43F for January, 42F for February and 46F for March.

Official Dates:- 21st March to 20th June

One of the main aspects of the British climate is its changeable nature. This is probably more apparent in spring than in any other season. You could be enjoying an idyllic picnic one minute and rushing for cover the next! On the whole though, spring is one of the nicest times to visit the capital. The flowers are starting to bloom, the trees beginning to bud and the number of tourists has yet to reach its summertime peak. The first of the traditional ‘London Season’ events take place too – take to one of the bank side pubs down the Thames to catch a glimpse of the annual Oxford v Cambridge Varsity boat race for example.Just make sure you wrap up in warm clothe that can easily be removed when the sun pops out.

Average temperatures are 46F for March, 50F for April, 56F for May and 61F for June.

Official Dates:- 21st June to 20th September

“At last! Summer’s here,” comes the cry! Forget the fact that the majority of UK rainfall occurs during the summer, this is the time when people don their skimpiest t-shirts and gaudiest shorts, even if it’s pouring with rain. The British are always keen to try and enjoy themselves in spite of the elements, and many would feel defeated if they had to wrap up warm during the summer months, though there are invariably a number of days when the temperature gauge can top 80 or even 85. London is lucky to have so many green spaces to take advantage of on such days, and some parks are so peaceful you could well believe you’re in the countryside. Now is also good time to take a trip out of town – try Runnymead for example on the banks of the Thames in Surrey where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215, and where the memorial to the late President Kennedy is sited. From here you could also wander through Windsor Great Park and peak at Windsor Castle, one of The Queen’s residences and the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Don’t forget that umbrella though.