With a warm coat and umbrella, January is an excellent time to take advantage of England's low-season prices and crowds. You'll have more options than you might think, whether you seek an escape in the quaint countryside, winter surfing on the Cornish coast, or more elbow room at famous cultural sites from York to Bath. Of course, you can always find something buzz-worthy in London, starting with a street parade marking the first day of the year.
February is a great time to take advantage of low rates and fewer crowds in England. Though it's winter, there are many options to choose from, with lesser-known cities, romantic drives in the countryside, and outdoor adventures on the southern coast (like cliff walking and surfing). Or, stick around London and see the famous sites—plus, there's a month-long orchid show at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
March signifies a hopeful transition toward spring. This is when temperatures and daylight hours are on the upswing, while rates remain low (except for Easter if it falls early). Use this month to take advantage of less-crowded cultural opportunities and scenery, perhaps with a coastal hike in the south where there may be more sunshine and milder temperatures.
April is a lovely time to visit England, even though the weather can be fickle with a mix of chilly rain and bright blue skies. One thing is for sure: This is a time when trees and flowers begin to bloom, bringing vibrant color to the country's gorgeous parks, gardens, and squares. Crowds and prices are still reasonable before peak season, but there will be a spike during Easter—a popular travel week for students and families.
May in England is awash in fresh greenery and color, from stately manicured gardens to the rugged woodlands where bluebells bloom. It's also a great month to catch off-peak prices before the summer season (and crowds) arrive. However, plenty is going on this month with festivals celebrating Vikings, seafood, and opera—and, of course, gardening at London's famous Chelsea Flower Show.
June is a beautiful month to visit England as spring turns to summer. Take advantage of the prime weather with a self-guided road trip, perhaps through the Cotswolds or Lake District—or head south for beaches, seafood, and coastal hikes. Make sure to tack on a few days in London with events like the Queen's birthday and Wimbledon, which kick off at the month's end.
July is prime summertime in England, with the best weather of the year and long daylight hours to enjoy activities like hiking, swimming, and surfing. You can also kick back on a leisurely road trip through the stunning countryside and stop at historical attractions. Of course, England's cities beckon in July with music festivals and an enormous Pride parade in London.
In Augus, England is abuzz with summer vibes when crowds—especially families—head for the beaches and parks to soak up as much outdoor fun as possible. It's easy to find peace and quiet with a self-guided road trip in the countryside, while travelers seeking action can travel (perhaps by train) to bigger resort towns and cities where events and festivals are in full swing.
September is one of the best (and driest) months to travel in England. Summer is still in session, yet the peak crowds are starting to dissipate for more peace and quiet. Meanwhile, those who like to nosh can flock to several foodie events around the country—like a seafood fest in Dorset, which pairs nicely with the area's stunning coastal trails.
Despite an increase in rain, October is a lovely time to experience autumn colors around the English countryside—perhaps with a self-guided road trip in the Cotswolds or a river tour in a medieval university town. If big city life is more your speed, London has plenty of action this month with a marathon (and half-marathon), a star-studded film festival, and Halloween-related events.
November is one of the quietest months to visit England—a fantastic opportunity to spread out at cultural sites and historical attractions. When the sun is out, consider some time outdoors in the late autumn foliage. If the rain is stubborn, use it as an excuse to plan a museum day followed by afternoon tea or a pint at the nearest pub.
England loves Christmas, and the entire country gets decked out for the holidays in December, adding some much-needed atmosphere to the shortest days of the year. If London is too crowded for your taste—and it will be busy—consider other great cities, like Manchester, as well as charming towns and villages where there will be plenty of festivities, plus close proximity to cultural attractions and nature walks.
