London is a year-round destination, but every season offers a different experience. The weather, crowds, and travel costs can vary significantly throughout the year. Choosing the right time to visit can make your trip more enjoyable and help you save on flights and accommodation. Here's everything Malaysian travellers need to know before deciding when to visit London. 

Read More: 20 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in London

London has four distinct seasons, unlike Malaysia's consistently warm tropical climate. Summers are generally mild and comfortable. Winters are cold, with temperatures often dropping close to freezing. Daylight hours are also much shorter during winter.

The city is known for its cloudy weather. However, it doesn't rain as often as many people expect. Heavy downpours are relatively uncommon.

If you're visiting from Malaysia, be prepared for the cold. Even temperatures between 5-8°C can feel much colder than expected. Make sure to pack warm clothing, especially for autumn and winter.

Every season in London offers a different experience. Some months are ideal for sightseeing, while others are better for festivals, autumn colours, or lower travel costs. Here's what you can expect throughout the year.

Weather

Temperatures range from 8–17°C. Expect a mix of sunshine, clouds, and occasional light showers.

Best for

Budget

Spring is considered shoulder season, so flights and hotels are generally more affordable than summer. Prices usually rise during the Easter holiday.

Weather

This is London's warmest season, with temperatures between 18-26°C. In June, daylight can last until after 9pm.

Best for

Budget

Summer is the peak travel season. Flights from Kuala Lumpur and central London hotels are at their most expensive, so booking several months ahead is highly recommended.

Weather

Temperatures gradually cool from around 18°C in September to 8-10°C by November. Parks and streets turn vibrant with autumn colours.

Best for

Budget September and October offer one of the best combinations of comfortable weather, smaller crowds, and lower accommodation prices.

Weather

Temperatures usually stay between 2-9°C. Snow is uncommon, but it can happen in January or February. Winter days are short, with sunset as early as 3:45pm in December.

Best for

Budget

January and February typically have the lowest hotel rates of the year. Early December can also offer good value outside the Christmas and New Year period. Just be prepared for colder weather and limited daylight.

If this is your first London trip and you want the best balance of weather, value, and things to do, aim for late September to October or May. Both windows offer mild temperatures (roughly 13-18°C), London's outdoor spaces at their most picturesque, and prices that haven't reached summer peaks. You'll also find popular attractions slightly less jammed, which matters when you're queuing for something like the Tate Modern or a Buckingham Palace tour.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in London: A 2026 Travel Itinerary

Malaysia Airlines operates the most direct routing between Kuala Lumpur and London Heathrow, with flight times of around 13-14 hours depending on wind conditions. Other carriers including British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines operate one-stop options via their respective hubs; these add transit time but can sometimes come in cheaper, particularly during off-peak periods.

Fare-wise, January and February tend to offer the lowest rates out of KL, reflecting the quieter winter demand in London. School holiday periods, particularly June to August and the December-January window, are predictably the most expensive. As a general rule, booking 6-8 weeks ahead gives you a reasonable shot at competitive fares, though for summer travel you'll want to secure tickets earlier.

Malaysian passport holders are required to obtain a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the United Kingdom. Unlike some destinations that offer on-arrival or electronic approvals, the UK visa requires a formal application through the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal, which involves submitting supporting documents including bank statements, employment proof, accommodation bookings, and a detailed travel itinerary.

The Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to six months, and the application fee is £115 (approximately RM 640 at current rates). Processing typically takes around 3 weeks, though VFS Global, the official visa application centre, recommends applying at least 6-8 weeks before your travel date, especially during busy periods around school holidays. Biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) will be collected at your nearest VFS centre in Malaysia.

Your passport should be valid for the full duration of your stay. Always apply through the official UKVI portal or an authorised VFS Global centre to avoid third-party service scams.

London's accommodation scene runs the full spectrum from world-class heritage hotels to solid mid-range options well-suited to Malaysian families and couples. Here are four picks across different price points.

One of London's most storied five-star addresses, The Langham sits just off Oxford Circus, combining Victorian grandeur with contemporary comforts, think afternoon tea at Palm Court, an award-winning spa, and rooms with genuine character.

Strand Palace Hotel is a long-standing favourite for value-conscious travellers in a central location, right on The Strand, walking distance from Covent Garden, the Thames, and major West End theatres. A reliable mid-range choice with a strong location-to-price ratio.

Premier Inn London City (Aldgate) is one of the better budget-friendly options near the City and East London, with consistent standards, straightforward pricing, and easy Tube access across the capital. A practical pick for travellers prioritising location and value over frills.

citizenM London Victoria Station offers a design-forward stay in one of London's most interesting neighbourhoods, compact, stylish rooms with smart technology, strong coffee, and a buzzy common area, positioned well for exploring East London's food and street art scene.

*Please note that all prices mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of publication. Prices are subject to change at any time depending on the season, availability, and the hotel's policies.

Read More: 15 Best Free Things to Do in London in 2026 (World-Class Museums and More)

Once your travel dates are locked in and your visa is sorted, Traveloka brings everything else together in one place. Book your flights, find the right hotel, arrange car rentals, and browse London experiences, all within a single app. Take advantage of exclusive deals including up to 25% OFF hotel bookings, Free Hotel Cancellation, Easy Flight Rescheduling, and our Best Price Guarantee. (Terms and conditions apply)

Backed by over 140 million cumulative downloads, Traveloka is the #1 travel booking app in Southeast Asia (SensorTower, 2014-2025). With access to 300+ airline partners, 2M+ hotel properties worldwide, 2K+ car rental and transfer providers across 50+ countries, and 90K+ local activities, plus 24/7 live agent support, your London trip is in good hands. Download Traveloka via the App Store or Google Play and start planning.