Visiting London in February? Here is what you need to know!
Thinking of visiting London in February? Here is why we think you should! London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Big Ben. You can’t go wrong with a visit to London in February!
But while many people flock to the city during the summer months to enjoy its iconic landmarks and cultural attractions, there’s another time of year that offers a unique and unforgettable experience: winter. February to be more precise! It is truly a great time of the year to visit London as the days are already much longer than at the start if the year and the weather is generally pleasant.
Of course, don’t forget, London can make for an unforgettable Valentines Day setting as well!
Planning Your Trip
Before embarking on your journey to London in February 2025, there are a few things you should consider, because they can make a world of difference!
Weather
Although February is technically still winter in London, it holds beautiful sunny days with temperatures that will make it feel like Spring Time! Don’t let it fool you; it can still bite! Prepare for possible frosty nights and even snow flurries! Average temperatures in London during February typically range from 3°C (37°F) at night to 9°C (48°F), during the day. Most people find London weather on average quite pleasant and mild, especially when compared to many other places your travels may take you.
The days also get longer quite rapidly, at a rate of about 3 and a half minutes per day, so if you are looking for outdoor activities, you may want to take that into consideration. By way of example, the 1st day in February sees about 9 hours of daylight, whereas on the last day it is nearly 11 hours. However, don’t confuse daylight with sunshine! The average recorded sunshine hours per day in London is about 2. But that is average, so don’t forget the sunscreen or a hat! You could of course also use your trusty umbrella for both!
The main thing to bare in mind is that the weather in February, although being mild and mostly pleasant, is quite varied and unpredictable. Be sure to pack those all important layers of clothing. If you are planning on outdoor activities such as walking tours, open-top bus tours or even taking a ride on the Thames Rocket, don’t forget a poncho and sunscreen too! Yes, you can get sunburn in London in February!
Accommodation
Book your accommodation well in advance, as savvy travelers quickly snap up good deals. Guide your choice of accommodation by your planned itinerary, budget, and arrival and departure airport(s) or station(s). Especially if you have already booked your flights! Check out our guide to London’s 6 International airports.
If your itinerary mostly includes attractions in outer London or even outside of London all together then it may be worth looking at more suitable accommodation in the outer boroughs. For general London sightseeing activities, you can find the majority of well-known and popular attractions and activities in the inner boroughs (suburbs) of London.
Don’t forget to take your transport to and from your accommodation into account. You may want to check the travel times to and from your list of attractions and the area you are searching accommodation within. The Transport for London Journey Planner as well as Google Maps are two great resources to do exactly this.
There is accommodation to suit all variety of needs and budgets in London. Just state your approximate budget, type of stay and duration, and you will find quite a range. If you are looking for something very specific, it’s always better to search well in advance!
What time is it in London?
In February, London operates on Greenwich Mean Time(GMT) which runs from October through to March
Things to do in London in February
There are so many things to do in London in February that it can be quite challenging to pick one over the other. Here is are some noteworthy contenders that would be worthwhile adding into any itinerary.
Early February
These few weeks offer the opportunity to experience festivities, cultural events as well as local London life. It is a great time to be in London for both Locals and visitors alike.
Fresh Art Fair – Alexandra Palace – 1st and 2nd February
Running from the 30th of January, the Fresh Art Fair event offers guests the opportunity to brows and buy contemporary art from a variety of artists. There will be up to 75 galleries, 750 artists and over 7500 artworks to browse and buy as well as attend workshops and more.
Chinese New Year (2025 – The year of the snake) 1st and 2nd February.
Although the 2025 Chinese Lunar new year is on the 29th of January, the festivities in London’s Chinatown start on Saturday the 1st of February. There will be various activities and lion dances on the Saturday, with the main New Years day parade on Sunday the 2nd of February. The parade will start at Duncannon Street, up Charing Cross Road and down Shaftesbury Avenue, dispersing on Rupert Street. For more information and to get a full schedule of events, take a look at this article on the Chinatown London website.
Watch a Football match or a Rugby game with the local fans
February in London is a great time if you are a football or rugby fan to soak up the spirit and attend a game in person for the experience of a lifetime!
Watch an English Premier League game – Saturday 2nd &3rd February
February offers you a good selection of games to choose from. Here is a selection of matches being played at home stadiums across London! These are all reachable via public transport and some are just a few stops away away from central London.
The planned line-up is as follows, but do keep an eye on the official English Premier League website for updates, changes and other football matches later in the month.
- Sunday 2nd February: Brentford v Tottenham at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford.
- Monday 3rd February: Arsenal v Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in Holloway.
- Monday 3rd of February: Chelsea v West Ham at Stamford Bridge in Fulham.
Later in the month there will be several more home games in and around London.
Watch England v France – Guinness Men’s 6 Nations Rugby – Saturday 8th February
Enjoy a classic game of rugby between two old rivals at the iconic rugby stadium in Twickenham. Watch out for ticket scams and buy yours from an official source like the stadium itself. As the game only kicks off later in the day it could make a nice day out in combination with a trip to Richmond Park or even Hampton Court Palace.
Valentine’s Day – 14th February
Love is truly in the air and where better to celebrate it than in London! From hand in hand strolls down cobbled streets, to romantic dinner cruises, London is a great place to celebrate Valentines Day. This year, Valentines day falls on a Friday which means you can make a whole weekend of it!
Some of our favorite picks would be;
- A sunset stroll along the South Bank of the Thames – If it is not cloudy, we would recommend the area near the London Eye to see the sun go down behind Big Ben and the houses of Parliament . Useful info: Sunset is officially at 17:14, meaning it will likely disappear from view about 5-10 minutes prior if it is not cloudy!
- A ride in the London Eye – Take the previous suggestion to the next level, literally! But be very careful as there may be delays and queues. We have more detail on the available option in our Valentine’s Day in London Guide.
- Views of London from above – London offers several viewing decks ranging from free to enter venues like Sky Gardens and Horizon 22, to the likes of the Shard, which costs from just under £40 to enter. There are also numerous roof top bars as well. As with so many things in London, you need to have a plan for changes in the unpredictable weather.
Sky Gardens London - Romantic River Cruise – Whether it is cuddling on the top deck of a sightseeing cruise or having an unforgettable romantic fine dining experience on a dinner cruise, these is something for all water lovers!
- Afternoon Tea – Enjoy this British tradition with a romantic twist!
- Paris? – If you are in London for a longer visit, why not take a day-trip to the original city of love! Hop on the Eurostar train and be in Paris for a romantic getaway within a getaway! Of course, make sure you have the right travel documents(Passports, Visa’s etc) to go out and come back in again!
Whatever you do we would love to see you in London for Valentine’s Day! We have more detail on the available option in our Valentine’s Day in London Guide.
Late February
By this time, the keen eyed would have noticed the odd early spring blossom. If you have been spending a lot of time outdoors, you may even be surprised at how much sunshine there is… Unless it has been snowing – both equally possible at this time of the year! The one thing that is very certain though, is that the days are getting longer! That just means that you can do more outdoor activities and the temperatures may be a bit higher than the weeks before!
Another chance to watch an English Premier League games in London.
In the 2nd half of February a there are several English Premier League games being hosted in and around London. Here are the current fixtures, but do keep an eye on the official English Premier League website for updates, changes and other football matches later in the month.
- Fulham will be hosting the following away sides at their home stadium of Craven Cottage in Fulham London. An easy commute if you are already in West London.
- Nottingham Forrest, Saturday 15th February
- Crystal Palace, Saturday 22nd February
- West Ham will be hosting the following away sides at London Stadium in West Ham, London,
- Brentford, Saturday 15th February
- Leicester, Saturday 27th February
- Crystal Palace will be hosting the following away sides at their home stadium of Selhurst Park Selhurst, London. An easy commute if you are basing your stay in Croydon.
- Everton, Saturday 15th February
- Aston Villa, Tuesday 25th February
- Spurs will be hosting the following away sides at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Tottenham, London. An easy commute if you are based in Central or North London.
- Manchester United, Sunday 16th February
- Manchester City, Wednesday 26th February
These are all reachable via public transport and some are just a few stops away away from central London.
London Fashion Week Thursday 20th February – Monday 24th February
While some shows and events are exclusive to industry professionals and invitees, there are also opportunities for the general public to get involved and experience the excitement. London Fashion Week is organized by the British Fashion Council. You will find more details about events on their websites. This article on The Sybarite is also quite insightful. If nothing else, you may see some glitz and glamour spill over onto the streets!
London Winter Classics
London always has plenty to offer in February, including indoor attractions such as museums like the British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern. These museums are perfect for escaping the cold and can provide endless entertainment and cultural experiences. The museum’s winter exhibitions and events are also worth checking out, featuring a wide range of topics from art and history to science and technology.
Battersea Power Station’s annual Light Festival is back, brighter and more interactive than ever, illuminating winter nights from 23rd January to 23rd.
London also offers a number of grand cathedrals and churches to visit and learn about their histories, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Southwark Cathedral, to name a few.
In addition to indoor attractions, London has plenty of shopping centers that offer a range of products and experiences. Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Westfield London are great places to find deals on winter essentials, with festive window displays and in-store promotions adding to the holiday atmosphere.
London also offers numerous markets and attractions, both indoor and outdoor. Even though it may no longer be the festive Christmas markets, of December, those in Borough Market, Brick Lane and Covent Garden are certainly worth a visit.
London also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including theater productions, concerts, and exhibitions. The National Theatre’s February lineup includes productions like “Ballet Shoes” and “Alterations“. Catch a show at the Shakespeare’s Globe or enjoy a concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
Believe it or not, London Parks offer a welcome respite from the buzz of the city. Look out for those lovely white snowbells peering out from between the green grass. You may also be able to spot some red Camellias as well!
Food and Drink
London is famous for its diverse food scene, which includes traditional pubs like The Anchor Tap with an excellent range of food and drink.
You can also enjoy world-class cuisine at top restaurants like the Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill or Aqua Shard.
You can also try delicious street food from vendors at Borough Market, Camden Market, or visit Brick Lane for food trucks, indoor and outdoor food markets.
Tips and Tricks
To make the most of your trip to London in February:
Local School Holidays:
The spring half term for Local schools in 2025 is from Monday, February 17 to Friday, February 21. So, expect the airports and train stations to be busier than normal during both weekends. You may even be visiting London because your children are on half term break! London can be fun for the whole family!
Book well in advance:
Reserve popular attractions and shows to avoid disappointment. Especially if you are booking something special for Valentine’s Day.
Pack warm clothing:
Don’t forget a scarf, gloves, and umbrella for chilly wet winter days. But because it is February, don’t forget the sunscreen if you are planning outdoor activities such as bus or boat tours.
Take advantage of deals:
Look out for discounts on accommodations, tours, and activities. Some popular winter promotions include hotel discounts and tour bundle deals.
Public Transport:
London’s public transportation system is one of the best in the world, but navigating it during winter can be tricky. Here are some insider tips:
- Avoid peak hours: Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am and 4-7 pm) when possible.
- Use contactless payment: London’s public transportation system uses a contactless payment system, making it easy to pay for your fare without needing cash.
Conclusion
Visiting London in February is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique blend of festive atmosphere, cultural events, and winter activities. So if you are still asking yourself, “Is it worth visiting London in February?”, our answer is a categorical “Yes, it is worth visiting London in February as you can have an utterly unforgettable time!”
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore one of the world’s greatest cities in style. With our insider tips and advice, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure in London. Happy travels to great places!