When is the best time of year to move to London

All year round London is vibrant, exciting and full of life. The best time to move to London depends on your personal circumstances and priorities. However, here are some factors to consider.

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Weather and the seasons

The only predictable thing about the weather in London is that it is unpredictable. It's not uncommon for all four seasons to be experienced in a single week. When living in London you will experience the variety of all four seasons, but if you're used to a warmer climate (eg. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa), you may want to move in one of the warmer months and gradually acclimatise moving into winter.

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Summer ☀️

Summer (June to August): Summer in London is usually warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from around 15-25°C. This is a busy time of year, with more tourists and outdoor events taking place, such as outdoor concerts, festivals, and street markets.

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Spring 🌷

Spring (March to May): Spring in London can be unpredictable, with some days feeling warm and sunny, and others feeling cold and damp. Temperatures typically range from around 10-15°C. This is a great time of year to enjoy London's parks and outdoor spaces, which come to life with the blooming of spring flowers.

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Autumn 🍁

Autumn (September to November): Autumn in London can be mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from around 10-15°C. This is a great time of year to enjoy the changing colours of the leaves and the crisp autumn air.

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Winter ❄️

Winter (December to February): Winter in London can be cold and damp, with temperatures ranging from around 5-10°C. This is a quieter time of year, with fewer tourists, but it can also be the most challenging season for those who are not used to the weather.

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Availability of rental properties

London is one of the most competitive rental markets in the world and is currently experiencing a housing crisis. According to the Mayor Of London, "In recent decades, London has excelled at creating jobs and opportunities. But at the same time, we have failed to build the homes we need." This can make finding a rental property to live in very difficult.

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Increased demand over summer 🔥

The rental market in London can be seasonal, with more properties becoming available in the summer months when people move in and out of the city. This can make it easier to find a property to rent in the summer, but be warned, competition for rental properties in London is always fierce.

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End of year slowdown 🎄

Many Londoners leave the city over the Christmas/New Year holiday period where they travel back to see their family. As a result, the city becomes (relatively) quiet and it can be hard to find a rental property during this period. However, many of the Londoners who leave the city put their rooms up for short-term sublet rent. This means you can usually find a good place to stay temporarily while waiting for flats to become available.

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Budgeting and saving

For many London movers, budgeting and being able to afford the move is the primary reason for deciding when to move to London.

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Saving enough money 💰

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world in terms of cost of living. Rent, transportation, food, and entertainment is usually a higher cost in London than in other parts of the world. You will need to save enough money to cover the cost of your move and living in London for at least two months when you start working.

Check out Migrate for more information and recommendation on managing the costs of moving and living in London.

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Emergency savings account 🏦

Expect the unexpected when it comes to costs. If possible, when moving to London, have a savings pot or account that will support you for 1 - 2 months should an unexpected financial event occur.

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Increased summer costs 📈

It is no secret that the best time to visit London is during the warmer summer months. With all these people coming to London during the summer, demand is high and prices go up, so moving during the winter may be more budget-friendly.

Finding a job

The best time to find a job in London varies depending on the specific job market and industry you are interested in. However, there are some important factors to consider.

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Hiring cycles 🚲

Many industries have distinct hiring cycles, with more job opportunities available at certain times of year. For example, many finance and accounting companies tend to recruit heavily in the first quarter of the year, while the education sector may have more opportunities in the summer.

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Economic conditions 🌎

The overall economic conditions in London can also impact the job market. During economic downturns, job opportunities may be more limited, while during strong economic growth, there may be more job opportunities available. This doesn't mean you shouldn't move when the economy isn't doing well, but understand that economic conditions play a role in how many jobs are available.

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Seasonal industries 🎢

Certain industries, such as tourism and hospitality, tend to have more job opportunities during the busy summer months, while others, such as retail, may have more opportunities during the holiday season.

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Competition 🏁

The job market can be competitive in London, with many people looking for work. However, the level of competition can vary depending on the time of year and the specific industry.

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European summer travel

Picture yourself laying on a Greek beach, partying until the morning on a Spanish island, or hiking in the Swiss Alps. Summer in Europe is glorious and is the nicest time of the year to travel. As a result, many movers to London decide to travel around Europe before settling in London.

Here are some of the reasons why travelling in Europe during the summer before you start your life in London is a good idea.

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Good weather 😎

During the summer months, the weather in Europe is generally warm and sunny, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and sightseeing.

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Longer days 🌅

In the summer, the days are longer, with daylight lasting well into the evening. This means you'll have more time to explore and enjoy the sights and sounds of Europe.

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Festivals and events 🤘

Europe is known for its vibrant music festivals (Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, Primavera Sound) and cultural festivals (Oktoberfest, La Tomatina, King's Day), many of which take place during the summer. Additionally, more is open during the summer. Some European towns (especially costal towns) close their restaurants and bars during the winter.

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Life at home

No matter what's going on in London, life at home is often a determining factor in when the best time to move.

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Rental leases 🔗

Many rental leases will have a clause that incurs fees if you break the lease early. As a result, many movers wait until their rental lease has expired before moving.

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Finishing University 🎓

There are plenty of opportunities in London thanks to its thriving economy. Arriving in London with a university degree will help you to find work.

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Weddings 💍

Maybe it's your best friend, your cousin, your favourite aunt getting hitched you wouldn't want to miss it. People often delay their move to London to accommodate important weddings.

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To understand when is best for you

Check out Migrate and the packages we offer. We'd love to help support you and your move to one of the world's greatest cities!