Wondering when is the best time to visit Windsor? This guide breaks it down by season and includes all the most important events.
Planning a trip to Windsor? This charming riverside town is steeped in royal history and home to the majestic Windsor Castle. We think it’s a year-round destination… so much so, we decided to live here!
But, depending on what you want from your visit, certain times of the year may be better than others. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season, including key events, the all-important weather, and when to visit to avoid the crowds.
When To Visit Windsor
Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best times to visit Windsor. Crowds begin to build by May, but it’s still quieter than the summer months.
If we had to pick a favourite month for a day trip to Windsor, it’d be May. As temperatures increase, you’ll start seeing beautiful blossom and vibrant daffodils around the town. Plus, as the days get longer, you’ll have more hours to enjoy in the town!
Average temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) in March to 16°C (61°F) in May, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Late spring is an ideal time to visit. It can be lovely and warm then, with lots of sunshine. You won’t find the tourist crowds as big as in the summer months, and there’s a lovely vibe as you wander around. Also, if you have kids who aren’t yet in school, you could enjoy some time at Legoland Windsor Resort outside of the peak school holidays.
There are a few exceptions to note. There are bank holidays in May as well as school half term holidays. You may also want to avoid the Easter holidays if you can, as visitor numbers boom and accommodation prices will be a little higher.
Spring in Windsor – Key Dates:
- Mother’s Day (usually March): Many local restaurants offer special afternoon teas and Sunday lunches.
- March – April: Daffodil season. You’ll see the vibrant yellow flowers all over the town.
- April: The first Space Safari Drone Show takes place at Royal Windsor Racecourse, featuring 600 drones creating amazing visual stories.
- April – May: Visit The Savill Garden or Virginia Water for amazing displays of rhododendrons, magnolias, camelias and azaleas.
- Easter Weekend: You’ll find a range of activities across the town. Sometimes there are Easter egg hunts and events at Windsor Castle and Legoland Windsor Resort.
- May: Royal Windsor Horse Show: Held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, this prestigious event attracts equestrian fans from around the world.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is Windsor’s busiest season, for good reason. The weather is more reliable at this time of year, with plenty of long sunshine-filled days. Daytime temperatures typically range from 18°C (64°F) in June to 26°C (73°F) in August. It can be sweltering if there’s a heatwave. In fact, the highest recorded temperature was a whopping 40.2°C just down the road at London Heathrow in July 2022!
Summer is peak tourist season, especially during the UK school holidays (usually around July 18th – first week of September). This doesn’t make it a bad time to visit, it just means you should plan your visit. If you intend to go to Windsor Castle or Legoland, definitely book tickets in advance. The same goes for restaurants. You might find long waits if you turn up, so book tables for lunch and dinner if possible.
It’s a lovely buzzy time in town. You’ll see lots of people enjoying the river – cruising on boats, taking tours or even paddling on kayaks or stand up paddleboards. Places like The Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park and The Long Walk will be full of people enjoying nature too. In fact, seeing the roses in bloom in The Savill Garden is one of our favourite reasons to visit!
Summer in Windsor – Key Dates:
- June – August: Visit The Savill Garden for amazing displays of roses and hydrangeas.
- June – August: Lots of horse racing meets and music events taking place during this time at Royal Windsor Racecourse.
- June: Windsor Championship Dog Show takes place, which is nicknamed the summer “Crufts” takes place in Home Park under the ramparts of Windsor Castle
- July: Parallel Windsor – A national mass participation celebration event of disability and inclusion, with multiple distances from 100m to 10km. It’s based on the Long Walk with amazing views to the castle.
- July: Windsor and Eton Pride. 2025 will be the first year of this celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities.
- July – August: Windsor Summer Festival takes place with lots of live music and outdoor events.
- July: Swan Upping takes place. This annual event is steeped in tradition and involves the Royal Swan Uppers travelling on traditional rowing skiffs, counting all the swans along a stretch of the Thames.
Autumn (September to November)
The beginning of Autumn is also a lovely time to visit Windsor. Once the school holidays end at the start of September, you’ll find visitor numbers reduced. But, with warm temperatures and lots of daylight hours, you’ll get the feel of summer without the crowds.
Temperatures cool from 19°C (66°F) in September to 10°C (50°F) in November. The autumn leaves changing colour makes for some beautiful photos in Windsor. Just imagine seeing the gold, orange and rusty reds throughout the landscapes. It’s gorgeous! We’d recommend visiting Windsor Great Park at this time, as well as a trip to The Savill Garden.
October half term brings slightly heightened numbers at the key attractions, as well as Halloween at Legoland.
Autumn in Windsor – Key Dates:
September – October: Windsor Fringe Festival takes place with events including music, drama, visual arts, film, poetry and more.
- September – November: “Brick or Treat” Halloween themed events at Legoland
- October: Some spooky-themed activities and events in the town centre.
- November: Bonfire night celebrations with fireworks displays around Windsor.
- November – January: Visit Windsor Great Park Illuminated for a magical light show experience with fountains, sculptures and more.
- November – January: Windsor On Ice takes place in Alexandra Gardens, with an ice rink and festive food and drink.
- November – December: LaplandUK opens in Whitmoor Forest within Windsor Great Park. This immersive Christmas experience is ideal for young children.
- November: Windsor’s Christmas lights are switched on.
Winter (December to February)
The most magical time to visit Windsor is the start of winter. The town is illuminated with Christmas lights and there are pretty window displays in all the shops. Plus, what better time to cosy up in one of the town’s historic pubs?!
Temperatures range from 0°C (36°F) to 8°C (46°F), so you’ll want to wear layers and pack a scarf, hat and gloves. There’s something pretty special about seeing the swans on the frosty banks of the River Thames. You won’t have so many hours of daylight in the winter months, but it’s still a lovely town to explore for a few hours.
There are lots of seasonal events around Christmas, including Windsor Illuminated, Windsor On Ice and Lapland UK. You’ll be able to marvel at the beautiful royal decorations at Windsor Castle too. Legoland usually hosts some fun activities around Christmas, with appearances from Father Christmas.
Winter in Windsor – Key Dates:
- November – January: Visit Windsor Great Park Illuminated for a magical light show experience with fountains, sculptures and more.
- November – January: Windsor On Ice takes place in Alexandra Gardens, with an ice rink and festive food and drink.
- November – December: LaplandUK opens in Whitmoor Forest within Windsor Great Park. This immersive Christmas experience is ideal for young children.
- December: Enjoy Christmas markets in the centre of town, plus lots of festive shopping.
- December: Windsor Living Advent Calendar usually takes place from 1st – 24th December, with different businesses opening a window or door each evening.
- December: New Year’s Eve celebrations at pubs, bars and restaurants.
- February: Legoland Resort Windsor opens for the year. It’s usually open until the start of November, plus a few days in the Christmas period.
So, When Is the Best Time to Visit Windsor?
As Windsor residents, we love this town all year round! There’s something going on in every season which makes it special.
However, if we had to pinpoint a few favourite times, we’d pick May and September. They’re great times to see the town without the huge tourist crowds, but with the benefits of warmer weather and longer daylight hours. These times are ideal for exploring the town’s historic sites, wandering through scenic parks, and taking boat trips along the Thames.