London Travel Safety Guide for 2024

You want to visit London, the greenest city in the world, home to Big Ben, the Tate Modern, and the London Eye, but first, you need to know—how safe is this cosmopolitan capital?

The good news is that the capital is generally safe. What do you mean ‘generally’? You ask, clutching your purse.

Stick with us for the most useful safety tips, recommendations of what areas to visit and what areas to avoid, what you can expect in terms of police presence, and more. Learn just how street-smart you need to be in London to navigate potential dangers and enjoy your vacation free of worries.

Is London Safe?

London is relatively safe, especially for a big city. According to The Economist, London is the fifteenth safest city globally – much safer than other tourist hotspots like Paris, Milan, and Rome.

Here’s a quick rundown of London’s safety status:

• The most common crime in London is anti-social behavior
• Westminster is the most dangerous neighborhood, whereas the City of London (the administrative district) is the safest
• London had a lower homicide rate than 120 of the biggest US cities
• You’ll see plenty of helpful police officers around London – about 34,868 of them were spread across the capital in 2022
• Public transport is safe, as long as you keep an eye on your belongings
• The UK medical system is one of the largest and best both in quality and providing universal health care
• The main natural and environmental concerns are storms, floods, heat waves, and bad air quality

Travel Advisory for London

According to travel advisories issued by the United States and Canada, London falls into the level 2 safety category – ‘Exercise Increased Caution’.

The US State Department warns tourists about the possibility of terrorist attacks, mentioning potential targets like tourist spots, transportation hubs, markets, hotels, and more. They emphasize that terrorists might strike with little or no warning.

Similarly, the Canadian travel advisory raises concerns regarding terrorism, but mostly focuses on common, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and cellphone theft in certain tourist areas of London.

Keep in mind that these advisories apply to the entire United Kingdom, but as London is the capital, it’s more susceptible to some of these crimes. So yes, the higher-ups say it’s safe to visit London, but they also want you to proceed with caution and be ready for anything.

A Comprehensive Look at London Crime Rates

The most common crime in London is antisocial behavior (consumption of illegal substances, illegal raves, drinking, urinating, defecating).

In 2019, London had a lower homicide rate than 120 of the biggest U.S. cities, at just 1.9 per 100,000 residents.

Surprisingly, possession of weapons is the least common crime, which is good news and probably why violent crimes like homicides are very rare.

In terms of neighborhoods, Westminster is considered the most dangerous place area in London, followed by Camden, Newham, Southwark, and Lambeth.

Conversely, the safest neighborhood is the City of London, also known as just “the City” or “Square Mile,” followed by Kingston upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton, and Merton. So, when you’re exploring London, gravitate towards the safer districts to decrease the chances of getting into trouble.

Here are some hard numbers to help you get a better understanding of crime stats in London.

Safety concerns	Number of crimes committed	Crime rate (per 1,000 residents)
Anti-Social Behavior	255,602	28.55
Violence & Sexual Offences	252,379	28.19
Theft	123,561	13.80
Vehicle Crime	106,253	11.87
Theft From the Person	61,762	6.90
Public Order Crime	60,089	6.71
Criminal Damage and Arson	53,839	6.01
Burglary	51,934	5.80
Narcotics	41,078	4.59
Shoplifting	38,146	4.26
Robbery	27,217	3.04
Bicycle Theft	18,655	2.08
Other Crime	10,963	1.22
Possession of Weapons	5,066	0.57

London Crime Map

Neighborhood (Most to least dangerous)	Number of crimes committed
Westminster	77,765
Camden	35,658
Newham	34,870
Southwark	34,552
Lambeth	33,545
Croydon	33,306
Tower Hamlets	32,586
Hackney	30,341
Enfield	29,634
Brent	29,628
Ealing	28,926
Haringey	28,298
Islington	28,230
Lewisham	27,592
Barnet	27,569
Hillington	26,744
Greenwich	26,156
Redbridge	24,169
Hounslow	23,783
Wandsworth	23,693
Bromley	22,645
Waltham Forest	22,523
Kensington and Chelsea	20,626
Barking and Dagenham	19,864
Hammersmith and Fulham	19,714
Havering	19,087
Bexley	15,765
Harrow	15,017
Merton	13,864
Sutton	13,425
Richmond upon Thames	11,816
Kingston upon Thames	11,632
City of London	7,961

Police Presence in London

You’ll find a substantial number of helpful police officers around London. In fact, the number of police officers in London has reached an all-time high.

In 2022, there were 34,868 police officers in London, an increase of 1,065 officers since 2011. The majority, around 33,984, work for the Metropolitan Police Service, responsible for policing most parts of the UK capital. Additionally, the City of London Police, with a total of 884 police officers, maintains peace and order in the historical center of the city.

During the summer of 2023, in response to anti-social behavior reports, more police officers moved in on parks and green spaces in London. The Metropolitan Police also has an official website where tourists and residents can report crimes and check out safety tips for their visit to London. So, you can count on a visible police presence and resources to help ensure your safety in the city.

Public Transportation Safety in London

London’s public transport is generally safe, with millions of passengers traveling daily, and very few witnessing or falling victim to crime. There’s a team of over 2,000 officers watching over the transport network, making sure things are safe for everyone.

However, while the authorities do their part, passengers should also take care of their safety. Never leave your belongings unattended during your journey. Keep bags closed, hide your phone, and sit on the first floor at night, so you’re closer to an exit in case of any concerns.

Medical Care Quality in London

The NHS (National Health Service) is the United Kingdom’s universal healthcare system. It is in charge of everything health-related in the country and is one of the largest health networks in the world, assisting approximately a million people every 36 hours. Overall, the NHS offers an excellent standard of healthcare, coming in 10th in the 2021 World Index of Health Innovation. It’s also well-respected — in the UK, people rank it as the number one thing they’re most proud of.

One thing to note: There might be a bit of a wait in the emergency room or for scheduled appointments. If you want to save some time on your limited days there, you can also consider going to private medical centers in London.

Here are some of the most well-known healthcare establishments in London:

• Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH)
• The Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Specialist Care
• The Wellington Hospital
• The London Clinic
• The Cleveland Clinic
• King Edward VII’s Hospital
• The Portland Hospital
• The Queen Square Private Hospital
• The Princess Grace Hospital
• The London Welbeck Hospital
• The Lister Hospital
• The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
• The Harley Street Dermal Clinic
• The Blackheath Hospital
• London Bridge Hospital
• Cromwell Hospital
• Highgate Private Hospital
• Priory Hospital London
• St Anthony’s Hospital
• The Hendon Hospital
• The Weymouth Street Hospital

Is It Safe to Travel Solo in London?

London is generally a safe destination for solo travelers, thanks to its efficient public transportation system and significant police presence. However, according to Numbeo statistics, London isn’t the safest place for nighttime solo strolls, particularly in high-crime areas. So, while enjoying a solo trip in London is possible, staying vigilant is key, especially after nightfall.

Is It Safe to Travel to London as a Family?

As long as you stick to family-friendly spaces and attractions, London is among the safest cities for families. A must-visit attraction is the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio tour—your kids will be left in awe! Even if you (rightfully) think that the movies got nowhere near the quality, heart, and charm of the books, the sets are still pretty cool.

However, just like in any destination, it’s important to be cautious. Keep an eye on your children, especially in crowded places or when using public transport. It’s also a good idea to stick together during your adventures and plan only daytime excursions—not only should your kids get a good night’s rest, but also the city is less safe at night.

Perils of Nature: The Risk of Natural Disasters in London

London doesn’t experience major natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes, but the capital has its own quirky weather and environmental hiccups—storms, floods, heatwaves, and low air quality.

Storms

London experiences fairly consistent rainfall throughout the year, with an average of 11 to 15 rainy days each month. The months of November and August typically see the highest rainfall, while March and April are the sunniest.

Frequent rain sometimes brings an occasional storm. Although not as severe as hurricanes, the storms’ heavy winds and rainfall can still disrupt your plans, forcing you to reorganize activities and transportation, while causing delays. Follow the latest weather reports regarding the London area and try to plan ahead. If there’s a storm brewing, what better way to spend the day than inside one of London’s many museums?

Floods

Intense storms can lead to localized flooding, especially following heavy and prolonged rainfall. In 2021, for instance, a month’s worth of rain fell in only one day.

This amount of rainfall can lead to evacuations, temporary closure of the London Underground stations, and even the shutdown of businesses near the River Thames. In times of floods, you can’t do much about it except be patient and avoid traveling to the flooded areas. Book rooms at a hotel that’s further from the river so you won’t run the risk of getting evacuated.

Heatwaves

London has been experiencing more intense heat waves, similar to Barcelona, New York , and other urban areas affected by climate change. In 2023, the highest heat wave reached 91ºF (33ºC) in London. However, in July 2022, temperatures soared above 104ºF (40°C), marking it the hottest day ever recorded in the country.

The extreme heat can make London quite uncomfortable. If you’re out during the hottest hours, it’s easy to feel dizzy or, in severe cases, get a heatstroke. Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade to stay safe.

Air Quality Issues

The city’s large size, dense roads, and tall buildings make central London one of the most polluted places in the country. The capital tends to be the most polluted when there’s light wind, clear skies, and a lower chance of rain.

On those bad air quality days, you might experience a sore throat and a headache. Plus, you won’t have the best visibility to witness what the city has to offer. Still, you can have a great time in London when the air quality is low—just limit your adventures to indoor venues like malls, museums, restaurants, and cinemas. Track London’s air quality in real time and avoid the most affected neighborhoods.

Beware the Silent Threat: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in London

Carbon monoxide (CO) forms when fuels don’t burn properly. In homes, it could leak from faulty water heaters, furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, stoves, and ovens If CO enters your bloodstream, it stops your blood from carrying oxygen, which could lead to loss of consciousness, nausea, headache, etc., or, in severe cases, be fatal.

The UK records around 50 fatalities and hundreds of injuries every year due to carbon monoxide. In 2023, London had a carbon monoxide leak at a hotel in Kensington. It affected many people, and some had to go to the hospital.

When you’re in London, it’s a good idea to ask the hotel staff if they have carbon monoxide detectors in their rooms. These gadgets check the air quality and let you know if there’s a dangerous gas leak. For added safety, you can carry a portable carbon monoxide detector.

London Weather Patterns: What to Expect

London’s weather can be quite varied. In general, summers are short, warm, and cloud-free though still somewhat rainy. Winters are long, chilly, and often overcast.

The warm season, from June to September, sees July as the hottest month, with highs averaging 73°F (22°C) and lows averaging 59°F (15°C). The cooler period spans from November to March, with February as the coldest month, averaging 39°F (3.8°C) lows and 48°F (8.8°C) highs.

In London, the skies clear up between April and October, peaking in July, while December tends to be quite a bit cloudier. Rain showers are a year-round affair in London, with October seeing the most rain, around 2.2 inches (55.88mm), and March seeing the least, about 1.2 inches (30.48mm).

Days vary a lot in length over the year. The shortest day in 2023 is December 22, with just 7 hours and 50 minutes of daylight, while June 21 brings the longest day, with 16 hours and 39 minutes of daylight.

Monthly Average Temperatures in London

Month	Fahrenheit (°F)	Celsius (°C)
January	43	6.1
February	43	6.1
March	47	8.3
April	51	10.5
May	57	13.8
June	62	16.6
July	66	18.8
August	65	18.3
September	61	16.1
October	55	12.7
November	49	9.4
December	45	7.2

When Is the Best Time to Visit London?

The best time to visit London is typically from June to September, as the weather is fantastic, and there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, London has something to offer year-round, so you’ll have a great time no matter when you visit.

Here’s what each period has to offer:

Best Weather (June to September): Summer brings the warmest temperatures in London. July is the hottest month with the clearest skies. This is one of the busiest tourist seasons in London, so be ready for bigger crowds and higher prices.

Best Prices (January, February, March): London prices drop in the period between the winter holidays and Easter break. This is when you’ll find the best deals on hotels, flights, and city tours.

Low Crowds (January, February, March, April, and November):  Around the winter holidays and Easter, the city is quieter. Perfect for checking out the hotspots without dealing with the usual crowds.

How to Stay Safe in London

We promised to tell you just how street-smart you need to be in London:

• Use navigation apps like Citymapper to get around
• Pick hotels with good reputations and positive reviews, and consider using Booking or Airbnb
• Only hail black cabs on the street or consider taxi apps like MyTaxi
• Check tube schedules as not all lines run 24/7
• Watch out for fake charities asking for money—legitimate charity collectors in the UK carry a permit and registration number
• Purchase tickets for London concerts and events from online platforms, not sellers at outside venues
• Be careful how use use your phone when you walk along the pavement, as moped thieves may snatch it from you
• Hit ATMs in banks or malls where there’s security around
• If you catch the bus at night, choose a seat downstairs
• Explore the city with a tour group rather than alone, especially at night and especially if traveling to the dodgier parts of town
• Watch your drink being made
• “Arm” your kids with bracelets bearing their name and your contact number
• Invest in a GPS locator, like Apple AirTags, and attach them to your kids’ clothes or backpacks

Emergency Numbers

• Police, fire, and ambulance: 112 or 999
• Non-urgent matters: 101

FAQ

Double-Decker Buses, Sherlock Holmes, Black Cabs, Big Ben, Royal Guard… Here We Come!

Enjoy all that London has to offer now that it’s relatively safe – so long as you keep your wits about you.

This bustling capital is the fifteenth safest city in the world. Yet, travelers should keep an eye on petty crimes like pickpocketing and antisocial behavior.

Our concluding advice? Stay street-smart, whether you’re exploring the lively streets or the lush parks. Avoid dangerous neighborhoods and dodgy alleyways and if going out at night – stick to your group. The well-prepared police force and top-notch medical system—that you’ll hopefully never need—should keep your mind at ease!

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