Four seasons in London: what to do in the city come rain, chill or shine

Average temperature: 7 / 15 degrees

WHY: Come rain or shine - and it does both here, often at the same time - England's capital has a spring in its step as winter fades away, with a palpable sense of optimism in the warming air. If it's above 15 degrees expect to see more than a few Londoners in shorts and T-shirts.

HOW: Savour scenic strolls or bike rides through London's assortment of parks, where cherry blossoms, bluebells and roses brighten the colour palette, and grassy lawns entice with suntrap, or tree-shaded, picnic spots. Stretching west of the Palace of Westminster and Buckingham Palace is a lush, verdant corridor that includes Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. If the weather's playing up, head to South Kensington, where you'll find the world-class, admission-free Natural History, Science and Victoria & Albert museums. The latter boasts 2.8 million artefacts gleaned from across the globe, and serves light refreshments in its decorative 19th-century cafe and peaceful courtyard garden. Alternatively, try Rabbit, a farm-to-fork modern British restaurant on the King's Road in Chelsea, a stylish neighbouring district whose cutting-edge Saatchi Gallery always has thought-provoking temporary exhibitions. Bed down at The Other House, a dandy retreat, set across 11 Victorian townhouses in South Kensington. Beautifully-crafted public spaces flaunt plush fabrics, floral wallpaper and antique furnishings and the 237 rooms have kitchens, making this ideal for both short and extended stays.

Average temperature: 14 / 23 degrees

WHY: The weather is a lottery - it could be a 40-degree heatwave or grey, drizzly and 17 degrees - but summer sees London at its most bohemian. It stays light until 9 or 10pm and the holiday feel is tangible, whether you're watching tennis with strawberries and cream at Wimbledon or mingling in a buzzy beer garden.

HOW: Take to the city's stirring waterways. Enjoy a tranquil narrowboat ride on the Regent's Canal, which snakes past leafy, idyllic pockets, residential areas and colourful, thronging enclaves like Camden. Call in for its lively markets with cosmopolitan street food and watering holes with convivial terraces, such as the Hawley Arms. Or you could hang out on and around the mighty River Thames. Admire the icons - Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye - on slow-paced sightseeing cruises, hair-raising RIB speedboat trips or invigorating cardio workouts. Secret Adventures leads Thames kayaking tours between Greenwich and Battersea, whose iconic art deco power station has been magnificently restored. It now houses an industrial-chic mall jammed with stores and eateries. Deckchairs and open-air cinemas pop up on the revamped riverside promenade, and in a sleek new building opposite the power station, the funky Art 'otel has 164 rooms and two smart restaurants, including one by Michelin-feted Portuguese chef Henrique Sa Pessoa. The hotel's rooftop pool and bar is perfect for balmy summer evenings.

Average temperature: 9 / 16 degrees

WHY: There's no denying it. The shorter days, especially after the clocks go back at the end of October, dampen Londoners' moods. And you'll probably need an extra layer of clothing. But there's still plenty to light up an autumnal visit.

HOW: London's skies are quite the spectacle on and around Bonfire Night (November 5), which commemorates the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Embrace the occasion at Alexandra Palace, a splendid Victorian events hub, affectionately dubbed "Ally Pally", crowning a hill in London's north. Watch fireworks soar from the palace grounds. Laser shows, live music, an ice-skating disco and an Oktoberfest-inspired beer festival add to the fun. Autumn's fresh harvest also brings a twinkle to the eyes of London's chefs. Renowned for its flavour-packed seasonal dishes and tasting menus, Lyle's is set in a converted tea factory in Shoreditch, a wander-worthy district located where London's historic financial district blends into the gritty, gentrifying East End. There's something for everyone here: eye-popping street murals, indie boutiques, 24-hour bagel shops, coffee roasters, curry houses, gastropubs and eclectic markets. Exemplifying the neighbourhood's hip vibe is One Hundred Shoreditch, a hotel with 258 rooms, co-working areas, and six restaurants and bars, including a basement library-lounge by lauded London mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan).

Average temperature: 3 / 9 degrees

WHY: Whether it's a mild one or a proper bone-chiller, winter in London is usually, largely best spent indoors. Which isn't a problem, such is the glut of heated, covered diversions, from ace free museums and galleries to plush retail emporiums and cosy inns.

HOW: If the quirky Tate Modern doesn't tickle your fancy, how about the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square? Masterpieces by Michelangelo, van Gogh, Monet and other legends are displayed here, while next door's National Portrait Gallery reopened in June 2023 after a facelift. As well as kings and queens, you'll see pioneering women (Emmeline Pankhurst, Mary Quant, Malala Yousafzai) and inspiring Davids (Bowie, Beckham, Hockney). Head to nearby Chinatown for dim sum or have afternoon tea, with dainty sandwiches, scones and cakes, at Fortnum & Mason, London's oldest department store. Shop a bit here - or on Bond Street and Oxford Street, both lined with big brands - then enjoy a pint and people-watching at a storied Soho pub like The Dog and Duck (a former hangout of George Orwell). Catch a play at one of the West End's myriad theatres - perhaps Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, the world's longest-running show - or pamper yourself at The Londoner. This 350-room "super-boutique" hotel has a swish spa, an upscale Japanese izakaya and a chic-casual French restaurant overlooking Leicester Square, the always vibrant heart of London's West End.

Pictures: Visit Britain; Getty Images