London in Autumn: Weather, Outfits & Things to Do (2025)

The average temperature is between 6-19°C (43-66 °F) in the Autumn. September is the warmest and while it is cold in November, it is not as cold as it gets during winter. It is good to pack warm clothes that you can wear in layers, a waterproof jacket and shoes.

As Autumn is shoulder season, the prices for hotels and flights are cheaper at this time. From mid-November onwards, London also starts to get into the Christmas holiday season, so it is a good time to visit London while there are less tourists around.

The best things to do in London in Autumn is to go sightseeing, visit a museum exhibition, watch a show at the West End, hang out at a market, chill in a park, check out the Open House London, attend the Totally Thames Festival, and watch a film at the BFI London Film Festival.

Here is everything you need to know about visiting London in Autumn!

London in Autumn

When is Autumn Season in London?

Autumn (or Fall) in London runs from September to November.

Autumn is shoulder season in London, meaning that it is less busy with travellers and has lower prices. At the same time, the weather is pretty good, and it only really starts to get cold in November.

London Weather in Autumn

September, the beginning of Autumn season, is still pretty warm and sunny. Then, the weather starts to turn cold from the end of September onwards.

October is still mild and then it gets cold in November. November is cold but still not as cold as during winter. With this, November is the last time to visit London before the weather turns really cold.

The sunrise and sunset times in London change throughout Autumn. In September the days are longer but there is less and less daylight towards November. By November, the sunset is around 4-4:30 pm, with an average of 9 hours of daylight.

London Temperature in Autumn

The average temperature in London in Autumn is between 6-19°C (43-66 °F).

September has warm weather and the average daytime temperature is around 19 °C (66 °F). September has still much summer like weather (especially the beginning of the month), so it is a great time to visit London.

Then the weather starts to turn cold from October onwards, but it is generally not so cold. Even in November, the average daytime temperature remains around 10 °C (50 °F).

As the weather starts to turn cold in Autumn, it is good to pack clothes that you can wear in layers. It can also rain, so it is good to have an umbrella and a waterproof jacket and shoes.

Is London Rainy in Autumn?

There is always a chance for rain in London, so it is good to come prepared.

Autumn is not the rainiest time in London, there is usually not that much rain in September and October, but it rains a bit more in November.

Is London Cold in Autumn?

It depends when in Autumn you visit London. September tends to be warm, then the weather starts to turn cold and it is pretty cold by November.

Still November is not as cold as it gets during winter, so November is the last time to visit London before it gets very cold!

Is Autumn a Good Time to Visit London?

Yes, Autumn is a great time to visit London! The weather is generally good, there are less crowds, and the prices are also lower.

London is the busiest during the summer and it can get very crowded. Once Autumn starts, most tourists return home, and London is more enjoyable to explore with less travellers around.

Autumn is shoulder season, and while the weather starts to turn cold in November, it is still not as cold as it gets during winter.

Due to Autumn being shoulder season, the prices for flights and hotels are also cheaper, so it is a good time to visit for more affordable prices.

From mid-November onwards, London also starts to get into the Christmas festive season, so it’s a nice time to visit Christmas markets and see the city lit up with Christmas lights.

Some of the best things to do in London in Autumn is to go sightseeing, visit a museum exhibition, watch a show at the West End, hang out at a market, chill in a park, check out the Open House London, attend the Totally Thames Festival, and watch a film at the BFI London Film Festival.

Crowds

Autumn is shoulder season and London is not crowded with tourists at this time.

Shoulder season (Autumn, Spring) in London is generally a good time to visit the city, as the weather is good but it is not very busy with travellers.

Prices

The prices are lower in Autumn in London as it is shoulder season. There are less travellers around so the prices for hotels and flights are cheaper at this time.

The most expensive time to visit London is during the summer and Christmas holidays, but Autumn and Spring offer lower prices.

The Best Things to Do in London in Autumn

GO SIGHTSEEING

London has many famous attractions and checking out the historic landmarks is a must, especially if it is your first time visiting London!

Many of the famous attractions are close to each other, so it is great to explore London on foot. You just have to get from one area to the other, and once you are in a specific area, there is much to explore.

If you go to the area around Waterloo and Westminster, you can check out the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, Houses of Parliaments, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, St. James’ Park, and the Buckingham Palace (+ Changing of the Guards).

In and around the West End, you can explore Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Leicester Square, and the British Museum is also nearby.

The area around Tower Bridge (including the Tower of London) can also be explored in one go as they are located close to each other.

Autumn is shoulder season, so the great thing is that the famous attractions are not so busy with tourists and you can explore the famous landmarks without them being too crowded.

WATCH A PLAY AT THE WEST END

Watching a play at the West End is a great activity at any time of the year, especially when the weather starts to turn cold outside.

The West End has many great theatre plays in London and lots of people visit London just to see a theatre show at the West End!

The most popular shows are Wicked, Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, and ABBA Voyager.

The tickets for a show at the West End cost between GBP 30-210 (USD 40-270). To get better prices, try to book the show well in advance. Sometimes you can also get discounted tickets but they are for less famous shows.

You can also go to the ticket booths in the morning and try to get a discounted ticket for the same day. You might be able to get a discounted ticket for a lesser-known show for the same day, although it is not guaranteed.

CHILL IN A PARK

The weather starts to turn cold in Autumn, but the temperature in September is still pretty good to hang out in parks. The weather starts to get colder in October and it is especially cold in November, but you can still go on a stroll in a park.

As the weather starts to turn cold, Autumn is the last time to enjoy outdoor activities in London before the weather gets really cold in winter.

Some of the best parks in London are Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill, Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath and Greenwich Park. When the weather is good, they are great places to hang out and have picnics.

Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill are also great places to see the sunset over London. You can get a nice view of some of London’s famous buildings, such as the Shard. If you are up to get up early, they are also nice places for the sunrise.

One of my favourite places in Hampstead Heath is the “Secret Garden“. It is officially called as the Hill Garden and Pergola, and it’s one of the hidden gems in London. It was shown to me by my British friend and it is one of the non-touristy places in London.

VISIT THE KEW GARDENS

• Kew Gardens Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm every day
• Kew Gardens General Tickets: GBP 20-24 (depending if you buy it online/in person and if for weekday or weekend)
• Christmas at Kew: Mid-November to early January every year. Tickets: GBP 28-34 (USD 36-44). Student and family tickets are available

The best time to visit the Kew Gardens is in the Spring when most flowers are in bloom but there are seasonal flowers that bloom throughout the year, even in the autumn.

The Kew Gardens has over 50,000 plants and is the largest botanical garden in the world. It covers a large area and it is easy to spend a whole day here. There are also cafes and restaurants within its premises if you get hungry.

Some of the best places to check out at the Kew Gardens is the Kew Palace, Palm House, Treetop Walkway, Great Broad Walk Borders, and the Temperate House.

From mid-November onwards, there is a special Christmas trail set up with Christmas lights and illuminations. If you visit London towards the end of November, the Christmas at Kew is a nice way to get into the Christmas holiday season.

SEE A MUSEUM EXHIBITION

I have always loved about London that it is so rich in culture and history! It has many museums and galleries, so whether you like art, history, science or fashion, there is a museum for everyone.

The best thing about the museums in London is that you can get in for free to see the permanent exhibitions, and you only have to pay if you visit a temporary exhibitions.

Some of the best museums in London are the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum.

If you stay in London long-term, you can even get a yearly membership to most of the museums. With a membership pass, you get entry to all the exhibitions.

GO ON A DAY TRIP

Going on a day trip is a great way to see more of England and as the weather is still not very cold, Autumn is a great time to explore places near London.

I love about London that it is well-connected to other towns and it’s easy to catch a train or bus even for a short trip outside the city.

The weather in Autumn is still ideal to go on trips. In the beginning of Autumn (September) it is warm, and although it is cold in November, it is not as cold as it gets during winter.

There are a couple of places near London that are perfect for a day trip, and if you have more time, you can even extend them for a 2-3 day trip.

Some of the best places to visit for a day trip from London are Hastings, Bath, Windsor, Stonehenge, Oxford, Canterbury and Brighton.

Some companies run day trips where they include transport and a guide for the day. If you prefer to go on your own, the trains are a safe and convenient way to get around England.

GO ON A WALKING TOUR

Going on a walking tour is one of the best ways to see a new place!

September is still warm, but the weather starts to turn cold in October, so make sure to dress in layers for a walking tour in the autumn. It might also rain, so it is good to have an umbrella too.

There are many different types of walking tours in London, such as historic sightseeing tours, Jack the Ripper tour, food tours, pub tours, street art tours, and even a British music tour!

Depending on which walking tour you book, the tours last between 1.5-2 hours and take you through historic places in London. During the tour, you get a guide and get to learn things about London you probably would not know otherwise.

✅ Book a Walking Tour in London here!

WATCH THE SUNSET OVER LONDON

• Sky Garden: Free but you have to reserve the tickets
• View From the Shard Ticket Cost: GBP 32-38 (General entry), GBP 45-51 (All inclusive entry). Reserve tickets here

Two of the best places to see London’s skyline and sunset is from the Sky Garden and The Shard. They both offer 360 degree views of London and also have restaurants and bars where you can eat and drink.

The Sky Garden is in the top of the Fenchurch building (called as the “Walkie-Talkie” building) and it has free entry although you have to reserve the tickets in about 3 weeks in advance.

The Shard is the tallest building in London and while you have to pay for entry, you get really nice views of the city!

If you are deciding between The Shard and the Sky Garden, the The Shard is a great choice if you want to celebrate a special occasion while in London. I liked the views from the Sky Garden, but The Shard is a more unique experience.

Other places to see the sunset over London are from the Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath, London Eye, Greenwich Park, Westminster Bridge, Thames Path (overlooking the Tower Bridge), and the Alexandra Palace.

GO ON THE LONDON EYE

The London Eye is one of the most famous attractions in London and even though it can be very touristy, it is worth a visit – especially if it’s your first time in London

The queues can be very long, so it is best to get a fast track ticket to the London Eye and skip the queues.

It takes around 30 minutes for one round, so if the queue is too long for you to wait, you can just check out the London Eye without going on it.

Once you are on the London Eye, you get really nice views of famous buildings in London, such as the Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Just to keep in mind that in case the weather is bad during your visit, it can make the views very bad. So if it’s rainy and cloudy, it may not worth to go on the London Eye as you won’t get clear views.

✅ Skip the queue and book your ticket to the London Eye here!

CHECK OUT THE HARRY POTTER FILM STUDIOS

• Hogwarts in the Snow dates: 15 November 2025-18 January 2026

The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios is a fun place for both kids and adults, and is totally worth checking out if you like the Harry Potter books and movies!

The Harry Potter tour usually takes 7 hours and you get to see the behind the scenes, set and costumes at the Warner Bros Studios in Watford.

Watford is near London and if you prefer to plan the trip on your own, you can take the train from London Euston Station to Watford Junction.

Once you get to Watford Junction, there are shuttle buses every 30 minutes that go between Watford Junction and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios.

There are also tours organized to visit the Harry Potter Studio, which takes the pressure off organizing it yourself. However, the tours have a set schedule, so you may not have a much time than as if you went on your own.

From mid-November onwards, the sets at the studio are transformed with snow and Christmas decorations. So, if you visit London in late autumn, you could see the Christmas set up at the studio and start to get into the Christmas festive season.

✅ Book the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour here!

WALK ALONG REGENT’S CANAL

The Regent’s Canal is a nice place to visit for a peaceful getaway in London. It is not a touristy place in London and it’s a great place to escape into the nature!

There are boats from Camden to Little Venice (or vice versa) that you can take on the Regent’s Canal. It is the best during summer when the weather is good, but if you go in the Autumn, just make sure to dress in layers.

There is also a footpath next to the canal, and it is possible to walk from Camden Lock to Little Venice. It’s a nice walk to spend some time in nature and see a less touristy side of London.

What I like the most is that there are also nice cafes along the way, and you can also see some houseboats where people live by the canal.

SHOP AT A MARKET

London has many markets which are nice places to hang out or to shop for vintage clothes, artworks, jewellery, antiques, street food and drinks.

It is best to visit the markets in the summer when the weather is good, but still in Autumn it is not that cold yet, so as long as you dress in warm layers, visiting the markets is a nice activity!

Some of the best markets in London are Portobello Road Market, Spitalfields, Brick Lane, Covent Garden, Camden Market, and the Columbia Road Flower Market.

The Borough Market is a food market, and it’s a great place to visit if you love food and snacking. They sell really good cheese, cured meat, bakery items, fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Columbia Road Flower Market is the place for shopping for flowers! It runs every Sunday from 8 am to around 3 pm, and there are also some vintage shops and cafes that are nice places to hang out.

In Covent Garden there are lots of restaurants, bars, shops and theatres. It is located in central London and if you check out the small allies in the area, you can find some hidden gems. There are usually street performers in Covent Garden that are fun to watch.

Camden Market is a fun place with vintage shops, food stalls, pubs, and restaurants. If you love books, it is a great place to find some secondhand books at a good price.

GO ON A BOAT TOUR ON THE THAMES

A river cruise on the Thames is a great way to see London from a different perpective! There are many famous buildings along the river, such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.

The London river cruises include a guide, so you get to learn about London’s history. The cruises last around 1-2 hours and cost USD 21.

There are also public boats in London that go through pretty much the same route as the paid cruises.

The public boats are run by the Uber Boats by the Thames Clippers. The public boats are a great option if you don’t want to pay for a river cruise. You get to go on a cruise and see the city for a cheap price.

GO TO A BRITISH PUB

London is famous for its pubs and you can find one just about anywhere! Pubs in London is not just about drinking, many of them also serve food, have live music events, and even comedy shows.

In the beginning of Autumn, the weather is still warm, so you can hang out in the beer gardens of the pubs. Then, as autumn progresses, it becomes colder and pubs become a cosy place to visit and warm up.

For pubs in the city center, the Porterhouse and the The Lamb & Flag are typical British pubs near Covent Garden.

If you are visiting Camden, check out the Hawley Arms (where Amy Winehouse used to hang out), Elephant’s Head, and the Dublin Castle. They usually also have live music on!

There are also some cool pubs in East London! Pubs in places like Dalston, Stoke Newington and Shoreditch are great, and you can check out the Shacklewell Arms, The Victoria, and The Three Crowns.

HAVE SOME BRITISH FOOD

The food scene in London is very diverse and you can find many restaurants that serve food from all around the world, such as Indian, Italian, Mexican and more!

If you are visiting London, it is also nice to try some British food, such as the English Breakfast, Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie or go for a Sunday Roast.

The Shepherd’s pie is like a casserole made with ground meat, mashed potato and vegetables. Sometimes they also call it “cottage pie” but it refers to the same dish.

The Sunday Roast is a traditional meal on Sundays and it consists of roast meat (beef, chicken, pork or lamb), potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire Pudding (pastry).

The tradition to have Sunday Roast goes back centuries and it started as a meal to bring the family together. Blacklock and Hawksmoor are great places to try Sunday Roast in London.

There is also Secret Food Tour in London where you can have the best British food while also exploring London!

🥘 Book a Food Tour in London here!

SHOP FOR CLOTHES

London is one of the fashion capitals in the world and it is like heaven if you are into fashion!

There are lot of clothes shops in London, and you can find everything from budget to luxury brands. There are also lots of vintage clothes shops (especially in Camden and around Covent Garden) and they are fun to buy something quirky.

The best places for shopping for clothes in London are Oxford Street and Regent Street. They are right next to each other and there are many fashion brands you can choose from.

Oxford Street is the biggest shopping street in Europe and it has more than 300 shops. Apart from clothes shops, there are also electronics, jewellery and homeware shops.

You can also check out the Westfield Shopping Centre which is a massive shopping center in West London. It is not too far from the city center and you can take the tube to Shepherd’s Bush to get there.

VISIT THE LONDON ZOO

• London Zoo Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm
• London Zoo Entry Price: Weekday: GBP 27-31 (USD 35-40), Weekend: GBP 33 (USD 42)

The London Zoo is located in Regent’s Park and it is almost 200 years old. It is the best to visit during the summer when the weather is warm, but it is not too cold yet in Autumn.

The zoo is pretty big and can take up to 3 hours to cover the whole area – it’s a perfect activity if you are travelling with kids!

It can get busy on the weekends, so if you have the choice, it is better to visit on the weekdays to avoid the crowds.

I liked at the zoo that the enclosures are built in a way that you get to see the animals from pretty close up and not just from far away. Some of the animals that you can see at the zoo are tigers, lions, penguins and baby gorillas.

Tips for Visiting London in Autumn

What to Wear in London in Autumn

The average temperature is between 6-19°C (43-66 °F) in London in Autumn. It is not very cold, but it is good to pack clothes that you can wear in layers.

London is also known for its rainy weather, and while Autumn is not the rainiest time, you should still prepare with an umbrella, and waterproof jacket and shoes.

What to Pack for London in Autumn

• Jacket options: waterproof wind jacket, trench coat, leather jacket (warmest jacket for November)
• Short-sleeve T-Shirts (mostly for September)
• Long-sleeve T-Shirts
• Jeans
• Trousers
• Dresses
• Sweaters, cardigans, knitwear
• Sneakers (Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes)
• Hat, scarves, gloves (mostly for November)
• Umbrella

Public Transport in London

One of the best ways to get around London is by public transport. The main modes of transport include the tube, buses, and trains.

The public transport in London is safe and easy to get used to, and all tube stations and bus stops have maps for navigation.

To pay for public transport in London, you can use your bank card (contactless payment) or the Oyster Card. If you use your card, make sure that you use the same card when you tap in and tap out.

The public transport runs as usual in the Autumn, unless if there is a national holiday. On national holidays, the public transport usually runs on a reduced service. All services still operate but on a less frequent schedule.

Taxis in London

Getting a taxi in London is a good option if you want to have some comfort. Taxis in London are safe, although if the traffic is bad, they can take longer than the tube.

London is famous for its black cab taxi service, but it also has Uber and Bolt that are slightly cheaper. Although the black cabs are a bit more expensive, they can go on the bus lane, so they can go a little bit faster than Uber and Bolt.

Uber and Bolt works in London just like anywhere else. If you already have the apps on your phone, you can use it in London as the location will update automatically.

Overall, London is a safe city and it is safe to take taxis. If you take a taxi alone at night, it is considered safer to take black cabs.

Walking in London

London is walkable and it has well-built sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. Many famous attractions are located close to each other, so it is great to explore the city on foot.

Some places that are great to explore on foot in London are Camden, Waterloo and Westminster, West End and Bloomsbury, Notting Hill, and the area around Tower Bridge.

The weather is warm in the beginning of Autumn (September) but then it gets cold and rainy. So when you are out and about, make sure to wear clothes appropriate for the weather.

Events in London in Autumn

There are many events in London in Autumn, including film, theatre, fashion, museum, literature and food festivals.

Some of the Best Events in London in Autumn:

• BBC Proms: 18 July-13 September 2025
• Totally Thames: 1-30 September 2025
• Open House London: 13-21 September 2025
• London Design Festival: 13-21 September 2025
• London Fashion Week: 18-22 September 2025
• BFI London Film Festival: 8-19 October 2025
• Frieze London: 15-19 October 2025
• London Restaurant Festival: October 2025
• London Literature Festival: 21 October-2 November 2025
• Guy Fawkes Day: 5 November 2025
• Lord Mayor’s Show: second Saturday of November (annually)
• Remembrance Day: Sunday closest to 11 November (annually)
• London Jazz Festival: 14-23 November 2025
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: from late November onwards (annually)
• Christmas at Kew: 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

London Seasonal Guides

Want to visit London at another time? Check out my London seasonal and monthly guides!

• London in Spring
• London in Summer
• London in Autumn
• London in Winter

London Monthly Guides

• London in January
• London in February
• London in March
• London in April
• London in May
• London in June
• London in July
• London in August
• London in September
• London in October
• London in November
• London in December