London in Summer: Weather, Activities & What to Wear (2025)

PLANNING TO VISIT LONDON IN SUMMER?

I’ve got you covered! I lived in London for 5 years, and while summer is the busiest time in London, there are so many cool things to do!

There are many outdoor events, including music, film, theatre, and food festivals, and it is the best time to relax and have a picnic in a park.

The average temperature is between 11-22°C (52-72 °F) in London in summer but it can get much warmer than that, so you can wear light summer clothes during your trip.

The best things to do in London in summer is to hang out in parks, take a boat trip on the Regent’s Canal, go on a day trip to a nearby beach, go sightseeing, go to outdoor festivals and cinemas, and visit the Kew Gardens.

So, here is everything you need to know about visiting London in summer, including the weather, what to wear, and best things to do!

London in Summer

When is Summer in London?

Summer season in London runs from June to August.

Due to the summer holidays, it can get crowded in London during the summer, however, there are lots of outdoor activities in the city which make it a nice time to visit!

London Weather in Summer

London is known as a place where it rains a lot but the summers can get pretty hot. Not like Southeast Asia hot and humid, but very warm considered for English weather.

June is the beginning of summer season so it starts to get really hot. Then, July is the hottest month of the year in London when it gets the warmest.

It usually doesn’t rain much in London during summer, but there is always a chance for it to rain in London. So, it is good to prepare for warm weather as well as some rain during summer.

The best part of summer season in London that it has the longest daylight hours. The sunrise and sunset times slightly change every month, but during summer, the sunrise in London is between 5-6 am and the sunset is 8-9 pm.

London Temperature in Summer

The average temperature in London in summer is between 11-22°C (52-72 °F).

June is the beginning of summertime, so it does not get too hot yet. The average daytime temperature is usually around 20 °C (68 °F) in June in London.

Then, in July and August, it can get much warmer, even up to 30 °C (86 °F) during the daytime.

As the temperatures can get high, make sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat for your trip as they come handy during summer!

The temperature cools down in the evenings, so it is good to pack a cardigan or light jacket for the nights.

Is London Rainy in Summer?

Summer in London is not the rainiest season, however, there can always be some rain in London.

The weather patterns can be slightly unpredictable, with one moment warm and sunny, and the next it is raining.

So, when visiting London in June, it is good to prepare with both summer clothes and an umbrella.

Is Summer a Good Time to Visit London?

Whether summer is a good time to visit London depends on your preferences. Summer is one of the busiest times in London due to the high number of travellers visiting during the summer holidays.

The great thing about visiting London in Summer is that the weather is warm and sunny, and there are many outdoor events and festivals.

The downside of visiting London in Summer is that it is very crowded with tourists. Nevertheless, summer is a great time to visit London, just be prepared that it is a very busy time of the year.

The best things to do in London in summer is to hang out in parks, take a boat trip on the Regent’s Canal, go on a day trip to a nearby beach, go sightseeing, go to outdoor festivals and cinemas, and visit the Kew Gardens.

Crowds

Summer season is the busiest time in London. There are many travellers in London at this time and can get pretty crowded, especially at famous tourist attractions.

Nevertheless, a holiday in London in summer is pretty cool. It might be crowded but there are lots of outdoor activities to do in the city!

If you prefer to visit at a time when it is less busy but the weather is also good, then late Spring (April, May) and early Autumn (September, October) are great options. These times, offer good weather and more quiet times.

Prices

Summer is high tourist season in London and the prices are the most expensive at this time of the year.

Both the flights to London and hotel accommodation prices are the most expensive at this time. The hotels run at full capacity during the summer, so you should book accommodation as early as possible.

The cheapest time to visit London is in January and February as it is the winter, low season. However, winter can be very cold, so it is only a good time to visit if you don’t mind the cold.

The Best Things to Do in London in Summer

CHILL IN A PARK

Summer is the best time to relax and have a picnic in one of London’s parks! London has many nice parks and they come alive during the summer with many events and festivals.

Some of the best parks in London are Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill, Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, and Greenwich Park.

Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill are great spots to see the sunset over London. You can get a nice view of London’s skyline and some of its famous buildings, such as the Shard.

Hyde Park usually holds the British Summer Time (BST) festival every year in late June to July, where many famous bands play.

My favourite spot for relaxing in a park is the Secret Garden in Hampstead Heath. It’s officially called as the Hill Garden and Pergola and it’s one of the hidden gems in London that not many travellers know about!

GO SIGHTSEEING

There are many historic landmarks in London that you cannot miss on a trip to London! Exploring the main attractions is one of the best things to do in London, especially if it’s your first time in London.

London is a walkable city and many attractions are close to each other. You might need to take the tube to get from one area to the other, but once you in a specific area, you can see many places in one go.

In addition, the weather can get pretty hot in the summer, so it is best to have sunscreen on to protect you from the heat. You can also plan to go sightseeing early morning, and take a break around lunch time when it is the warmest.

Summer is peak tourist season in London, so the famous attractions can get very crowded. If you visit any attractions where you can pre-book a skip-the-line ticket, make sure to get one, so you don’t have to queue.

Top Attractions to See in London:

• Tower Bridge
• Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Big Ben
• Buckingham Palace
• Trafalgar Square

GO ON A BOAT TRIP ON THE REGENT’S CANAL

The Regent’s Canal is a peaceful and beautiful canal in North-Central London. It is not as touristy as other famous attractions but it is a great place to visit in the summer.

You can even take a boat on the Regent’s Canal from Camden to Little Venice (or vice versa) which is a unique activity in London. The boat takes around 45 minutes and it is the best in the summer when the weather is good.

There is also a footpath next to the canal, and if you want to spend some time in nature, it is a nice walk from Camden Lock to Little Venice.

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

GO ON A DAY TRIP

It is great to go on day trips from London during summer when the weather is good!

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

The weather can get very warm in summer, so make sure to pack sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses when planning a trip.

Although the weather can get hot in the summer, it can also rain sometimes. So it is best to check the weather forecast before the day trip, so you can plan accordingly.

Some of the best places that can be visited for a day trip from London are Brighton, Hastings, Windsor, Oxford, Stonehenge, Canterbury and Bath.

Going on a day trip is great as you get to expxlore a new part of England and you also learn more about England’s culture and history.

During summer, it is really nice to take day trips to beaches near London. One of the most popular beach near London is in Brighton Beach. It can get very busy during the weekends, so if you have time, it is better to visit on a weekday.

WATCH A MOVIE AT AN OUTDOOR CINEMA

There are many outdoor cinemas in London during summer, and it is a unique and fun way to watch a movie!

They usually play both old classics and modern movies, so there is something for everyone. The outdoor cinemas are very popular and I found it is best to arrive early, as if you get there late, the good seats are taken!

Some of the best outdoor cinemas in London are the Luna Cinema, Adventure Cinema, Barbican Outdoor Cinema, and the Pop Up Screens.

HANG OUT IN CAMDEN

Camden is one of the coolest places in London and it has many vintage shops, food stalls, second-hand bookshops and pubs.

The Camden Market is a great place to buy something unique or funny, or to get a souvenir to take home! If you love books, it is a great place to browse books and find some second hand books at a good price.

Camden Market has everything you need and it is easy to spend at least half a day there. Apart from the market, Camden also has many pubs that are fun to hang out.

From Camden Lock, you can also walk along the Regent’s Canal and spend time in nature. It is a very peaceful environment for a walk and you can even take a boat from Camden to Little Venice.

EXPLORE LONDON ON A WALKING TOUR

A walking tour is one of the best ways to explore a new place in any country.

Going on a walking tour in London is great as you have a guide and you can learn information about London you probably would not otherwise.

The walking tours in London are generally around 1.5-2 hours and there are historic sightseeing tours, pub tours, street art tours, and also British music tours!

It can get very warm in London in summer, so don’t forget to put on sunscreen and drink plenty of water while you are outdoors.

✅ Book a Walking Tour in London here!

EAT, DRINK AND SHOP AT A MARKET

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

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

Covent Garden has many shops, restaurants and pubs. It is located in central London and there are many hidden gems in the small allies around Covent Garden. There are also street performers in Covent Garden that are fun to watch.

The Borough Market is known for its delicious food and they have many different delicacies, such as cured meat, cheese, bakery items, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

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

VISIT A MUSEUM EXHIBITION

London has many museums and going to an exhibition is a great activity all year round. When I lived in London, I loved that the city is so rich in history and culture, and used to go to museums every weekend.

The best things is that the entry is free to many of the permanent exhibitions, and you only have to pay an entry fee if you want to visit the temporary exhibitions.

WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE SKY GARDEN

The Sky Garden is on the 35th floor of the “Walkie-Talkie” building in London and it has great views of London’s skyline.

The entry to the Sky Garden is free but you have to reserve the tickets in advance. The tickets are released up to 3 weeks in advance and you have to book a specific time slot for your visit.

If you just go to the Sky Garden without reserving a ticket, they might not let you in if there are many people. So, to guarantee your entry, it is best to reserve your ticket in advance.

The best time to visit the Sky Garden is at sunset! You get 360 degrees view of many famous attractions in London, including the Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London.

The Sky Garden is a nice alternative to the Shard if you want to see the London skyline, but don’t want to pay the entry fees for the Shard.

VISIT THE KEW GARDENS

• Kew Gardens Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm every day
• Kew Gardens Tickets: GBP 20-24 (depending if you buy it online/in person and if for weekday or weekend)

The best time to visit the Kew Gardens is in the Spring when most flowers are in bloom. However, there are also seasonal flowers that are in bloom at different times of the year, so it is a nice place to visit in the summer too.

The Kew Gardens has over 50,000 plants and it is the largest botanical garden in the world.

It covers a large area and if you have time, you could 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, Treetop Walkway, Palm House, Great Broad Walk Borders, and the Temperate House.

There is even a train that goes around the botanical garden, so in case you get tired of all the walking, the train is a good way to get some rest. The train ticket costs GBP 6.50 (USD 8).

HANG OUT IN AN ENGLISH PUB

Pubs are great in London with good music and drinks! Pubs in London often have live bands playing and it’s one of the things I miss the most about living in London – always discovering a new band!

The summer is the best time for pubs as many have beer gardens, and are a nice place to chill with friends when the weather is good.

There are lots of greats pubs in London, so it is difficult to pick the best ones, but I always really loved the pubs in Camden and East London. They usually have live music on as well!

As for Camden, the Hawley Arms (where Amy Winehouse used to hang out), Elephant’s Head, and the Dublin Castle are great pubs and you can check them out if you are visiting Camden.

Pubs in East London, such as the Shacklewell Arms, The Victoria, and The Three Crowns are also very nice ones!

For typical British pubs in the city center, you can check out the Porterhouse and the The Lamb & Flag near Covent Garden.

GO ON THE LONDON EYE

The London Eye is a famous attraction in London and even though it is very touristy, you should definitely visit it while in London!

The queues can be very long, especially during the summer high season, so it is the best to get a fast track ticket to the London Eye to skip the queues. One time I went on the London Eye, I didn’t have a pre-booked ticket and we had to wait in the queue for ages, so I definitely getting a ticket ahead.

It takes around 30 minutes for it to go around and you get really nice views overlooking London and of famous landmarks, such as the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the St. Paul’s Cathedral.

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

VISIT THE HARRY POTTER FILM STUDIOS

The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios is a fun activity not only for kids, but also for adults! It is a pretty cool experience, and it is totally worth checking out if you like the Harry Potter books and movies.

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

You can either sign up to an organized tour or plan to visit on your own. If you prefer to plan it on your own, you can get the trains from London Euston Station to Watford Junction.

Once you are at Watford Junction, there are shuttle buses every 30 minutes that go between Watford Junction and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios. The shuttle bus is free for everyone that has a valid ticket for the Harry Potter Studio.

✅ Book the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour here!

GO UP THE SHARD

• View From the Shard Ticket Cost: GBP 32-38 (General entry), GBP 45-51 (All inclusive entry)

The Shard is the tallest building in London and the views are great from the top! It is one of the best places for the sunset in London, and you get a 360 degree view of the city.

The Shard is a great place to visit to celebrate a special occasion or if it is your only time in London.

They also have restaurants and bars at the top, and it is open from 11 am to 7-8 pm on most days, except for Saturdays when it is open until 10 pm.

You can’t just turn up on the spot and buy a ticket, but you have to book a ticket in advance for a specific time and date. Make sure to arrive a little bit earlier your scheduled time as if you arrive late (more than 15 minutes late), they could charge a rebooking fee.

GO ON A THAMES BOAT TOUR

A river cruise on the Thames is a nice way to see London and its famous attractions, such as the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, or the London Eye.

The London river cruises are usually between 1-2 hours and also includes a guide, so you get to learn about London’s history.

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

The public boats are operated by the Uber Boats by the Thames Clippers, and you can pay for the boat fare even with an Oyster Card.

The public boats are a cheaper alternative if you don’t want to pay for a proper river cruise. You get to go on a cruise for a lower price and still see the main attractions from the river.

TRY BRITISH FOOD

Trying the local food is one of the best things to do in a new place. So, while you are visiting London, try as much local cuisine as possible.

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

British food is mostly famous for the English Breakfast, Fish and Chips, Sunday Roast, and the Shepherd’s Pie.

The Sunday Roast is a traditional meal on Sundays and it consists of roast meat, potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire Pudding (pastry). Blacklock and Hawksmoor are good places to try Sunday Roast in central London.

🥘 Book a Food Tour in London here!

GET A FASHION MAKEOVER

If you like fashion, then London is like heaven! There are many clothes shops in London, and you can find everything from budget to luxury brands.

The most famous places for clothes shops 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 jewellery, electronics and homeware shops.

You can also check out the Westfield Shopping Centre for shopping. It is a massive shopping center and you can find everything here in one place. 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, Weekend: GBP 33

The London Zoo is located in Regent’s Park and is almost 200 years old. It is a great place to visit in the summer when the weather is good and it is a nice activity for families with kids.

The zoo is pretty big and it took us around 3 hours to cover the whole area. We also visited on a weekend, which turned out to be very busy, so if you have the choice, it is better to visit on the weekdays to avoid the crowds.

The enclosures are built in a way that you get to see the animals from very close up. Some of the animals that you can see at the zoo are lions, tigers, penguins, and baby gorillas.

Tips for Visiting London in Summer

What to Wear in London in Summer

The average temperature in London in summer is between 11-22°C (52-72 °F). While June is not that hot yet, it gets really warm in July, with up to 30 °C (86 °F) during the day.

As the weather is more or less the same during the summer, you can pack summer clothes for London.

For June, you can add a waterproof jacket in case it rains, but for July and August, you are fine with a light jacket.

The best clothes to pack for London in Summer is a light jacket, short-sleeved T-Shirts, dresses, skirts, shorts, light trousers, sunglasses, sun hat, cardigan or light jacket for the evenings, and an umbrella in case it rains.

Public Transport in London

The public transport in London is safe and reliable, and is one of the best ways to get around. The main modes of transport in London include the tube, buses, trains, and public boats.

The public transport in London is easy to navigate, and all tube stations and bus stops have maps to navigate the routes. In case you are not sure which way to go, you can always ask other people for directions.

There is usually a Bank holiday on the last Monday of August every year which is a national holiday. On this day, the transport runs on a reduced service, so it is not as frequent as on regular days, but still all tube, bus and train lines operate.

One other useful thing to prepare for is that it can get hot and sweaty inside the tube during summer, but otherwise it is one of the best ways to get around the city.

To pay for public transport in London, you can use your bank card’s contactless payment or the Oyster Card. Oyster Cards are specific cards for paying for transport in London. You can top it up and use it to pay for public transport.

Taxis in London

Getting a taxi in London is a good alternative if you want to have some comfort. Taxis in London are safe, although if the traffic is bad, it can take longer to get around than as if you took the tube.

There are different taxis in London, such as the famous black cabs, or Uber and Bolt that you can book through their apps.

The taxi prices for Uber and Bolt are fixed, and are generally more affordable than black cabs. The Black cabs are a bit more expensive but the advantage is that they can use the bus lanes, so it is faster than taking Uber or Bolt.

London is safe and it is also safe to take taxis. If you take a taxi by yourself late at night, it is considered safer to take black cabs.

Walking in London

London is a walkable city and it has a good system of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. Many tourist attractions are located close to each other in London which make it great to explore the city on foot!

The weather can get very warm in summer but it can also rain sometimes. So, while you are out exploring London, it is good to have both sunscreen and an umbrella to be prepared for all case scenarios!

Events in London in Summer

There are many events in London all year around, but summer has some of the best! There are many outdoor festivals, including music, film, theatre, and food festivals.

Some of the Best Events in London in Summer:

• London Gallery Weekend: Gallery exhibitions, talks, family workshops and special events (6-8 June 2025)
• Hampton Court Palace Festival: Music festival (11-21 June 2025)
• Trooping the Colour: 14 June 2025
• Taste of London Food Festival: over 120 dishes from London’s best restaurants (18-22 June 2025)
• Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: 19-22 June 2025 (+ more dates in July and August)
• West End LIVE: Performances from West End Musicals (21-22 June 2025)
• British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park: Music festival (28 June-13 July 2025)
• Wimbledon: Tennis tournament (30 June-13 July 2025)
• BBC Proms: Classical music concerts (18 July-13 September 2025)
• Camden Fringe: Performing arts (28 July-24 August 2025)
• Hampton Court Palace Food Festival: Street food, pop-up bars (23-25 August 2025)
• Notting Hill Carnival: Street festival celebrating Caribbean culture (24-25 August 2025)
• Greenwich + Docklands International Festival: Theatre and performing arts (August 2025 TBC)

FAQs: London in Summer

Is London worth visiting in summer?

Yes, London is definitely worth visiting during summer! London can get crowded with a lot of travellers during summer, but nevertheless, there are so many things to do in the city during summer!

Summer in London is totally worth it as you can enjoy many outdoor events and festivals, such as music, film, theatre, and food festivals.

Summer might not be the right time for you if you don’t like big crowds, in that case, Spring and Autumn seasons are good alternatives.

Some of the best things to do in London in summer is to hang out in parks, take a boat trip on the Regent’s Canal, go on a day trip to a nearby beach, go sightseeing, go to outdoor festivals and cinemas, and visit the Kew Gardens.

What is the summer like in London?

Summer in London is great! The city comes alive with many outdoor events and festivals, such as food, music, outdoor cinema and theatres.

Summer is the busiest time in London due to the summer holidays, but apart from the crowds, there are so many things to do in the city! If you don’t mind the crowds, summer is a great time to visit London.

What is the best month to go to London?

The best month to go to London depends on your preferences!

Summer is the warmest and has many cool outdoor activities, but it is crowded and the most expensive time to visit.

Spring and Autumn are good times to visit as the weather is warm but it is not so busy with tourists.

If you want to get the best flight and hotel deals, then January and February are the best times. However, the winter is also the coldest time, so you might be able to save but the weather is cold.

What do people wear in the summer in London?

Summer is warm in London and people wear proper summer clothes in the summer in London. You can wear summer dresses, shorts, skirts, and T-Shirts during the day. For the nights, it is good to have a cardigan or a light jacket.

What should I pack for a summer trip to London?

You can pack summer clothes for a summer trip to London, such as a light jacket, short-sleeved T-Shirts, dresses, skirts, shorts, light trousers, sunglasses, sun hat, cardigan or light jacket for the evenings, and an umbrella in case it rains.

Do I need a jacket in London in July?

Yes, but you only need a light jacket for the evenings in July in London.

July is the hottest month in London and the daytime temperatures can go up to 30 °C (86 °F) during the day. So, you can wear summer clothes during the day, but it can cool down in the evenings, when it is handy to have a light jacket or cardigan.

Can I wear shorts in London in summer?

Yes, you can wear shorts in London in summer. The daytime temperatures during summer can get up to 30 °C (86 °F) in London and you can wear proper summer clothes, including shorts.

How hot does London get in the summer?

The average temperature in London in summer is between 11-22°C (52-72 °F).

July and August are the warmest months in London and it can even go up to 30 °C (86 °F) during the daytime.

The temperature cools down in the evenings, so it is good to pack a cardigan or light jacket for the nights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, summer is the busiest time in London, but there are so many cool activities to do!

There are many outdoor festivals, including music, film, theatre, and food festivals in London during summer, and it is the best time to relax and have picnics in parks.

The average temperature is between 11-22°C (52-72 °F) in London in summer but it can get much warmer than that, so you can wear light summer clothes during your trip.

The best things to do in London in summer is to hang out in parks, take a boat trip on the Regent’s Canal, go on a day trip to a nearby beach, go sightseeing, go to outdoor festivals and cinemas, and visit the Kew Gardens.