Search

London Weather in Autumn / Fall

September - November

London weather in autumn (fall) ushers in a palette of rich colours across the city’s parks and streets, marked by cooler temperatures and a cosy atmosphere. This season is ideal for leisurely walks through leaf-strewn paths and experiencing the city’s vibrant cultural events as it transitions into winter. From sipping hot beverages at quaint pubs to exploring art exhibitions in galleries, there’s a sense of warmth and nostalgia in the air. As the days grow shorter, London’s iconic landmarks take on a golden hue, creating a picturesque backdrop for memorable autumnal moments.

Average Weather Conditions in Autumn

  • Temperature: Ranges from 13°C to 19°C (55°F to 66°F) in early autumn, cooling down towards November.
  • Rainfall: Moderate to high, with October often being the wettest month.
  • Daylight: Days start to get shorter as the season progresses.

Autumn Weather Averages

SeasonDay Temp.Night Temp.RainfallWind SpeedHumidity
Autumn (Sep-Nov)11°C – 20°C (52°F – 68°F)5°C – 11°C (41°F – 52°F)50mm – 60mm14 – 16 km/h (9 – 10 mph)70% – 80%
Tower Bridge in Autumn, London

Weather in Autumn Months

September

September maintains some of the warmth of summer, making it a pleasant time to explore the city. 

October

October sees the arrival of true autumnal weather, with cooler temperatures and the changing colours of leaves in parks.

November

November brings cooler and shorter days, with an increased chance of rain, preparing the city for the winter ahead.

Autumn Weather Averages

Month Day Temp. Night Temp. Rainfall Wind Speed Humidity
September 20°C (68°F) 11°C (52°F) 50mm 14 km/h (9 mph) 70%
October 15°C (59°F) 8°C (46°F) 60mm 15 km/h (9 mph) 75%
November 11°C (52°F) 5°C (41°F) 60mm 16 km/h (10 mph) 80%

What to See and Do in Fall / Autumn

  • Parks and Gardens: Experience the stunning autumn foliage in London’s parks, such as Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath.
  • Cultural Events: Autumn is the season for London’s film and fashion festivals, as well as numerous art exhibitions.
  • Halloween Celebrations: Enjoy the Halloween festivities that take place across the city, including themed events and ghost tours.

Monthly Autumn / Fall Events in London (September-November)

Check out what you can see each month in London to fully experience its vibrant cultural scene.

MonthEvents and Festivals
SeptemberThames Festival, London Fashion Week, London Design Festival
OctoberDiwali on the Square, London Literature Festival
NovemberBonfire Night, Lord Mayor’s Show
London iconic red phone box and bicycles in Autumn

Tips and Advice for Visiting London in Autumn / Fall

Packing Tips for Autumn

  • Warm Layers: As the temperature cools, warm layers are essential, including sweaters and a waterproof coat.
  • Comfortable Footwear: With rain more common, waterproof shoes or boots are advisable.
  • Accessories: Consider packing a scarf, gloves, and a warm hat, especially for November.

Special Tips

  • Indoor Attractions: With cooler and rainier weather, explore London’s array of museums, galleries, and indoor markets.
  • Off-Peak Travel: Autumn can be a quieter time to visit London, offering the opportunity to explore the city without the summer crowds.

Autumn Food and Drink Recommendations in London

  • Cosy Up with Seasonal Delights: Autumn in London is perfect for warming up with traditional British comfort foods. Savour a hearty pie at a classic pub, or indulge in a pumpkin spice latte from one of the many coffee shops. Borough Market is a great spot to sample artisanal cheeses and fresh pastries, ideal for the cooler weather.

Best Places for Autumn Photography

  • Capturing London’s Autumn Colours: The city’s parks, like Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath, offer stunning autumnal scenes with golden leaves and deer. The historic streets of Greenwich and the South Bank of the Thames also provide picturesque settings for capturing the essence of London in autumn.

Theatre and Performance Scene in Autumn

  • London’s Stage Comes Alive: Autumn is a fantastic time to experience London’s renowned theatre scene. Catch classic and new productions at the West End, featuring famous musicals like ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Les Misérables’, and ‘Hamilton’. Enjoy innovative performances at the Royal Court Theatre, or immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre. This season brings a diverse array of theatrical experiences, from time-honoured classics to cutting-edge contemporary plays.

Guided Tours in Autumn

  • Discovering London’s Hidden Gems: Explore London’s history with guided walking tours around the City of London or Jack the Ripper tours in the East End. Art enthusiasts can enjoy guided tours of the Tate Modern and the National Gallery, offering a deep dive into art history.

Shopping in Autumn

  • Autumn Shopping Experiences: As London transitions into autumn, its shopping districts, such as Oxford Street and Covent Garden, become adorned with vibrant new displays. Venture to Camden Town for a blend of eclectic market stalls and unique boutiques, perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind items. Experience luxury shopping at world-renowned stores like Harrods, or explore the vintage finds at Portobello Road Market. For designer deals, Bicester Village is an essential destination with high-end brands at discounted prices. Mayfair’s exclusive boutiques offer a more upscale shopping experience, making autumn in London a shopper’s delight in every corner of the city.

Autumn Festivals and Celebrations

  • Embrace the Season’s Festivities: Autumn is filled with festivals like the London Jazz Festival and the BFI London Film Festival. Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, in early November is marked with fireworks and public celebrations, a uniquely British experience.

Safety and Comfort Tips for Rainy Days

  • Staying Dry and Enjoyable: Invest in a sturdy umbrella and waterproof boots for London’s rainy days. On wet days, consider visiting indoor attractions like the British Museum or enjoying a leisurely afternoon in one of London’s historic pubs.

Local Insights: Autumn in London

  • Enjoy Autumn Like a Londoner: Locals love autumn for leisurely walks in Kew Gardens or along the canals in Little Venice. Enjoying a Sunday roast in a cosy pub is a quintessential London experience in autumn. Keep an eye out for local events like apple day celebrations in community gardens.
Squirrel in Green Park, London in autumn

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about London Weather in Autumn / Fall

Autumn in London is known for moderate to high rainfall, with October often being the wettest month. It’s a good idea to have an umbrella or raincoat handy.

Daylight hours decrease as autumn progresses, with earlier sunsets, especially in November.

Autumn in London is rich in cultural events, including the London Film Festival, London Fashion Week, and various art exhibitions.

Dressing in layers is ideal, as the weather can vary. Warm clothing, including sweaters and a waterproof jacket, is recommended.

Yes, early autumn, particularly September, can be a great time for outdoor activities like walking in parks to enjoy the autumn foliage.

Additional Resources

Navigating London’s ever-changing weather and making the most of your visit requires access to the right resources. Here are some valuable tools and links to enhance your travel experience:

Weather Forecast and Updates

  1. Met Office: www.metoffice.gov.uk – The UK’s national weather service offers detailed forecasts and weather warnings.
  2. BBC Weather: www.bbc.co.uk/weather – Provides reliable weather forecasts and updates for London and surrounding areas.
  3. Weather.com: www.weather.com – For comprehensive weather forecasts including hourly and 10-day predictions.
  4. AccuWeather: www.accuweather.com – Offers local and long-range weather forecasts with real-time updates.

London Events, Attractions, and Activities

  1. Time Out London: www.timeout.com/london – Discover the latest events, activities, and attractions in London, suitable for every season.
  2. Visit London: www.visitlondon.com – The official visitor guide for upcoming events, exhibitions, and seasonal activities in London.
  3. The Travel Wiki: thetravel.wiki – Explore our blog for detailed guides on tours and attractions in London. Find information on daily tours to places like Bath, Windsor, Stonehenge, and the Harry Potter Studios, as well as tours within London and various travel passes.

Scroll to Top