United Kingdom, Europe
London in July
Everything is open and buzzing, but lines at the Tower and the Eye are at their worst and airfare peaks.
The straight answer
July is a month of real tradeoffs in London. Everything is open and buzzing, but lines at the Tower and the Eye are at their worst and airfare peaks.
- Weather
- Warmest month, highs near 74F (23C), occasional hot spells
- Crowds
- 5 of 5
- Prices
- 5 of 5
What July is like in London
July is London's warmest month, with highs near 74F (23C) and the occasional hot spell. Everything is open and busy. The Buckingham Palace state rooms open to visitors, Wimbledon runs into the first half of the month, and lines at the Tower and the London Eye are at their longest. Airfare peaks.
It suits families tied to school holidays and anyone who wants the full summer buzz. If you can move your dates, June or September gives you similar weather with fewer people and lower prices. Plan early starts to stay ahead of the queues.
Make the most of July
What is especially good about London this month.
Buckingham Palace state rooms
The state rooms open to the public only in summer, generally July into September. Book a timed ticket ahead.
Wimbledon fortnight
The tournament runs into the first half of July. Even without tickets, the atmosphere around the grounds is fun.
Summer evenings by the river
Warm evenings on the South Bank, with street performers and riverside pubs, are the best of London summer.
What to pack for July
- Breathable clothes for warm, sometimes muggy days
- A light rain jacket, since showers still happen
- A refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen and a hat
Our timing tip
Hit the Tower of London at opening or after 3pm to miss the coach-tour wave between 10am and 2pm.
Book London for July.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for July
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in LondonOpens a hotel search for London in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in LondonWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in LondonTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in London for July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in July
Things to do in London
Tower of London
Book online and arrive at opening; go straight to the Crown Jewels before the queue builds. Yeoman Warder tours are free with entry and worth planning around.
British Museum
Free entry, but book a timed slot in busy months. The Rosetta Stone room is calmest in the first hour.
Westminster Abbey
Closed to tourists on Sundays for services. Verger-led tours are the sleeper upgrade.
Borough Market
Full market runs Wednesday through Saturday; Saturdays are a crush by 11am. Go hungry, early, midweek.
The South Bank walk
Tate Modern to Tower Bridge along the river is the best free afternoon in London, in any weather.
West End show
The TKTS booth in Leicester Square sells legitimate same-day discounts. Midweek matinees are easiest.
Beat the crowds
- Do the Tower of London at opening or after 3pm; the cruise-excursion and coach-tour wave hits between 10am and 2pm.
- The free museums are busiest on weekends and rainy afternoons. A sunny weekday morning at the British Museum feels like a different institution.
- Book Westminster Abbey's first entry and you will have the Poets' Corner nearly alone; by late morning it is a slow shuffle.
- Ride the London Eye in the last daylight hour instead of midday: shorter lines and better light.
Know before you go
- London has no off-season shutdown. Museums, theatre, and restaurants run at full speed all twelve months; winter changes the light and the price, not the access.
- December 25 is the one true closure day: nearly everything shuts, including the entire Tube network. December 26 (Boxing Day) still runs reduced hours and transit.
- Buckingham Palace's state rooms open to the public only in summer, generally July into September. The rest of the year you are looking at the outside.
- Westminster Abbey closes to sightseers on Sundays, and state occasions can close it or the surrounding streets with little notice.
London in July, quick answers
Is July a good time to visit London?
July is a month of real tradeoffs in London. Everything is open and buzzing, but lines at the Tower and the Eye are at their worst and airfare peaks.
What is the weather like in London in July?
Warmest month, highs near 74F (23C), occasional hot spells.
Is London crowded in July?
July is peak crowd season in London; expect lines at the headline sights.
What is happening in London in July?
Wimbledon (roughly the last week of june into the first half of july).
Keep planning London.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
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