United Kingdom, Europe
London in November
The moody bargain month. Christmas lights switch on along Oxford and Regent Streets by mid-month.
The straight answer
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit London. The moody bargain month. Christmas lights switch on along Oxford and Regent Streets by mid-month.
- Weather
- Gray and damp, highs near 52F (11C), dark early
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What November is like in London
November is the moody bargain month. Gray, damp days with highs near 52F (11C) and darkness early in the afternoon. Crowds are light and prices are low. By mid month the Christmas lights switch on along Oxford and Regent Streets, and the festive season starts to build.
It suits budget travelers, museum lovers and anyone who wants early Christmas atmosphere before December prices. It is not the month for park days or long outdoor walks, and you should plan sightseeing around the early dark. For more light and autumn color, pick September or October.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about London this month.
Christmas lights switch on
Oxford Street and Regent Street light up by mid November, and a stroll between them after dark is free and cheerful.
Christmas season openings
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and the skating rinks at Somerset House and the Natural History Museum open during the season.
Low-season prices
Hotels and flights dip before the December rush, and theatre tickets are easy to get.
What to pack for November
- A warm waterproof coat
- Waterproof shoes with good grip
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- An umbrella
Our timing tip
Go in the second half of November to catch the lights and early markets while prices are still low.
Book London for November.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in LondonOpens a hotel search for London in November, 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 November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in November
Christmas season
Mid November through early January
Lights on the shopping streets, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, and skating rinks at Somerset House and the Natural History Museum.
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 November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit London?
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit London. The moody bargain month. Christmas lights switch on along Oxford and Regent Streets by mid-month.
What is the weather like in London in November?
Gray and damp, highs near 52F (11C), dark early.
Is London crowded in November?
November is one of the quieter months in London; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in London in November?
Christmas season (mid november through early january).
Keep planning London.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.