United Kingdom, Europe
London in October
Great museum-and-theatre weather. Half-term school break late month bumps family attractions again.
The straight answer
October is a good month to visit London. Great museum-and-theatre weather. Half-term school break late month bumps family attractions again.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 60F (16C), real autumn color in the parks
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What October is like in London
October is cool and pretty, with highs near 60F (16C) and real autumn color in the parks. It is great weather for museums and theatre, and prices ease off from summer. The UK half-term break late in the month bumps family attractions for about a week. The clocks go back at the end of the month, so evenings darken quickly.
It suits culture trips, couples and walkers who like crisp days. Families can go, but check the half-term week and book the Harry Potter studio tour early if it falls in your dates. If you want long bright evenings, pick September instead.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about London this month.
Autumn color in the parks
Hyde Park, Regent's Park and Greenwich Park turn gold and red. A morning walk before the museums is the move.
Museum and theatre weather
Cool, sometimes wet days make it the ideal month for long museum visits and an evening show.
Greenwich by riverboat
The Thames Clipper out to Greenwich and a walk up to the Royal Observatory is a great half day in autumn light.
What to pack for October
- A warm jacket that sheds rain
- A sweater or fleece
- Waterproof walking shoes
- A compact umbrella
Our timing tip
Travel in the first half of October to beat the half-term crowds and get the longer evenings before the clocks change.
Book London for October.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in LondonOpens a hotel search for London in October, 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 October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit London?
October is a good month to visit London. Great museum-and-theatre weather. Half-term school break late month bumps family attractions again.
What is the weather like in London in October?
Cool, highs near 60F (16C), real autumn color in the parks.
Is London crowded in October?
Crowds in London are moderate in October; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning London.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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