United Kingdom, Europe
London in September
London's quiet triumph: kids back in school, weather holding, and Open House weekend unlocks buildings normally closed to the public.
The straight answer
September is one of the best months of the year to visit London. London's quiet triumph: kids back in school, weather holding, and Open House weekend unlocks buildings normally closed to the public.
- Weather
- Mild and often settled, highs near 68F (20C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What September is like in London
September is London's quiet win. Highs near 68F (20C), often settled weather, and the summer crowds gone once kids are back in school. The city returns to work and the museums calm down. The Buckingham Palace state rooms stay open into the month, and the Open House Festival unlocks buildings that are normally closed to the public.
It suits nearly everyone, especially couples, first-timers and homeschool families who can travel in term time. Prices stay fairly high, but you get far more for your money than in August. It is one of the best three months of the year.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about London this month.
Open House Festival
Hundreds of normally closed buildings open for free in September. It is a great reason to choose this month.
Buckingham Palace state rooms
The summer opening generally runs into September, with much shorter lines than in August.
Term-time calm
With UK kids back in school, weekday mornings at the Tower and the Natural History Museum feel relaxed.
What to pack for September
- Light layers for mild days
- A packable rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light sweater for cooler evenings
Our timing tip
Popular Open House buildings need advance booking, so check the program as soon as it is published.
Book London for September.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in LondonOpens a hotel search for London in September, 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 September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in September
Open House Festival
September
Hundreds of normally closed buildings open free to the public. A brilliant reason to pick September.
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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit London?
September is one of the best months of the year to visit London. London's quiet triumph: kids back in school, weather holding, and Open House weekend unlocks buildings normally closed to the public.
What is the weather like in London in September?
Mild and often settled, highs near 68F (20C).
Is London crowded in September?
Crowds in London are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in London in September?
Open House Festival (september).
Keep planning London.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
Before you book.
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