Yes, You Should Visit London in Fall. Here's Why.

Summer in London is overrated. It’s hot, crowded, and overpriced. A much better alternative is visiting in the fall.

London autumn is the best autumn, and it’s one of the best ever times to visit. It’s a lower tourist season with less crowds, and prices for hotels and flights drop (a bit).

Here’s some tips from a local for planning your autumn London trip, plus 19 incredible events and sights you can only see in London in fall.

Image of Tower Bridge in the autumn glowing light with text overlaid: "London in Fall"

Tips for Planning Your London Autumn Getaway

Autumn in London gives a brief break between the tourist madness of summer and the winter holidays.

But you need to be a bit picky about your dates and accommodation to get the very best deals. It’s still London, after all, and one of the most expensive cities in the world to visit.

1. Book as Far Ahead as You Can

Just because autumn in London is a lower tourist season doesn’t mean you can book last-minute. Always book as far ahead as you can.

2. Don’t Come on Half Term Holidays or Bank Holidays

There are a few autumn London weeks to avoid: the half term holidays and bank holidays (long weekends).

These dates change every year, but you can check with any London borough (or google “London half term dates” or “London bank holidays”) to see what the current schedule is.

A red flag for travel dates is any week when hotel prices are higher: that usually means children in the UK or Europe are on holiday.

3. Be Flexible With Accommodation

Even though it’s a lower travel season, you’ll still see exorbitant prices for Central London hotels.

Consider staying a bit outside of Central London, look for hidden gem hotels (veteran traveler favorites here), and consider an Airbnb. It’ll all depend on your dates and requirements.

Tips for Packing for London in the Fall

The fall weather can be fickle, but it doesn’t mean you have to overpack. As a Londoner, here’s what I would bring (and not bring) to survive English autumn.

1. Waterproof Shoes

No, I’m not talking about wellies. A pair of stylish, black waterproof or water-resistant boots is just fine. See my recommendations here.

2. A Lightweight Raincoat

Layers are your friend. The tube might still be dreadfully hot (especially in September), and outdoors might be breezy and wet.

3. Casual, All-Day Clothes

No, you don’t need to dress up for the theatre. Trousers and a blouse are just fine. Bring clothes that can go from day to night, with layers you can add and remove.

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What to Do & See in London in the Fall

You can never run out of things to see and do in London. But in fall, we get some of the best festivals and events.

Here are the best big events and things to see in September, October, and November.

What to do In London in September

1. See the Autumn Leaves

Seeing the leaves change in London in fall is really magical, and it’s such a different view than the countryside colors. Set against the city backdrop, the autumn leaves are that much more incredible.

There are plenty of places to take in the beauty of the season and enjoy a peaceful autumn walk. My favorite places to enjoy the changing colors are:

Regent’s Park
Hyde Park
Walking along Regent’s Canal
Kew Gardens
Beautiful and Historic Cemeteries and Churchyards

2. Peek Behind the Curtain at Open House London

Image of the exterior of the historic London Charterhouse, just one of the historic buildings you can access during the open house festival — The London Charterhouse, just one of an amazing array of historic buildings open to the public at the Open House festival.

The thing I’m always most excited about in London in autumn is the Open House Festival. London’s best known and most mysterious buildings open their doors and you can get an exclusive peek inside.

3. Strut Your Stuff at London Fashion Week

World-famous London Fashion Week is a bi-annual event that showcases the latest styles and trends from some of the world’s top designers, with plenty of celebs walking the streets and the catwalk.

4. Get Creative at the London Design Festival

The London Design Festival is an annual event that celebrates creativity and innovation across a range of design disciplines, including architecture, fashion, and product design. This one is for all creatives – you have to see this cool event.

5. Sail Away at Totally Thames

autumn leaves overhanging Regent's Canal with a canal boat and a smokestack in the background — Regent’s Canal in the Fall

The Totally Thames Festival is an annual celebration of the River Thames, featuring art installations, performances, and other events that showcase the history and culture of this iconic waterway.

It runs the length of the river all September long, so there’s tons of events to choose from.

What To Do in London in October

autumn leaves falling over a red phone booth with text overlaid :"visiting london in autumn: october"

1. Celebrate Black History Month in the Capital

London’s Black History Month is a month-long celebration of black history and culture, featuring exhibitions, talks, performances, and other events that promote education and awareness about the contributions of black people to British society.

2. See Incredible Installations at the Frieze Art Fair

Wander over to Regent’s Park this fall to check out the beautiful art installations in the Frieze festival, featuring installations and incredible exhibitions that are influential to the global art world.

This iconic fair is one of the most amazing things to do in London in October, but be sure to book ahead.

3. Celebrate Halloween in London

dark and spooky image of a London home decorated for halloween with creepy lighting and giant spiders — Trick or Treating 2023 in North London.

Halloween has recently become a more common celebration in London. Bring the kids to trick-or-treat in posh neighborhoods (they give out the big candy), or enjoy a silent disco or epic themed club night. It wouldn’t be London in the fall without costumes and candy.

4. Dance to Diwali in Trafalgar Square

Diwali in Trafalgar Square is an epic, packed event full of vibrant colors, live music, dance performances, food stalls, and the lighting of the Diwali lamps.

5. Score a Touchdown at the NFL London Games

Throughout October you can enjoy American football right here in London! (That’s the one with the brown ball).

This is definitely the most American thing to do in London in October, but the Brits really get into it, too. Maybe we’ll even see a certain player’s girlfriend grace the Capital this year?

6. See a Spooky Show

From Wicked to The Woman in Black, the West End theater scene has your spooky October covered. Each fall in London, several new shows debut in the run up to the Christmas season, so keep your eyes peeled for brand new premieres.

7. Visit a Unique and Creepy Museum

Exterior of the clink prison museum with sign reading: "the clink 1144-1780 Most notorious medieval prison"

Experience a Victorian London murder spree at the Jack the Ripper Museum, learn about horrendous torture at the Clink Prison Museum, or learn about early (gruesome) surgical procedures at the Old Operating Theatre. It’ll get you in the spooky October spirit!

8. Sip a Spooky Afternoon Tea

The themes for afternoon teas change seasonally and annually, depending on the venue. But you can bet there will be Harry Potter themed teas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Sherlock Holmes.

What to do in London in November

the thames on a moody fall day with text overlaid "Autumn in London: November"

1. Trot Along to the Lord Mayor’s Show

Watch some pomp and circumstance (in beautiful carriages) at the Lord Mayor’s Show in November in London.

2. Pay your respects on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday

Wear a poppy and pay your respects to all who have served and sacrificed. The Cenotaph Parade is a touching and beautiful march through the city.

3. Rotating Exhibitions at the V&A

The Victoria & Albert museum always has incredible temporary exhibitions in the fall. Right now, it’s an incredible ode to Taylor Swift with original costumes!

PS: I have a Taylor Swift Guide to London just for you, right here.

november frost on regent's canal with two canal boats tied together on icy water

4. Experience Hogwarts in the Snow

It might not be December yet, but it’s always a magical time of year at the Harry Potter Studio tour. The film sets are all decked out with magical Christmas decor, and it’s a very special touch to an already incredible experience.

Tickets can be hard to score unless you book well in advance; see my full guide to getting Harry Potter Studios tickets.

5. Blow Up Some Bonfire Night Fireworks

guy fawkes bonfire night fireworks over the banks of the thames. Guy Fawkes night is a celebration in London in autumn where fireworks and bonfires are common — *Chris Downer, CC BY-SA 2.0*

Celebrating an attempt to blow up Parliament? That’s Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night: an epic celebration all over the city with fireworks, bonfires, lots of booze, and general cheer.

There’s no one big celebration for Bonfire Night in London. Rather, smaller celebrations are spread throughout the city. Check your neighborhood guides and Facebook pages for specific events, and “remember, remember, the 5th of November.”

6. Celebrate American Thanksgiving

If you’re an American and missing your mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, don’t worry! There are plenty of restaurants that can do the cooking for you, or grocery stores where you can pick up your American favorites (Stove Top and french fried onions, anyone?).

London in Autumn: Final Tips

Not only can you save some cash when the prices drop a bit, but you can enjoy magical scenery, less crowds, unique events, and the lovely ambiance of London in fall.

Remember to pack layers for unpredictable weather, bring your power bank for all those epic Instagram photos you’ll take, and book everything ahead that you can.

Grab your tickets, bundle up, and make the most of magical autumn in London.

Autumn in London FAQ

Is Fall a Good Time to Visit London?

Autumn in London is one of the best times of year to visit. It’s generally a lower tourist season and the city is less crowded.

You can save on everything from shows to trains to hotels. As long as you avoid school holidays and bank holidays, you can definitely save some cash by booking your trip for the fall.

What’s the weather like in London in fall?

The average weather in London in fall is cool and mild, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (about 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit).
While there can be some rainy days, it’s also common to have some bright and sunny weather during this season.

What does London look like in fall?

It’s absolutely beautiful, with changing leaves, autumn light, and a lovely cozy atmosphere to the streets.

How do people dress in London in the fall?

Londoners wear layers. The tube can be stifling hot and the streets can be chilly and wet, so it’s important to pack accordingly.

We Londoners don’t care what tourists wear, but if you’re curious, read my guide to not looking like a tourist.

Is London better in September or October?

October is a lower tourist season than September, and children are back in school for the year. In October, it’s best to visit the first half of the month when there are no half term holidays or bank holidays.

Is London nicer in fall or spring?

The weather can be unpredictable in any season in London, but generally, spring has nicer and warmer weather. Fall, however, is lower tourist season and is better for avoiding crowds and getting lower rates.

How crowded is London in October?

October is a wonderful time to visit London to avoid crowds. Since children are back in school and less people are traveling, it’s an excellent time to visit if you avoid holidays.