London August Outfits

Visiting London during August is a great time to see the city and its interesting attractions. The weather is warm, with plenty of sunny daylight hours and hot summer temperatures. 

This article includes

• August Weather and Outfits Overview
• Essential Clothing Items
• Outfit and Packing Guide
• Dress Codes in London
• 5 Must-Do Activities in August

Things to do: During August, the city of London enjoys the last of the summer weather with plenty of fantastic summertime events. The summer school holidays take place in August which sees the capital play host to plenty of fantastic family-friendly activities.

💡 Visiting earlier? Check out our other articles:

• Outfit Guide for London in June
• Outfit Guide for London in July

Ice cream festivals take place in Covent Garden, and museums such as the Natural History Museum are bursting with fun, kid-oriented events. 

Of course, there is also plenty of fun for adults with food and beer festivals popping up throughout London, taking advantage of the warm sunny weather. Outdoor cinema is also a popular London activity during the summer with fantastic screenings taking place at the iconic Somerset House. 

SHOP NOW: Trendy Summer Outfits for London on Amazon

London is less hectic during August as many Londoners themselves are on vacation, however, August still sees plenty of tourism. The weather is very similar to July weather in London, with hot temperatures and occasional rain showers. 

💡 Scroll down for your complete outfit and packing guide!

In this unique guide, we share with you what to expect from the weather in London during August and, most importantly, how to dress for the warm summer temperatures. 

Personal Tip | London Eye Fast Track Tickets

London Eye’s capsules are air-conditioned but keep in mind that these are glass pods that can still get warm inside on very hot days in August. So, please dress accordingly. More outfit tips later! 💡

Tip: Do yourself a favor and get fast-track tickets as the waiting time in the queue can be up to 45 minutes or sometimes even longer! (the tickets purchased via the widget above are also fast-track ones!)

August Overview

Average high temperature:

• Early August: 19°C (66°F)
• Mid-August: 18°C (64°F)
• Late August: 17°C (62°F)

Early August sees hot temperatures that last well into the evening and plenty of daylight hours. However, as August progresses, there is often a drop in the temperatures, with average temperatures dropping to 17°C (62°F) later in the month. 

Despite the lower temperatures, August is still a hot month in London. T-shirts, shorts or dresses for women are the clothing of choice during August to keep cool in the high heat.

August can also be a quieter month, with fewer tourists than July.

If you are looking to visit London during the summer months, mid- to late August is a great time to come to avoid some of the city’s busyness, although London is generally busy all year round.

Essential Clothing Items for August

Jackets

Temperatures in London can reach above 25°C (77°F) in August, with cooler temperatures in the evening dropping to 18°C (64°F).

Occasional rain showers can be expected during the summer months; however, they are usually short-lived. The weather is warm enough during the day to not need a jacket.

I usually recommend packing one light jacket, such as a blazer or a denim jacket, as it may be needed during the mornings and evenings in August. However, it depends on the temperature fluctuation (check the weather forecast!) and your personal preference.

Especially in late August it gets cooler in the evenings and mornings.

Umbrella?

Do you need an umbrella in August? London isn’t too rainy during this month, and you should be able to miss the short-lived showers by quickly entering a shop, for example.

Anyway, depending on the weather forecast, I have a compact umbrella in my bag when in the city.

Shoes

Summer in London can get hot and humid, yet you still want to be comfortable walking around the city. Consider bringing the following footwear with you on your London trip:

Sneakers

Comfortable and versatile sneakers are a popular choice during summer in London. Choose a pair that is trendy and easy to wear. A white canvas pair will match most summer attire, or choose a bright and colorful pair of sneakers to add an interesting element to your travel outfits.

Sandals

Sandals are commonly worn throughout London and are a great option for keeping feet cool in the summer heat. Choose a pair you can easily walk around in a color that compliments your travel wear.

Smart Shoes

If you are planning to go out in the evening, ensure to bring a smart pair of shoes. A smart leather shoe or a dress sneaker is perfect for men dressing up to go out. At the same time, women could wear heeled shoes, smart sandals or a smart flat to head out into London during the evening.

Pants/Jeans

I always recommend bringing a pair of jeans for your August visit. Opt for the wide-leg option or slim-fit jeans with lightweight denim in a lighter wash.

We suggest also packing some chinos, linen trousers, or cotton pants.

Dresses

For women, a light summer dress is an essential item to pack for a trip to London during summer. Dresses offer a versatile outfit option as you can bring multiple options for day and night.

For a casual daytime, look pair a colorful dress with trainers, and then for the evening switch up your look with a sophisticated dress with a dressy sandal or pair of heels.

Short-Sleeved T-Shirts

Ensure that you pack plenty of short-sleeved T-shirts for a trip to London in the summer months. T-shirts make a casual outfit paired with jeans or shorts for a relaxed daytime look, keeping you cool while exploring London.

Shirts

A shirt is a versatile travel item for summer in London. Choose shirts in cotton or linen fabrics to keep you cool. Short-sleeved shirts are perfect for a relaxed daytime look, whereas a tailored long-sleeved shirt will be ideal for a night out in summer without a jacket.

💡 Certain venues such as the Ritz require a specific dress code, which includes a suit jacket. If you plan to visit a fine dining restaurant, you may want to wear a smart outfit to ensure entry. Check dress code requirements when you are packing for your trip.

Shorts

When temperatures soar in London, many people opt to wear shorts to keep them cool.

Shorts are great for men and women and are a great relaxed daytime look for walking around London and taking a trip on the London Eye.

Light Coverups

A coverup such as a cardigan, or a light sweater is a good item to pack for cooler mornings and late evenings. [In addition the, the light jacket we mentioned earlier. That way, you can choose between them.]

A light cover-up will also help you to avoid sunburn during the day if the sun is intense so choose an item that you can easily carry in a bag to put on when needed.

Sunwear

Temperatures in London can reach well above 25°C (77°F) during August so ensure you are prepared by packing

• sunhat
• sunglasses
• sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt
• water bottle to stay hydrated.

Outfit and Packing Guide

Average high temperature:

• Early August: 19°C (66°F)
• Mid-August: 18°C (64°F)
• Late August: 17°C (62°F)

Temperature progression on a typical day:

• Morning: 15°C (59°F)
• Afternoon: 21°C (69°F)
• Evening: 18°C (64°F)

The temperatures in August tend to be similar to July with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F) during the day. London is still very hot during the first half of August with high temperatures and around 15 hours of sunshine every day.

Towards the end of August, the weather starts to cool down as the UK starts to transition into Autumn, however, warm temperatures should be expected making August an amazing time to have a London vacation.

In terms of clothing, you should prepare for hot temperatures with a light breeze. Shorts and t-shirts are great travel outfits for August to explore the city during the day. Women can still enjoy wearing dresses, and sandals are still worn by men, women, and children throughout London.

August has a quiet atmosphere compared to the other summer months, as many Londoners choose to holiday during this month.

However August is still a popular month for tourists so queues at popular attractions should be expected.

To avoid this, plan to visit London’s most famous tourist spots such as the London Eye and the Tower of London as early as possible and then spend the day relaxing in one of London’s spectacular parks. Park life is a popular London pastime with people flocking to Hyde Park, Battersea Park and Regents Park to while away a sunny afternoon with a picnic.

💡 To ensure you are comfortable during August pack trainers, light shirts, shorts, and long dresses so you can breeze about the city prepared for the hot summer air.

Packing list:

• Sunglasses
• Baseball cap or other sunhat
• Short sleeve T-shirts
• Linen or cotton shirts
• Light cardigan
• Light jacket
• Jeans
• Shorts
• Sneakers
• Sandals
• Smart shoes/ heels for evening wear
• Dresses for day and night
• Small umbrella
• Backpack
• Crossbody bag
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen

Dress Codes in London

In London, you won’t find many places with a tight dress code. Even in places of worship, the dress rules aren’t as tight as in other parts of Europe. But it’s still a good idea to dress modestly in these spots to show respect.

Eating Out

The main spots where dress codes matter in London are at high-end and Michelin Starred restaurants. Many of these spots ask for smart casual wear. So, it’s smart to look at our dinner wear guide for London, and also check the dress code of the restaurant you’re going to.

Afternoon and High Teas

• When it comes to afternoon teas or high teas in London, dress codes do exist.
• Always check our guide on what to wear to afternoon tea in London for specific dress rules and great outfit ideas for any season.

Theatre Attire

A lot of folks wonder about what to wear to a theatre in London. While dressing up is common, it’s not a must. You’ll see people in both dressy and casual clothes at the theatre. So, you can relax about your outfit when planning a theatre night.

Extra Tips and Examples

Smart Casual Explained

• For Men: Think of button-up shirts, smart trousers, or dark jeans with a blazer.
• For Women: A nice blouse with trousers or a chic dress can be perfect.

Where to Research

• Restaurants: Their websites or social media pages often post dress code information.
• Cultural Spots: For museums, galleries, and churches, casual wear is usually fine, but avoid anything too revealing out of respect.

Conclusion

In London, the dress code scene is quite relaxed compared to other cities. However, it’s always best to do a bit of research before you go somewhere new, especially for fancy dinners or special events like afternoon tea.

Dressing modestly in religious or formal settings is also a sign of respect. Remember, London is a diverse and vibrant city, so feeling comfortable and confident in what you wear is key.

5 Amazing Things to Do in August

Please try to do at least one of the following activities in August. Number 5 is our absolute favorite.

1. River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly

• Location: Westminster Pier, London
• Price: £32 per person
• Personal Rating: 5/5

Sipping on bubbly, enjoying delicious canapés, and being serenaded by a live musician while gliding along the River Thames was magical. Seeing London’s landmarks beautifully illuminated in the evening made the experience even more special.

Why August? It’s the perfect weather!.

Helpful Tip: As it can get slightly cooler on the river, it’s a good idea to bring along a light jacket or wrap for the mornings and evenings, even in the summer.

2. Have Dinner in the Clouds at Duck and Waffle

• Location: 110 Bishopsgate 40th Floor, Heron Tower, London
• Price Range: $$
• Personal Rating: 5/5

Once we found the building, we whizzed up to the 40th Floor in a glass lift, which isn’t for the faint-hearted. The food was amazing and the entire restaurant had a chilled and relaxed feel. Of course, the views over London were spectacular which made the meal even more enjoyable.

The views across London are the most romantic at sunset.

Helpful Tip: Booking for the restaurant opens exactly two months ahead of time. So you have to be organized to get a table.

3. Take a romantic aerial walk above the famous O2 Building

• Location: The O2, North Greenwich, London
• Price Range: $
• Personal Rating: 4/5

It was so much fun walking over the roof of the O2. Our guide was so lovely and told us so much about the London skyline, made us feel safe, and even took a few photos for us. It was an amazing experience to do as a couple.

This is a great summertime activity in June, and depending on what you want to see, you can choose a daytime or a twilight walk.

Helpful Tip: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You will be wearing a harness so ladies should avoid wearing a dress. Even if the weather is warm, take a light jacket as the rooftop can get chilly.

4. Stroll Through the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

• Location: Richmond, London
• Price: £17.50 per adult
• Personal Rating: 4.5/5

The diversity of the gardens was astounding, from the Palm House filled with exotic rainforest plants to the Japanese Garden which was tranquil and serene. It was the perfect place for a peaceful day out.

Helpful Tip: Don’t forget to check out the Treetop Walkway for a unique perspective of the gardens from 18 meters high.

5. Visit the Borough Market

• Location: Southwark, London
• Price: Free
• Personal Rating: 4.5/5

The bustling atmosphere and the wide variety of delicious food and drink on offer made for a fun day out.

August is perfect because of the pleasant temps.

Tip: The market is less crowded in the morning on weekdays.