Dear traveler,
My name is Becki, and I’ve lived in London for many years. The city is a fantastic place to visit year-round. However, the autumn months are very special, and I am glad that you decided to go during this season.
Please find my outfit and packing tips below. I also included the best things to do for each month.
September
In early September, the weather can be warm and almost summer-like with plenty of daylight hours.
September is a changeable month, with warm summer-like weather during the first two weeks, and cooler days towards the end of the month. Pack light layers and be prepared for both sun and spots of rain during this month.
In London, days can be warm in September and cooler in the evenings. The weather is mostly pleasant with highs of around 19°C (66°F). During the mornings and evenings, the temperatures are cooler and dip to around 14°C.
Average daily temperatures in September:
- Early September: 21°C (70°F)
- Mid-September: 19°C (66°F)
- Late September: 17°C (63°F)
What to pack:
Early September sees very warm temperatures, so you can enjoy wearing lighter layers. Short-sleeved t-shirts with jeans and sneakers are a great September outfit for sightseeing in London.
The style in London is quite laid back and comfortable during the day. However, the month of September is very changeable. Mid to late September sees cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain.
You will need a light jacket to wear over T-shirts during the day and over sweaters in the evening. As there is a high chance of rain in September, make sure your jacket is waterproof to combat sudden showers.
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During early September, midi-dresses, long skirts, or tea-dresses are great for sunny days when the temperatures can reach 20 °C. In late September, layer sweaters over dresses to stay warm when the weather turns cooler.
When it comes to footwear, you will need a versatile pair of shoes to wear, come rain or shine.
Londoner tip: Sandals are worn during the first week of September while the weather is still warm, then put away by mid-month. A stylish pair of sneakers or a lightweight pair of boots that can survive a rain shower are great shoe options for September.
Packing list for September in London:
- Long and short-sleeved T-shirts
- Sweaters and or cardigans
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Light rainproof jacket
- Long skirts and dresses
- Jeans
- Stylish sneakers
- Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Baseball cap
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Hand sanitiser
- UK travel adapter (3-pin plug)
Things to do:
- Borough Market: London’s most famous food market, near London Bridge. Autumn is a good time to go, with seasonal produce and warm street food. Go on a weekday morning soon after opening for the quietest experience. Saturday afternoons are the busiest by far.
- Open House Festival: For a few days in September, hundreds of buildings across London open their doors to the public for free, including places that are normally closed. Popular buildings need booking, so check the programme early.
- Last warm days in the parks: Early September is still warm enough to sit outside. Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St James’s Park are lovely before the weather turns.
- London Fashion Week: The city fills with fashion crowds in mid-September. Most shows are industry only, but there are public events and a real buzz around Soho and Mayfair.
- Totally Thames: A month-long festival along the river with boat events, art, and walks. A nice way to see the Thames while the weather is still mild.
- Fewer crowds than summer: The school holidays are over, so the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul’s are quieter than in August.
- London Design Festival: A city-wide design event in late September, with free installations and exhibitions in places like the V&A and around Shoreditch.
- Rooftop bars: Early September is your last good chance for a rooftop drink with a view before it gets too cold.
- Sunday roast in a pub: As the evenings get cooler, a proper Sunday roast in a traditional pub is a great British thing to do. Book ahead for popular places.
💡 More outfit tips: Complete London September Outfits and Packing Guide
October
The weather throughout October is very variable. There will be rainy days yet, the temperatures will still be in the double digits.
During October, daytime temperatures are mild in London, with colder weather in the evenings. The weather is mostly cool, with highs of around 13°C (55°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F).
The average daily temperature varies depending on the time of the month you go. The start of October is slightly warmer than towards the end of the month.
Average daily temperatures in October:
- Early October: 17°C (63°F)
- Mid-October: 15°C (59°F)
- Late October: 13°C (55°F)
What to pack:
As Londoners, we’re no strangers to early autumn showers and always come prepared. A warm rainproof jacket is essential, as is a pair of sturdy leather boots. As the weather turns like the autumn leaves, outfits become more cozy with plenty of layers.
Early October is warm, so pack light layers that are easy to adjust. A practical London travel outfit includes jeans, a short-sleeved t-shirt, a sweater for layering, and a light rain jacket.
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During mornings, wear comfortable outfits with layers you can adjust, and don’t forget an umbrella. Towards the afternoon, you can usually take off your jacket and enjoy the warmer temperatures.
Londoner tip: Jeans are another essential clothing item for an autumn vacation to London. During October, Londoners transition to darker-wash jeans. Another trouser option includes cargo pants in a dark khaki color. Match with a colorful pair of sneakers and you will be set.
A medium knit sweater, or cozy hoodie, is perfect for cooler days, when it’s too warm for a jacket. Sweaters are also essential to tackle colder evening temperatures and are a much-needed clothing item during October.
Packing list for October in London:
- Short-sleeved t-shirts
- Long dresses or skirts
- Sweaters or cardigans
- Jeans or cargo pants
- Rain jacket
- Lightweight leather boots
- Rainproof sneakers
- Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Baseball cap
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Hand sanitiser
- UK travel adapter (3-pin plug)
Things to do:
- Autumn leaves: Late October is peak time for autumn colour. Kew Gardens, Richmond Park, and Hampstead Heath are the best spots. Kew has a treetop walkway that puts you level with the canopy.
- Borough Market: A great autumn market day out, with warm street food and seasonal produce. Weekday mornings just after opening are the quietest, while Saturday afternoons get very packed.
- Diwali on the Square: London’s biggest Diwali celebration takes place in Trafalgar Square, usually in October. Expect live music, dance, and South Asian street food stalls. It’s free.
- Halloween: Around 31 October, London goes big on Halloween with ghost walks, spooky tours, and special events at places like Kew Gardens and the London Dungeon. Book tours ahead.
- BFI London Film Festival: The city’s biggest film festival runs in October, with premieres and screenings across London. Tickets go fast for the big titles.
- London Cocktail Week: A city-wide event in early October, with special drinks and deals at bars all over town. A good indoor evening when it’s cold.
- Deer rutting season: In Richmond Park and Bushy Park, the red and fallow deer rut in autumn. It’s an amazing free thing to see, but keep a safe distance from the animals.
- Museums on rainy days: October brings a lot of rain, so the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the V&A are useful to have in your plan. Most are free.
- Cosy pubs: This is the month when London’s old pubs come into their own. A fireplace, a pint, and a Sunday roast is a very London autumn thing to do.
- Clocks go back: British Summer Time ends at the end of October, so it gets dark much earlier. Plan your outdoor sightseeing for the daytime.
💡 More outfit tips: Complete London October Outfits and Packing Guide
November
Though November in London brings colder weather and more rain, it’s an excellent time to explore the city. There are fewer tourists, and people enjoy the festive glow of the Christmas street lights turned on at the end of the month.
The weather during November in London is mostly cool, with highs of around 10°C (50°F) and potential lows of 5°C (41°F). There is a 35% chance of rain, and temperatures begin to drop towards mid to late November.
Average daily temperatures in November:
- Early November: 13°C (55°F)
- Mid-November: 12°C (54°F)
- Late November: 10°C (50°F)
What to pack:
For London’s November weather, layering with sweaters or long-sleeved dresses under a warm, waterproof jacket is the ideal approach. Be prepared for rainfall with an umbrella and waterproof shoes such as leather boots.
Leather boots are a versatile option in London. A pair of dark, waterproof, insulated boots is ideal for surviving cold, wet days in London. Also pack a smart pair of leather shoes or heeled boots for going out in the evening, if you like to get dressed up.
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A puffer jacket or a warm waterproof parka is ideal for the variable November weather in London. It can get hot on public transport, especially during rush hour, so you will need a jacket that is warm but not a thick winter jacket.
Londoner tip: Packing cold-weather accessories is a good idea to prepare for the late autumn weather. A knitted hat will keep you warm if you are outside all day sightseeing. A scarf and a pair of light gloves are also good to bring to keep you feeling cozy.
Packing list for November in London:
- Long-sleeved t-shirts and tops
- Long dresses or skirts
- Cozy sweaters or cardigans
- Warm dark jeans
- Warm rainproof jacket
- Rainproof leather boots/ Rainproof sneakers
- Umbrella
- Knitted hat, scarf, and gloves
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Hand sanitiser
- UK travel adapter (3-pin plug)
Things to do:
- Bonfire Night: On 5 November, firework displays light up parks all over the city, like Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park. Many are ticketed, so book ahead. Wrap up warm, you will be standing outside.
- Lord Mayor’s Show: A huge historic parade through the City of London on the second Saturday in November, with floats, marching bands, and carriages. It’s free to watch and has been running for centuries.
- Christmas lights switch-on: The lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and in Covent Garden come on in November. A free and festive thing to see once it gets dark early.
- Borough Market: A warm and busy market for a cold day, with hot street food and seasonal produce. Weekday mornings just after opening are quietest. Saturday afternoons are the most crowded.
- Ice skating: The outdoor rinks start opening in November at spots like Somerset House and Hampton Court Palace. Book a slot ahead, they fill up fast.
- Christmas markets start: The first festive markets open in mid to late November, including Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and the Southbank Centre winter market. Grab a mulled wine to warm up.
- Remembrance Day: On 11 November, the country holds two minutes of silence at 11am. The main national service is held at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on the Sunday closest to the date.
- Last of the autumn colour: Early November still has good leaf colour in Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath before the trees go bare.
- Museums and galleries: November is wet and dark, so warm indoor days work well. The British Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery are free and much quieter than in summer.
- Cosy pub evenings: With it getting dark by late afternoon, a warm old pub with a fireplace is one of the best things about London in November.
💡 More outfit tips: Complete London November Outfits and Packing Guide