Spending the November holidays in London is wonderful. Outside of school holidays, quieter airports and cheaper plane tickets.
If you’re planning this month in London, this article will give you a good understanding about:
- What to wear?
- What will the weather be like?
- Will there be a lot of rain?
- What to do and what not to do?
- What are the best attractions to visit?
This article was written by our two London residents, with many unique tips.
Tip: If you rather visit around Christmas, read our full guide to London in December.
Is November a Good Month to Visit London?
We think this is the perfect month if you enjoy exploring a city without too many tourists around. It is the sweet spot outside of the school holidays but still a few weeks before Christmas when football in London really ramps up.
November is a very good time to visit London, as it will feel quieter than during the peak season with shorter queues at popular attractions. Although the days are shorter and it will get darker quicker, the city is still open for business during usual trading hours.
🎟️ Best Activities in London:
All of these links open in a new tab. They are incredibly useful for your London trip in November.
The first week of November is particularly fun with Guy Fawkes night falling on the 5th of November. You will find the skies lit up all week with fireworks and amazing displays on the night itself. Primrose Hill and The Royal Observatory in Greenwich are two free locations in London that offer extensive outdoor views of London, perfect for watching the fireworks.
đź’ˇ Christmas Markets: From mid-November, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in London’s ultimate Christmas experience. The biggest one is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, with thousands of sparkling lights and more than 100 wooden cabins overflowing with wonderful gifts and some of the best handmade crafts.
Read more about Winter Wonderland at the end of this article.Â
If you are visiting London in November, it is important to remember that the temperature will drop considerably compared to September and October, so layering up for any activity is key.
November Tours and Attraction Tips
For the fans of the books or the movies, the Harry Potter Studio tour is a must-do in November. It’s 100% worth it! Our other top picks are the London Eye and the entry ticket to The Shard.
đź’ˇ We highly recommend making reservations for the popular tours in advance! Of course, you are free to book any other tour (London Activities) or try buying a ticket later.
November Quick Facts
- Attractions: There are plenty of things to do in London throughout November. With fewer crowds at popular attractions, you will be able to fit more into your holiday. Buckingham Palace tours, however, end in October, but you can still go and take a picture from the gates.
- Travel: Traveling around the city will be slightly easier during November. The underground tubes feel quieter, and there are fewer school trips filling up the trains.
- Daylight hours: Daylight saving hours change in November with the clocks turning back one hour. Although you get an extra hour of sleep, it also means the days get darker and shorter sooner compared to previous months.
Weather
November is the month before the start of winter, so it will feel cold, and there will be days of rainfall, particularly towards the end of the month. However, it is not quite wintering yet, so you will find that some days are dry and crisp.
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). The average high temperature also varies depending on the time of the month. There is a 35% chance of rain on an average day.
Regardless of the dips in temperature compared to the previous months, London is still fun in November if you wrap up. Walking along the South Bank, the air will feel fresh and cool, and if you have a thick jacket on, you won’t feel too cold.
The start of November is usually slightly warmer than the end of the month:
- Early November: 13°C (55°F)
- Mid-November: 12°C (54°F)
- Late November: 10°C (50°F)
Although the temperature is colder towards the end of November, the city starts coming alive in preparation for Christmas. There are holiday attractions popping up over the city, and the colder temperature will help you get into the festive spirit.
Rain
You can expect a 35% chance of rain during the month. Skies will be cloudy or mostly cloudy on most days, with some rainfall likely on approximately 17 days.
Typical rainfall in November reaches an average of 52mm, so remember to bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella.
Colder Times
Temperatures throughout the days in November can be varied. Similar to most months throughout the year, colder times of the day will be the morning and evening with temperatures increasing slightly in the afternoon.
Typical daily temperature progression during a day in mid-November:
- Early Morning: 7°C (45°F)
- Morning: 9°C (48°F)
- Afternoon: 12°C (54°F)
- Evening: 8°C (46°F)
Chances of Snow
The chance of experiencing snowfall during November in London is very unlikely. Although there can be frost and cold temperatures, snow does not usually fall until January.
In the unlikely case of snowfall, it will typically happen at the end of the month with a chance of 5%.
November visitor weather reports:
- “London weather in November is generally damp. It is unlikely to get a good frost, but I would never rule it out. Snow is very unlikely in November. If you get a clear day, it will be fresh and crisp. For me, this month is a perfect time to visit.”
- “A good waterproof coat and shoes are essential, but you also may have no rain when staying a few days only.”
What to Wear and Pack
As November can experience cool temperatures, rain as well as sunnier days, it is important to pack for all kinds of weather. Wearing a long-sleeve shirt, jeans, and jacket in the daytime will keep you warm, and pack a hat or scarf in your backpack in case you get colder in the evening.
Throughout November in London, wearing t-shirts, long-sleeve tops, trousers, long dresses, and a thick jacket will be ideal for most of the day. The weather in November will be cold and wet, so wear layers and be prepared for rainfall with an umbrella or a waterproof coat.
Our coat recommendations for the typical wet and cold days in November:
However, there can be surprising dry days where the sun will come out, but this won’t increase the temperature too much, so you still need to wear appropriate clothing.
For going out, bring a purse or small bag. For longer city explorations during the day, we always use a larger bag for water, wallet, phone, and hand sanitizer. Tip: London is one of the world’s hot spots where tourists are getting pickpocketed! That’s why we highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our two tips above!).
đź’ˇ Visitor tip: Layers are a good idea in November. Pack jumpers, cardigans, and waterproof jackets to wear on top of a long-sleeved top. I recommend thick socks worn with comfortable shoes because you will be doing plenty of walking in London.
Packing list:
- T-shirts/ long-sleeve tops
- Sweaters/jumpers
- Shirts
- Thick jacket
- Rainproof jacket
- Jeans/trousers
- Socks
- Trainers/walking boots
- Long-sleeve dresses
- Umbrella
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf
- Hand sanitiser
- Antibacterial wipes
- Tissues
- UK travel adapter (3 pin plug)
Crowds and Rates – Is It busy?
November is an ideal month to enjoy London leisurely without too many crowds of people and quieter attractions. It is the perfect time to browse the stores of Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Westfield for some early Christmas shopping before December begins and the shops become hectic.
Generally, November is considered a quiet month, but annual events increase foot traffic across the city. On 5th November, parks across London will be busier for Guy Fawkes night. Westminster will feel busier on the second Sunday of November for Remembrance Day commemorations.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland opens in mid-November, so stations such as Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, and Knightsbridge will start to get busier, particularly in the evenings.
Nevertheless, November is a great time to check out some of London’s most popular attractions outside of the peak season. Experience the dazzling light shows at Kew Gardens, which opens each November. Head to a special commemorative event at the Imperial War Museum or benefit from the shorter queues at the world-famous Natural History Museum.
It is important to note that most attractions and restaurants across London will observe a two-minute silence at 11 am on 11th November every year for Remembrance Day.
Rates: Hotel rates will be slightly cheaper compared to previous months during the first few weeks of November. Towards the end of the month, the prices will be slightly higher as it’s getting closer to the Christmas season and people start to travel to London for December festivities.
Things to Do | Our Tips
Despite the cooler temperatures, there are still plenty of things to do across the city, and all the attractions are still open for business. Head to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guards at 11 am each day (except Tuesday and Saturday!).
Or, walk around Covent Garden and explore market stalls and boutique shops. For thrill-seekers, head to one of the indoor high points of London at the top of The Shard, The Gherkin or The Walkie Talkie building and experience extensive views across London at an exciting altitude.
Christmas Market | Winter Wonderland
- Open: Mid-November to January
No trip to London in November is complete without a visit to Winter Wonderland. Set across Hyde Park, the attraction is open from mid-November to January and consists of exciting rides, bars, games, food stalls, and the Angels Christmas Market.
The Market features a wide range of traders selling beautifully made gifts, jewelry, decorations, and delectable Christmas snacks. It is the perfect activity for friends and families alike, with something there for everyone to enjoy.
It is typically quieter to visit in November as most tourists and locals go in December when it’s closer to Christmas, so during November, you can still enjoy all the fun of the Wonderland but without the long queues!
Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Do you love the film Harry Potter? Step into the magic by visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and experience authentic sets, real costumes and behind-the-scenes secrets. Walk the streets of Diagon Alley, sit at the table of the Great Hall, wander around Dumbledoor’s office and take your own ride on a magical broom. This is the perfect activity for November when the weather is turning cooler and you are looking for a fun, indoor activity.
SEA LIFE
London’s SEA LIFE is home to more than 500 species of marine life from green turtles to seahorses and 10 different species of sharks. Watch as they swim below your feet and above your head in the glass tunnel and suspended glass platform, getting closer to the animals than you ever have before. Set across three floors and 14 themed zones, SEA LIFE is a fun day out for kids and adults alike.
Madame Tussauds
Get up close and personal with international celebrities at London’s wax figure museum. Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Beyonce, Rihanna, Ed Sheeran and even the Royal Family! November is the ideal time to go when it is outside of peak season as you will be able to see the figures much easier and the queues for the more popular celebrities will be shorter.
Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament Tour
Within one tour, you can visit two of London’s most famous spots, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Begin your day touring the Westminster Abbey, the royal church which has been the site for coronations since 1066 and the place where Prince William and Kate Middleton wed. Then, explore the Houses of Parliament, the centre of British politics where you can see the Houses of Commons, House of Lords and Westminster Hall.
Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
What better way to see the city than a double decker bus serving Afternoon Tea. Sip on some tea and prosecco and nibble on sandwiches and pastries whilst enjoying the view of London’s top attractions. Throughout your journey, you will see sights such as The London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Tower of London. You will be out of the cold weather and seeing the city in comfort and style.