Why is autumn in London the best time to visit?
The summer crowds thin out, the parks turn gold and the city packs in fireworks, Diwali lights and jazz festivals across a few short weeks. The weather stays milder than most people expect, and enjoying a stroll while fallen golden and red leaves cover the ground has a certain charm.
This guide covers what you need to plan a trip, including the best things to do, seasonal events, and tips for getting the most out of the season.
What to expect from London in autumn
London in autumn is from mid-September through to early December. September still has some end-of-summer temperatures, with daytime highs reaching 20°C, while temperatures gradually lower to 10°C by late November. The leaves also begin to change colour, with hints of yellow in September, then deeper reds and coppers through October. The trade-off is the rain. Showers can arrive without warning, so layers and a waterproof jacket are a must.
If you are deciding when to come, the milder shoulder season is one of the better times of year. You have more comfortable weather, there are fewer crowds, and accommodation in one of London’s best areas is more accessible.
The best autumn things to do in London
Some of the best autumn things to do in London mix the outdoors with cosy indoor activities for when the rain rolls in.
- Ride the London Eye: The 135-metre wheel gives you the whole city laid out below, with the autumn colour in the parks easy to pick out on a clear day.
- Explore the Tower of London: With the summer crowds gone, you can take your time through the fortress and its grounds.
- Walk the Kew Treetop Walkway: An 18-metre-high bridge that puts you level with the changing canopy.
- Discover the museums: The Natural History Museum, British Museum and National Gallery are all free and ideal for a wet afternoon.
- Catch Covent Garden’s buskers: The covered market keeps the street performances going, whatever the weather.
Popular autumn activities in London
Some of the most enjoyable autumn activities in London revolve around food.
Autumn is prime time for British comfort food. This is the season for a proper Sunday roast, butternut squash soup, and apple crumble with custard.
The London Restaurant Festival in October is a good excuse to sample autumn menus across the city. The farmers’ markets are at their best too, with Borough Market, Marylebone Farmers’ Market and Notting Hill all worth a morning.
- Warm up with mulled wine or cider at a traditional pub
- Browse seasonal produce at Borough Market (busiest after 11 am, so go early)
- Take a River Thames cruise to see the skyline under low autumn light
- Hunt down a pumpkin patch on the city’s edge in late October
- Sample autumn cocktails during London Cocktail Week in early October
Best parks and gardens for autumn in London colour
London has more green space than any other major European capital, with over 3,000 parks covering roughly 18% of the city.
| Park | Why go in autumn |
| Kew Gardens | 14,000 trees, Treetop Walkway, Temperate House for rainy days |
| Richmond Park | See Deer, open bracken, the biggest royal park |
| Hampstead Heath | Lime Avenue’s yellow canopy and Parliament Hill views |
| Hyde Park | 350 central acres, easy to reach from the West End |
| Greenwich Park | Ancient oaks and chestnuts, Observatory views |
Hyde Park is the most convenient if you are short on time, sitting right by Oxford Street and easily reached from central neighbourhoods.
Seasonal events and festivals across the city
The autumn calendar is one of the busiest of the year. A handful of these events are worth planning your dates around.
- Totally Thames (September): A month of riverside walks, talks, boat trips and art installations along the Thames.
- Open House London (mid-September): Free access to buildings usually closed to the public, with volunteer guides.
- Diwali (late October to mid-November): London hosts Europe’s largest outdoor Diwali celebration, often centred on Trafalgar Square.
- Halloween (31 October): Quieter than in the US but still lively, with pumpkin displays and events like Halloween at Kew.
- Bonfire Night (5 November): Marking the failed gunpowder plot of 1605, with major firework displays at Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace.
- Lord Mayor’s Show (early to mid-November): An 800-year-old procession of floats, music and pageantry through the City.
- EFG London Jazz Festival (mid to late November): The city’s largest jazz festival, spread across venues from the Barbican to the Royal Albert Hall.
Tips for visiting London in autumn
Staying central makes all of this easier. With the major sights, parks and event venues clustered around Zones 1 and 2, a well-located base cuts down on travel time.
A serviced apartment with a kitchen is handy in autumn, since you can cook a warm breakfast before an early park walk or store supplies for a picnic between showers.
Your autumn packing and planning checklist
- Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and an umbrella
- Bring comfortable, waterproof walking shoes for muddy park paths
- Get an Oyster card or use contactless for the Tube and buses
- Aim for late October for the best leaf colour
- Book firework displays and big events in advance
- Plan indoor backups, such as free museums, for wet days
- Visit popular parks early or late to beat the crowds and catch the best light
Book your autumn in London trip today
Autumn in London is full of golden parks, a calendar of local celebrations, and some great food!
Ready to plan your trip?
Urban Retreat Apartments, set in the heart of Mayfair, just moments from Hyde Park, Oxford Street and Selfridges, is the ideal home base for your holiday. Our individually designed serviced apartments give you a stylish, comfortable home away from home in one of London’s most exclusive districts.
Explore our apartments and book your stay with Urban Retreat Apartments today, then start looking forward to London at its golden best.
