Planning a trip to London in October? Mid-autumn paints the city in a beautiful palette of fall foliage, turning streets and parks into vibrant scenes. This season is often quieter, with fewer tourists compared to the bustling summer months or the busy holidays around Christmas and New Year.
If you want to make the most of your visit, knowing what to expect from the weather is key. October in London offers a mix of average temperatures, daylight hours, and occasional rainfall, all of which shape the experience of exploring this iconic city during this time.
In this guide, you’ll find practical advice on what to pack and wear to stay comfortable while soaking up the unique charm of London in mid-fall. Beyond weather, we also highlight interesting things to do around the city, ensuring your October visit is both enjoyable and well-prepared.
Whether you’re seeking cozy walks under golden leaves or indoor activities during a drizzle, this article provides the full lowdown to help you plan a perfect trip. Keep reading to discover everything you need for a memorable autumn adventure in London.
Is October a Good Time to Visit London?
When thinking about October, many find it an ideal season to visit London. Early October can be surprisingly warm and sunny, creating perfect conditions for exploring the city comfortably. As the month moves on, the weather may get a bit colder, reminding visitors that autumn is in full swing.
In terms of temperature, October is about average for the year, with conditions quite similar to those in April and May. This balance means you won’t face the extremes of heat or cold, making it easier to plan your days without worrying too much about the weather.
One of the highlights of visiting London in October is witnessing the autumn colours that spread across the city, painting parks and streets with warm hues. This natural display adds a special charm to your experience and makes wandering around the city even more enjoyable.
Additionally, London tends to be less crowded in October, with fewer tourists than in summer. This means popular attractions are easier to access, and the atmosphere feels more relaxed, allowing for a more personal connection with the city.
So, whether you prefer the gentle warmth of early October or the crisp air of the later weeks, it’s clear that October offers a well-balanced, comfortable, and scenic time for visiting London.
Weather of London in October
As September fades, London begins to shift gear—inviting October in with a climate that feels more contemplative than celebratory. The air gradually turns colder and wetter, and shortening days subtly remind us that summer is truly on its way out. You might still catch a summery breeze early in the month, but don’t be surprised if it feels wintry by the end.
London weather in October is famously unpredictable and ever-changing, so flexibility becomes your best friend.
Mild Weather
Despite its reputation, London’s climate remains mostly mild. October doesn’t bring extremes or dramatic weather events; instead, you’ll encounter gentle transitions.
It’s rare to see wind storms or flash flooding, but they’re not entirely out of the question. The sixth-warmest month, October’s average high of 16°C (61°F) and low of 10°C (50°F) creates a bracket of comfort—cool enough for a light jacket, but not quite the bite of winter.
Personally, I find this balance perfect for long walks through Hyde Park, where the turning leaves echo the subtle change in the air.
Changeable Weather
What makes London’s weather both charming and frustrating is its changeable nature. Thanks to the UK’s maritime climate and its island geography, conditions can shift quickly.
One moment you’re enjoying clear blue skies, and the next, you’re caught in a sudden shower. It’s not just a cliché—this coastal unpredictability is very real.
From an expert perspective, meteorologists often note how fast-moving systems develop due to the surrounding waters, making even short-term forecasts a bit of a gamble.
Wet Weather
Let’s talk rain. Yes, London is known for being rainy, and October leans into that stereotype. On average, 10 days of rain are expected, but in practice, it’s all down to luck.
Some Octobers feel unusually dry, with spells of several consecutive dry days, while others seem endlessly wet. It’s common to hear locals remark, “It’s either dry all week or it pours non-stop”—a statement that perfectly captures the erratic rhythm of the month.
My advice? Always carry an umbrella, but don’t let the forecast dictate your plans. Embrace the spontaneity—there’s a kind of romance in dodging rain under historic archways or warming up with tea after a drizzle-drenched stroll.
Daylight hours
In October, you can expect roughly 10 to 11 daylight hours each day. That number steadily drops as the weeks pass, especially once the clocks change. Sunrise generally happens between 7am and 7.45am early in the month, then closer to 6.45am or 6.50am once the clocks have turned back.
On the flip side, the sun sets somewhere between 6.40pm and 5.45pm before the change, then jumps earlier to around 4.40 or 4.45pm. It’s a noticeable difference, and one that gradually redefines your day. I’ve often found that your internal rhythm begins to sync with these changes—it becomes part of the London autumn experience.
Sunrise
One of the defining signs of seasonal change is the morning light. In early October, sunrise appears around 07:00, sometimes even stretching to 07:45 as the days’ pass. But once BST ends and the clocks fall back, mornings brighten suddenly.
By the end of October, the sun is rising at around 06:45 again, which can feel like a welcome reset. Londoners often appreciate this small shift—it means waking up to sunlight instead of darkness, if only for a few weeks.
Sunset
Sunsets, however, tell a different story. At the beginning of October, sunset is comfortably late—around 6.40pm. But as the days’ slip by and the clocks go back, darkness creeps in earlier.
By the end of the month, it’s dark by 5.45pm, and sunset is officially around 4.45pm. Personally, I find this the hardest part—adjusting to earlier evenings. That said, there’s a unique charm to the way London lights up earlier, with pubs, cafés, and windows glowing against the early dusk.
What to wear in October
October in London marks the heart of fall, and the weather can shift from cold to mild within hours. Pack a warm waterproof jacket, ideally one you can layer over when needed. Comfortable walking shoes, preferably boots, are essential, especially if they’re waterproof. Trust me, wet feet are a fast way to ruin a good day. Don’t forget a travel umbrella, and you’ll thank yourself for having sweaters for chillier evenings when the temperatures drop. It might not feel fully wintry yet, but some nights can get surprisingly cold.
Footwear
Footwear makes all the difference when you’re walking through the city’s streets. I’ve spent hours exploring museums and parks, and I always pack a comfortable pair of shoes I can wear the whole day. Add a pair of trainers or sneakers for evenings to give your feet a break. While sandals might be tempting to squeeze in, October in London is too cold for open shoes. Make boots your go-to—your toes will thank you.
Outerwear
When it comes to outerwear, versatility is key. An October day might start with sun, surprise you with drizzle, and end in a cool breeze. Choose a rainproof jacket with a detachable fleece or layered inner. A daypack with enough space to stash or pull out layers as needed is always a good idea. You’ll need to adapt, whether the day feels milder or dips into colder spells.
Layering
Layering becomes your best friend. My go-to outfit includes hiking trousers or jeans depending on the time of day. Though denim works well, it can feel heavy and uncomfortable when wet, especially in surprise showers. Early October may still welcome a T-shirt, but don’t underestimate the need for sweaters as evenings turn colder.
Essentials
Let’s talk about essentials. A compact umbrella, a reliable daypack with good space, and an insulated waterproof jacket are non-negotiables. These accessories will serve you well through typical England October weather. Even if you don’t need them every day, you’ll be glad you have them when the skies shift.
Top Things to Do in London in October
Attend Oktoberfest
You don’t have to go to Munich to enjoy Oktoberfest. What started as a German tradition has become a well-loved celebration in the UK, and London welcomes it with open arms.
Across the city, you’ll find Oktoberfest events bringing together friends, families, and beer enthusiasts. With beer flowing and long tables filling up with laughter, it’s a sociable and fun European occasion worth checking out.
Even if you’re not usually a lager lover, the atmosphere is infectious. Expect live music, steins, and a great sense of camaraderie.
Read: Best nightclubs in London
Get Spooked by Halloween
If you’re in London during October, be ready to embrace Halloween in all its festive, slightly spooky glory.
Events pop up all month long, building up to the big night on the 31st. You’ll spot spooky decorations everywhere—from homes and shops to pubs—with colors like black, orange, purple, and eerie green taking over.
For a true local experience, explore a neighbourhood in zone 2 or beyond. That’s where you’ll see kids out trick or treating, and the community spirit really shines. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to go—just hop off at a tube stop at random and wander.
Celebrate Black History Month
Black History Month is also a key part of London’s October calendar. The city’s multicultural population makes it a powerful place to reflect, learn, and celebrate.
All across London, you’ll find celebratory events—from spoken word nights and film screenings to panel discussions and exhibitions. It’s also a great time to support black-owned businesses that contribute so richly to the city’s fabric.
No matter how you choose to engage, the experience will leave you more connected to the heart of London’s cultural landscape.
Go Leaf-Peeping in the Parks
If you love nature, London’s parks in autumn are nothing short of magical. This abundance of green space transforms into glowing shades of yellow, orange, gold, bronze, and deep red.
Take a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, or one of the many neighbourhood gardens. You’ll witness a display of fall foliage that makes the city feel both peaceful and alive.
There’s something grounding about kicking leaves underfoot, with the cool air on your face and the crunch beneath your boots. It’s a moment of calm in a busy city.
Is it Cold in London in October?
October in London offers a unique blend of weather that can feel quite mild at the start but tends to turn chillier by the end of the month. Average highs hover around 16°C (61°F), while lows dip to about 10°C (50°F). This temperature range makes the days comfortable for exploring, but evenings and late October days often require warmer layers.
Rainfall is a familiar companion during this time, with roughly 10 days of rain typical throughout the month. This means occasional showers are part of the London October experience, so packing for wet weather is always wise.
From personal experience, early October can sometimes feel pleasantly warm, with a softness in the air that encourages outdoor activities. However, as the month progresses, that mildness often gives way to a crisper, cooler atmosphere—reminding you that autumn is settling in.
Technically speaking, while it’s not outright cold compared to winter months, the shift toward chillier weather late in October signals the approaching colder season. So, layering becomes essential for comfort, balancing warmth without overheating during milder spells.
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