If you’re planning a trip to London in August, you’ll have a memorable experience during one of the city’s busiest and most exciting times of the year. The capital attracts tourists from all over the world year-round, but the summer months are especially popular with both international visitors and British holidaymakers.
During your August stay, you’ll find the city’s parks and gardens in full bloom — vibrant flower beds and lush green spaces like Regent’s Park — while iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, and Kensington Palace await your exploration.
The bonus of British Summer Time 🇬🇧 is the extended daylight hours, giving you more hours to pack in all the sightseeing and activities you’ve planned. There’s no shortage of things to do during an August visit, with the city offering everything from outdoor concerts and food markets to open-air cinema screenings and cultural festivals taking place in various neighbourhoods.
Top 3 London Tours in August
- TOWER OF LONDON – Ceremony of the Keys
- PRIVATE TOUR – Discover Real London black cab tour of London
- HOP ON HOP OFF BUS – City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Visiting London in August – What to Expect
Weather of London in August
August represents one of London’s warmest months, with average temperatures hovering around 18°C throughout the month. You will find that the start of August typically provides the warmest conditions, with daily highs starting at 23°C on August 1st before gradually cooling to 22°C by the middle of the month and finally reaching 20°C by August 30th.
Temperature changes are so slow that you’re unlikely to notice dramatic daily changes, although the warmest average day is usually on August 1st at around 22.8°C, while the coldest is on August 31st at 12.2°C.
Most days are comfortably warm without getting unbearably hot, although some particularly nice days can push temperatures into the twenties.
Read ” London in October ”
Morning and nighttime temperatures remain mild rather than cold, with overnight lows starting at around 16°C in early August and falling to 15°C by the time the weather brightens up towards the end of the month. Pleasant evening temperatures mean you can enjoy outdoor dining and activities without the need for heavy jackets, although it makes sense to keep a light layer on hand.
Rainfall is moderate, with around 49mm of rain over a 10-day wanderlust, meaning you’ll get some showers during your visit but they won’t dominate the entire month. Rainfall usually comes in the form of light, short-term showers rather than all-day downpours that completely ruin your plans.
London enjoys an average of six hours of sunshine per day in August, two hours less than the weather-sparking July gets.
Daylight hours
London has an average of 14.6 hours of daylight during August, with sunrise at 5:44 a.m. and sunset at 8:22 p.m. These generous daylight hours give you plenty of time to explore the city without having to worry about rush hour or darkness cutting short your sightseeing.
The longest day falls on August 1st with 15 hours and 24 minutes of daylight, while the shortest day falls on August 31st with 12 hours and 37 minutes of daylight.
Hidden night club of London
What to wear in London in August
Layering is absolutely essential for London in August, as temperatures can fluctuate between hot sunshine and cool breezes in a single day.
Summer dresses and comfortable sandals work great on hot summer days, but you should also pack clothes for cooler moments, like t-shirts and leggings or cropped trousers. Building your wardrobe around versatile pieces allows you to quickly adapt when the weather changes unexpectedly.
T-shirts, shorts, skirts, light trousers and jeans give you flexible options that work for the travel fashion girl of different temperatures, while breathable fabrics like cotton and linen help you stay comfortable when the sun comes out.
A jumper, cardigan or jacket becomes essential for the travel fashion girl on cooler nights or in heavily air-conditioned rooms, as evenings can feel quite chilly compared to midday, even in summer.
A lightweight, packable waterproof jacket deserves a prominent place in your bag because rain can appear without warning. Many travelers find that a rain jacket that folds down for small tasks is better than carrying a bulky umbrella everywhere, although bringing both will cover all your bases.
Read ” London living wage ”
Good walking shoes are absolutely essential as the museum halls alone stretch into the fair season, and comfortable sneakers or supportive flats will serve you far better than fashion-forward but uncomfortable shoes.
Dark-colored jeans or trousers paired with simple tops make a versatile foundation that works for most situations, from museum visits to restaurant meals. Lighter clothing combined with a stylish jacket or cardigan will help you cope with London’s unpredictable weather, and pack a heavier piece with multiple thin layers.
For evening outings, you may want to bring slightly dressier options as many restaurants and theatres expect guests to look put together, although most Londoners dress casually to the theatre, with jeans and a sweater for men or tights with a dress and a long sweater for women.
Don’t forget sun protection including sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen as London can surprise you with some truly sunny days that deliver strong UV rays.
Why August is a great month to visit
August brings London to life with warm, sunny weather and endless outdoor activities. Experience an average temperature of 73°F (23°C) that’s perfect for parks, outdoor festivals and riverside walks. You’ll enjoy the longest daylight hours of the year, giving you more time to explore.
The city bursts into life during this peak summer month, hosting major events such as the famous Notting Hill Carnival and numerous music festivals. Parks are transformed into spaces for open-air cinemas, picnics and concerts under the stars. Most attractions and restaurants expand their outdoor seating, creating a vibrant street culture.
Where to Stay in London in August
Covent Garden puts you in the heart of the action with world-class theatres, restaurants and shopping. This central location lets you walk to major attractions while enjoying street performers and boutique hotels.
Southbank and Waterloo offer stunning views of the Thames River with easy access to the London Eye, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe.
Best Things to Do When You Visit London in August
August brings London to life with warm weather, vibrant festivals, and endless outdoor adventures. Pack your bags and get ready to experience the British capital at its best in summer.
Here are the top 6 activities you absolutely need to add to your August itinerary.
Visit Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival turns into Europe’s biggest street festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend, drawing more than two million people onto the streets of West London.
The celebration is imbued with Caribbean culture through flamboyant costumes covered in feathers and sequins, steel pan bands filling the air with infectious rhythms, and sound systems blasting everything from reggae to soca. You can watch a parade featuring calypso and mass bands, join in on the spontaneous street dancing, and sample authentic Caribbean food from countless stalls serving jerk chicken, fried plantains, and goat curry.
The festival usually runs between Sunday and Monday, with Sunday being a family day and Monday being a serious party atmosphere for revellers.
Watch Outdoor Theatre at Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe presents world-class theatre performances throughout August, with shows such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Pinocchio, and The Tempest timeanddate on the 2026 programme.
The rebuilt Elizabethan theatre creates a truly unique theatre experience where you’re watching a performance just as audiences would have done 400 years ago, complete with an open roof meaning the weather becomes part of the show.
Read ” London in June ”
Attend All Points East Music Festival
Music lovers will find Victoria Park transformed with All Points East during August, bringing together an incredible lineup spanning a range of genres from electronic to indie rock. The festival atmosphere combines professional stage production with the relaxed atmosphere of a London park, giving you a place to spread out a blanket, grab food from various vendors, and enjoy the music without being crushed by the crowds.
Multiple stages mean you can discover new artists in between seeing the headliners, and the festival typically attracts both established names and emerging talent who are worth catching early in their careers.
The park setting beats many traditional festival venues because you have real trees for shade, grass to sit on, and easy access to proper bathrooms instead of endless rows of portable toilets.
Ride the London Eye and visit the South Bank
Soar 443 feet above the city in one of the London Eye’s glass capsules and see London spread out all around you. Spot Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and beyond during your 30-minute rotation. Book a sunset slot for stunning views as the city lights begin to twinkle.
After your flight, explore the vibrant South Bank’s riverside walkway. Street performers entertain the crowds, book stalls offer literary treasures, and restaurants and cafes line the Thames.
Check out the summer music festivals
Feel the beat at London’s summer music festivals throughout August. From indie rock to electronic beats, the city’s parks transform into concert venues hosting world-renowned artists. Check out what’s happening in Victoria Park, Greenwich, and other outdoor venues.
Beer gardens across the city come alive with live music, DJ sets, and festival vibes. You can dance late, sample craft beers, and soak up the summer festival atmosphere without having to travel far from central London.
Relax in Hyde Park with a Picnic
Spread your blanket and enjoy a lazy summer afternoon in one of London’s most famous green spaces. Hyde Park welcomes you with 350 acres of lush lawns, beautiful gardens, and the peaceful Serpentine Lake.
Pack your favorite snacks, grab some sandwiches from local cafes, or grab a treat from the nearby food markets.
You can rent a deck chair or set up your own picnic for the ultimate relaxation. Watch street performers entertain the crowds, or just soak up the sun as locals and tourists mingle around you.
Cool areas to visit during July
Shoreditch bursts with creativity with colorful street art, vintage boutiques, and trendy galleries. Explore Brick Lane for amazing curry houses, browse Sunday markets, and discover hidden bars serving craft cocktails in converted warehouses.
Camden Town rocks with alternative culture, punk fashion, and the legendary Camden Market. Wander through the maze-like stalls selling everything from vintage leather jackets to handmade jewelry, then listen to live music at popular venues.
Notting Hill charms visitors with pastel-colored houses, antique shops, and the world-famous Portobello Road Market. Stroll the beautiful mews streets, snap picture-perfect doorways, and browse vintage treasures every Saturday.
Soho pulsates with London’s entertainment scene with theaters, jazz clubs, and diverse restaurants representing cuisines from around the world.
Read also
One Response