If you’re planning a trip to London in July, get ready to experience the best of this amazing city. July brings warm temperatures around 22 degrees and sunshine stretches across the sky for over sixteen hours each day, giving you endless time to explore every corner of this historic capital.
Pack your comfortable shoes and sunglasses because you’re about to dive into a month full of exciting festivals, popular sporting events, and great outdoor activities.
Don’t miss the chance to watch tennis legends compete at Wimbledon, join thousands of people celebrating in the colorful Pride Parade, or tour the Royal State Rooms when Buckingham Palace opens its doors to guests.
July offers you the perfect weather to discover London’s treasures, from climbing famous landmarks for breathtaking views to enjoying outdoor theatre performances under warm summer skies.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by world-class museums, historic neighborhoods, and modern neighbourhoods just waiting for you to explore them.
Whether you’re wandering through bustling food markets, relaxing with a picnic in the Royal Gardens, or strolling along the River Thames at sunset, every moment is one to remember. We’re here to help you plan the perfect London adventure with all the tips, tricks, and insider information you need to make the most of your July visit, so stay tuned.
Top 3 London Tours in July
- PRIVATE TOUR – Discover Real London black cab tour of London
- HOP ON HOP OFF BUS – City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- FOOD TOUR – Ultimate Food Tour of Borough Market
Visiting London in July – What to Expect
Weather of London in July
The month of July offers some of the best weather that London sees all year. You’ll enjoy temperatures hovering around 70°F to 73°F (21°C to 23°C) during the day, with cooler evenings dropping to around 59°F (15°C). This statistically makes July the warmest month in the UK capital.
Rain isn’t completely absent, though. You’ll likely encounter around 14 rainy days throughout the month, but most of those bring light showers rather than torrential downpours. Only around 6 days typically see 1mm or more of rain.
The city receives around 41mm of rain throughout the month. You’ll find that 17-18 days offer clear or partly sunny skies, giving you plenty of opportunities to get outside.
The weather remains mainly dry compared to other months, making July a great time for sightseeing, picnicking in parks, and enjoying the outdoor festivals held in London during the summer.
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Daylight hours
July spoils visitors with some of London’s longest days on offer. You’ll wake up at around 4:45 AM at the start of the month to sunrise around 5:00 AM, gradually shifting to around 5:44 AM by August. Sunset doesn’t come until between 9:13 PM and 9:41 PM, giving you over 16 hours of precious daylight to get busy with.
These extended daylight hours mean you can fit a lot more into your day. You’ll have time for an early morning stroll in Hyde Park, a full day of museum hopping, a leisurely afternoon tea, and still catch the golden hour light illuminating London’s architecture before dinner.
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What to wear when visiting London in July
Dressing for London in July requires a smart layering approach. You’ll want to bring lightweight clothing that you can easily add or remove as the temperature changes throughout the day. Think breathable fabrics like cotton and linen that will keep you comfortable during hot afternoons.
Start with basics like T-shirts, short-sleeved tops, and summer dresses for women. You’ll also want to pack a couple of pairs of comfortable pants or jeans for cooler mornings and evenings. A lightweight cardigan or thin sweater will be your best friend when the temperature drops or you’re visiting air-conditioned museums and restaurants.
Here’s what you absolutely must not forget, a lightweight, waterproof jacket or raincoat. London’s summer showers can appear quickly, and you’ll want protection that won’t weigh down your bag. A packable rain jacket works wonders. Throw in a compact umbrella too – locals always carry one.
For footwear, comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. You’ll be covering some serious miles exploring London, so trainers (shoes) or supportive flats will save your feet. Sandals work on hot days, but make sure they’re broken in and suitable for walking. Skip the flip-flops – London’s floors demand more support.
If you’re planning to visit high-end restaurants or shows in the West End, pack a smart casual outfit. A dress paired with non-denim trousers or appropriate shoes (no trainers) will get you through any dress code you encounter.
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Is July a good month to visit London?
July is usually the best time to visit London. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures of 22-23°C (72-74°F), although recent years have seen temperatures occasionally rise above 30°C.
July is peak tourist season, meaning popular attractions will be crowded and accommodation prices are high.
You can expect to experience around six days of rain during the month, so it’s wise to pack an umbrella, despite the generally sunny weather.
What if you’re a first-time visitor?
Transportation: Get an Oyster card or simply tap with your contactless card for public transport. The Tube system has 11 underground lines that make it quick and easy to travel around the city Visit London. Daily fares are around £8.10, which helps keep costs under control.
How long to stay: Most experts recommend at least 3-4 days for first-time visitors to see the main attractions without feeling rushed. Limit the big paid attractions to 1-2 per day, then dedicate the rest to sightseeing, enjoying food, and more leisurely activities.
Where to stay: If possible, stay in central London (Covent Garden, Mayfair, or the Westminster area) to minimize travel time and maximize sightseeing
Best Things to Do When You Visit London in July
Catch world-class Tennis Action at Wimbledon Championships
Take yourself to the All England Club and experience one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Wimbledon usually runs from late June to mid-July, bringing you thrilling tennis matches, strawberries and cream, and that British atmosphere.
Even if you can’t make it to the actual tournament, London hosts some fantastic free outdoor screenings across the city. Head to places like Portman Square Garden, Covent Garden Piazza, or Merchant Square at Paddington Basin where you can pack a picnic and soak up the tennis fever on the big screens.
Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels
Make your way to this famous castle that has protected London for nearly 1,000 years. You’ll discover medieval architecture, hear fascinating stories from the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), and get up close to the magnificent Crown Jewels.
Allow at least three hours to properly explore the White Tower, walk the battlefields, and meet the famous ravens that guard the kingdom.
Book your tickets online in advance to skip the lines, especially during July when tourists flock here. The Tower opens daily at 9am in the summer, giving you a great start before the crowds arrive.
Visit British Museum
Step inside one of the world’s greatest museums and prepare to travel through two million years of human history without spending a dime.
You’ll marvel at the Rosetta Stone, examine Egyptian mummies, and wander through rooms filled with treasures from all over the world. The museum stays beautifully cool on hot July days, making it perfect for when you need a break from the heat.
Cruise along the River Thames
Take a cruise on the River Thames and see London’s most famous landmarks from a completely different perspective. You’ll pass the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre while soaking up the summer sunshine.
Various operators offer everything from 40-minute circular tours to longer journeys between Westminster, Greenwich and beyond.
Celebrate diversity and love at Pride in London
Join millions of people for one of the world’s most vibrant LGBTQ+ events. ” Pride in London ” usually takes place in early July, bringing you a spectacular parade through central London filled with rainbow flags, stunning costumes, incredible floats and pure joy.
The parade usually starts around noon in Portland Place, passing through Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus and ending in Whitehall.
After the march, head to Trafalgar Square and Soho for live music, performances and street parties that keep the celebration going all day. You don’t need tickets for the parade itself – just show up, find your spot early along the route, and get ready to party to your heart’s content.
Picnic and swim at Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lido
Beat the July heat with a visit to London’s most popular outdoor swimming spot. The Serpentine Lido is open from May to early September, offering you a refreshing dip in the filtered waters of the lake right in the middle of Hyde Park.
Admission is just a few bucks, making it a great value for cooling off on a scorching day. After your swim, spread out a picnic blanket on Hyde Park’s expansive lawns, hire a paddle boat, or simply lounge in the shade of the ancient trees.
Rock out at BST Hyde Park Music Festival
Experience massive outdoor concerts featuring some of the world’s biggest music acts. British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park transforms the iconic park into an incredible music venue every July, bringing you legendary acts over several weekends.
Past lineups have featured everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Adele to the Rolling Stones.
In addition to the main concerts, BST hosts Open Houses – outdoor cinema screenings, food markets, live performances, and activities that don’t require a concert ticket.
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Strolling through Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
Get yourself properly pampered at the UK’s largest flower show outside London. The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival usually runs for around a week in early July.
You’ll explore the garden’s stunning designs, discover new plants, and enjoy the stunning backdrop of Henry VIII’s famous palace.
Try some amazing food at Borough Market
Dive into London’s most famous food market and treat your taste buds to an incredible adventure. The market runs Wednesday through Saturday, with Saturdays being absolutely packed but the atmosphere mostly the same.
Come hungry, bring cash with your cards, and don’t plan a big meal in advance because you’ll want to slurp your way through dozens of delicious options.
Enjoy comedy
Throughout July, venues across London host Edinburgh Fringe scenes almost every night, showcasing some of the most exciting acts as they test and perfect their material before heading to the festival in August.
This preview season offers incredible value, with tickets often cheap or even free, while still delivering world-class performances.
The Balham Comedy Festival also takes over the Bedford Pub for a week each July, attracting big names and creating a real festival atmosphere right in the heart of London.
London’s comedy scene is remarkably diverse, offering everything from intimate basement clubs to large theatre venues. The Comedy Store remains a legendary venue for stand-up lovers, offering a constant stream of performances from some of the country’s best comedians.
Where to stay in London in July
Covent Garden, Westminster, or Soho represent top choices for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of all things London, within walking distance of many of the city’s major landmarks.
The atmosphere here is buzzing with energy during the summer, and you can walk to numerous restaurants, historic markets, and entertainment venues without relying entirely on public transportation.
Hotels in these areas generally run the gamut from luxury to mid-range, but the convenience often justifies the investment, especially when time is limited.
Marylebone and Mayfair offer a more upscale experience, with beautiful Georgian architecture, artisanal cafes, Michelin-starred restaurants, and designer boutiques. Both areas offer easy access to iconic landmarks like Hyde Park and Oxford Street while offering excellent transport links and a sophisticated atmosphere.
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