What kind of clothing should I pack for a trip to London in October?

October in London can be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from 50–60 F (10–15 C). It’s advisable to pack layers, including a warm jacket, sweaters, and a scarf. An umbrella or a waterproof jacket is also recommended, as rain is common during this time of year.

Are there any special events or festivals in London during October?

October in London offers a variety of events, such as the BFI London Film Festival, where you can catch screenings of international films. The city also celebrates Halloween with themed events and activities. Additionally, the London Restaurant Festival often takes place, offering culinary experiences across the city.

What are some popular activities to enjoy in London during October?

In October, you can enjoy the vibrant fall foliage in London’s parks, such as Hyde Park and Kew Gardens. Take a Thames River cruise for a unique perspective of the city. Exploring the historic streets of Covent Garden and visiting the bustling markets like Borough Market are also popular activities.

How can I experience London’s culture during my visit?

Immerse yourself in London’s culture by visiting its world-class museums and galleries, such as the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Attend a West End theatre show for a taste of London’s performing arts scene. Exploring neighborhoods like Shoreditch and Camden can also offer insights into the city’s diverse cultural landscape.

The ultimate guide to visiting London in October

London in October offers vibrant fall colors, tasty seasonal treats at Covent Garden, and cozy museums without the crowds.

Chelsea Boyken

Jun 8, 2025·15 min read

The ultimate guide to visiting London in October

With mild weather, postcard-worthy fall foliage, and fewer crowds, London in October is a perfect shoulder season destination. Rain or shine, there are so many fun things to do in London, from sampling pumpkin-themed treats at Covent Garden to strolling through Highgate Cemetery.

Go leaf peeping at Greenwich Park, check out artwork by Van Gogh and Monet without the typical crowds at the National Gallery, or see London’s top sights with a cruise on the River Thames. Discover top seasonal attractions in this complete guide to London in October.

Why go to London in October?

The month is filled with seasonal events

Whether you want to grab a stein of Bavarian beer with a pub crawl during Oktoberfest or watch award-winning cinema at the BFI London Film Festival, London in October has something for you. Try local London cuisine, from tasty casual pub fare to decadent Michelin-starred dishes, at the London Restaurant Festival, a month-long celebration of the city’s diverse food scene. For a taste of local history, browse curated Black History Month collections at the Museum of London Docklands.

London’s indoor attractions make rainy days fun

London’s weather is famously changeable – but luckily, the city is filled with rainy-day attractions. From theater in the world-famous West End to shopping at Harrods, London offers something for everyone, even when the weather isn’t on your side.

Crowds are thinner

As the city transitions from its busy summer atmosphere to the slower shoulder season, you may be wondering, what is London like in October? While the weather brings an increasing chance of rain and cooler temperatures, October is an excellent time to check off bucket-list attractions like Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the British Museum without the usual lines.

October is the best time to enjoy London’s fall foliage

London’s parks and gardens are picturesque year-round, but they’re especially vibrant with October’s fall foliage. From Hampstead Heath to Regent’s Park and the Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens, October sees the city take on a magical new hue.

What’s the weather like in London in October?

London weather in October can be unpredictable. Showers are common, so bring out your inner Brit by packing an umbrella and rain jacket.

Average day temperature: 55 F (13 C)
Average night temperature: 47 F (8 C)
Average days of rain: 17
Average days of sun: 13

Top things to do in London in October

1. Admire the skyline from Greenwich Park

Photo: A S

Experience London in the autumn at Greenwich Park.

Renowned as one of London’s best viewing spots, Greenwich Park is at its best in October, when vivid autumn leaves blanket the “Square Mile.” As the former hunting grounds of the Royal Manor of Greenwich, Greenwich Park is brimming with historical landmarks, including the Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House art museum, and the Prime Meridian, from where the “G” in “GMT” takes its name.

Address

Greenwich Park, SE10 8QY

Opening hours

Open daily, 6:00 AM–7:00 PM

30 minutes

Certified by GetYourGuide

Booked 62 times yesterday

London: Stonehenge Morning or Afternoon Tour Optional Lunch

6.5 hours • Skip the line • Optional audio guide

London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

1 - 2 hours • Skip the line • Optional audio guide

Certified by GetYourGuide

Booked 92 times yesterday

London: Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off with optional River Cruise

1 - 3 days • Optional audio guide

Booked 44 times yesterday

1 day

Certified by GetYourGuide

London: Guided Sightseeing Tour on a Vintage Open-Top Bus

1.5 hours

Booked 53 times yesterday

London: Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise

30 minutes - 1 hour • Skip the line

London City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Bookable Extras

1 - 3 days • Optional audio guide

2. Stroll through Highgate Cemetery

Photo: Ann Wuyts

Stroll through historical Highgate Cemetery.

Just north of Camden Town, the tranquil, Victorian-era Highgate Cemetery is the final resting place of over 170,000 people, including author George Eliot, Catherine Dickens, wife of Charles Dickens, and most famously, communist philosopher Karl Marx.

With Halloween around the corner, what better way to commemorate the spooky season than with a guided cemetery tour? Learn the dark history of London’s burial practices as you follow in the footsteps of a local through Highgate’s looming architecture and uncover insight into the lives of the people buried there.

Address

Swain’s Ln, N6 6PJ

Opening hours

Open daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

London: Westminster Abbey Skip-the-line Entry & Guided Tour

2 - 5.5 hours • Skip the line • Pickup available

London: Jack the Ripper Walking Tour - Ripper Vision Tours

105 minutes

1.5 hours

VIP Westminster Abbey & Upper Gallery and Buckingham Palace

3 hours • Skip the line

Jack the Ripper Murder Express Walk + East End Fish & Chips

75 minutes

New activity

3. Get in the fall mood at Covent Garden

Photo: Fabrizio Coco

Covent Garden offers street food and artisanal crafts.

With pumpkin carving, heated patios, and a street food market featuring the best vendors in London, Covent Garden is a hub of fall fun in October. This month sees vendors serving up seasonal treats, including pumpkin spice cheesecake and seasonal teas. Nearby, you’ll find Halloween-themed street food at Seven Dials Market, antiques at the Apple Market, and pints galore at some of London’s most historic pubs.

Address

41 The Piazza, London WC2E 8RF

Opening hours

Covent Garden open 24 hours

Business hours vary

London: Exclusive Borough Market Food Tour & Baking Class

2.5 hours

London: Borough Market Food Tour with Local Guide

3.5 hours

2 hours

3 hours • Small group

London: Brick Lane, Shoreditch & Spitalfields Food Tour

3.5 hours • Skip the line

2 hours

Notting Hill Film Locations and Stars Walking Tour

2 hours • Small group

London: Camden Market Guided Walking Food Tour

3.5 hours

4. Embark on a Thames cruise

Photo: Joaquin Carfagna

Experience London from the water on a Thames cruise.

A river cruise is one of the best ways to see London’s top sights, whether you’re sipping tea on the top deck or peering out panoramic glass windows. Indulge in cocktails, savor a swanky dinner cruise with live jazz, or soak in a hot tub as you sail past landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

London’s fall foliage is at its peak in October, and heated interiors ensure an enjoyable experience, rain or shine, as you set sail on one of the UK’s most romantic river cruise destinations.

Address

Tower Millennium Pier, EC3N 4DT

Opening hours

Tour start times vary

1 - 2 hours • Skip the line • Optional audio guide

Certified by GetYourGuide

Booked 92 times yesterday

London: Warner Bros. Studio Tour and River Thames Cruise

1 day

Likely to sell out

Booked 52 times yesterday

30 minutes - 1 hour • Skip the line

Booked 15 times yesterday

Windsor: Land and Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour

1 hour

3 hours

Certified by GetYourGuide

London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

1.5 hours

Certified by GetYourGuide

40 minutes

London: Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket

45 minutes - 1.5 hours • Optional audio guide

5. Explore the National Gallery without the crowds

Photo: Adrian Scottow

Discover classic art at the National Gallery.

Immerse yourself in world-renowned works of art without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of peak tourist season with a visit to the National Gallery, one of London’s most visited museums. Enjoy a moment of solitude while admiring iconic works like “Sunflowers” by Van Gogh, “Venus and Mars” by Sandro Botticelli, and “Flowers in a Vase” by Rachel Ruysch.

While the high season of summer can make it difficult to get the most out of your visit, free admission, fewer crowds, and its accessible location in Trafalgar Square make it one of the best things to do in London in October on a rainy day.

Address

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN

Opening hours

Saturday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Friday 10:00 AM–9:00 PM

National Gallery Guided Tour with Art Expert Guide

1 - 1.5 hours

Booked 3 times yesterday

80 minutes

5 hours • Pickup available

2.5 hours • Small group

Certified by GetYourGuide

2.5 hours • Skip the line • Small group

National Gallery Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea

3 hours

London: 3 Most Famous Art Galleries Tour

3 hours

The National Gallery London: Private Guided Tour - 3 hour

3 hours

About the author

Jennifer is a Los Angeles-based screenwriter, travel, and lifestyle writer who believes the best investment is exploring the world. Highlights include watching the epic 2008 Nadal-Federer Wimbledon Final courtside and training as a Samurai in Tokyo with her family.

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The ultimate guide to visiting London in October

Why go to London in October?

The month is filled with seasonal events

London’s indoor attractions make rainy days fun

Crowds are thinner

October is the best time to enjoy London’s fall foliage

What’s the weather like in London in October?

Top things to do in London in October

1. Admire the skyline from Greenwich Park

Address

Opening hours

Discover London’s best viewpoints

2. Stroll through Highgate Cemetery

Address

Opening hours

Book a cemetery tour in London

3. Get in the fall mood at Covent Garden

Address

Opening hours

Discover London’s indoor and outdoor markets

4. Embark on a Thames cruise

Address

Opening hours

Join a River Thames cruise

5. Explore the National Gallery without the crowds

Address

Opening hours

Book a guided tour of the National Gallery

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