London Day trips

There’s something truly magical about London in December. The city transforms into a festive wonderland, packed with twinkling lights and lively holiday markets. Glide across seasonal ice rinks in front of iconic landmarks like Somerset House or embrace the festive chaos of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.

London is the cultural hub of Europe, with art exhibitions, music concerts, and theatre performances that are unrivaled in quality. If you happen to visit the UK’s capital — and if you also happen to be an art enthusiast — this is your opportunity to immerse yourself in beauty, centuries-old craftsmanship, and critical thought sparked by innovative art pieces, be it Turner’s classic “The Fighting Temeraire” or Duchamp’s revolutionary “Fountain.”

From the iconic Buckingham Palace to the bustling shops of Camden Market, London is a city that has something for everyone. Its popularity also means navigating crowds is part of the experience. But don’t let its status as one of the most visited cities in the world intimidate you — there are plenty of ways to avoid the crowds that London is known for.

Learn how to skip the lines at top attractions like the Tower of London and Sky Garden, and discover lesser-known neighborhoods like Little Venice to escape to. Here’s how to avoid crowds in London.

London in November is a city brimming with activity. From epic Bonfire Night celebrations to the vivacious Lord Mayor’s Show and the solemn Remembrance Day tributes, the first half of the month is a near-constant stream of landmark events. Then, the city turns a corner and heads for the holiday season. Seasonal standouts like the Somerset House ice skating rink and Hyde Park’s massive Winter Wonderland funfair start the festive winter period in London.

If you’re visiting London in November, let this guide help you build your ideal itinerary.

Why go to London in November?

1. London in November is a time of festivals

Throughout November, London always seems to be celebrating something. Bonfire Night and the Lord Mayor’s Show are ever-present in the first half of the month. Depending on the year, there might also be Diwali celebrations. Remembrance Day brings gravitas to the month’s activities. The London Jazz Festival tends to bridge the middle of the month, and by month’s end, it’s all beginning to feel a lot like Christmas around the city.

In one month, the city moves quickly from fireworks to jazz to ice skating. You certainly won’t be bored.

2. You’ll save on hotels

Despite the near-constant festivities, November is a slower season for London’s tourist trade. That means more space around the city’s iconic landmarks and historic attractions. It’s also an off-peak time for the hotel sector, so accommodation prices tend to be below the standard rates for busier months.

3. The fall paints London in vibrant colors

Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath — London has many green spaces. In the first half of November in particular, fall foliage is peaking across the parks and gardens of London, putting on a show that is too often crowded out of the must-see lists by the city’s many popular historical and cultural sites. And while the city is definitely getting cold in November, there are still mild fall days when a walk around one of the city’s leafier corners is immensely satisfying.

What’s the weather like in London in November?

London’s average daily high temperature (50 F/10 C) in November is close to the city’s daily October low (48 F/9 C), so it’s a month in which Londoners might start to feel the cold. It’s also one of the wettest months on the London calendar. But once you adjust, you’ll find the London weather in November relatively stable. Daily temperatures circle a narrow range, and the rain is at least predictable in its constancy — today should be a lot like tomorrow, and that makes it easier to plan some rainy-day activities in London.

• Average daily high/low temperature: 50-43 F (10-6 C)
• Average days of rain: 17 days
• Average daily hours of sunshine: 2 hours

Top things to do in London in November