london in August

Visiting London in

August

August may be the ideal month for travelers hoping to experience London and enjoy a wide range of interesting events in comfortable, pleasant weather. Summer is still in full swing, and many kids are still enjoying their summer breaks. Whether it's one last splurge or your first long-awaited summer vacation, London in August will be an unforgettable get-away.

What to expect

Wetter

  • Average Daytime Temperatures: 66 F (19C)
  • Average Overnight Temperatures: 55 F (13C)
  • Sunny or partly sunny days: 18
  • Rainy days: 13

What to wear

  • Pack light summer clothes with a light jacket for layering to help keep warm during the evenings and cold early mornings.
  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses – protect yourself from the sun.
  • Wear comfortable shoes – you will be happy you did after a long day out.
  • London is a rather formal city. Some of what you want to pack depends on where you intend to visit.
  • A small umbrella might be handy for those cloudy days with possible rains.

London Prices in August

London is a busy year-round destination. August is still the peak tourist season, so when planning your trip to London, you should try to reserve accommodation in advance, since it isn't the cheapest season for hotel accommodations. Fortunately, you can find so many free things to do in London in August, it really helps make up the difference. Book your flights in advance for the best prices and save money by booking at the right times. We recommend booking your accommodation 4 to 6 months in advance.

Planning your trip is a key to a balanced budget, use free online resources like our maps & guide or the itinerary tool, if you are going to visit some iconic attractions, get a sightseeing pass, it will easily save you 50% on regular admission prices – see more

sightseeing pass guidebook

Getting around

With roughly 30 million travellers per year, London easily ranks as one of the most visited cities on earth. London is easy to navigate, but if you can't walk to your destination there are plenty of options

London Underground

The quickest way to travel around, London's Underground metro system is the oldest and most famous in the world. In total, there are 11 lines on the Tube within nine zones. On most days the London Tube is open between 5AM and 12AM, but there is extended services for Friday and Saturday. Fares vary widely for the London Underground depending on when you're using the service and how far you're going. The easiest way navigate the Tube is to invest in what's known as an Oyster Card. These re-chargeable card can be purchased at any Tube station. Put as much money as you want on your Oyster Card and scan it at the entrance of the Tube station. It’s much cheaper to use than single tube tickets.

Black Cabs - Traditional London taxis

These cabs can easily be found all over central London as well as by major train stations, bus stops, and by Heathrow Airport. Please ensure the yellow "taxi" light in the front of the cab is on when you're trying to hail a vehicle.
All taxicab services in London are metered and there's a £3 minimum charge. While you're not required to tip, it's always welcome, and most Londoners will round up their fare.

london transport

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Things to do in August

Check out the following list of ideas for fun things to do in London in August:

1.Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

One fascination that is not to be missed is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. It takes place outside Buckingham Palace, begins at 10:45 AM and lasts around 45 minutes (handover takes place at 11:00 AM). You can join the Change of the Guard walking tour to learn much more about this ceremony.

2. BBC Proms – the world’s biggest classical music festival

The Proms is an orchestral classical music concert series that runs for eight weeks of the summer season. The annual event series was first held in 1895 and has since become a significant staple of British culture. Most of the concerts occur in Royal Albert Hall, with smaller concerts taking place in Cadogan Hall or outdoor venues. The concert series also features ballet and opera performances for kids and special events showcasing musical genres outside of the classical realm.

3. Carnaval del Pueblo

Carnaval del Pueblo is held in Burgess Park at the beginning of every August. It is a very popular event that celebrates the culture of Latin America. The parade showcases a colourful, vibrant assortment of brilliantly designed floats, fantastic costumes, and talented performers and musicians representing the Latin American diaspora.

4. The Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival is one of the most popular August events in London and one of the highest attended street festivals in the world. This three-day festival features dazzling, flamboyant costumes, tasty West Indian food vendors, and a mix of live Soca, Calypso, steelpan, and dancehall music played in a club-like atmosphere that urges a diverse, multi-ethnic crowd to keep on dancing.

5. Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

The Open Air Theatre, located inside Regent's Park, hosts numerous performances throughout the month of August. Guests may be able to catch a comedy, a reinterpretation of one of Shakespeare's classic dramas, a musical, or an educational event in Great Britain's oldest professional amphitheatre.

Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace 1
BBC Proms – the world’s biggest classical music festival 2
Carnaval del Pueblo 3
The Notting Hill Carnival 4
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre 5

Rainy Day Options in London

Tower of London

Learn about the storied history of London with a trip to this epic tower. Visitors will delight in the exhibit of the Royal Family crown jewels, including the Imperial State Crown. The guards of the tower will regale visitors with tales of the bloody history of these times, enchanting everyone who walks through the gates. Visit to the Tower of London is free with the London Sightseeing Pass.

tower of london tower of london tower of london

West End Theatre

Taking a West End show will chase away any rainy day blues during your visit to London. It might not be possible to get last minute tickets to every show, but you can find something a couple of hours before the show starts by visiting the Encore Box office. With every sightseeing pass purchased on this site we offer 55 GBP towards your theatre ticket.

theatre theatre theatre

London Museums

Your weather app says it’s going to be raining the whole day? Head over to one of the best London Museums or Galleries. Whether your interest is in art, science or history, there’s something for everyone in just about every neighbourhood. Pick from the British Museum, The National Gallery, Tate Modern, the Kensington Museums of Natural History or Science Museum – all offer free entry to the public.

Kensington Palace Kensington Palace
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