Visiting London in August (All you need to know)

What to expect when you visit London in August – weather, what to see and do, what to pack, and answers to frequently asked questions!

If you want to enjoy spending the UK summer in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, visiting London in August is a great option to consider.  People from all around the world head to London all year round but the summer months are particularly popular (with Brits too) so when visiting London in August, you can expect to meet visitors from around the globe.

As in London in July, you’ll still be able to enjoy the many attractions and sights, from the stunning summer flowers and hanging baskets at the parks, public spaces and gardens such as Hyde Park to famous landmarks such as the Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and many more. In the UK summer time, you have more daylight hours to fit it in!

When visiting London in August, you will certainly not be short on things to do. There are many great events that you can enjoy during your time, such as live music events with street food, and open-air cinema.

Visiting London in August – What to Expect

There is so much to see and do when visiting London in August. This is why you need to plan ahead and work out the places you want to visit and the events you’d love to attend during your time in London.

Make sure you pack the right things for your trip to London in August, as you could get some scorching days with plenty of sun and soaring temperatures! Also though do not forget a thin raincoat, you may just need it! Check the weather forecast closer to your holiday to check on the current weather and then pack accordingly.

Weather

If you’re visiting London in August, you can look forward to the chance to explore London during the height of summer. Daytime high temperatures average around 20 to 25 Celcius (59 to 77 F) during most of the month.

As seen over recent years, temperatures can soar much higher than this, so you will need a good selection of summer clothes! And plenty of sun cream.  Remember to stay hydrated at all times.

Daylight Hours

Heading to London in August is perfect if you are looking for long sunny days to explore all the city’s attractions, particularly the outdoor activities. During most of August around 14 to 16 hours of daylight can be expected, depending on weather, with sunrise around around 6 am and sunset around 8:30 pm.

What to Wear When Visiting London in August

When you head to London in August, you need to make sure you pack appropriately for the hot weather and sunshine. Some of the essentials to pop into your suitcase are:

• Hat or baseball cap for shade
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Suitable Sunblock for skin protection for everyone in the travel party.
• Casual light summer clothes for days out
• Cool but glam summer outfits for evenings out
• Sandals and sensible footwear for walking
• Light jacket or cardigans in case temperatures cool
• An umbrella or thin raincoat.

Visiting London in August – FAQs

What are the main benefits of going to London in August?

Heading to London in August is a great way to enable you to make the most of your visit to the British capital. In fact, many people from around the world and the UK head to London during these summer months to make the most of British summertime in one of the world’s most historic and fascinating cities.

The warm weather and more daylight hours means you can spend time exploring the sights and enjoying open-air events, and you can also look forward to a wide range of August events during your stay.

Are there many events in London in August?

There are lots of great events you can look forward to when you come to London in August, and this includes the fantastic and famous Notting Hill Carnival which is one of the largest street festivals in the world. 

Also, check for any local festivals happening in August. London often hosts various cultural and music festivals as well as classic British-themed events such as The Great British Beer Festival or the Camden Fringe.

There are also many live performances and live concerts at outdoor venues, as well as outdoor cinemas and pop-up screens.

What places should I visit when going to London in August?

With so much to see and do, you can expect a full itinerary when you head to London during the summer months. You can take in some world-famous venues and sights, such as the Royal Albert Hall, Camden Town and Regent’s Canal, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge to name but a few! Or relax on a cruise down the famous River Thames.

Also, take some time to explore the West End, where you will find plenty of fun things to do, from shopping at the market to attending a West End theatre.

Explore one of the many vibrant outdoor markets, including Borough Market, Camden Market, and Portobello Road Market. These markets offer a variety of food, crafts, and unique finds for all interests and ages.

Best Things to Do When You Visit London in August.

Enjoy London’s Green Spaces

August is a great time to explore London, as you can take in the beauty of the green spaces with their stunning summer blooms.

Enjoy the many stunning displays with vibrant colours and fabulous floral fragrances with a visit to locations such as:

• Regents Park
• Russell Square
• St James’ Park
• Green Park
• Queen Mary’s Garden in Regent’s Park
• Hyde Park
• Greenwich Park
• Kew Gardens
• Kensington Gardens
• Hampton Court Palace
• Windsor Castle

Enjoy Fabulous Outdoor Events and Entertainment

August is a great time to enjoy a range of incredible outdoor events and entertainment in London. Some of the options you can consider are:

• Greenwich & Docklands International Festival 2024 – Performing Arts at multiple iconic venues.
• Notting Hill Carnival – A unique festival celebrating Caribbean culture with vibrant parades, music, and delicious food. It takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and attracts millions of visitors.
• Regents Park Open air theatre.
• Summer Tours at Kew
• Summer Screens- Canary Wharf
• Field Day Music Festival, Victoria Park.
• Battersea Park in Concert
• Summer Stage at St Martin’s Court
• Summer by the River Festival (3 locations)
• Free Jazz Sundays in Bermondsey Square
• Wembley Park Live.
• Luna Cinema Summer Film Screenings
• The Frozen Festival – Covent Garden, Ice Cream Festival.

Of course, when you head to London in summer, you can also enjoy sitting outside at one of the many bars, restaurants, and cafes and simply soaking up the sunshine as you watch the world go by. Hopefully, you won’t need that umbrella or raincoat when you visit!

Events and Festivals in London in August

August is also the perfect time to visit London because of the many fabulous annual events and festivals that take place.

From the vibrant Notting Hill Festival or the Caribbean Food and Drink Festival, the Great British Beer Festival or something different like the Camden Fringe Festival, you will have plenty to choose from.

Some of the top ones you might want to add to your itinerary are:

• Notting Hill Carnival.
• Caribbean Food and Drink Festival.
• The Great British Beer Festival
• The London Gin Cruise
• Roundhouse Comedy Festival
• Prescilla Party – For fans of Prescilla Queen of the Desert.

Enjoy the Thrill of Summer in the City

With long sunny days, hopefully!, in which to make the most of your visit to London, you can make the most of your experience when you come to the city in July.

Whether you are relaxing and soaking up the sun at one of the parks, attending exciting festivals and events, taking in the world-famous sights and attractions, enjoying the London theatre scene, or cruising on the Thames, you will have a fabulous time.

If you’re heading to London with kids, you won’t need to worry as there are many attractions for your younger ones too. Moreover, getting around from one part of the city to the next is easy as there are plenty of bus stops in all areas as well as the efficient London tube service.

Plan your trip to London whatever the month or season with our guides

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