What to expect when you visit London in September – weather, what to see and do, what to pack, and answers to frequently asked questions!
Want to visit London in September? This is a great time to be in the UK capital, with mild weather and fewer crowds than summer.
This guide covers all you should know about visiting London in September, including temperatures, rainfall, and hours of daylight. Plus what to pack for your trip, and more. If you’re planning a September trip to London, don’t leave home without reading this first.
Here’s the lowdown on what to expect when visiting London in September. Spoiler alert – this is arguably the best month to be in the city!
Top 5 London Tours in September
- 🗝 TOWER OF LONDON – Ceremony of the Keys
- 🪄 HARRY POTTER STUDIOS – Making of Harry Potter Studio + HP walking tour of central London
- ⭐️ 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 September | What to Expect
Weather
The London temperature in September is still warm following summer, especially early in the month. It can get colder towards the end, but should remain mild throughout. Around eight days of rain is average, during the first month of autumn.
- Average high: 20°C / 68°F
- Average low: 13°C / 55°F
- Average days of rain: 8
As autumn begins on 1st September, according to the meteorological calendar, you might expect the temperature to drop. However, September is the fourth-warmest month of the year in London. So the weather is very similar to what you can expect in June, the first summer month.
Mild weather
The UK has a mild climate, without any extremes as such. There are occasional storms and flash floods, but major weather events are very uncommon in the capital.
Changeable weather
London, like the rest of the UK, has a maritime climate. The fact that the country is an island means that the weather can change very quickly. So be prepared for rain at any time, even if the skies are clear and cloudless in the morning!
Wet weather
The UK is famous for its wet weather. In reality, you could visit during September and experience no rain at all – or there might be heavy showers every day. Often, there will be dry or wet spells lasting for several days at a time. It’s simply a matter of luck.
Daylight hours
In September, the sun rises between 6.15 and 7 am and sets between 7.45 and 6.40 pm. This gives you around 12 hours or more of daylight during most days of September.
- Sunrise: Between about 06:15 and 07:00
- Sunset: Between about 19:45 and 18:40
In September, you get plenty of daylight for exploring the city before darker skies set in towards the end of the year.
Sunset
At the start of September, the sun doesn’t set until around 7.45 pm. By the end of the month, sunset is at about 6.40 pm.
Sunrise
Sunrise in early September is at about 6.15 am, and around 7 am by the end of September.
What to pack
What to take to London in September includes a wind and waterproof jacket, a travel umbrella, and a strong pair of comfortable walking shoes or boots. You’ll also need extra layers for evenings and colder days.
While the September weather in London is usually mild, it gets colder during the evenings and overnight. Towards the end of the month, temperatures will also start to drop. Here’s what to wear in London in September.
Footwear
You’ll do a lot of walking, so make sure you take comfortable shoes you can spend all day in. A change of footwear for the evenings is also a good idea. In September, you could need anything from sandals to boots, so something in-between like trainers or sneakers is ideal if you don’t want to pack too many pairs.
Outerwear
A waterproof jacket is a necessity during any season in London. Due to the unpredictability of the weather, and cooler evenings, layers can also be key. Garments such as a waterproof jacket with a removable fleece are perfect. A daypack with sufficient space is necessary to carry clothing you might shed as it gets warmer.
Layering
Active trousers with or without zip-off legs are ideal for September when it can be surprisingly hot on some days. On the top, wear a T-shirt when it’s warm enough, adding a sweater on top when required. Jeans are a good choice for evenings when it’s a little cooler.
Essentials
A packable waterproof jacket, a comfortable daypack and a travel umbrella are ideal accessories for a September trip to London.
London in September FAQs
Is September a good time for London?
September is the ideal time to visit London. It’s not as crowded as in summer, and the milder weather is ideal for exploring. In general, the weather is still warm, and September is among the drier months.
What is going on in London in September?
Several big festivals and events take place in London during September. These include the Totally Thames Festival, which runs throughout the entire month, the London Design Festival, and Open House London.
Is London still hot in September?
Will it be cold in September in London, or still hot? September in the UK capital is usually warm, as temperatures don’t tend to drop until October. Averages tend to be between 13°C (55°F) and 20°C (68°F). It’s perfect weather for exploring!
Top Things to do in London in September
If you’re wondering what to do in London in September, here are some suggestions.
Take a Walking Tour
- When: as per tour
- Where: various locations
- Closest tube: varies
September is the ideal time to take a walking tour of London, with mild weather and less chance of rain than some months. There are so many available all over the city, from Harry Potter-themed tours or foodie tours to those focusing on the city’s royal sites.
Click here to check out the London Royalty Walking Tour
Attend Totally Thames
- When: throughout September
- Where: on and along the River Thames
- Closest tube: varies
Totally Thames runs from 1st September to 1st October every year. A diverse range of arts and cultural events is offered, all along a 42-mile stretch of the river. The festival includes arts events, activities, educational and environmental programmes, performances, boat trips, and more.
Freebies at Open House Festival
- When: early to mid September
- Where: all over London
- Closest tube: varies
Between early and mid September, you can visit iconic buildings for free via Open House London. The festival celebrates all sorts of buildings, from churches and museums to private houses.
Admire London Design Festival
- When: mid to late September
- Where: The V&A museum and across London
- Closest tube: South Kensington (for V&A)
The London Design Festival celebrates the UK capital’s design heritage. Events held all over the capital celebrate creativity during this festival, which has now been running for over two decades.
How will you enjoy London in September?
September is one of the very best times of year to visit London. There are some appealing – and free – festivals in London in September. The weather is also warm, but not too hot, and ideal for exploring. Yet there are fewer crowds than in summer.
In a nutshell, visiting London in September is simply perfect!
Plan your trip to London whatever the month or season with our guides
- London in January
- London in February
- London in Spring
- London in March
- London in April
- London in May
- London in Summer
- London in June
- London in July
- London in August
- London in Fall
- London in October
- London in November
- London in December
- London in Winter
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