London stands as a pivotal metropolis, reigning as both the principal city and the largest within the entirety of the European Union. Its allure emanates from a myriad of sources: the timeless landmarks speckling its skyline, the glistening waters of the River Thames, and the capricious nature of its weather. With a populace hailing from diverse backgrounds, London serves as a global nexus of cultures, embodying the essence of cosmopolitanism. August emerges as an optimal period to experience London's splendor, boasting agreeable weather characterized by warm, sunlit days ideal for embarking on exploratory journeys and admiring its iconic sights. For those contemplating a sojourn to this illustrious city, delve into the following to uncover all that London has to offer in August!
What makes London in August Special?
August in London is a delightful sensory experience, marking the peak of summer. With warm, sunlit mornings boasting approximately six hours of sunshine daily, it sets the stage for tranquil sightseeing followed by outdoor dining and perhaps a refreshing pint of beer. The month is brimming with outdoor festivals, particularly showcasing live music and gastronomic delights. Amidst bustling crowds, expansive venues, and an infectious festive ambiance, August in London promises a vibrant fiesta that should not be overlooked.
August presents a wonderful opportunity to discover the city by foot, with heritage walks offering insights into the captivating history of the capital. London's charm is accentuated by clear skies, allowing for uninterrupted vistas from iconic landmarks like the London Eye or the Shard.
London in August : Weather
August presents an optimal opportunity to explore London, boasting daytime temperatures reaching 21°C and nighttime lows of 14°C, accompanied by an average of 6 hours of daily sunshine. Notably, precipitation is minimal during this season, facilitating hassle-free travel experiences throughout the city.
Visiting London in August : Things to do
1
Stonehenge Tours
Embark on a captivating journey from London to Stonehenge, an iconic prehistoric monument steeped in mystery. Just a few hours' drive away, this ancient marvel awaits your exploration. Witness the enigmatic stone circle, ponder its historical significance, and immerse yourself in the haunting atmosphere. A day trip to Stonehenge from London promises an unforgettable encounter with one of the world's most fascinating archaeological wonders.
August Timings
Depends on tour chosen
Salisbury SP4 7DE,
UK
Getting There ›
2
The Shard
Explore the heavenly panoramic views of London atop The Shard and watch the cityscape of building separated by the Thames River snaking its way past the city. Combine this with a river cruise package, and you’re set to enjoy the best of London in August!
August Timings
Daily 10 am-10 pm.
32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG,
UK
Getting There ›
3
Buckingham Palace
Nothing speaks of royalty than the residence of her Highness itself - the majestic Buckingham Palace, which is open to visitors in August and September. Get passes to admire the regal interiors of this mansion and be privy to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony - a real honor indeed.
August Timings
9:30 am-6:30 pm
Westminster, London SW1A 1AA,
UK
Getting There ›
4
British Museum
The British Museum Guided Tour is a blessing for History lovers the world over as it’s a culmination of 6000 years of history. With nearly 8 million artifacts, divided into 10 separate sections, this 2-hour tour with a professional guide is a fascinating and informative experience!
August Timings
Open Daily: 10 am-5:30 pm
Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DG,
UK
Getting There ›
5
Westminster Abbey
A UNESCO World Heritage, The Westminster Abbey is a famous landmark that had served as the seat of coronation or hall of weddings for the Royal family in England. Highlights of this tour include the striking Gothic architecture, the stained glass windows, an audio guide, and the coronation chair.
August Timings
Mon - Sat: 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Timings are subject to change regularly; visit the official website for confirmation.
20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA,
UK
Getting There ›
6
London Eye
The bird’s eye view of the city with its famous monuments is a sight to behold from atop the 30-minute ride on The London Eye that offers a splendid 360 ° vista of London. You can enjoy priority access, or combine this with another monument to get the best of the deal!
August Timings
Open daily in August but timings vary from 10 am-8:30 pm to 11 am-6:30 pm on some days
Riverside Building,
County Hall,
Westminster Bridge Road,
UK
Getting There ›
7
Stadium Tour
A dream come true for sports fanatics, a trip to the Wembley Stadium or the Wimbledon Stadium + Museum Tour is a motivating experience. Here, you can witness the making of great history on the pitch and salute the true spirit of sportsmanship.
London HA9 0WS,
UK
Getting There ›
8
West End Theatre
London’s West End Theatre is an entertainment destination that’s the hub of several best-selling plays. Whether you're in for classics: Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera or choose musicals to re-live your childhood with The Lion King or Aladdin, it's bound to be a magical few hours!
55 Strand, London WC2R 0LQ,
UK
Getting There ›
9
Warner Bros. Studio - Harry Potter Tour
With multiple packages to choose from to make your visit to the Potterverse special, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the Warner Bros Studio - Harry Potter Tour. Visit set locations of Platform 9 ¾, the Great Hall, or Diagon Alley and learn about the intricacies of filmmaking here, it's a spellbinding adventure for sure!
August Timings
Daily - 9:30 am-8 pm
Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden WD25 7LR,
UK
Getting There ›
10
Thames River Cruise
London in August would be the best time to explore the city on a river cruise at the Thames. It’s a whole different feeling to sail across the tranquil waters and view the famous monuments from a new angle. Combine this with a meal and some Jazz, and you're set for a blissful evening!
Pipers Island, Bridge St, Reading RG4 8AH,
UK
Getting There ›
London in August: Events to Look Out For
The BBC Proms 2023
July 14 - September 9
Participate in the 126th edition of the world’s biggest classical music festival with BBC Proms held across many venues in London intending to expose music to the broadest audience possible. With a myriad of events: concerts, workshops, and talks, it’s a brilliant experience for all.
We Are FSTVL 2023
August 25 - August 27
The We Are FESTVL, which won the Best British Festival award in 2014, has continued to develop into one of the UK's most popular electronic festivals. Hundreds of international DJs descend on Airfield of Dreams (just east of London) for We Are FESTVL.
London Craft Beer Festival 2023
August 11 - August 12
The eighth edition of the Craft Beer Festival sees beer aficionados unite with the best of breweries at Tobacco Dock to celebrate the very nature of the modern beer. Combined with food from some of the most amazing restaurants and live music mixed by famous DJs, this festival is set to be a riot of craziness.
All Points East 2023
August 18 - August 28
Established in 2018, All Points East has become synonymous with its diverse and eclectic musical offerings. Returning to Vicky Park once again, this year's lineup boasts an impressive array of big-hitting headliners such as Stormzy, HAIM, The Strokes, Jungle, and Dermot Kennedy. Not to be outdone, the support acts are equally enticing, featuring the likes of Erykah Badu, Amyl and the Sniffers, Confidence Man, Angel Olsen, Tove Lo, and many others, all set to set the stage ablaze.
London in August : 5-day Itinerary
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
London in August : Essentials
London Weather in August
Clear blue skies, warm sunny days, and a breeze that plays hide and seek with you as you make your way around town - that’s London for you in the summers of August. With temperature ranging from 23 to 14 °C, it’s an ideal time for a vacation in this majestic city!
Where to Stay in London during August
Af you’re planning a trip to London in August - it’s a great idea to stay in Central London as you’ll be in the vicinity of plenty of public transport options and won’t waste too much time traveling. Here are a few popular properties in London for different budgets:
- Luxury hotels - Rosewood London , Corinthia Hotel London, The Savoy, The Ritz London
- Moderately priced boutique offerings - Crowne Plaza London Battersea, Sofitel London Heathrow, Ibis London Shoreditch
- Budget properties - Heston Hyde Hotel, Sara Hotel, Qbic Hotel London
What to Pack for Visiting London in August
If you're planning a trip to London in August, be sure to pack your usual summer attire along with accessories like sunglasses, scarves, and hats. It's wise to bring a compact umbrella as well, given London's tendency for sudden showers. Evenings can cool down to around 14°C, so consider including some lightweight jackets for layering up when needed.
Getting Around London in August
London has the most efficient public transport and the Underground Metro is a testament to this. However, give the tube a pass in case of rush hours and holidays.
Ride on the city’s original red double-deckers if you’d like to experience the typical London feels! Besides buses and the metro, you can also explore the Hop-on Hop-off buses especially meant for tourists who are visiting the many monuments. Feel free to book a cab if you’re traveling to and from the airport with too much luggage as it can be a hassle on public transport.
Must-Try Dishes While Visiting London in August
The classic meal to be savored while in London, the English Breakfast comprises eggs, bacon, sausage, grilled tomatoes, and baked beans served with toast. Sumptuous and filling, make your way to The Ivy for a gourmet experience with one of the best breakfasts in town.
A traditional dish that originated in the UK and Ireland, Black Pudding is often called blood sausage made from pork blood, pork fat, beef suet, and cereal that's usually oatmeal or barley. Black Pudding is slowly becoming a breakfast staple in the city, and you can sample one at Regency Cafe.
Visit The Harwood Arms and partake in the traditional meal on a Sunday afternoon: the Sunday Roast! You can choose your meat from chicken, pork or beef for your roast and savor this with roasted potatoes and vegetables served with Yorkshire Pudding (an English bread of sorts) and delicious gravy!
A savory pie consisting of minced meat and a layer of mashed potatoes on top came to be called Shepherd’s Pie after using lamb meat instead of beef! Dine at The Windmill if you’re up for a flavorful blast of this delicacy.
It wouldn’t be fair to talk about the food scene in London without mentioning the ubiquitous Fish & Chips: batter-fried fish served with steaming hot fries are a staple in many Commonwealth nations. Grab a bite of this tasty goodness at any of the popular outlets or try a gourmet one at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack.
Tips for Visiting London in August
- London in August is full of surprises because of the warm weather, general holiday cheer, and a host of outdoor events happening across town. Enquire at your hotels for pop-up festivals and secret parties while you plan your days here, and you’re sure to come up with some great stuff.
- Keep your walking shoes handy - there’s no better way to explore a new city than by foot!
- Outdoor cinemas are a thing in London, and you could watch some classic movie screenings under the beautiful skyline - so be sure to check with your hosts!
- While the weather is predominantly sunny in August, it’s not a bad idea to keep a small umbrella handy in case it pours!
- Always book in advance, and book online to get the best offers, besides having everything arranged, you’ll also end up waiting less in the crowded tourist hotspots.
Explore London by Months
Ready To Visit London in August?
Here are some helpful links to make your trip to London in June an enjoyable one:
FAQs
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether August is a good time to visit London. The weather is usually warm and sunny in August, but it can also be quite crowded as many people take their summer vacations then.
When packing for London in August, be sure to pack light clothing that can be layered. The temperatures in August can vary, so it's important to be prepared for both warm and cool weather. A raincoat is also a good idea, as August is one of the rainiest months in London. Finally, don't forget to pack your walking shoes, as there is a lot of sightseeing to be done in this historic city.
London is generally quite busy during the summer months, but August is usually one of the busiest times of year. This is due to a combination of factors, including the weather and the fact that many people take their summer holidays in August.
From open-air concerts and festivals to exhibitions and street parties, there's something to suit everyone's taste in London in August. Some of them are, BBC Proms, We Are FSTVL, London Craft Beer Festival and London Dessert Festival.
Some of the best things to do in London in August are, going on a Thames River Cruise, a Harry Potter studio tour, visiting the London Eye, and going to the ArcelorMittal Orbit & The Slide.