November is one of the best times to visit London. Most US visitors worry about rain and grey skies — but the truth is far better. November brings shorter queues, lower prices, and the start of London’s famous Christmas season. If you want London without the crowds, November is your month.
What Is the Weather Like in London in November?
November in London is cool and mild. Daytime temperatures range from 7°C to 13°C (45°F to 55°F). Rain is possible on around 13 days a month, but long downpours are rare. Most showers are brief. Dry spells follow quickly.
Evenings get dark early. Sunset arrives around 4pm by mid-November. Plan your outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon, then shift to indoor attractions or evening experiences. London lit up at night in November looks genuinely beautiful.
The city does not feel cold or dull. It feels alive and much less crowded than July. Most experienced London visitors prefer this.
What to Pack for London in November
Layers work best in London in November. Temperatures swing between a chilly morning and a warmer afternoon. Heated museums and restaurants mean you will overheat in a heavy coat.
- A waterproof jacket — more useful than an umbrella in London’s wind
- Thermal base layers — merino wool is light and warm
- A mid-weight jumper for evenings
- Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes — you will walk three to six miles a day
- A small backpack to carry layers as you shed them
Skip the big umbrella. London wind makes umbrellas almost useless. A compact one is fine for light drizzle, but a good waterproof jacket is smarter.
Top Things to Do in London in November
November gives you something summer cannot — space. The National Gallery, the British Museum, and the Tower of London are all much quieter. You can stand in front of a Vermeer without forty tourists in your way.
Visit the Free Museums Without the Crowds
London’s free museums are outstanding in November. The Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the British Museum all charge nothing to enter. Without the summer crush, you can browse at your own pace and linger in the rooms you love most.
The Natural History Museum opens an outdoor ice rink in its grounds from late November. Skating outside a Gothic Victorian building on a cool evening is one of London’s best seasonal experiences.
Bonfire Night on 5 November
If you arrive in early November, Bonfire Night on the 5th is worth seeing. It marks the 1605 Gunpowder Plot — Guy Fawkes’ failed attempt to blow up Parliament. The country celebrates with fireworks and bonfires. Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park, and Crystal Palace all run large public events, free to attend.
This is a uniquely British occasion. Thousands of Londoners gather in parks to watch fireworks while eating toffee apples and jacket potatoes from food stalls. There is no real US equivalent, which makes it fascinating to visit.
Christmas Lights and Early Markets
London’s Christmas lights switch on in mid to late November. Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Covent Garden each have their own displays. Walking between them on a crisp evening costs nothing. It looks extraordinary.
Christmas markets begin opening in late November. The South Bank Christmas Market, Somerset House, and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland all launch around this time. Winter Wonderland is enormous — part market, part fairground — and free to enter. Individual rides and stalls charge separately.
Theatre and Live Performance
November is a strong month for London theatre. The West End runs year-round, and November sits in a sweet spot. New shows often open after the summer break, giving you a full programme without the December price surge. Book ahead for popular shows, but midweek tickets are often available at reduced prices on the day.
The National Theatre on the South Bank always has strong programming. It frequently offers discounted tickets for under-26s and on the day of performance. Book directly through the National Theatre website to get the best prices.
Explore the Neighbourhoods
November is ideal for walking London’s neighbourhoods. You are not too hot, and the streets are calm. Notting Hill, Shoreditch, Greenwich, and Bermondsey all feel more relaxed in autumn. The quieter streets let you look at the architecture rather than the back of other people’s heads.
Pick two or three areas of London and explore them on foot. That approach gives you far more than ticking off a list of landmarks.
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November is a good month for day trips from London. Sites outside the city are far less crowded. The English countryside looks dramatic — bare trees, misty hills, and small towns with no queues.
Bath is an excellent choice. The Roman Baths are impressive year-round, but November means you walk straight in. Bath’s Christmas market also runs from late November and is one of the finest in England. The Bath day trip from London takes around 90 minutes by train from Paddington.
Oxford in November is perfect. The university buildings are open, the cafes are warm, and the streets are quiet enough to photograph properly. The Oxford day trip takes about an hour by train from Paddington or Marylebone station.
Canterbury is another strong pick. The cathedral is stunning in any season, but autumn light gives it something special. November falls near the anniversary of Thomas Becket’s martyrdom, and the cathedral sometimes holds commemorative services that visitors can attend.
Getting Around London in November
The Tube and bus network run exactly the same in November as any other month. Rush hours run from 7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm. Outside those windows, the Tube is easy and comfortable.
Walking is still the best way to see central London. The South Bank to Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden to St Paul’s — you can cover all of it on foot. Getting around London on the Tube is simple once you understand zones and use Oyster or contactless payment.
Taxis cost far more than the Tube. Save them for late nights or when you have heavy luggage.
London in November on a Budget
November is one of the cheaper months to visit. Hotel prices drop compared to summer, and flights from the US are lower in October, November, and early December. You can find good three-star hotels in central London at summer-budget prices.
The free museums alone make November remarkable value. A morning at the V&A or the Natural History Museum gives you more than most cities offer at any price. Add in the free Christmas lights, free park entry, and free public galleries, and you can spend a full London day on very little.
For a full breakdown, including flights, accommodation, food, and tickets, read the London travel budget guide for US visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About London in November
What is the weather like in London in November?
November in London is cool, with temperatures between 7°C and 13°C (45°F to 55°F). Rain is possible on around 13 days a month, but long heavy showers are rare. Short bursts of drizzle are more common. Sunset arrives around 4pm by mid-November, so plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Is November a good time to visit London?
Yes. November is an excellent time to visit London, especially for US visitors who want to avoid summer crowds. Attractions are quieter, hotel prices are lower, and the city starts its Christmas season with lights and markets from mid-November. The weather is easy to manage with the right clothing.
What is Bonfire Night and should I see it in London?
Bonfire Night falls on 5 November and marks the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up Parliament. The UK celebrates with fireworks and bonfires. London holds large free events at Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park, and Victoria Park. It is a unique British tradition with no real US equivalent — worth seeing if you are in the city on or around the 5th.
When do the London Christmas lights and markets start in November?
Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street usually switch on in mid-November. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens around 21 or 22 November each year. South Bank Christmas Market and Somerset House both open around the same time. Dates vary slightly each year — check each venue before booking flights around specific events.
How much does a trip to London in November cost from the US?
Flights from major US cities to London in November typically cost between $400 and $900 return, depending on your departure city and how early you book. Central London hotels in November range from around £100 to £200 per night for a comfortable three-star property. London’s free museums, parks, and Christmas lights cost nothing to enjoy.
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