Things to do in London in October

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Overview

October is a great time to visit London. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 46—60°F (8—15°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in London during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a spooky tour of the Tower of London, attend the London Cocktail Week, take a ghost tour of the city, and more!

London has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to London. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in London in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in London in October

Top experiences in October
Take a spooky tour of the Tower of London
October is the perfect time to explore the eerie history of the Tower of London. With guided tours that delve into the darker side of the tower's past, you'll have the opportunity to learn about its haunted past and the infamous figures who once resided within its walls. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a spine-tingling experience, a spooky tour of the Tower of London is a must-do activity in October.
Attend the London Cocktail Week
October is the month of London Cocktail Week, a celebration of the city's vibrant cocktail culture. With a wide range of events, from mixology classes to cocktail tastings, this event offers a unique opportunity to discover new and exciting drinks. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a fun night out, London Cocktail Week is a must-visit experience in October.
Take a ghost tour of the city
October is the perfect time to explore London's haunted history on a ghost tour. With guided walks that take you to the city's most haunted spots, you'll have the opportunity to hear chilling tales of the supernatural and the unexplained. Whether you're a believer in the paranormal or just looking for a spooky adventure, a ghost tour of London is a must-do experience in October.
Visit the London Zoo for their Halloween-themed events
October is the month of Halloween, and the London Zoo offers a range of spooky events and activities for visitors of all ages. From pumpkin carving to animal-themed costume contests, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a fan of wildlife or just looking for a fun day out, the Halloween-themed events at the London Zoo are sure to provide a memorable experience.
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Attend the London Film Festival
October is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the world of cinema at the London Film Festival. With a diverse range of films from around the world, this event offers a unique opportunity to discover new and exciting talent in the film industry. Whether you're a film buff or just looking for a fun night out, the London Film Festival is a must-visit experience in October.
Visit the London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre
October is the month of the London Literature Festival, a celebration of all things literary. From author talks to book signings, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the literary world and discover new voices in literature. Whether you're a bookworm or just looking for a cultural experience, the London Literature Festival is a must-visit event in October.
Take a scenic boat ride along the River Thames
October is the perfect time to take in the stunning autumn scenery along the River Thames. With boat tours that offer breathtaking views of the city's iconic landmarks and foliage, you'll have the opportunity to see London from a unique perspective. Whether you're a local or just visiting, a scenic boat ride along the River Thames in October is a must-do experience.
Take a stroll through the autumn foliage in Hyde Park
October is the perfect time to witness the stunning colors of autumn in Hyde Park. The park's trees transform into a beautiful array of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, a walk through Hyde Park in October is a must-do experience.
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Holidays in London in October
October
  • Halloween (October 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in London in October

Temperatures on an average day in London in October

The average temperature in London in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 60°F (15°C) to a low of 46°F (8°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in London, July, has days with highs of 73°F (23°C) and lows of 54°F (12°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 44°F (7°C) and lows of 34°F (1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in London in October based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in October
60°F
highs
46°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly and breezy
Feels like
34%
Chance of rain
0.107 in
Amount
17.8 mph
Wind speed
86%
Humidity
10.7 hrs
Daylight length
7:21 AM
Sunrise
6:06 PM
Sunset
40%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 60°F (15°C) and a low of 46°F (8°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for London in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities London has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in London that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in London for October.
lastminute.com London Eye
1. lastminute.com London Eye
4.5
(172686)
Ferris wheel
Sights & Landmarks
The British Museum
2. The British Museum
4.7
(150031)
Museum
Art Museums
Huge showcase for global antiquities, including Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek sculptures.
Tower of London
3. Tower of London
4.6
(102417)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Centuries of bloody history around a medieval castle, home to Crown Jewels and iconic Beefeaters.
London Underground Limited
4. London Underground Limited
4.2
(20)
Department of Transportation
Transportation
The National Gallery
5. The National Gallery
4.7
(48607)
Art museum
Museums
Trafalgar Square art museum whose masterworks trace the development of Western European painting.
Tower Bridge
6. Tower Bridge
4.8
(153339)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Panoramic views from high-level walkways and behind-the-scenes access to original lifting machinery.
Natural History Museum
7. Natural History Museum
4.7
(25806)
Museum
Event venue
Landmark museum of animals and natural phenomena, with hands-on exhibits and animatronic dinosaurs.
Big Ben
8. Big Ben
4.5
(62834)
Cultural landmark
Sights & Landmarks
16-storey Gothic clocktower and national symbol at the Eastern end of the Houses of Parliament.
Victoria and Albert Museum
9. Victoria and Albert Museum
4.7
(56011)
Art museum
Museums
Blockbuster exhibitions and permanent decorative arts collection, with design shop and ornate cafe.
Madame Tussauds London
10. Madame Tussauds London
4.4
(72455)
Wax museum
Museums
Museum chain for life-size wax replicas of famous celebrities & historic icons in themed galleries.
Camden Market
11. Camden Market
4.6
(124089)
Market
Shopping
Eclectic market with youthful vibe and stalls/shops selling fashion and accessories, music and more.
Buckingham Palace
12. Buckingham Palace
4.5
(166081)
Cultural landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Visitors can tour the palace's opulent private and state rooms or watch the changing of the guard.
Covent Garden
13. Covent Garden
Shopping
Flea & Street Markets
A shopping and entertainment hub in London's West End, Covent Garden centres on the elegant, car-free Piazza, home to fashion stores, craft stalls at the Apple Market, and the Royal Opera House. Street entertainers perform by 17th-century St. Paul’s Church, and the London Transport Museum houses vintage vehicles. Upscale restaurants serve European cuisines, and nearby theatres draw crowds for plays and musicals.
Westminster Abbey
14. Westminster Abbey
4.6
(40699)
Anglican church
Sights & Landmarks
Protestant abbey hosting daily services and every English and British coronation since 1066.
Churchill War Rooms
15. Churchill War Rooms
4.6
(12850)
History museum
Sights & Landmarks
Secret underground headquarters where Prime Minister Winston Churchill lived and worked during WWII.
Hyde Park
16. Hyde Park
4.7
(127226)
Park
Nature & Parks
Huge green space, home to Diana Memorial Fountain, with boating and swimming in the Serpentine lake.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in London?

Get inspired for your trip to London with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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