Honestly, if you're looking for that classic, moody, Sherlock Holmes vibe, London in the autumn is basically the gold standard. But there's a catch. People always ask me, "Is it just going to pour the whole time?" and the answer is a solid maybe.
The weather in october london is famously indecisive. You've got these crisp, golden mornings where the low sun hits the glass of the Shard just right, but by 3 PM? You might be huddling under a pub awning while a sudden squall turns your umbrella inside out. It's a month of transitions. One day you’re in a light sweater, the next you’re eyeing the thermal leggings at Marks & Spencer.
The Real Numbers (Not the Tourist Brochure Version)
Let’s talk stats for a second, but let's keep it real. On paper, the average high is around 16°C (61°F), and the low sits near 10°C (50°F). Sounds mild, right? Kinda. But "average" is a sneaky word in the UK.
In early October, it’s not unusual to have "Indian Summer" days where the mercury hits 18°C or 20°C. You'll see Londoners eating lunch on the grass in St. James's Park, soaking up every last drop of Vitamin D. However, by the time Halloween rolls around on the 31st, those highs often struggle to break 13°C (55°F).
Rain is the other big player. You'll probably see rain on about 10 to 12 days of the month. But "rainy days" in London aren't usually monsoon-style deluges. It’s more of a persistent, annoying drizzle—what we call "mizzle"—that just makes the pavement look like a noir film set. According to the Met Office, London is actually one of the drier parts of the UK, but the humidity makes the cold feel "wetter" if that makes any sense. It gets into your bones.
Daylight is Vanishing
This is the part that catches people off guard.
- The Start of October: You get about 11.5 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 6:30 PM.
- The End of October: The clocks go back (Daylight Saving Time ends). Suddenly, it's pitch black by 4:45 PM.
If you’re planning to do a photo shoot at the Tower of London, do it early.
What to Actually Wear (The "Layer or Die" Philosophy)
Forget the heavy Arctic parka. You’ll be sweating the moment you step onto a crowded Central Line tube carriage. The Tube is basically a subterranean sauna regardless of the season.
Basically, you need a system. I always tell friends to go for a "waterproof-but-breathable" outer shell. A trench coat is the classic London look for a reason—it blocks the wind and the light rain without making you look like you're about to summit Everest. Underneath? A light wool sweater or a cardigan.
Pro tip: Wear leather boots or waterproof sneakers. Mesh trainers are a death sentence for your comfort. Once your socks are wet in 10-degree weather, your day is officially over.
The Umbrella Trap
Don't buy a cheap £5 umbrella from a souvenir shop near Piccadilly Circus. One gust of wind from the Thames and it will be in the bin. If you’re going to buy one, get a "storm-proof" one or just lean into the hooded jacket life. Most locals actually prefer a good hood because it leaves your hands free for Google Maps and coffee.
Is October a Good Time to Visit?
Actually, it’s one of the best. The summer crowds have vanished. The queues for the London Eye aren't a three-hour ordeal. Plus, the city looks spectacular. Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath turn these incredible shades of copper and gold.
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If you're here in mid-October, you've got the BFI London Film Festival taking over the Southbank. There’s a certain energy in the air—people are retreating into cozy pubs with fireplaces, and the "roast dinner" season really kicks into high gear.
Surprising Weather Events
Sometimes, October gets weird. Remember the Great Storm of 1987? That was mid-October. While we don't usually get hurricanes, we do get "remnants" of Atlantic storms. These bring high winds that can shut down parks (because of falling branches) or delay trains. It’s rare, but it happens.
Most of the time, though, the biggest "extreme" you'll face is just "The Grey." London can go three or four days in October without a single break in the clouds. It’s a flat, white light that makes the red buses pop but can feel a bit dreary if you aren't prepared for it.
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Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the "hourly" forecast, not the "daily" one. In London, the daily icon might show a rain cloud, but it might only rain for 20 minutes at 11 AM. Use the Met Office or BBC Weather apps—they tend to be more accurate for UK microclimates than the default iPhone app.
- Book indoor activities for the late afternoon. Since it gets dark and chilly early, plan your museum visits (The British Museum or National Gallery) for 3 PM onwards.
- Pack a scarf. Even a light one. It’s the easiest way to regulate your temperature when switching between a cold wind on Westminster Bridge and a heated bus.
- Secure a pub with a fire. If the weather turns truly miserable, head to a spot like The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead or The Gun in Coldharbour. There is nothing better than watching the rain hit the window while you have a pint of ale by a fireplace.
October in London isn't about perfect weather; it's about the atmosphere. Dress right, expect a bit of dampness, and you'll find it’s the most "London" the city ever feels.