With fewer crowds, mild weather, and a host of annual events across the city, November can be one of the best times of the year to plan a trip to London. Since the month falls in the middle of the city’s tourist season, you’re likely to find cheaper flights and lower prices on London hotels, especially if you’re traveling during the first half of November or after Thanksgiving. Thanks.
Although the weather is colder and tourists don’t flock to the city in such high numbers, there are still plenty of events and festivals taking place this month, including the Lord Mayor Show and the London Jazz Festival. Plus, Christmas lights start to come on across the country in mid-November and events celebrating the holidays start at the end of the month, so if you’re looking to start the season early, you’re sure to find plenty of opportunities in London this year.
London weather in November
Although temperatures in London start around 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) at the beginning of the month, the weather turns increasingly colder over the course of November before settling at an average high of 48 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius). on December 1. Fortunately, the temperature does not fluctuate much between day and night in London, and temperatures rarely drop below freezing at any time of the month.
- Average High: 48 degrees Fahreneheit (9 degrees Celsius)
- Average Low: 43 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius)
Unfortunately, November can be one of the rainiest times of the year in London, and one of the cloudiest. With an average of less than two hours of sunshine a day and 14 to 17 days of rain during the month, November weather can be particularly dreary if you are not used to England’s weather. London rarely sees an outright downpour though, as it is more likely to encounter a light drizzle, and the month of November is known for sporadic sunny days with excessively warm temperatures of up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius).
What to pack
Since London weather can be unpredictable in November, you’ll want to pack layers of clothing that offer warmth and protection from the elements. Short and long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, a light jacket, and a pair of comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof, are essential for a comfortable trip. You may also want to invest in a stylish raincoat in addition to bringing an umbrella as it will do a better job of protecting your clothing from the rainy and foggy weather London experiences this month.
November events in London
Special events and celebrations start in early November with Bonfire Night fireworks displays and effigy burning across the city on November 5, but no matter what time of the month you visit, you are sure to find something exciting to do in London. . Whether you’re taking a moment on Remembrance Sunday to honor British veterans or looking for some local talent at the London Jazz Festival, you are sure to enjoy your visit if you plan your November holidays around these great events:
- Bonfire Night: Bonfire Night, which is celebrated on November 5 of each year, is also known as Guy Fawkes Night, named for the revolutionary who tried to blow up the House of Parliament in 1605 to protest against the British government. An effigy of Fawkes is often burned at a stake to celebrate the anniversary of his arrest, which is where the tradition got its new name.
- London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – Celebrating the history of car development in England, this annual tradition began in 1896 and only allows vehicles built before January 1, 1905 to compete in the race. The event takes place on the first Sunday in November (and has done so since 1956).
- Commemoration Sunday – Equivalent to America’s Veterans Day, this national holiday is celebrated on the Sunday closest to November 11 with special community and city events throughout London.
- Lord Mayor Show: On the second Saturday in November, a new Lord Mayor of the City of London (not a Mayor of London) is in office for the year, immediately followed by a grand parade through the streets of the city.
- London Jazz Festival: Over the course of 10 days this month, this city-wide festival will take over London venues for performances by rising stars and jazz legends alike.
- West End Christmas Lights – Both Oxford Street and Regent Street turn on their Christmas lights for the season in early November, which is usually marked with a tree lighting ceremony or event.
November Travel Tips
Although there are no more public holidays in London until Christmas Day, there are still plenty of opportunities to take a long weekend trip from the city if you can get time off from work. These tips will help you plan your London getaway.
- Avoid booking accommodations on Thanksgiving Day as hotels will likely raise prices to accommodate the influx of tourists. Although England does not celebrate the holidays, companies across the country anticipate American travelers who will seize the opportunity to visit.
- London schools are in session throughout the month, so visiting attractions on weekdays will mean fewer lines and shorter wait times, even in the most popular destinations in and around the city.
- Like Broadway in New York City, London’s West End is known around the world for its theaters and performing arts centers, as well as the shows that occur each year. Be sure to stop by one of these great venues for an evening of world-class entertainment.
