A Local’s Guide to London in July [2023]

Are you planning a trip to London in July?

Or are you a local looking for the best things to do in the capital this summer?

July is a great time to be in London, with beautiful sunny weather and a variety of outdoor events and festivals taking place in the city throughout the month.

This is a local’s guide to London in July…

Planning a Trip to London in July

Weather in London in July

July is the hottest month of the year in London, making it the best time to visit the capital if it’s blue skies and sunshine you’re looking for.

  • Daytime temperatures reach around 23°c (73-74°f).
  • But in recent years, some afternoons have peaked at highs of 30°c (86°f) and above.
  • Early mornings and evenings may drop between 13-16°c (56-61°f).
  • 7 days of the month may still have some light rain or drizzle.
  • The sun rises around 5am and sets around 9:05pm.

What to Pack For London in July

When planning what to pack for London in July, make sure to bring plenty of summer clothes, like t-shirts, shorts, and dresses. But you’ll still want to pack a few light layers for evenings or chillier days too.

  • An umbrella or light raincoat in case of rain (it’s England!).
  • A hoodie or light jacket for chillier evenings.
  • Comfortable shoes for walking around the city all day.
  • A nice/formal outfit for any events, dinners, or nights out.
  • A good day bag to keep your possessions safe and in easy reach while out in the city.

Best Things to do in London in July

Take a Sightseeing Tour

Whether it’s taking in the city’s top landmarks on an open-top bus, discovering one of London’s top neighbourhoods on a guided walking tour, or sailing along the River Thames on a scenic river cruise, July is a fantastic time to go sightseeing in the capital.

Not sure which tour to pick? Check out my full guide to the best sightseeing tours of London here.

Enjoy London’s Parks & Gardens

There’s no time like the summer to head for a stroll or a peaceful picnic in one of London’s many beautiful parks and green spaces.

Some of my favourite London parks are Holland Park, Battersea Park, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park, and Kew Gardens.

Go Up At The O2

Did you know that you can climb over the roof of one of the capital’s most famous landmarks?

With Up At The O2, you’ll slide into a harness, strap on a helmet, and climb right over the domed roof of London’s iconic entertainment complex, the O2 Arena, for amazing 360-degree views over the entire city skyline from the top of the building.

Go Kayaking On London’s Waterways

Kayaking down the capital’s many canals and rivers is one of my favourite ways to spend a sunny day in the capital.

From floating down north London’s canals with a cocktail from Moo Canoes‘ sail-up bar, to paddling along the River Thames taking in the capital’s best sites, there are plenty of different kayaking tours and hire companies to pick from.

Find out more about kayaking in London here.

Watch a Show at Regent’s Park Theatre

This unique open-air theatre is nestled amongst the beautiful foliage of Regent’s Park and is only open throughout the summer.

It hosts a variety of classic and modern performances, from plays and musicals to comedies and family shows.

July 2023 productions include:

Best Events in London in July [2023]

London Pride (1st July)

London Pride is one of the biggest public events taking place in London each year, celebrating the city’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.

The parade is the highlight of the event, with over 30,000 people marching through the streets of London’s West End, dressed in colorful outfits and waving rainbow flags.

The atmosphere is electric, with plenty of live music, dancing, drag performances, and epic street parties all across Soho for an entire day.

There are also many other LGBTQ+ events taking place in London during the week and weekend, including parties, exhibitions, and talks, making it a truly inclusive and diverse celebration.

Regent street with lots of people and rainbow flags during pride celebrations in London

BST Hyde Park (1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, 9th July)

British Summer Time is a series of outdoor day festivals that take place in Hyde Park each summer.

BST is one of the biggest music festivals held in the capital and has drawn in a variety of huge international artists over the years. I’ve seen both Taylor Swift and Green Day play at the festival before!

The July 2023 BST line-up so far includes:

  • Sat 1st July – Take That
  • Sunday 2nd July – BlackPink
  • Thursday 6th July – Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band
  • Friday 7th July – Billy Joel
  • Sunday 9th July – Lana Del Rey

The festival has a free-to-enter midweek programme of live music, arts, cinema, workshops, and family activities too.

Green Day performing at BST Hyde Park 2017

London Zoo Nights (7, 14, 21, 28th July)

Taking place each Friday throughout June and July, London Zoo Nights is a unique adult-only experience that allows you to explore the world-famous zoo after hours.

The event offers plenty of fun animal talks, grown-up zoo tours (like the Birds and Bees tour – which is a must-do!), animal-themed games, adult face painting, and much more.

And to top it all off, you’ll also find a variety of international street food traders, bars, and hang-out zones around the zoo, so you can grab a cocktail and enjoy the atmosphere of one of London’s coolest Friday night venues!

Tickets are limited, so make sure to grab yours here!

Watch my experience at Zoo Nights ’23.

Wimbledon Championships (3rd – 26th July)

The Wimbledon Tennis Championships is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world.

It’s held annually at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon and draws in top tennis players from all around the world, competing for the coveted Wimbledon championship title.

Tickets for the prestigious sporting event can either be obtained via a public ballot [shut for 2023] or through official hospitality provider Keith Prowse.

But if you don’t manage to get tickets in advance, you can still get premium tickets on the day by standing in “The Queue,” Wimbledon’s infamous same-day sales queue that usually starts as early as the evening before each match day.

Tennis match at the Wimbledon Championships in July in London

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (4th – 9th July)

The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is one of the largest annual flower shows in the world.

This event takes place on the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace, the historic home of King Henry VIII.

It is a celebration of horticulture and gardening, showcasing stunning show gardens, floral displays, and innovative designs.

The festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to admire the beautiful displays and learn about the latest gardening trends from experts in the field.

Garden filled with flowers in Hampton Court Palace in London

Wireless Festival (7th – 9th July)

Wireless Festival is an annual rap and urban music festival that takes place in north London’s Finsbury Park each summer.

The weekend-long festival is known for its amazing line-up of international music stars, including top hip-hop, rap, grime, and R&B artists.

The 2023 festival headliners are Travis Scott and 50 Cent, with many other big artists including Playboi Cart, Lil Uzi Vert, and more.

Wireless is a non-camping festival. So you can either get a single-day ticket to see your favourite artist perform, or get a weekend ticket and stay nearby.

Wireless Music Festival in London

The Rum Show (14th – 15th July)

The Rum Show is an annual event held in London that brings together rum enthusiasts, bartenders, and distillers from around the world.

The event offers an exclusive opportunity to taste some of the best rums from different parts of the world, attend masterclasses, and meet with industry experts.

The show features over 200 different types of rum for you to sample, as well as plenty of delicious rum cocktails.

The Rum Show is a must-visit event for anyone who is passionate about rum and wants to discover new brands and learn more about the history and production of this beloved spirit.

Ian Burrell, the Global Rum Ambassador, at the St Kitts Cocktail Event
Ian Burrell, the Global Rum Ambassador

Kaleidoscope Festival at Alexandra Palace (15th July)

Kaleidoscope Festival is an exciting celebration of music, food, and arts taking place at Alexandra Palace in North London this July.

The one-day festival has multiple stages, showcasing a variety of different music genres, as well as comedians, spoken-word artists, and fun family shows.

In addition to the live performances, there are also many food stalls serving up tasty dishes from around the world, and enough bars to keep the party going all day long.

Plus, don’t miss the unique art installations dotted across the venue.

With its beautiful location overlooking the city skyline, Kaleidoscope Festival is a unique family-friendly event that should not be missed.

Ally Pally Festival in London in summer

PIN THIS JULY LONDON GUIDE FOR LATER:

Things to do in London in July pin