London in September welcomes a shift from summer to autumn, painting the city in warm tones and gentle breezes. As the big summer crowds start to disappear, September is a great time to explore the city’s major landmarks and hidden gems.
Whether you’re planning a trip to London this September or you’re a local looking for some fun things to do in the capital this autumn, this is a local’s ultimate guide to London in September…
Planning a Trip to London in September
Weather in London in September
London weather in September tends to still be warm and pleasant, with slightly cooler mornings and evenings than peak summer.
- Daytime temperatures reach around 20-21°c (high-60s °f).
- However, some days may reach 25-30°c, especially earlier in the month.
- Early mornings and evenings can drop between 11-14°c (mid-50s °f).
- 7-8 days of the month may still have some light rain or drizzle.
- The sun rises around 6:35am and sets around 7:15pm.
What to Pack For London in September
If you’re traveling to London in September, make sure to pack plenty of summer clothes, like t-shirts, shorts, and dresses. But don’t forget to bring a few light layers for cooler evenings or days too.
- An umbrella or a light raincoat is a must-have as rain is common year-round in England.
- Pack a hoodie or a light jacket for the chilly evenings.
- Comfortable shoes are essential as you will be walking around the city all day.
- Pack a formal outfit for any fancy events, dinners, or nights out.
- A good day bag is necessary to keep your possessions safe and easily accessible while you are out exploring the city.
Best Things to do in London in September
Sightseeing Without the Crowds
The summer holidays are finally over, which makes September a fantastic time to enjoy London’s top sights and attractions without the large crowds.
Head out on a London sightseeing tour or make the most of the city’s many free museums.
Take a Weekend Trip Within the UK
Already suffering from those post-summer blues? Early autumn is the ideal time to take a mini staycation in the UK.
From exciting cities and charming historic towns, to immersing yourself in beautiful British nature with a hiking holiday or short beach break, the options are endless.
Check out my detailed post on the best UK weekend breaks from London.
Spend a Night at the Theatre
Did you know that Aug 21st to Sep 3rd is London Theatre Week? This means you can currently pick up some fantastic ticket deals for many of the city’s most popular West End Shows.
Grab your discounted tickets at sellers such as Theatre Ticket Direct or ATG Tickets and enjoy a night out at the theatre this month.
Enjoy a Sunset Movie Screening
With summer coming to an end, September might be your last opportunity to watch a movie under the stars at one of the capital’s iconic outdoor cinemas.
Luna Cinema has outdoor movie screenings taking place at Kew Gardens, Regent’s Park, and Wimbledon throughout September, with everything from family-friendly sing-a-longs to cult classics.
Watch a Show at Regent’s Park Theatre
If you prefer live performances, head to Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre, situated amidst the lush greenery of one of London’s most popular parks.
The open-air theatre has extended the run of its current show, “La Cage aux Folles”, until September 23rd, after which it will close for the season.
Best Events in London in September [2023]
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (25th Aug – 10th Sept)
The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival is an annual highlight of London’s cultural calendar.
The two-week-long event brings together a fantastic array of outdoor theatre, dance, music, circus, and visual arts performances by UK and international artists, all set against the backdrop of iconic public spaces around London.
From daredevil tight-rope walking and futuristic dance parties to living artworks and political theatre, there’s something for everyone.
The majority of the performances are unticketed and completely free to attend, so make sure to check the schedule.
Back to Hogwarts Day (1st September)
Back to Hogwarts Day is a special occasion for Harry Potter fans in London to celebrate the (fictional) return of students to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
In the capital, fans gather in costume at King’s Cross Station, particularly at Platform 9¾, to recreate the iconic scene of boarding the Hogwarts Express.
The day itself includes a countdown to 11 o’clock when a special announcement is made over the tannoy. There are also plenty of Harry Potter-themed activities and entertainment taking place at the station all day, including games, giveaways, and photo opportunities.
Harry Potter fan? Check out these other magical things to do in the capital to celebrate the day.
Totally Thames Festival (1st Sept – 1st Oct)
Totally Thames is an annual celebration of the River Thames, with a jam-packed month-long schedule of art exhibitions, performances, concerts, festivals, boat races, active adventures, environmental initiatives, and heritage and education programs.
Each weekend throughout September, there’s a focus on one area along the Thames, starting with Brentford, then moving on to The Royal Docks, London Bridge, Greenwich, and Kingston.
Make sure to check the full schedule to see which free and paid events are happening near you!
Plus, check out these fun and interesting facts about the River Thames.
Open House London (6-17th Sept)
Open House London is an annual festival dedicated to making the capital’s architectural spaces accessible to everyone.
During the event, many buildings and private spaces across the city open their doors to the public, allowing you to explore and appreciate London’s diverse architecture and design.
From historic landmarks to contemporary structures, private homes to government buildings, Open House provides a unique opportunity for locals and visitors to see a completely different side of the city.
There’s also a full festival program of guided tours, talks, and events that allow you to learn more about London’s architectural heritage and urban landscape.
London Design Festival (16–24th Sept)
The London Design Festival celebrates and promotes the British capital as the design capital of the world.
The exciting festival celebrates the city’s creativity and brings together a diverse range of new and established creatives in disciplines including architecture, interior design, fashion, and technology.
The week-long event features a packed program of exhibitions, public installations, workshops, and talks spread across various iconic venues throughout the city.
Many of the exhibitions, events, and tours are completely free to attend, so make sure to check the schedule to see what events are taking place near you.
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