Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Louise
Are you coming to London in July?
July is one of the best months to visit London. It’s one the warmest months of the year in the UK (although beware it can still rain – more on this later…) The days are long and sunset is between 8.50pm and 9.30pm.
There are plenty of amazing things to do in London in July. The city is buzzing with festivals, events, concerts, outdoor cinema screenings, and food and drink festivals. In addition, the streets are lively, with street performers and markets popping up all over the city.
If you’re coming to London in July read on to find out everything you need to know. Discover what the weather is like and what you should pack. Also find 30 incredible things to do in London in July.
Weather In July
In July, the weather in London is generally warm and sunny with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
However it’s fair to say the weather is unpredictable. It can rain a lot in July too. We can get heatwaves with days and weeks of hot sun where the temperatures rise to 35°C (95°F) or even higher but we can also get summers where it’s cooler and / or rains a lot! We also get days where it’s warm and sunny with the odd rain shower thrown in!
What to Wear in London In July
When you bring clothes, you need to be prepared for hot weather but also rainy and cooler weather. It’s a lottery as to what you’ll get! It’s also a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly – although the weather forecast can change and it can be wrong!
Lightweight clothes which you can layer are always a good option for a trip to London. If you use the tube, it can get very warm underground in the summer, even if it’s cool outdoors. It’s great to be able to take off and / or put on layers when you need to. A small tote to carry layers you’ve taken off or may want to wear later can also be useful.
Here is a list of clothes you may need in London in July:
T-shirts and shorts/skirts: For hot & sunny or warm days, wear a t-shirt and a pair of shorts or a skirt. Or you may prefer a short sleeved shirt / blouse and linen shorts.
Lightweight dresses: A dress can be a great option for women, especially for a casual or relaxed look. You can layer a dress with a jacket / cardigan on cooler days.
Light jackets, cardigans, sweater: You may need a light jacket or sweater on a cooler day. Even if it’s warm, a light jacket or cardigan or sweater is useful for cooler mornings and / or evenings.
Jeans / Light pants: – if the weather is on the cooler side, jeans, leggings or light pants can also be great to wear.
Comfortable shoes: London is a large city, so you will be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in all day.
More formal wear: if your plan to visit a high end restaurant or the theatre it’s useful to have smart attire. Some bars and nightclubs can request smart clothes and footwear too.
Sun protection: Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunglasses, and apply sunblock if needed, as the sun can be strong in July.
Rain protection: An umbrella or rain jacket just in case.
Things to do in London in July
London is a fantastic month to visit July. With warm, long days Londoners and tourists can enjoy many outdoor activities as well as the traditional attractions and museums. Find out the best things to do in July 2023.
Visit Buckingham Palace.
The Royal family leave Buckingham Palace during the summer months and the Palace opens it’s doors to tourists. In 2023, the Palace is open between the 14th July to the 26th September. The state rooms are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so avoid those days if you want to visit the State Rooms.
Book Your Tour of Buckingham Palace.
Take a Dip in a Lido
Head to one of London’s many lidos to cool off in the warm July weather. These outdoor swimming pools are a great place to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the summer sun. Tooting Bec Lido, Brockwell Lido, and London Fields Lido are just a few of the many lidos in the city.
Explore Hyde Park and Dip Your Feet in the Diana Memorial Fountain
Photo Credit: Morgaine
Paddle in the Diana Memorial playground is located in Hyde Park. Hyde Park is the largest of the four royal parks in central London. Walk by the side of the Princess Diana Memorial fountain and on hot days, sit on the edge, dip your feet in and cool down.
In addition, there are many other things to do at Hyde Park. Take a boat out on the Serpentine lake or a dip in the Serpentine lido. Wander around and look at the many memorials, fountains and statues. Visit the children’s playground with the kids. Or just relax in a deck chair.
Don’t forget to bring a picnic!
Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Sunshine
London is renowned for its afternoon tea culture, and there are plenty of outdoor options available for those who would like to enjoy this British tradition in the sun.
Try the the tranquil Garden Room at the Corinthia Hotel.
St. Ermin’s Hotel is renowned for lovely afternoon teas and it has an outdoor terrace as well.
Catch an Outdoor Film
If you’re a fan of films, then you won’t want to miss one of London’s many outdoor cinemas! Pop Up Screens host outdoor cinema events throughout the capital. The Rooftop Film club show movies on roof terraces, so you can watch your film with a view!
Walk Along the Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens
Photo credit: Russel Wills
July is a great month to explore beautiful landscapes, greenhouses, and outdoor gardens at Kew Gardens. Highlights include the Palm House, Princess of Wales Conservatory, temperate house and the new children’s gardens for the kids. I love the treetop walkway, an elevated walkway with an incredible view of the garden’s treetops.
Take a Walking Tour
There are some amazing walking tours of London which are ideal for a July activity due to the warmer weather! The best thing is many of them are free! There are also many themed walking tours from Harry Potter tours to food themed tours. Or what about a ghost walk?
Visit Greenwich
The Cutty Sark, Greenwich
Greenwich is a lovely part of London to visit in the summer months. Enjoy some time at Greenwich park and climb the hill to see views of Canary Wharf and the south part of London. Walk around the Cutty Sark and if it does rain you can pop into one of the museums which includes The National Martime Museum.
See a Play at Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe is an open air theatre so July is a great month to see a performance here. If you stand, tickets only cost £5, so it’s also a great place to see a play if you’re on a budget.
Take the Cloud Cable Car
The Cloud cable car offers breathtaking views of the city and is a great way to see London from a different perspective. The ride lasts for around 10 minutes and doesn’t cost the earth either.
Ride the London Eye
You are more likely to get a clear, sunny day in July (although it’s never guaranteed!) making it a great month to ride the London Eye. Jump on one of the 32 spacious capsules and enjoy a slow, 30-minute rotation that offers panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks and skyline.
On a clear day from the top of the wheel, you can see up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) in all directions, taking in sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Take a Boat Trip
Marvel at magnificent London landmarks with a trip on the River Thames by boat. It’s a great way to see London during the summer months. There are plenty of River Thames cruises to choose from.
Walk Along the South Bank
The South Bank is always bustling with performers and people during the summer months and is a great place to take a stroll.
Take an Open Top Bus Trip
If you like open top bus tours, the warmer weather in July make it an excellent month to try one out in London. London bus tours offer open top buses to see all the major London landmarks.
Check Out a Music Gig at Somerset House
In July 2023, Somerset House hosts 11 nights of music gigs in it’s spectacular courtyard. See performances from new and established acts from all over the Word.
Find out more at Somerset House Summer series.
See a Classical Performance at BBC Proms
Set at a date to see a classical performances at the magnificent Royal Albert Hall which hosts over 40 days of concerts as part of the BBC Proms.
Take a Picnic To Primrose Hill
Enjoy magnificent views of the city while tucking into a picnic at the top of Primrose Hill. Primrose Hill is located at the top end of Regents Park. Why not combine your picnic with a visit to Camden Market which is about 10 minutes walk away?
Watch The Annual Tennis Tournament at Wimbledon
Get tickets to see a tennis match at Wimbledon. The tennis tournament takes place from the 3rd to 16th July 2023. If you can’t buy tickets, watch it on one of the pop up screens across London. Most of the screens are free and you can just turn up. In past years pop up screens have appeared at Canary Wharf, Kings Cross, Mayfair, Baker Street, Greenwich and many other places.
Enjoy the Atmosphere at Pride, London
Pride 2023 takes places in July. Don’t miss the Pride Parade, a colorful and vibrant process through the streets of central London and free performances at Trafalgar Square.
Watch a Play at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park, in Central London is a beautiful park to visit during July. It borders London zoo and sometimes you can see the animals when walking past. It’s also home to four playgrounds and a boating lake.
In July, there are also open air theatre performances. In July 2023, you can book to see plays including Robin Hood and the Tempest. There are daytime and evening performances.
Book online in advance to secure tickets.
See the Lions, Tigers and Meerkats at London Zoo
A lemur at London Zoo
You’ll be spoiled for choice with the range of animals you can see at London Zoo. From gorillas to giraffes, lions to lemurs and meerkats to macaws – there is an animal that everybody will love to see.
Marvel at the Glass Roof at the British Museum
Sunny days in July are a great time to visit the British museum. The sun shines through the glass roof in the main area making it a lovely space to sit and enjoy. Of course exploring the rest of the free museum is a must while you’re there.
Watch Mama Mia at the Novello Theatre
If you love Abba and the movie Mama Mia, you’ll love the stage production too. It’s currently on show at the Novello Theatre in Aldwych until end of September 2023.
Visit Hampton Court Palace (and make a date for the garden festival)
Hampton Court Palace is located on the outskirts of London (about a 45 minute train ride). It’s a great place to visit in the summer. See Henry VIII’s great hall and visit the Tudor kitchens at this historic Royal Palace. In the summer, the 60 acres grounds are glorious and kids will love the playground.
One of the highlights of the summer calendar is the garden show which takes place between 4th and 9th of July. If you love flowers and gardening the festival is not to be missed. Find out more.
Enjoy the View from Tate Modern Viewing Point
If you enjoy modern art the Tate Modern is a must visit while you’re in the city. Entry to the art gallery is free and you can enjoy modern and contemporary art collections from around the world.
July is a great month to enjoy the magnificent view from the observation level at the Tate Modern. It’s free to take the lift to the top floor of the Blavatnic Building. Enjoy a drink and snack from the bar while admiring the view of the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf.
Walk Along the Southbank
Enjoy a walk along the Southbank of the River Thames from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge (about 2.5 miles) Or just walk a little way. Walking along here in July when the weather is great is a fun and free thing to do. This is where some of London’s main attractions are based including the London Eye and the Aquarium. Street performers keep you entertained. Sit on a bench along the way and soak up the atmosphere. The Southbank skate park has some great street art and skater to admire.
Visit Camden Market
Camden is a great place to go when the weather is good, especially if you like shopping from independent shops and stalls
The atmosphere in summer is buzzing. There’s also plenty of street food, pubs and other places to eat and drink. It has a unique and vibrant atmosphere. In July, it’s the ideal place to wander, shop and eat.
Underbelly Festival
The Underbelly Festival is a fun family friendly festival that has been a feature on London’s summer calendar for over a decade.
There’s plenty of live entertainment including comedy, circus, and acrobatic performances!
The festival takes place in the summer and is located in Cavendish Square and Earl’s Court. There are also food stalls so you won’t go hungry!
Find out more at the Underbelly Festival
Jump On a Speedboat Tour
Thrill seekers will love a speedboat tour!. Experience London from a unique perspective during the warmer month of July.
The Ultimate London Adventure by Thames Rockets is one of the best speedboat trips! Marvel at London’s famous landmarks from Big Ben to London Tower Bridge on a 50 minute blast along the River Thames. The Skippers make the trips informative and fun.
Ride the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide
Head to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and ride the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide.
The summer months are a great time to climb the 114.5m tall, ArcelorMittal Orbit slide. If you like dramatic views, you can see London’s famous skyline through stunning floor to ceiling windows. There’s also an outside observation walkway suspended 80m above the ground.
On the slide, you can reach speeds of up to 15mph. This is a great experience but not for the faint at heart!
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