Visiting London In August 2026

Summer in London: August Events, Tours and Attractions

Visiting London in August is always a treat, no matter how many times you come. That is part of what makes it such a great place for travellers.

All summer long, London hosts outdoor festivals and events like the Notting Hill Carnival and the Thames Festival. You will also find open-air concerts, street performers, and plenty of street food to enjoy.

To help you get the most out of your August trip, we have put together a list of the best things to do in London, whether you love music, history, or sports.

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Neals Yard Covent Garden

10 best things to do in August

Fashion and design exhibits can be seen at the Victoria and Albert Museum
Borough Market is a bustling hub of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and artisanal foods. Explore the other markets in London.
The Regent's Park London has stunning gardens, tree-lined pathways, large lakes, and a variety of recreational facilities such as sports fields. Explore more beautiful parks in London.
Take part in the Notting Hill Carnival, one of Europe's largest street festivals
The BBC Proms in the Park are an event that will provide live music and fireworks for you to enjoy
The Harry Potter Studio Tour offers a rare opportunity to see the sets and props that were used in the movies.
Enjoy the views of the river and city skyline while strolling along the South Bank.
The famous grass courts of the Wimbledon Tennis Club can be seen on a visit to the historic club.
Discover the famous Magna Carta at the British Library, along with other historical manuscripts.
Experience the vibrant and trendy Brick Lane neighbourhood on a stroll through its streets.

weather in london for august

In August, London’s weather is usually mild to warm, with temperatures starting to cool down from the summer highs. The city often gets rain during this month, with an average of about 10 rainy days. It is a good idea to pack a variety of clothes, such as light layers and a waterproof jacket.

Early August in London usually brings warm days, but temperatures gradually get cooler as the month goes on.

Late August in London is still warm and mild, with temperatures slowly dropping. It is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities before the cooler autumn weather arrives.

Explore our detailed guide to the weather details in August.

top tours in london

London has a great variety of tours that can make your visit feel truly exciting. Here are our recommendations.

London Kew gardens admission ticket

Walk along an elevated path and explore the glass gardens. Kew Gardens is one of London’s most famous World Heritage Sites and one of the largest gardens in the world. Here, you can visit botanical galleries, tour a royal palace, and learn about 250 years of royal history.

Book Your Admission Tickets From Here

Madame Tussauds, London eye & Sea Life combo ticket

Get 40% off London’s best attractions with one pass. Visit Madame Tussauds, Sea Life, and enjoy 360-degree views from the London Eye. Your card stays valid for three months after you first use it.

Book Your Combo Tickets

first-time visitor travel questions

If you are planning a trip to a new place, you probably have a lot of questions. We’ve gathered the most common ones and created helpful guides for each topic.

bank holidays for august

Summer Bank Holiday: Monday 31st August 2026

other holidays for this month

Summer Holidays: The school summer holidays are in July, August, and September.

London's Current Events for August

As summer is on full swing there are plenty of things to do in August. Visitors to the city can take in several events, exhibitions, and performances in August.

Notting Hill Carnival

Each year, London hosts its biggest street festival, the Notting Hill Carnival. You can enjoy colourful floats, lively music, and Caribbean food. The event takes place over the last weekend in August, including the bank holiday Monday, when West London fills with 50,000 performers.

Event Date: Sunday 30th to Monday 31st August 2026

BBC Proms Classical Music Festival

The BBC Proms is a yearly two-month-long classical music festival that aims to expose as many people as possible to the best classical music. One of the most well-liked events in London, with reasonable costs and a relaxed atmosphere. Although concerts take place in several locations throughout the city, major events are held at the Royal Albert Hall.

Event Date: Friday 17th July to Saturday 12th September 2026

Best theatre shows in london

The West End in London is home to many famous theatres and productions, drawing millions of visitors every year. Check out some of the city's most popular shows.

The Lion King Showing at Lyceym Theatre

mamma mia

More than 60 million people around the world have fallen in love with this movie. Its timeless songs and beautiful Greek island setting have made it a true classic.

Book Your Seat For Mamma Mia Show

the phantom of the opera

Since 1986, this musical has been a favorite with audiences worldwide. It features memorable songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart.

Book Your Phantom Of The Opera Tickets

It is a great idea to book your tickets and seats as early as possible to find the perfect ones.

Jersey Boys - Trafalgar Theatre
Magic Mike Live - Hippodrome
Heathers - The Musical - The Other Palace - Main Stage

Dive into London’s theatre scene and learn more about the top performances here.

Related Page: 13 top free museums in london

best tourist tours in london

Why not take a break from London and go on a day trip? We’ve picked two of the best tours for you. London offers plenty of options, so this is a great opportunity to enjoy something new and exciting.

Westminster to Greenwich river thames cruise

If you want a great panoramic view of London, try a river cruise from Westminster Pier to Greenwich. You’ll hear live commentary and see some of the city’s most famous landmarks along the way.

Book Your River Thames Cruise

Half-day street art tour and workshop

Join us for a workshop and walking tour to discover various street art techniques in London’s East End. After exploring some of the world’s best street art, you’ll head back to the workshop to create your own spray-paint artwork.

Book Your Art Tour and Workshop Here

fun Adventure experiences in London

On your next visit to this lively city, try an adventure tour that offers something completely new.

Tottenham Hotspur stadium tour

Go behind the scenes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and see what your favourite players see. Find out how the club runs each day and learn about the stadium’s rich history.

Book Your Stadium Ticket

Wembley Stadium Guided Tour

Imagine what it's like to be your favourite star as you take an all-access tour of the UK's largest sports and music arena. You'll visit VIP areas, locker rooms, and other spaces usually only open to the stars.

Get Your Stadium Tickets Now

tourist attractions to visit when visiting london in august

Make the most of your time in London by exploring its famous sights and creating lasting memories. Have a look at our recommendations to help make your trip special.

Borough Market

Located in the heart of the district, this lively food market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and international dishes. Here, you can enjoy a wide selection of delicious foods that will delight your senses.

the Big Ben

There is no doubt that the Big Ben clock tower has become a symbol of the timeless elegance and charm of London as well as the timelessness of its iconic bell, which has become synonymous with the tower since its construction.

where to stay in london in august

Setting a budget for your trip is especially helpful when visiting London in August. While London can be pricey, you can still find affordable places to stay if you search carefully. If you need to save money, try a hostel or budget hotel. If you want to treat yourself, there are also luxury hotels to choose from.

Explore the best of London's neighbourhoods to stay in or book with ease on Booking.com.

Explore more London hotel guides

Hotels near major stations: Paddington Station | Kings Cross & St. Pancras | Victoria Station | London Bridge Station | Liverpool Street Station

Hotels for events and special trips: Wimbledon Stadium | ExCeL London | Wembley Stadium | O2 Arena | Winter Wonderland

More ways to stay in London: Luxury Hotels | Marriott Hotels | Christmas Hotels

We hope this guide has inspired you to explore London in August and enjoy everything the city has to offer. From cultural festivals to exciting outdoor activities, there’s always something happening in London.

For more ideas on things to do in London, be sure to visit our month-by-month page. And don't miss out on our London in September and London in July guides for more fantastic inspiration.

frequently asked questions about august in london

Is August a recommended month for visiting London?

If you plan to visit London in August, it’s a good idea to book ahead. The city is busy with events and festivals, like the famous Notting Hill Carnival, outdoor cinemas, and concerts.

How much does it typically cost to travel to London in August?

The cost of traveling to London in August depends on several things. Prices are usually higher at this time because it is the busiest tourist season. If you want to save money, consider visiting during the off-season.

Does London get busy in August?

London gets quite busy in the first half of August. Many European schools are on summer break then, so you’ll see more tourists and families around. If you’re planning a trip, it’s a good idea to book your stay and tickets ahead of time.

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Photo sources

Borough Market - Photo by Bruno Martins on Unsplash
Tottenham Statdium - Arne Müseler / www.arne-mueseler.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons
Wembley Stadium - Image by Chris Schweiger from Pixabay
London Street Art - Image by scooterenglasias from Pixabay
Kew Gardens - Photo by hoch3media on Unsplash