What October feels like in London
In London, October brings mid-autumn. Afternoons are cool, pleasant for walking as long as you keep a layer on. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cool and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in London in October
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 5.6 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. Across the year London averages about 5.3 mm per rainy day, so October is typical. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in October
Mid-month, London gets 10 h 47 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:22 am to sunset near 6:10 pm. Compared with mid-September, the day has lost 1 h 57 min. Measured sunshine covers about 55% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How October compares to the rest of the year
October is the 6th warmest month of the year in London. Against September, the average high is 3.9°C (7°F) lower, with 17 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into November. By November, typical highs are 10.8°C (51.4°F).
Who October suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
Tips for visiting London in October
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Quick questions
How warm is London in October?
Expect around 15.3°C (59.5°F) in the afternoon and 8.9°C (48°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in London in October?
Quite a lot — 67 mm spread over about 12 days.
What should I wear in London in October?
Based on the averages: rain protection and a light jacket. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is October or November better for visiting London?
On our 12-month climate ranking, October comes out ahead (#7 of 12 vs #11). November is cooler.