Weather in London in August

August is the height of summer in London, and the weather should be fine most of the time. In fact the concrete and steel of the city makes it several degrees hotter here than in the countryside, and you may well be moved to take the plunge and cool off in the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park, bobbing about among the pedalos. Just as cooling is to find a shady corner in one of the blindingly green London parks, where the deckchairs loll enticingly on the lawns. Don’t rest for too long though, because London makes the most of its summer season and there is never a dull moment, with so much to see and do.

 

Climate in London in August

Temperatures have been known to soar above the 30°C mark in London in August, but generally it is just pleasantly warm – if a bit muggy – with an average of 24°C for the month. How much sunshine you will enjoy in London in August is unpredictable, but the long days offer a good chance of catching some rays. August is a fairly wet month, though, with an average of 11 days of rainy weather.

 

What’s On in London in August

The London calendar is packed with all manner of events during August, from the bubbly Great British Beer Festival at Earls Court at the start of the month, through to the immensely exciting Notting Hill Carnival (Europe’s biggest street festival) during the last weekend of August. In between there is a wide variety of entertainment: the BBC Proms (classical music concerts) are in full swing at the Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace’s state rooms open up to the public, international cricket test matches take to the field at the Oval, and nearly every open space boasts its own music festival.

 

What to pack for a holiday in London in August

Comfortable shorts and t-shirts, with a light waterproof jacket for those summer showers, should see you through a summer visit to London. Although it’s not a beach holiday, a shady hat, sunglasses and sunblock will not go amiss. The sun can be surprisingly strong and the glare from buildings and the river can be a strain on those sight-seeing eyes.