Most EU cities are crowded during the summer and this goes for London as well. The city always has something new to offer for everyone’s taste and no matter how many times you’ve been there, new things are constantly appearing and especially in the summer months.
London comes alive with markets, pop-ups, rooftop restaurants, outdoor theaters, festivals, cocktail events, and awesome hangouts, especially in the summer when the days are longer and brighter. Summertime is usually warm, if not always predictable, which makes it the perfect time for outdoor activities and to enjoy this wonderful city’s green spaces.
So, what you can do in London during the summer?
Weather in London during the Summer
The typical summertime temps in London are quite mild. The usual high temperature from June to August is around 22°C, with some rain showers. However, in more recent years, London has experienced heatwaves with temps exceeding 30°C.
The typical lows in the summer are around 15°C at night and in the early morning hours. Therefore, it’s wise to bring a lightweight jacket, sweater, or cardigan that you can put on when it gets chilly and take it off when it gets hot. Also, if you want to travel light, you can easily find bag storage around London with companies like Stasher.
Catch a Film on a Rooftop
The Rooftop Film Club is back to make your film experience better during the summer. It features two rooftops in London, giving you the opportunity to experience a unique cinematic event. It offers comfortable seats, wireless headphones, and blankets in case the weather turns chilly. You can find it in Peckham, Shoreditch, Stratford, and Kensington.
Watch an Open-Air Theatre
In London, there are two different types of outdoor theater to enjoy. You can either see a screenplay or a live performance. There are many locations where you can see a show outdoors from rooftops, fields, festivals, or even floating! Greenwich House Theatre and Regent’s Park open-air theatre are among the top choices for living the ultimate live show experience.
Have Fun at Greenwich and Docklands International Festival
If you happen to be in London in August you will experience an amazing festival of street theater, circus, dance performances, and music events by UK and foreign artists. Greenwich and Docklands is the annual festival of outdoor theatre and performing arts. It is basically one of London’s largest free outdoor arts festivals for all ages. Don’t miss it!
Relax at the Royal Botanic Gardens
Kew Gardens is a wonderful location to take advantage of the lovely weather and relax in the lush gardens. It is a natural museum with a wide variety of plants and flowers from around the globe. The Arboretum is home to the wonders of ancient trees as well as multi-level rock gardens filled with flora from mountainous regions all over the world. A definitely not-to-miss experience during the summer!
Picnic and Outdoor Activities at Hyde Park
Whether you want to sunbathe and have a picnic with your beloved ones or engage in the many activities there, Hyde Park is the place to be. Hyde Park, a 350-acre parkland in the center of the city that is well-liked by locals and tourists is ideal for sports, swimming, picnics, boating, and leisurely strolling. And, if you’re really hot then take a swim in The Serpentine, one of the oldest swimming clubs.
Enjoy Covent Garden Street Performers
Throughout the summer, a variety of jugglers, singers, acrobats, and comedians appear in Covent Garden and put on live performances in the Piazza. Consider going up to the Punch and Judy pub to escape the crowds. It’s a lot of fun to spend a few hours or even an entire day in Covent Garden, particularly on a warm summer night!
Browse through London’s Markets
In London’s markets, you can find anything you want, from food stalls to togs, fresh produce to antiques and furniture, there’s something for everyone! Consider visiting the markets early in the morning before the high temps. You can choose between the Borough Market, Camden Market, Columbia Road Flower Market, Brick Lane Market, Portobello Market, and much more!
Dance in London’s Music Festivals
Without the need to set up camp, London’s parks host a variety of festivals that appeal to most musical genres. From Meltdown Festival to BST Hyde Park and from Wireless Festival to Kaleidoscope, festivals in London are definitely abundant and not-to-be-missed!
River Cruise on the Thames
Book a river cruise on the Thames and see all major attractions as you hop on and off London’s river boats. You can travel through London on the Thames while taking in all the famous sights of the city, including Westminster, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and more.
Cruise the Regent’s Canal
A perfect and relaxing way to enjoy summer in London is when you’re slowly travelling along the Regent’s Canal to Camden. You can learn more about London’s history and take in the tranquility of Little Venice by taking a boat cruise along the canal.
Enjoy an Outdoor Brunch or Find a Beer Garden
Bored of walking around the city’s center in search of a cool drink to enjoy in the sunshine? On a sweltering summer day, an ice-cold pint is and alfresco eating is the way to go. There are great pubs and beer gardens in London but if you’re looking for a vintage pub with a country garden head to The Faltering Fullback or go west and to The Dove in Hammersmith to enjoy the riverside views.
