November is London’s great trade-off: the coldest, darkest stretch so far — and the exact moment the city switches on its festive machinery. Time it right and you get Christmas London without December’s prices.
London Weather in November: The Short Answer
Highs sit around 11°C with lows near 6°C, rain totals about 65mm, and darkness arrives by 4:30pm. Frosty mornings appear; snow almost never does. This is coat, scarf and warm-shoes territory.
What’s On in November
Bonfire Night fireworks light the first weekend, the Christmas lights switch on along Oxford and Regent Streets from mid-month, and Winter Wonderland opens in Hyde Park — if you’re visiting for it, our Winter Wonderland transfer guide covers getting there comfortably. Remembrance Sunday brings moving ceremonies around Whitehall.
What to Pack
A warm waterproof coat, layers, gloves from late month, and shoes that shrug off wet pavements. The indoor-outdoor rhythm of festive London rewards easy-on-easy-off layers.
Crowds and Prices
Early November is one of the year’s quietest, cheapest windows. From the lights switch-on onward, weekends busy up fast — but hotel rates stay noticeably below December’s festive peak.
Verdict
Cold and dark, yes — but the festive opening act at shoulder-season prices is a genuine bargain. Compare October for milder days or December for the full Christmas immersion.