London in November

3 months is not last minute. In my experience weather wise It is cool and gray in London in November. But I remember the leaves still on the trees fall like yellow brown colors.

I spent 11 days in London/Bath/Oxford in November 2013. We flew in the weekend before Thanksgiving and so enjoyed the Christmas decorations and lights everywhere we went. Yes, it was cold but we really only experienced some drizzle not what I consider rain. It got dark fairly early but that didn't matter there is so much to enjoy in the winter. We went to plays, musicals and of course, the wonderful museums. Just had a ball. I love going to London in Nov., highly recommend it.
You will definitely enjoy it if you are seeking cold weather and, not just for that reason, London is deservedly a world-class city with so much to do. You might get a London guidebook to gain ideas and tips about things to do and places to stay.

I honeymooned in London in November. The weather may be a factor but very doable (but who can predict these things), so I would recommend having a hat, gloves, a scarf, boots, a jacket for temperatures in the high 40s and 50s, and a travel umbrella. Dress in layers and take off and put on as needed. We luckily had little to no rain (although it was cloudy a bit of the time), and the temperature was definitely on the cooler side of things. It will begin to become dark very early (before 5pm), so mentally prepare for that, but the lights are pretty.

During your visit, Remembrance Day events will be on Sunday, November 11th (although most years the observance day falls on the Sunday closest to November 11th, this year as with the year we were in London, that Sunday is actually November 11th), and Westminster area will be busy and crowded. I recommend heading down to the area that day to participate in the observance activities, however, avoid it if you do not want to be part of the crowd and save it for another quieter day.

It's a good time to see a couple of theatrical shows.
We had a great time! Have fun.

My first trip to London with my mother was in the first week of November. While it was chilly, a bit rainy and the sun went down around 4 or 5pm, it was still wonderful. Less crowds, a lot of musicals and plays going on, and Christmas decorations in the stores, we went to Harrods and saw Santa's grotto. You'll be there afterwards, but we also got to see a fireworks display for Bonfire Night.

Definitely go, bring gloves and a scarf with a waterproof jacket and enjoy.

Be prepared for night to fall early -- earlier than in Italy, further south -- and certainly earlier than Arizona. Layers of clothes are certainly the answer, and also water-resistant shoes to keep you both warm and dry (essentially the same thing) while skipping through the showers.

London is delightful any time, and in early-/mid-November, nice and cozy, perfect for enjoying restaurants and pubs and cafés and museums and concerts. Just be prepared with suitable outerwear in case it's a bit wet (and layers in case it's warmer than usual) and think of all the fun you'll have ducking in to warm up or dry off.

Erica, I went with one of my girlfriends to London for about a week around Thanksgiving several years ago. Christmas decorations were about and it was just such fun being in town. We saw a play every night as we got discounted tickets to make that happen. We enjoyed the many free world-class museums London has to offer during the day. Enjoy!

We were there 10 days around Thanksgiving last year. We had mostly good weather. Usually 50s to 60 F as a high. A few sunny days, a few overcast days. Good walking around weather in the city. We had significant rain half of one day and a light rain one evening, but other than that it was dry. One day with a cold wind. After dark it was chilly, but nothing you couldn't layer up and deal with.

Spent a long weekend there last November. The weather was cooler but we only needed a light jacket. Some days it was windy, one evening there were a few snow flurries, but overall, the weather was very good, and sunny. Better to be a little cooler than be too hot. Around mid month the Christmas lights come out, so we were able to see the lights on Carnaby and Oxford streets. Regent street lights were up but not turned on yet.

My last off-tourist season visit to London was in mid-March, and it was wonderful to experience smaller crowds at museums. I would expect the same for a November visit.

If you do have any interest in seeing the Remembrance Day ceremonies, this would be the year to do it: Nov. 11th will be the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War.

For more than 20 years, hubby and I would visit the UK (England and Scotland) during late Nov./early Dec. WE LOVED IT!!! As Rick (and others) say, There is no really bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. As others have said, take things you can layer- I usually took some long sleeved T's or turtle necks, and at least 1 or 2 short sleeved ones that could be worn over them if needed, along with what I call ' big shirts'- 1 or2 button up shirts that can be worn alone, or over the short or long sleeved Ts or even over both together in really cold weather (I never needed to do that). I took a good rain proof coat (with hood) with a liner that could be removed/added as needed. Good gloves, a hooded scarf (I don't do hats), and warm socks and water proof shoes. I am warm natured, so I wore my usual cotton blend dockers-type pants and took some hose/tights to wear under if it got really cold. I am allergic to wool, so that's out for me.

To add to what Elizabeth said, for remembrance day, the one area by Westminster Abbey is filled with remembrance crosses, each with the name of a fallen soldier and placed by a family member. Last year there were about 45,000 crosses if I remember correctly. Very moving to walk through and see them. If you’re there on the morning of the 11th there is also a parade.

My favorite month to be in London. Fewer hordes. A little rain and some grey but most often clear blue skies. I too like the break from the heat.

You will have the opportunity to see the Lord Mayors Parade on the 10th. Fun way to start your visit. https://lordmayorsshow.london I highly recommend it.

I’m a photographer so I made my way to the staging area which is by the Museum of London. Had a great time watching all the bands, marching groups, horses, floats getting prepared. The larger than life Queen Elizabeths in different dresses made me smile.

BTW There is a Pret a Manger (you’ll love these places for coffee, baked goods and sandwiches) on Aldersgate Street adjacent to the Museum. Fight your jet lag. Go early, grab a coffee and meander watching the parade preparations.

Or just tube to St Paul’s and stake out a spot to watch the parade pass you by. Either way you can visit the Museum of London or St Paul’s after enjoying the parade.

Then as mentioned November 11 is Remembrance Day. Be sure to buy and wear your poppy.

Some Christmas decorations will be up. Might be too early for Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park but Google and see.

Dress in layers.

As already noted sun will start setting around 4pm.

Start looking at Timeout London online. Also Theatre Monkey. Great resources for events.

London is brilliant at any time but I believe you’ll truly appreciate your first time sojourn in November.

Have a great trip!

I want to thank everyone for their responses to my question, the good advice and recommendations. I started to worry that I had made a mistake booking a trip at that time of year although it is the only time we can get away. I feel much better about going to London in November. I appreciate the help.

Erica

Pat yourself on your back. You’ve done well!

Enjoy!