The Best Time to Visit Buckingham Palace in London: Tips and Tricks

When you’re living in London or just passing through, Buckingham Palace isn’t just another tourist stop-it’s the beating heart of the city’s royal history. But showing up at noon on a busy summer day means battling crowds, long queues, and the feeling that you’ve missed the real experience. The truth? The best time to visit Buckingham Palace in London isn’t when everyone else is there. It’s when the light hits the gold railings just right, when the Changing of the Guard feels like a quiet ceremony instead of a photo op chaos, and when you can actually hear the birds over the clatter of boots.

Go in the Shoulder Seasons-April to June and September to October

The palace opens to the public only during the summer months, usually late July through late September. But that’s not the only time you should plan your visit. If you want to see the palace without the backpacks and selfie sticks, aim for the shoulder seasons-April to June and September to October. The weather in London is still decent, the days are long enough to explore, and you’ll avoid the peak tourist crush that swarms after school holidays.

Early April is especially quiet. The cherry blossoms along The Mall are just starting to bloom, and the Queen’s Gallery is often less crowded. You can walk from St. James’s Park station, grab a coffee from St. John’s Coffee on King Charles Street, and stroll toward the palace gates without feeling like you’re in a human tunnel. The same goes for late September. The summer heat fades, the crowds thin out, and the palace gardens are still lush from months of care.

Arrive Early-Before 9:30 AM

If you’re visiting during the public opening season, get there before 9:30 AM. The palace opens at 9:30, but the gates to the courtyard open earlier for ticket holders. Show up at 9:15, and you’ll be among the first 50 people inside. That means you get the empty state rooms to yourself, the chance to snap photos of the balcony without ten people in the frame, and a better shot of the royal crest on the ceiling of the Grand Reception Room.

Pro tip: The palace tickets sell out fast, especially on weekends. Buy them online in advance at royalcollectiontrust.org. Don’t wait until you’re standing at the ticket booth-by 10:30 AM, you’ll be handed a ‘Sold Out’ slip and told to come back tomorrow. And yes, that’s happened to plenty of Londoners who thought they had time.

Watch the Changing of the Guard-But Not at Noon

The Changing of the Guard is iconic. But if you show up at noon on a Saturday, you’re not seeing tradition-you’re seeing a spectacle designed for Instagram. The real magic happens on weekdays, especially Tuesday and Thursday mornings, when the ceremony is shorter, quieter, and more focused.

Head to the palace gates by 10:45 AM. The guards march from St. James’s Palace, and if you stand near the gate on Birdcage Walk, you’ll get a clear view without the crush of people blocking the path. You’ll hear the brass band play ‘Rule, Britannia!’ and see the precise footwork of the Grenadier Guards-no one’s yelling, no one’s shoving. It’s a moment of British discipline, not a photo op.

And if you’re really lucky, you’ll catch the Queen’s Guard in their winter uniforms-black bearskin hats with red plumes, wool greatcoats buttoned tight against the London chill. That only happens from October to March, and it’s a rare sight even for locals.

Combine Your Visit with the Queen’s Gallery and St. James’s Park

Most people leave after the palace tour. Don’t. The Queen’s Gallery, right next to the palace, is one of London’s best-kept secrets. It rotates exhibitions from the Royal Collection-think rare Tudor portraits, Victorian jewelry, and royal carriages. The current exhibit in 2025 features Queen Elizabeth II’s personal tiaras, many never displayed publicly before.

Afterward, walk through St. James’s Park. It’s the oldest royal park in London, and in autumn, the trees turn golden over the lake. You’ll see pelicans-yes, real pelicans-floating near the bridge. They’ve lived here since the 17th century. Feed them? No. But watch them. Locals know this spot better than any guidebook.

Avoid Bank Holidays and Royal Events

If you’re planning your visit around a royal birthday, coronation anniversary, or state visit, think again. On days like the King’s Birthday (November 14), the palace is closed to the public. The streets around Westminster are blocked off, and the Tube runs on a reduced schedule. Even if you manage to get in, you’re not seeing the palace-you’re seeing a security perimeter.

Same goes for Trooping the Colour in June. The palace becomes a military staging ground. You’ll get a view of the balcony from afar, but you won’t step inside. Save your visit for a weekday in early autumn. You’ll get more peace, more access, and more meaning.

Bring the Right Shoes and a Light Jacket

London weather doesn’t care if you’re visiting a palace. Rain comes fast, and the cobblestones outside the palace courtyard get slick. Wear sturdy, flat shoes-no heels, no new sneakers. The palace floor is marble, and the walk from the entrance to the State Rooms is over 500 meters. You’ll be on your feet for at least two hours.

Even in summer, bring a light jacket. The interior rooms are kept cool to preserve the artwork. The air feels like a cellar-crisp, dry, and quiet. It’s not air-conditioned. It’s just old stone and centuries of stillness.

What You Won’t See on Tour

The public tour doesn’t show you the private apartments where the royal family lives. That’s intentional. But you can see traces of daily life: the kitchen where meals are prepared for state dinners, the laundry room where uniforms are pressed, the garden shed where the King keeps his gardening tools. These aren’t on the map, but they’re there. Look closely. Notice the small door near the East Terrace-that’s where the staff enter. Notice the CCTV cameras hidden in the ivy. This isn’t a museum. It’s a working home.

Final Tip: Go When You Can Feel It

The best time to visit Buckingham Palace isn’t measured in hours or months. It’s measured in presence. Go when you’re not rushing. Go when you can stand in the courtyard and hear the distant chime of Big Ben. Go when the light slants just right across the balcony, and you imagine a family stepping out for a photo, just like any other day.

This isn’t just a landmark. It’s a living piece of London. And the city doesn’t rush it. Neither should you.