The short answer
For the State Rooms, the only regular opening is in summer. In 2026 that ran from 9 July to 27 September. For the outside of the palace, the guard ceremony is the main event, and it follows its own calendar. The King's Gallery has a longer season, and the Royal Mews opens from March to early November.
This is an independent guide, not run by the palace or its operator. Dates below are those set for 2026 and the winter that follows. Check the dates for summer 2027 before you book, because the new season is announced separately.
What is open when
Opening seasons in 2026.
| Part of the visit | Season | Days and hours |
|---|---|---|
| State Rooms | 9 July to 31 August | Daily, 09:30 to 19:30, last entry 17:15 |
| State Rooms | 3 to 27 September | Thursday to Monday, 09:30 to 18:30, last entry 16:15 |
| Royal Mews | 5 March to 6 July, 3 September to 24 October | Thursday to Monday, 10:00 to 17:00, last entry 16:00 |
| Royal Mews | 9 July to 31 August | Daily, 10:00 to 17:00, last entry 16:00 |
| Royal Mews | 25 October to 1 November | Thursday to Monday, 10:00 to 16:00, last entry 15:00 |
| King's Gallery | During the current exhibition, to 18 April 2027 | Daily, 10:00 to 17:30, last entry 16:15 |
In September the State Rooms are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and the King's Gallery follows its own days. Full detail is on the opening times page. The Royal Mews has no regular opening after 1 November 2026.
Palace and London tours
Palace visits, walks and sightseeing trips around the palace, with live prices and availability.
Season by season
What each part of the year offers.
Summer: the State Rooms
July and August are the full opening, with the longest days. The visit takes about 2 to 2½ hours, and a timed slot is booked in advance. Parts of the route are limited in 2026: the White Drawing Room is not accessible, and some rooms are partly behind construction walls. Read the State Rooms page before you book.
Late September to October
The regular State Rooms opening has finished by then. The Royal Mews stays open until 1 November, the King's Gallery has its own season, and the guard calendar continues.
November to January: winter tours
An East Wing guided tour is announced for 6 November 2026 to 31 January 2027, Friday to Monday, plus 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31 December. It costs £100, lasts 90 minutes, takes up to 20 people, adults only, and does not include the State Rooms. Start times fall between 10:00 and 15:30. See the tours page.
Spring: the Royal Mews
The Royal Mews opens in early March, Thursday to Monday. The horses are part of working life, so seeing every animal on a given day is not promised.
June: Trooping the Colour
The King's Birthday Parade is a June event on Horse Guards Parade. In 2026 it had three dates, 30 May, 6 June and 13 June, each from 10:00. Check the date for 2027 before you plan a trip around it.
Changing of the Guard days
Plan the day around the ceremony.
The usual guard change at Buckingham Palace is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00. On Sundays there is a Sunday Parade at 10:00. On other days there is a Captain's Inspection at 15:00. Arrive early to find a spot.
Rain can change or cancel the ceremony, and the decision can come as late as 10:45. Check the current calendar before you travel. All the places to stand are on the Changing of the Guard page.
London weather by month
Long-term averages for London, 1991 to 2020. They are not a forecast.
| Month | Highest °C | Lowest °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.4 | 2.7 | 58.8 |
| February | 9.0 | 2.7 | 45.0 |
| March | 11.7 | 4.1 | 38.8 |
| April | 15.0 | 6.0 | 42.3 |
| May | 18.4 | 9.1 | 45.9 |
| June | 21.6 | 12.0 | 47.3 |
| July | 23.9 | 14.2 | 45.8 |
| August | 23.4 | 14.1 | 52.8 |
| September | 20.2 | 11.6 | 49.6 |
| October | 15.8 | 8.8 | 65.1 |
| November | 11.5 | 5.3 | 66.6 |
| December | 8.8 | 3.1 | 57.1 |
Summer is the warmest and the main season for the interior, while October and November are the wettest months. The guard ceremony and the walk through the park are outdoor events, so pack for rain in any month. For a walk after the palace, see the St James's Park page.
Crowds and timing
What helps on any day.
Crowds vary, and there is no reliable rule for the quietest day or hour. Book a timed slot for the State Rooms, arrive at the printed time and go early for the guard ceremony if you want a spot at the fence. If you also plan a walk around Westminster, the best time for the Houses of Parliament is covered separately.
Best time to visit: frequently asked questions
What is the best month for the State Rooms?
The regular opening is in summer, from 9 July to 27 September in 2026. July and August have daily opening and the longest hours. September has fewer days, with Tuesday and Wednesday closed.
Can I see the State Rooms in winter?
Not on the regular route. A winter East Wing guided tour is announced for 6 November 2026 to 31 January 2027, and it does not include the State Rooms.
Which days is the Changing of the Guard?
The usual guard change is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00. There is a Sunday Parade at 10:00 and a Captain's Inspection at 15:00 on other days. Rain can change or cancel the ceremony.
When is the Royal Mews open?
From 5 March to 1 November 2026, Thursday to Monday, and daily from 9 July to 31 August. The last entry is at 16:00, or 15:00 from 25 October.
When is the weather best?
June to August are the warmest months, with highs of 21.6 to 23.9 °C. October and November are the wettest, with 65.1 and 66.6 mm on average.