Visit Buckingham Palace in 2026: Best Times & Tours

Last Updated on July 9, 2026 by Daniel Globe

Timing your visit to Buckingham Palace can make the difference between a rushed peek through the railings and a full day inside the State Rooms. The right season depends on whether you want blooming gardens, the Changing of the Guard, or a quiet, crowd-free stroll past the gates.

Key Takeaways

• Late spring and early summer offer mild weather and blooming gardens, ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
• The State Rooms are open to the public only from 9 July to 27 September 2026 — check exact dates before you go, since they change every year.
• The Changing of the Guard normally takes place Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:00am, not daily — always check the official schedule.
• Early mornings or weekday visits outside the summer opening are best for avoiding crowds around the exterior and gardens.
• Plan around events like Trooping the Colour in June for extra pageantry, but expect ceremony schedules to be altered or cancelled that day.

Best Seasons for Visiting Buckingham Palace

The best seasons to visit Buckingham Palace are late spring and early summer, when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is pleasantly mild.

In spring, tulips and daffodils create a colorful backdrop against the palace facade. By early summer, lush greenery and flowering shrubs frame the building further. Autumn offers a different mood, with the surrounding trees turning shades of red, orange, and gold.

Since the interior State Rooms are only open to visitors during the summer season (see dates below), your choice of season mainly shapes what you’ll see from the outside — the gardens, the forecourt, and the Changing of the Guard — rather than the interior tour.

When to Witness the Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard is free to watch and requires no ticket, but it does not happen every day.

Guard Change Schedule

The full Changing of the Guard ceremony typically takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00am. On the other weekdays, a shorter Captain’s Inspection usually happens instead, around 3:00pm, and on Sundays there’s a Sunday Parade. This is a change from the older pattern of daily summer ceremonies, which is no longer reliably the case.

The guards wear their iconic scarlet tunics and bearskin hats, and the precision of the handover — steeped in centuries of royal tradition — is a highlight for most first-time visitors regardless of exactly which day you catch it.

Best Viewing Hours

Arrive by around 10:15–10:30am if you want a spot at the Palace railings, since the New Guard’s band typically steps off from Wellington Barracks around 10:40am and the formal handover at the forecourt begins at 11:00am. The whole event lasts roughly 45 minutes.

For photos, position yourself slightly to the side of the railings to capture both the guards and the palace facade, and use a faster shutter speed to avoid motion blur during the march-past. The Victoria Memorial steps give a raised, wide view if the railings are packed.

Seasonal Variations

Crowd size along the ceremony route shifts with the seasons — summer months bring the largest crowds, especially around the State Room opening period, while winter viewings tend to be quieter and more intimate. Regardless of season, checking the confirmed schedule the week of your visit is essential, since dates and times can change with little notice.

Peak Visiting Months for the State Rooms

The State Rooms only open to the public once a year, during the summer opening. For 2026, this runs from 9 July to 27 September.

To make the most of your visit, arrive early for a quieter walk through the rooms, book tickets ahead of time, and take time in the Throne Room and Picture Gallery, which hold some of the Royal Collection’s finest works.

Off-Peak Times for a Quieter Experience

Outside the summer opening, the palace exterior, gates, and gardens can still be visited any time, and this is when you’ll find the calmest atmosphere. Mornings tend to have fewer tour groups outside the gates, and evenings are quieter still.

Fewer Tour Groups

Visiting midweek instead of on weekends means fewer people around the railings and gardens. Late afternoons also tend to thin out, giving you more space for photos and a slower pace.

1. Visit midweek instead of weekends for fewer groups.
2. Schedule your visit during late afternoon hours.
3. Avoid public and school holiday periods when crowds surge.
4. If visiting during the summer opening, book an early or late timed-entry slot.

Less Crowded Mornings

Early mornings offer a quieter look at the palace gates and gardens, with soft light on the facade and few other visitors around.

Time	Atmosphere	Crowds
Early Morning	Calm and quiet	Minimal
Midday	Busy, especially around ceremony times	Peak
Afternoon	Moderately busy	Moderate
Evening	Relaxed exterior viewing only	Few
Night	Quiet, illuminated facade	Very few

Quiet Evenings Available

In the evening, once the daytime crowds thin out, the palace’s illuminated exterior makes for a peaceful visit. A sunset walk around the grounds, a bench near the Victoria Memorial, or simply watching the light change over the facade are all good ways to enjoy a calmer version of the same view.

Special Events and Celebrations at Buckingham Palace

The palace comes alive during royal events. Trooping the Colour, held in June to mark the King’s Official Birthday, brings soldiers in ceremonial uniform and mounted parades along The Mall. Garden parties and state banquets held through the year also add to the palace’s role as a working royal residence, though these are generally not open to the public.

Optimal Months for Outdoor Photography

Photography inside the State Rooms isn’t permitted, so the best photo opportunities are outdoors — the gates, gardens, and Changing of the Guard.

1. Late April to early June – blooming gardens and mild light
2. July to September – long daylight hours coinciding with the State Room opening
3. October – autumn color around the gardens
4. Early morning or late afternoon year-round – softer light on the facade

The Impact of Weather on Your Visit

Rain and Crowds

Rain can thin outdoor crowds somewhat but also makes paths slippery and limits visibility of the gardens. Waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes help, and weekday visits generally mean shorter queues regardless of weather.

Sunshine and Visibility

Clear days improve visibility of the palace’s architecture and gardens, and make for better photos, though midday glare can be an issue — sunglasses or a hat help, and early morning or late afternoon light is softer for photography.

Seasonal Temperature Effects

Layered clothing works best year-round given London’s variable weather — pack a light jacket even in summer and a compact umbrella regardless of season.

Planning Around Royal Occasions and Ceremonies

Event	Typical Month	Description
Trooping the Colour	June	Marks the King’s Official Birthday with a military parade
State Opening of Parliament	Varies (autumn or spring)	Ceremonial procession; exact month varies by year
Summer Opening (State Rooms)	July–September	Public tours of the State Rooms and gardens

When to Access Guided Tours and Exclusive Opportunities

The main window for touring the State Rooms is the summer opening. Beyond that:

1. Book State Room tickets online in advance, especially for weekends during the summer opening.
2. Look for occasional guided tours on selected dates outside summer, including of the East Wing.
3. Check the Royal Collection Trust site for private and specialist tour options.
4. Visit on a weekday for a less crowded self-guided experience.

Tips for Visiting During Public Holidays and Bank Holidays

Tip	Benefit
Arrive early	Avoid the busiest times
Dress comfortably	Stay comfortable in crowds
Check holiday schedules	Confirm the Changing of the Guard is running that day

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Buckingham Palace tours available during royal events?

Tour availability can be limited or suspended around major royal events such as Trooping the Colour or state visits. Check the Royal Collection Trust’s official schedule before booking.

Can visitors access Buckingham Palace gardens year-round?

Garden access is generally included as part of a State Room ticket during the summer opening. Outside that period, the gardens are not open to general visitors.

What are the best times to avoid crowds at Buckingham Palace?

Weekday mornings or evenings, outside the summer State Room opening and away from Changing of the Guard days, tend to be quietest.

Are there any special discounts or passes for multiple visits?

The Royal Collection Trust occasionally offers combined tickets covering the State Rooms, Royal Mews, and King’s Gallery. Check their official site for current combo pricing.

Is photography allowed inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms?

No. Photography, filming, and wearable recording devices are not permitted inside the State Rooms, though photography is allowed in the gardens.

Conclusion

No matter when you visit Buckingham Palace, each season offers a different experience. If you want to see inside the State Rooms, plan around the 9 July–27 September 2026 summer opening and book ahead. If you’re after the Changing of the Guard, check the confirmed schedule the week of your visit rather than assuming it runs daily. And for the calmest walk past the gates and gardens, weekday mornings or evenings outside peak season are hard to beat.

Sources

1. Royal Collection Trust — Buckingham Palace — official 2026 summer opening dates and visitor information
2. The Household Division — Changing the Guard Calendar — official ceremony schedule
3. Visit London — Buckingham Palace Summer Opening — ticket pricing and hours