Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Timing your visit to Buckingham Palace changes what you can actually experience. A summer visit can include the State Rooms, while a spring trip is better suited to the Palace exterior, the public flower beds around the Victoria Memorial, nearby St James’s Park, and ceremonial events. The best choice depends on whether your priority is going inside, seeing Changing the Guard, taking photos, or avoiding the biggest crowds.
Quick Answer
For the best overall Buckingham Palace experience, visit in late spring for mild weather and the public flower beds near the Victoria Memorial, or between 9 July and 27 September 2026 for standard State Rooms admission. For fewer exterior crowds, choose a weekday outside Changing the Guard times and major royal events.
Key Takeaways
- Late spring and early summer are comfortable for outdoor sightseeing, but the Buckingham Palace Garden itself is not a year-round public park.
- Standard admission to the State Rooms runs from 9 July to 27 September 2026; selected guided Palace tours are also offered on certain dates outside the main season.
- Changing the Guard normally follows a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday pattern at 11:00am, but the date-specific calendar can change at short notice.
- For a quieter exterior visit, go early on a non-ceremony weekday or later in the day after tour groups have thinned.
- The 2026 visitor route is affected by Buckingham Palace Reservicing works, including closure of the White Drawing Room to visitors.
Best Seasons for Visiting Buckingham Palace
The best season depends on what you mean by “visiting Buckingham Palace.” For an exterior visit, late spring and early summer combine longer daylight with generally mild London weather. For actually entering the State Rooms on a standard ticket, you need the summer opening.
There is an important distinction between the Buckingham Palace Garden behind the Palace and the public planting around the Victoria Memorial. The famous flower beds directly in front of the Palace are the Memorial Gardens, managed as part of the Royal Parks. They are planted seasonally and can be enjoyed from public areas without a Palace ticket. Nearby St James’s Park also provides spring flowers, lawns, and views toward the Palace.
According to Met Office 1991–2020 averages for Heathrow, average maximum temperatures are about 18°C (65°F) in May, 22°C (71°F) in June, 24°C (75°F) in July, and 20°C (68°F) in September. London weather is changeable, however, so rain is possible in any month.
Autumn gives the surrounding parks a different character, with shorter days and changing foliage. Winter is colder and darker but can be much quieter around the Palace exterior.
Note: Do not confuse the public Memorial Gardens and St James’s Park with Buckingham Palace Garden. General access to the Palace Garden is tied to Palace admission and specific garden tours rather than year-round public access.
When to Witness the Changing of the Guard
Changing the Guard is free to watch and does not require a Buckingham Palace admission ticket. It does not, however, take place every day.
Note: Use the official Household Division calendar for your exact date. Ceremonial activity can be altered or cancelled at very short notice because of weather, operational requirements, state visits, or major events.
Guard Change Schedule
The regular published pattern for the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:00am. The detailed calendar should always take priority over the general weekly pattern.
On some other dates, the calendar may list a Captain’s Inspection, often at 3:00pm, or a Sunday Parade. These are separate ceremonial activities and should not be treated as a guaranteed substitute every day when the full Guard Change is absent.
The guards are famous for ceremonial dress including bearskin caps and scarlet tunics, although dress and the exact form of the ceremony can vary with weather and operational needs.
Best Viewing Hours
Arriving around 10:15–10:30am is a sensible target if you want a position near the Palace railings on a busy date. Earlier may be worthwhile during peak summer weeks.
According to the Household Division’s troop-movement schedule, the Old Guard contingent leaves St James’s Palace at about 10:43am. The New Guard is inspected at Wellington Barracks at about 10:40am and normally leaves for Buckingham Palace at about 10:57am. The main change takes place around 11:00am, and the ceremony lasts roughly 45 minutes.
The railings provide the closest view of activity in the forecourt. The Victoria Memorial can provide a broader view of marching troops and the Palace frontage when the immediate railings are crowded, although police barriers and viewing arrangements can change for major events.
Warning: Photography and filming are not permitted inside Buckingham Palace. Photography is also prohibited during the guided Garden Highlights Tour. Personal photography is permitted in most other outdoor visitor areas unless temporary restrictions are in place.
Seasonal Variations
Summer generally attracts the largest sightseeing crowds around the Palace, especially while the State Rooms are open. Winter weekdays can feel much quieter, but the ceremonial schedule still matters more than the season on an individual morning.
Weather can also change the ceremony itself. The Household Division warns that ceremonial activity may be altered or cancelled at very short notice, including because of wet or extreme weather. Check again on the morning of your visit rather than relying on an itinerary made weeks earlier.
Peak Visiting Months for the State Rooms
The main opportunity for ordinary visitors to tour Buckingham Palace is the summer opening of the State Rooms. In 2026, standard admission runs from 9 July to 27 September.
At a Glance — 2026 Summer Opening
| Dates | 9 July–27 September 2026 |
| 9 Jul–31 Aug Hours | Daily, 9:30am–7:30pm; last admission 5:15pm |
| 3–27 Sep Hours | Thursday–Monday, 9:30am–6:30pm; last admission 4:15pm |
| Recommended Visit Time | About 2–2½ hours for the standard State Rooms visit |
| Advance Standard Admission | Adult £33; age 18–24 £21.50; age 5–17 £16.50; under 5 free |
| On-the-Day Adult Price | £37, subject to availability |
| Entry System | Timed admission in 15-minute intervals |
| Photography | No photography or filming inside the Palace |
Pro Tip: Book through the Royal Collection Trust in advance. Admission is timed in 15-minute intervals, and the Palace recommends prebooking because the summer opening is busy.
2026 Visitor Note: Buckingham Palace is undergoing Reservicing works. During the 2026 summer opening, the White Drawing Room is not accessible to visitors. The Ballroom and parts of the Music Room and Bow Room are affected by hoardings, although visitors still pass through those spaces.
The Picture Gallery is especially noteworthy in 2026. Royal Collection Trust completed a major rehang before the summer opening, increasing the display from 63 to around 120 paintings, including works associated with artists such as Rubens, Caravaggio, and Zoffany.
The standard summer route also ends with a walk through part of the garden. Visitors wanting access to additional areas such as the Rose Garden, summer house, and tennis court can book the separate Garden Highlights Tour, offered with eligible summer visits.
Off-Peak Times for a Quieter Experience
Outside the main summer opening, you can still see the Palace façade, gates, Victoria Memorial, and public Memorial Gardens from the surrounding public spaces. Nearby St James’s Park is also open to the public. The Buckingham Palace Garden itself should not be treated as a year-round public attraction.
Fewer Tour Groups
For exterior sightseeing, midweek periods outside the main 11:00am Changing the Guard window usually offer a calmer experience than ceremony mornings. Major state occasions, school holidays, and peak summer travel periods can change that pattern.
- Choose a non-ceremony weekday if seeing the Guard is not important to you.
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon for exterior photos.
- Avoid major royal-event dates if your priority is easy pedestrian access.
- If touring the State Rooms, choose an early or later timed-entry slot rather than the middle of the sightseeing day.
Less Crowded Mornings
Early mornings can give you a quieter view of the façade and Victoria Memorial before large sightseeing groups arrive. Changing the Guard days are the major exception, because spectators begin gathering well before the ceremony.
| Time | Typical Atmosphere | Crowd Tendency |
| Early Morning | Calm exterior viewing on non-event days | Usually lower |
| 10:00am–Noon | Busy on Guard Change days | Often highest |
| Afternoon | Steady sightseeing traffic | Moderate |
| Evening | Exterior viewing only after visitor attractions close | Usually lower |
| Night | Illuminated exterior from surrounding public areas | Low |
Quiet Evenings Available
Once daytime tour groups disperse, the Palace frontage and Victoria Memorial can feel considerably calmer. Evening is therefore a good choice for exterior photography or a walk through the surrounding public spaces, but it does not provide access to the State Rooms or Palace Garden after visitor hours.
Special Events and Celebrations at Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace remains a working royal residence, so major ceremonies and official functions can affect pedestrian routes, Guard schedules, and visitor access.
Trooping the Colour, the King’s Birthday Parade, is traditionally held in June. In 2026, the parade took place on Saturday, 13 June, so visitors planning later in 2026 should treat it as a past event rather than an upcoming attraction. Future parade dates should be checked through official royal or Household Division channels.
Garden parties, state visits, receptions, and banquets also form part of the Palace’s working calendar. These are generally not ordinary public sightseeing events, and security or opening arrangements can change when official functions are taking place.
Optimal Months for Outdoor Photography
Because photography is prohibited inside Buckingham Palace, many of the best photo opportunities are outside: the Palace frontage, Victoria Memorial, public flower beds, The Mall, and ceremonial processions.
- Late April to June: spring planting, longer daylight, and generally mild conditions.
- July to September: long days and summer planting, combined with the State Rooms opening.
- October: autumn foliage in nearby parks.
- Early morning or late afternoon year-round: softer light and usually less midday glare.
The Royal Parks’ Buckingham Palace flower beds around the Victoria Memorial are replanted seasonally, making this public area a better year-round photography target than the ticket-controlled Palace Garden.
The Impact of Weather on Your Visit
Rain and Crowds
Rain may reduce casual outdoor sightseeing, but it can also affect ceremonial activity. Changing the Guard can be altered or cancelled at short notice in poor weather, so a wet forecast is a reason to recheck the official calendar rather than assuming the ceremony will proceed.
For a State Rooms visit, bring a compact umbrella and comfortable footwear. The summer visitor route includes a fairly long outdoor exit through the garden, including roughly half a kilometre (one-third of a mile) of gravel path.
Sunshine and Visibility
Clear weather provides better long-distance views along The Mall and stronger visibility of architectural details, but midday summer sun can produce harsh contrast on photographs. Morning and late-afternoon light is usually easier to work with.
Seasonal Temperature Effects
Layers work well throughout the year. Even in summer, London weather can change quickly. Royal Collection Trust also notes that the State Rooms can become hot during the summer opening, so lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes are sensible even though much of the tour is indoors.
Planning Around Royal Occasions and Ceremonies
| Event | Typical Timing | Planning Impact |
| Trooping the Colour | June | Major crowds, road controls, and altered ceremonial schedules; 2026 event was 13 June |
| State Opening of Parliament | Date varies | Can affect ceremonial routes and central London traffic |
| Summer Opening | 9 Jul–27 Sep 2026 | Standard public access to the State Rooms |
Note: Buckingham Palace is a working royal palace. Opening arrangements, ceremonial routes, and Guard activities can change at short notice, so check both the Royal Collection Trust and Household Division websites shortly before travelling.
When to Access Guided Tours and Exclusive Opportunities
The 2026 summer opening includes several different Palace experiences, so make sure the ticket you buy matches what you want to see.
- Standard State Rooms admission: 9 July–27 September 2026, with a self-guided multimedia experience.
- Garden Highlights Tour: available with eligible visits from 11 July–27 September 2026 and includes areas of the Palace Garden not covered by the standard garden exit route.
- East Wing Highlights Tour: available on eligible dates from 11 July–27 September 2026 and adds a guided visit to principal East Wing rooms.
- Exclusive guided State Rooms tours: offered on selected dates outside the normal standard-admission pattern, subject to the Royal Collection Trust calendar.
Tickets bought directly through Royal Collection Trust can also be eligible for conversion into a 1-Year Pass, allowing qualifying repeat admission under the published terms. A Royal Day Out ticket, when available, combines Buckingham Palace, The King’s Gallery, and the Royal Mews with a package discount.
How to Combine Changing the Guard and the State Rooms
It is possible to see Changing the Guard and tour the State Rooms on the same day, but avoid booking a Palace entry time too close to the ceremony.
- Confirm that a full Guard Change is scheduled for your date.
- Arrive at the Palace area around 10:15am or earlier if you want a strong viewing position.
- Allow the ceremony to run until roughly 11:45am.
- Leave time to walk to the visitor entrance and complete airport-style security screening.
- Choose a State Rooms admission time with a comfortable buffer after the ceremony rather than trying to rush directly from the railings.
Pro Tip: A later State Rooms slot makes a Guard-and-Palace day much less stressful. Timed admission is strict enough that it is better to leave extra time for crowds and security than to build an itinerary around the ceremony ending at an exact minute.
Security, Accessibility, and Practical Visitor Information
Visitors to Buckingham Palace pass through airport-style security. Bringing less with you makes screening faster. Bags larger than 45cm × 20cm × 30cm cannot be taken into the Palace, and backpacks that are permitted must be carried by your side rather than worn on your back during the visit.
The visitor route is one-way. Toilets and baby-care facilities for the standard summer route are near the end of the visit rather than at the beginning, so plan accordingly.
Step-free access is available, but Royal Collection Trust asks visitors who require the step-free route to arrange it in advance through its Specialist Sales team. Assistance animals are welcome, and a free access companion ticket is available for disabled visitors.
Green Park, Victoria, and Hyde Park Corner are among the useful nearby Underground stations. Green Park is the nearest wheelchair-accessible Underground station identified in Royal Collection Trust’s accessibility information.
Warning: Do not arrive with a large suitcase expecting to store it at the Palace. Bags over the published size limit cannot be admitted; use an off-site luggage-storage facility before your timed entry.
Tips for Visiting During Public Holidays and Bank Holidays
Public and bank holidays can bring heavier pedestrian traffic to central London, while royal or military events may alter the normal ceremonial schedule. Treat published weekly patterns as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
| Tip | Benefit |
| Prebook Palace admission | Avoid relying on limited on-the-day availability |
| Arrive with minimal luggage | Makes airport-style security screening easier |
| Check ceremony and closure schedules | Avoids arriving for a cancelled or altered event |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Buckingham Palace tours available during royal events?
Availability can be restricted or changed around official functions, state visits, and major ceremonies. Buckingham Palace is a working royal residence, so check the Royal Collection Trust schedule shortly before travelling even if you already hold a ticket.
Can visitors access Buckingham Palace gardens year-round?
No. Buckingham Palace Garden is not a year-round public park. The standard summer State Rooms route includes a walk through part of the garden, while a separate Garden Highlights Tour reaches additional areas. The Memorial Gardens around the Victoria Memorial and nearby St James’s Park are public spaces and should not be confused with the Palace Garden.
What are the best times to avoid crowds at Buckingham Palace?
For exterior sightseeing, early mornings and later afternoons on non-ceremony weekdays are usually the safest choices. Avoid the period around the 11:00am Changing the Guard on scheduled days if your priority is a quieter visit.
Are there discounts or passes for multiple Buckingham Palace visits?
Royal Collection Trust allows eligible directly purchased tickets to be converted into a 1-Year Pass. It also offers concessions for young people and children, free admission for under-fives and access companions, and £1 tickets for people receiving certain named UK benefits. The Royal Day Out package, when available, combines the State Rooms, Royal Mews, and The King’s Gallery.
Is photography allowed inside Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms?
No. Photography and filming are not permitted inside Buckingham Palace. Photography is also prohibited on the guided Garden Highlights Tour. Personal photography is allowed in most other outdoor visitor areas unless temporary restrictions apply.
Can I see Changing the Guard and tour the State Rooms on the same day?
Yes. Check that a full Guard Change is scheduled, watch the ceremony in the morning, then use a later timed State Rooms ticket. Leave enough time after the ceremony to reach the visitor entrance and complete security screening.
Are any Buckingham Palace rooms closed during the 2026 summer opening?
Yes. Because of the Buckingham Palace Reservicing programme, the White Drawing Room is not accessible to visitors during the 2026 summer opening. The Ballroom and parts of the Music Room and Bow Room are also partly obscured by hoardings, although visitors continue through those areas.
Conclusion
The best time to visit Buckingham Palace depends on what you want to see. For standard access to the State Rooms, plan around the 9 July–27 September 2026 summer opening and book a timed ticket in advance. For Changing the Guard, use the official calendar rather than assuming the ceremony runs daily.
If you mainly want outdoor views, late spring offers comfortable weather and seasonal planting around the public Memorial Gardens and St James’s Park. For the calmest Palace exterior experience, choose an early or late visit away from ceremony times. Most importantly, remember that Buckingham Palace Garden is not a year-round public park and that Palace opening arrangements can change because it remains a working royal residence.
Sources
- Royal Collection Trust — Buckingham Palace — official 2026 dates, standard ticket prices, Garden Highlights and East Wing options
- Royal Collection Trust — Practical Information — timed admission, visit duration, photography, security, luggage, accessibility and visitor route
- Royal Collection Trust — 2026 Opening Times and Closure List — official hours, last admission and 2026 Reservicing restrictions
- The Household Division — Changing the Guard Calendar — official date-specific ceremony schedule
- The Royal Parks — Buckingham Palace Flower Beds — Memorial Gardens and seasonal planting outside the Palace
- Met Office — Heathrow Climate Averages — 1991–2020 London-area temperature and rainfall context