Is the Natural History Museum open on public holidays?

The museum is open on most UK public holidays but remains closed from 24 to 26 December each year. Keep an eye out on the museum’s official website for any changes to holiday opening hours.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

General admission to the museum is free. However, it's best to book a reserved entry ticket at least a week or two in advance, especially during busy periods.

Are exhibitions open at the same times as the main museum?

Temporary exhibitions and special ticketed experiences may operate on different schedules from the main galleries. Be sure to check individual exhibition details for specific opening and closing times.

When is it least crowded?

The museum advises booking a timed entry slot to secure access. Crowd levels vary daily, but weekdays outside peak summer and holiday periods are generally quieter than weekends and school holidays.

Is entry time different for guided tours?

Guided tours and special experiences are listed separately from general admission and usually operate at fixed times. Make sure you follow the entry time stated on your tour booking.

Natural History Museum Opening Hours | Timings & Best Time to Visit

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is open throughout the year (except from December 24th to 26th) with fixed opening hours.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–17:50	17:30
Tuesday	10:00–17:50	17:30
Wednesday	10:00–17:50	17:30
Thursday (Today)	10:00–17:50	17:30
Friday	10:00–17:50	17:30
Saturday	10:00–17:50	17:30
Sunday	10:00–17:50	17:30

Regular Hours: The Natural History Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. The last entry is at 5:30 pm.

Closures: The museum is closed on December 24–26 each year. Occasional early closures may occur for special events—check the official website before your visit.

Special Exhibitions: Paid exhibitions and events may have different opening hours; please refer to your ticket or the museum’s website for details.

Best time to visit the Natural History Museum

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekday: Tuesday to Thursday are the best days to visit, as crowd levels are generally lower and galleries feel more relaxed. Arriving right at opening time (10 am) or later in the afternoon (after 3 pm) helps you avoid peak visitor hours.
Weekend: Weekends, public holidays, and UK school breaks (especially half-terms and summer holidays) are the busiest times, with longer wait times and crowded galleries. If visiting on a weekend, aim for early morning or late afternoon to reduce time spent in queues.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak season: Late March through August, UK school holidays, and the Christmas period are the busiest times to visit. Expect higher visitor numbers, longer queues, and more crowded galleries, especially on weekends and during peak summer months.
Low season: January to March and October to November (excluding holidays) are the quietest months, with fewer visitors and shorter wait times. Spring and autumn (March–May and September–November) also offer a good balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, making them ideal for families and first-time visitors.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at the Natural History Museum?

If you have 2 hours

Start in Hintze Hall to see the blue whale skeleton and admire the grand entrance hall. Then, head to the Dinosaurs Gallery to explore fossil dinosaurs before continuing to Earth Hall and the Volcanoes and Earthquakes Gallery to learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, and the structure of the planet.

If you have 4–5 hours

Begin in Hintze Hall and follow the same flow to build a clear understanding of Earth’s forces and geology. Next, head to the Human Evolution Gallery to trace early human history, and spend time in the Mammals Gallery before wrapping up your visit at the Investigate Centre.

If you have a full day

Begin with a similar flow, starting in Hintze Hall and continuing through the Dinosaurs Gallery. Explore the Earth Zone, then continue through the Mammals Gallery and Fossil Marine Reptiles for a complete wildlife experience. Finish your visit with a temporary exhibition for rotating displays, or take a break at one of the on-site cafés or museum shops before leaving.

Plan your visit to the Natural History Museum

Frequently asked questions about the Natural History Museum opening hours

The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is open daily from 10 am to 5:50 pm, with last entry at 5:30 pm. The museum is closed annually from 24 to 26 December.