What are London Zoo’s standard opening hours?

Standard opening hours typically run from 10am to 5pm, with last entry generally in the late afternoon. Hours may vary slightly during special events or peak seasons, so checking in advance is advised.

Does London Zoo have different seasonal opening times?

Yes, London Zoo may adjust its hours during school holidays, summer periods, and winter months. These changes usually affect closing times rather than opening time, depending on visitor demand and daylight hours.

When is the best time to visit London Zoo to avoid crowds?

The quietest times are usually weekday mornings right after opening. Midday and early afternoon tend to be busiest, especially on weekends, school holidays, and during summer months.

Are there late openings or evening events at London Zoo?

Yes, London Zoo occasionally hosts special evening events such as Zoo Nights, which run after standard closing hours and offer an adults-only experience with extended access and activities.

Do I need to book in advance for entry?

Yes. Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends. It guarantees entry for your chosen time slot and helps avoid queues at the entrance.

London Zoo Opening Hours | Timings & Best Visit Times in 2026

ZSL London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo is open daily, with opening hours typically starting at 10am and varying closing times depending on the season, ranging from around 4pm in winter to 6pm in summer. Last entry is usually one hour before closing, and the zoo is closed only on 25 December. Because hours change across the year, it’s best to check the specific day before visiting and plan a morning arrival for the fullest experience.

Mar 30 TO Sep 1 Timings Days (Mar 30 TO Sep 1)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Tuesday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Wednesday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Thursday (Today)	10:00–18:00	17:00
Friday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Saturday	10:00–18:00	17:00
Sunday	10:00–18:00	17:00

Sep 2 TO Oct 24 Timings Days (Sep 2 TO Oct 24)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Tuesday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Wednesday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Thursday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Friday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Saturday	10:00–17:00	16:00
Sunday	10:00–17:00	16:00

Oct 25 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Oct 25 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Tuesday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Wednesday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Thursday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Friday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Saturday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Sunday	10:00–16:00	15:00

Jan 1 TO Feb 13 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Feb 13)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Tuesday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Wednesday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Thursday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Friday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Saturday	10:00–16:00	15:00
Sunday	10:00–16:00	15:00

Standard opening hours are generally from 10am to 5pm, with variations depending on the day and season.
Opening and closing times can vary by date, so it’s best to check the official schedule before visiting.
Morning visits are recommended for lighter crowds and a more relaxed experience.
A typical visit lasts around 3 to 4 hours, though this can vary depending on how many exhibits are explored.

Book your tickets to London Zoo

London Zoo Entrance Tickets

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Zoo Nights at London Zoo

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Combo (Save 10%): London Zoo + Madame Tussauds London Tickets

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Combo (Save 16%): London Zoo Tickets + Thames River Cruise

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Headout Pass London: Save up to 40% at All Top Attractions

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Guided tour

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Combo (Save 10%): London Zoo + London Eye Tickets

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Best time to visit the ZSL London Zoo

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays: Offer a calmer experience with fewer crowds, especially in the late morning and early afternoon. You can move through exhibits more freely, enjoy longer viewing times at popular habitats, and catch talks or feeding sessions without much waiting. It’s a better fit if you want a slower, more flexible visit with minimal queues.
Weekends: Bring a much busier, more energetic atmosphere, particularly between midday and mid-afternoon. Family groups and tour parties increase crowd levels around major exhibits and food spots, which can lead to queues and longer wait times at peak areas. Early arrival, around 10 am, makes a noticeable difference in how smoothly the day flows.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak season: Runs mainly from June to August and during school holidays (late July–early September, mid-December–early January, and mid-February), when visitor numbers are highest. Expect busier pathways, longer queues at popular exhibits like Penguin Beach and Land of the Lions, and a more lively atmosphere across the zoo. Arriving early helps avoid the busiest mid-morning to mid-afternoon period.
Low season: Typically falls in January–March (excluding February half-term) and November–early December, when crowds are noticeably lighter. The experience is more relaxed, with shorter queues, easier viewing at major exhibits, and more space to explore at your own pace.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at London Zoo?

A typical visit to London Zoo takes around 3 to 4 hours for a well-rounded experience, allowing time to explore key exhibits, attend animal feedings, and watch live demonstrations.

For a more in-depth visit, especially for wildlife enthusiasts or photography, a full day offers the chance to explore at a relaxed pace. Reviewing the zoo map and daily schedule in advance helps prioritize key zones and experiences.

Frequently asked questions about London Zoo opening hours

London Zoo is open daily throughout most of the year, with the exception of Christmas Day. Seasonal variations may affect closing times, so it is recommended to check the official schedule before planning your visit.