London is renowned for its unpredictable weather, making it difficult to know what to expect no matter the time of year. But with some research, you can be prepared and make the most of your visit to London no matter the season.
In this article, we will explore how the weather changes month by month in London so that you can plan accordingly for your trip.
January and February are the coldest months of the year, making this a great time to visit London if you’re looking for a winter wonderland.
London Weather By Months
London Weather in January
London weather in January is often cold and wet. January usually has low temperatures, with an average daily maximum of just 7°C (45°F). It’s the month when days are often cloudy and damp, with frequent rain showers and sometimes sleet or snow.
This means it can be hard to enjoy outdoor activities for much of the month unless you prepare well. The short days mean a few hours of sunshine, but if luck is on your side, there may also be a few bright spells.
Those visiting London should consider the wintery conditions when planning their trip: pack plenty of warm layers, waterproof clothing, and an umbrella or a hooded coat – just in case!
London Weather in February
London weather in February is generally cloudy and mild. The long winter months mean temperatures remain pretty cool, although occasional warm spells exist. February sees an average temperature of 6°C, with the highest recorded at 17.2°C and the lowest at -15.7°C!
Rainfall is also expected throughout the month, averaging around 3 inches a month, so having a good waterproof jacket on hand is advisable when venturing into London.
Snowfall is also possible due to the cooler temperatures, but this occurrence is less common than in European cities such as Copenhagen or Stockholm.
Despite this, visitors should be prepared for some cold and wet days during their stay in London in February.
London Weather in March
When it comes to London weather, March is a transitional month. As the temperatures warm up and the days start getting longer, it’s hard not to think of spring.
March in London marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Average highs range from 8°C (46°F) in early March up to 12°C (54°F) during mid-March, with lows around 3°C (37°F).
While snow can still occur this time of year, it’s rare. Rainfall averages about 60 mm for the month, and sunshine is plentiful, with an average of four hours daily.
As a result, March in London brings with it milder temperatures than winter months, along with plenty of sunshine.
London Weather in April
April weather in London is a mixed bag. With temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to lower 60s Fahrenheit (7°C to 15°C), it can be warm intermittently, with some days feeling more like winter than spring.
April is also one of the drier months in London, with an average of only 20 days of rainfall throughout the month. During this time, outdoor activities such as walking and biking become increasingly popular.
The mornings and evenings tend to be colder than the afternoons, and you may need a light jacket or sweater if you plan to explore London during these times. However, when the sun shines, temperatures can quickly rise into the upper 50s or even lower 70s (15°C – 20°C).
London Weather in May
May is one of the best months to visit London. With temperatures in the high teens, it’s warm and dry enough to explore the city. Visitors should expect plenty of sunshine this month, with average temperatures reaching 18°C (64°F).
Rainfall is deficient during this time and usually occurs in short bursts during the afternoon.
London weather can be unpredictable at times, so it’s essential to keep an eye on what is London weather today to plan your trip accordingly.
However, overall, May brings some of the most excellent weather throughout the year – perfect for a stroll around Hyde Park or a picnic by Regent’s Canal. If you plan your visit carefully and consider London weather monthly, you will have a fantastic experience any time of year!
London Weather in June
June is a great time to visit London, as the weather during this month is usually quite favorable.
Temperatures typically reach an average high of around 64°F (17.7°C), although it can often feel much warmer due to London’s humid climate. There are typically 10 hours of sunshine daily in June, with very little rainfall and occasional showers.
This makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as walking tours or picnics in one of London’s many parks and gardens.
The mild summer temperatures mean visitors can comfortably enjoy the city’s attractions without worrying about extreme heat or sudden weather changes like those experienced in late October when temperatures drop quickly and rain begins in earnest.
London Weather in July
As summer peaks, the weather in London during July is often hot and sunny. Temperatures range from a comfortable 18°C to a balmy 22°C, with little rainfall and lots of sunshine.
The days are long during this time of year, with an average of 16 hours of daylight each day! This makes it the perfect time for outdoor activities such as sightseeing or picnics in beautiful parks.
Regarding temperature and humidity, July is one of the most pleasant months to visit London. With temperatures rarely exceeding 26°C during the day and cool nights that dip down to 13-14°C at night, visitors can enjoy moderate temperatures throughout June into late September. In addition, low levels of humidity make summers in London much more bearable than in other cities around Europe.
London Weather in August
London in August is an excellent time for a holiday, as the weather is warm and comfortable.
The average temperature during this month is around 21 degrees Celsius, with lows of 17 degrees Celsius at night and highs of 24 degrees Celsius during the day.
The days are long and sunny, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine each day. The humidity can be high because July is one of the wettest months in London, but it shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your trip.
Rainfall amounts generally don’t exceed 10 millimeters per month, so there should still be plenty of time to explore the city without worrying about getting wet. If you plan to visit London in late September, you can expect slightly cooler temperatures than in August; the average temperature drops to around 18-19 degrees Celsius.
London Weather in September
London in September is a beautiful time of year to visit! The temperature has generally cooled off from its summer highs, and the temperatures are usually around 15 – 20 degrees Celsius. With an average of 12 hours of sunshine daily, it is an ideal time for sightseeing, shopping, and exploring.
London’s weather at this time of year can be unpredictable; periods of warm sunshine can be interrupted by showers or thunderstorms, but these tend to pass quickly without causing too much disruption.
Rainfall is also relatively low, with only around 68mm throughout the month. It’s worth noting that the evenings can get quite chilly, so packing a light jacket or sweater is recommended.
London weather in late September and early October is similar to the month before, with temperatures ranging from 14 – 18 degrees Celsius.
London Weather in October
As summer comes to a close and autumn begins, London begins to enjoy the cooling temperatures of October.
Although this isn’t typically the coldest month of the year in London, temperatures will generally start to fall as winter approaches.
High temperatures hover around 15 degrees Celsius (60 F), while overnight lows dip to about 8 degrees Celsius (46F). Rainfall averages about 4 inches for October, so travelers should pack their raincoats for outdoor adventures.
October is usually sunny with plenty of daylight; wind and fog can sometimes move into the city on cooler days.
London weather from late October to mid-November is generally mild, with average temperatures around 14 degrees Celsius (57 F). Rainfall averages about 5 inches for the month. The weather in London remains mild through the first week of November.
London Weather in November
November weather in London can vary greatly. Those visiting or living in the area should be prepared for various temperatures, from warm to chilly. In late October, temperatures typically drop into the high 50s and low 60s Fahrenheit during the day and dip into the 40s at night.
Rain is also expected throughout November, especially during mid-month, so it’s essential to bring an umbrella or waterproof clothing when out and about. Residents should also pack warmer clothes, such as sweaters and thick coats if they plan on spending more time outdoors at this time of year.
Toward the end of November, temperatures generally stay around the mid-50s but can be lower depending on how far north you are in London. On cold nights it is not uncommon for frost to appear here, so grab some gloves if you enjoy any outdoor activities!
London Weather in December
London Weather in December is often unpredictable, as the temperatures can range from mild to cold. December marks the beginning of winter in London, with average daytime temperatures ranging between 8-10°C (46 -50°F).
The coldest temperature ever recorded during this time was -16.1°C (3.0 °F) at Greenwich on the 17th of December 2010.
Generally speaking, London weather in December tends to be wet and windy with a few patches of sunshine here and there; however, heavy rains are pretty common at this time of year too – so tourists should be well prepared!
Rainfall levels generally peak around mid-December and then decrease over the month until they reach their lowest point towards the end of December.
Overview
London Temperature in Summer
London is a city that experiences all four seasons, but summers can be especially hot and humid. During the summer months of June, July, and August, temperatures in London typically range from 15-25°C (59-77°F).
On average, London has around 145 days of sunshine each year. But with its northern location at 51.5 degrees latitude and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, weather patterns in London often change rapidly during the summer months.
It may feel like warm spring days in June until suddenly, a cold front arrives, bringing cloudy skies and rain. On other occasions, there can be periods of warm sunshine lasting for days or even weeks. No matter what weather you encounter during your visit to London this month, just bring an umbrella or light jacket!
London Winter Temperature
London is one of the most visited cities in the world, and its weather can be pretty unpredictable, especially during winter. While London is known for its mild and wet climate, temperatures will drop significantly this month due to strong east winds.
The average temperature in January and February is around 5°C (41°F). Although it isn’t as cold as in other European cities, Londoners should still prepare for chilly days throughout these two months.
During sunny days there are chances for snowfall, but usually, it doesn’t last long or cause disruption. Even so, temperatures can drop below 0°C (32°F) at night, making heating systems essential. Winter mornings offer an excellent opportunity to go out on walks in warm clothes and enjoy the city’s foggy atmosphere that creates beautiful scenery all around town.
London Weather at Christmas
London weather during the winter can be pretty unpredictable, ranging from mild to bitterly cold. But if you’re planning a visit to London during Christmas, what sort of weather might you expect?
Celebrating Christmas in London is often accompanied by chilly days and nights – usually around 6 hours of daylight per day.
However, these colder months can also bring some dry spells, allowing locals and visitors alike to explore the city’s many attractions without facing too much rain.
Average temperatures during December range from just 4-6 degrees Celsius (39-43 Fahrenheit), though icy winds often make it feel significantly colder.
Snowfall is rare in central London but occasionally occurs on the city’s outskirts.
Conclusion
London weather is relatively mild and changeable throughout the year. Depending on the month, temperatures vary significantly, with winter being cold and rainy and summer being warm and sunny.
It can be unpredictable, so it is essential to be prepared for all kinds of weather when planning a trip to London.
Visitors can better plan their activities by knowing what type of weather to expect at different times of the year.
Sources
- Weatherspark: Climate and Average Weather Year Round in London
- Holiday Weather: Annual Weather Averages
- Time and Date: Annual Weather Averages in London
- London Perfect: Weather & Seasons
- Trip Savvy: Weather in London: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature
- Climates to Travel: Climate – London (England)
- Weather and Climate: Climate in London (Greater London), United Kingdom
- Seasons Year: Seasons in London
- Weather Atlas: Climate and monthly weather forecast London, United Kingdom
