London’s weather is famously unpredictable, but it is also milder and drier than its reputation suggests. The city receives less annual rainfall than Rome or Sydney, and its maritime climate means temperature extremes are rare. The challenge is the variability: a sunny morning can turn drizzly by lunch, and a grey start can clear into a golden afternoon. This month-by-month guide breaks down London’s weather in detail: temperatures, rainfall, daylight hours, and what each month actually feels like on the ground.
London Climate Overview
London has a temperate maritime climate (Köppen Cfb) – mild year-round without extremes. The city’s reputation for rain is somewhat exaggerated: London actually receives less annual rainfall (585mm / 23 inches) than Rome, Sydney, or New York. What it does have is frequent light drizzle and overcast skies. Winters are cool but rarely freezing, and summers are warm but rarely hot. Snow is unusual – London averages just 15-20 snow days per year, and significant accumulation is rare.
The Gulf Stream keeps London warmer than its latitude (51°N – same as Calgary) would suggest. The urban heat island effect adds 1-3°C to the city center compared to surrounding areas. Day length varies dramatically: from barely 8 hours in December to over 16 hours in June.
London Weather by Season
- 🌸 Spring (Mar-May): Warming up, blooming parks, unpredictable weather. Highs: 52-64°F (11-18°C). April showers are real.
- ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug): Warmest months, longest days (16+ hrs daylight). Highs: 70-75°F (21-24°C). Occasional heatwaves can push 90°F (32°C).
- 🍂 Autumn (Sep-Nov): Cooling down, beautiful park colors, increasing rain. Highs: 59-66°F (15-19°C).
- ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb): Cool, damp, short days (8 hrs daylight). Rare snow. Highs: 46-50°F (8-10°C). Christmas markets and cozy pubs.
London Weather Comparison Table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days | Sunshine | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46°F (8°C) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.2″ | 15 | 2 hrs | Museums, theatre, lowest prices |
| February | 48°F (9°C) | 37°F (3°C) | 1.6″ | 11 | 3 hrs | Valentine’s, quieter attractions |
| March | 52°F (11°C) | 39°F (4°C) | 1.7″ | 12 | 4 hrs | Spring blooms, fewer tourists |
| April | 57°F (14°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 1.8″ | 12 | 5 hrs | 🌸 Parks in bloom, Easter events |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.0″ | 12 | 6 hrs | Best weather, Chelsea Flower Show |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.0″ | 11 | 7 hrs | Long days, Trooping the Colour |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.8″ | 10 | 7 hrs | Wimbledon, pub gardens, peak |
| August | 74°F (23°C) | 58°F (14°C) | 2.0″ | 11 | 6 hrs | Notting Hill Carnival, bank holiday |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 53°F (12°C) | 2.0″ | 11 | 5 hrs | Open House London, comfortable |
| October | 59°F (15°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9″ | 14 | 3 hrs | Autumn colors, Halloween |
| November | 52°F (11°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 2.6″ | 14 | 2 hrs | Bonfire Night, Christmas lights |
| December | 48°F (9°C) | 39°F (4°C) | 2.2″ | 14 | 1 hr | 🎄 Christmas markets, Winter Wonderland |
Monthly Weather Breakdown
January Weather in London
January is London’s coldest month, but it’s a damp cold rather than a frigid one. Daytime highs hover around 46°F (8°C), and frosty mornings are common. Snow is rare – London sees significant snowfall maybe once every few years. January is the quietest tourist month, meaning short queues at major attractions and excellent hotel deals. The January sales make this a fantastic time for shopping (Harrods, Selfridges, Oxford Street). Pack a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof shoes – you’ll be walking a lot, and puddles are common.
February Weather in London
February is similar to January but with noticeably longer days. Temperatures remain cool (high 40s°F / 9°C), and rain is actually less frequent than in summer. The first signs of spring appear – snowdrops and crocuses in the royal parks. Valentine’s Day brings romantic events across the city, and half-term school breaks can make attractions busier for a week. This remains a good budget month. Pack similar layers to January – you’ll be fine with a warm coat and waterproof layer.
March Weather in London
March is transitional – you can get bright, spring-like days or lingering winter chill. Temperatures reach the low 50s°F (11°C), and daffodils blanket the parks. St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) brings celebrations to Trafalgar Square and pubs across London. The Mother’s Day weekend (UK Mothering Sunday, 3 weeks before Easter) can be busy for restaurants. Pack layers: you might start the day in a coat and end it in just a sweater.
April Weather in London
April brings the classic “April showers” – short bursts of rain alternating with brilliant sunshine. Temperatures reach the upper 50s°F (14°C), and London’s parks explode with color. The London Marathon (mid-April) draws huge crowds. Easter weekend (late March or April) is one of the busiest times – book everything well ahead. This is when outdoor dining and pub gardens come alive. Pack a light rain jacket and sunglasses – you’ll need both in the same afternoon.
May Weather in London
May is glorious – warm but not hot (low 60s°F / 17°C), long days, and the city is in full bloom. The Chelsea Flower Show (late May) transforms Chelsea into a horticultural wonderland. Two bank holidays (early and late May) mean busy weekends but festive atmosphere. Pub gardens are at their best, and outdoor activities like Thames river cruises and open-top bus tours are perfect. Pack light layers – a jacket for evenings, but you might be in short sleeves during the day.
June Weather in London
June delivers the longest days – the sun rises before 5am and sets after 9pm. Temperatures reach 70°F (21°C), and the city buzzes with outdoor events. Trooping the Colour (the King’s Birthday Parade, mid-June) is a spectacular military display. The occasional heatwave can push temperatures into the mid-80s°F (30°C). Wimbledon begins in late June. Summer is peak tourist season – book hotels and popular restaurants ahead. Pack summer clothes but always bring a light jacket – London evenings cool down even in summer.
July Weather in London
July is London’s warmest month, with average highs of 74°F (23°C). Wimbledon dominates the first two weeks, and the city embraces summer with outdoor cinemas, rooftop bars, and festivals. The downside: peak tourist crowds and higher prices. The Tube (which lacks air conditioning on most lines) can be uncomfortably hot. Pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and always carry water. A compact umbrella is still wise – summer thunderstorms can materialize quickly.
August Weather in London
August matches July’s warmth, with the added energy of Notting Hill Carnival (late August bank holiday weekend) – Europe’s biggest street festival. The August bank holiday is extremely busy across the city. Museums and attractions are at peak crowding. On the upside, the city empties somewhat as Londoners go on holiday. Parks are glorious, and outdoor swimming ponds (Hampstead Heath, Serpentine Lido) are at their most inviting. Pack summer clothes plus a light layer for air-conditioned museums and cooler evenings.
September Weather in London
September is a sweet spot – still warm (mid-60s°F / 19°C), with fewer tourists as schools return. Open House London (mid-September) grants free access to normally off-limits architectural gems. The Totally Thames festival celebrates the river with events all month. Days are noticeably shorter than July, but still long enough for full-day sightseeing. Pack layers – it can feel like summer one day and autumn the next.
October Weather in London
October brings crisp air and stunning autumn colors in the royal parks (Richmond Park, Hyde Park, Kew Gardens). Temperatures drop to the high 50s°F (15°C), and rain increases. The Frieze Art Fair draws the international art world to Regent’s Park. Halloween events multiply across the city. The clocks go back in late October, making evenings suddenly darker. Pack a warm jacket, scarf, and waterproof shoes – you’ll be cozy in London’s innumerable pubs and cafés.
November Weather in London
November is cool, damp, and dark – but the Christmas lights begin. Bonfire Night (November 5) fills the sky with fireworks displays across the city (Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park). The Regent Street and Oxford Street Christmas lights switch on mid-month, and Winter Wonderland opens in Hyde Park. Remembrance Sunday (second Sunday) is observed solemnly at the Cenotaph. Pack a warm, waterproof coat – you’ll spend plenty of time outdoors between attractions.
December Weather in London
December transforms London into a Christmas wonderland. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, ice skating at Somerset House and the Natural History Museum, and festive afternoon teas define the season. Temperatures are cool (high 40s°F / 9°C) with very short days – the sun sets around 4pm. New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Thames are ticketed and sell out months ahead. Christmas Day (Dec 25) sees complete public transport shutdown – plan accordingly. Pack a warm coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. The festive atmosphere more than compensates for the weather.
