Weather in London

Planning a trip to London or already here? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts that will help you plan your day in the best way possible.

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, enjoys a temperate maritime climate, which means there are no extreme temperatures in either winter or summer. The weather here is quite changeable, and you might experience both sunshine and rain within a single day. Be prepared for the fact that precipitation is a fairly frequent phenomenon, although it is usually not too heavy.

There are four clearly defined seasons in London. Winter (December-February) is usually mild, with an average temperature of around 4-6°C; light frosts are possible, but snow falls rarely and melts quickly. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, parks and gardens bloom, and the average temperature rises to 7-13°C. Summer (June-August) in London is warm but not sweltering, with an average temperature of about 16-18°C, though the thermometer can sometimes reach 20-22°C or higher. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by gradual cooling, vibrant foliage colours, and average temperatures starting from 15°C and dropping to 8°C by the end of the season.

A characteristic feature of London weather is the even distribution of precipitation throughout the year. Although the monthly rainfall amount is low (averaging 2-3 mm), the number of rainy days is quite significant – from 10 to 15 days per month. This means that light rain or drizzle can catch you at any time of the year, so an umbrella or raincoat will become your faithful companions while walking around the city.

London experiences a moderate annual temperature variation without sharp extremes, making it comfortable to visit at any time of year. The warmest month is usually July, when the average temperature is 18.1°C, and daily highs can reach 22.2°C. August is also very warm, with an average of 17.8°C and highs up to 21.8°C. The coldest month is traditionally January, where the average temperature holds at 4.8°C, and minimum night-time temperatures can drop to 2.3°C. Overall, the annual range of average temperatures is not very large, which is typical for a maritime climate.

The summer months, from June to August, are characterized by pleasantly warm weather in London. During the day, the thermometer most often shows between 20°C (in June) and 22°C (in July), while at night the temperature drops to a comfortable 12-14°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer is quite noticeable and can be around 8-9°C. The winter period, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by being mild and cool. Average daytime temperatures fluctuate between 7-9°C, while night-time minimums are around 2-4°C. Although severe frosts are uncharacteristic for London, light frosts do occur. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, amounting to approximately 5-6°C.

Precipitation in London is characterized by its regularity throughout the year rather than by large volumes. Although the total amount of rainfall in millimetres changes insignificantly from month to month, there are some nuances in the frequency of rainy days and the total volume that are worth considering when planning a trip.

Regarding frequency, March stands out as the month with the highest number of days with precipitation – an average of 15 days. According to statistics, the lowest number of rainy days falls in June, with about 10 days. In other months, such as January, February, April, May, August, and November, one can expect approximately 11 rainy days. In July, September, October, and December, their number ranges from 12 to 13 days, which means the probability of encountering rain remains quite high all year round.

As for the total volume of precipitation, it remains surprisingly stable: most months receive about 2 mm. A slight exception is October, where this figure reaches 3 mm, making it formally the "wettest" month in terms of total rainfall. This distribution pattern – a small amount of precipitation spread over many days – suggests that light, drizzling rains or short showers are more typical for London than prolonged heavy rains. In the winter months, precipitation mainly falls as rain; snow is possible when the temperature drops, but it is usually not heavy and melts quickly.

When planning a trip to London, remember its famously changeable weather. A key tip is to dress in layers. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day, as well as possible drafts in the Underground or coolness in some museums. An indispensable item in your suitcase will be a light waterproof jacket or a high-quality compact umbrella, as light rains here are a frequent occurrence all year round, with statistics of 10 to 15 rainy days in almost every month, despite the small total amount of rainfall. Don't forget comfortable shoes for long walks around the city, as exploring the UK capital on foot is a true pleasure.

In summer (June-August), when the average temperature rises to 16-18°C and the maximum can reach 20-22°C, T-shirts, light blouses, perhaps shorts or skirts, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses will come in handy. However, even in summer, a light cardigan or windbreaker for evenings and cooler, windy days won't go amiss. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), average temperatures range from 7°C to 15°C, so it is worth taking sweaters, jumpers, and a demi-season jacket capable of protecting against rain and wind. In winter (December-February), the average temperature stays around 4-6°C, so a warm, preferably waterproof and windproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves, as well as warmer, waterproof shoes, are mandatory.