Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to live in London? The first thing that comes to mind is probably the weather. From scorching summers to snow-covered winters, London’s climate is as unpredictable as it gets. But let’s be real, it’s a big part of the city’s charm.
This blog post is a month-by-month guide to help you understand what to expect when you visit London.
It’s like four seasons in one day! Seriously, London weather can go from sunny and warm to drizzly and chilly within a matter of hours. Even within a year, you might experience a scorching summer followed by a damp winter, or vice versa.
Rain? Yes, it’s a constant threat, but don’t be scared off! It’s not as frequent as you think. Still, it’s always a good idea to check the London weather forecast before you head out. You can also find my packing lists for each season to help you prepare.
A Glimpse into London’s Months
Winter Wonders: January & February
January is a cold month in London, even for a Californian like me. Expect temperatures around 9 degrees Celsius (48 degrees Fahrenheit), but it can dip near freezing and even snow in some years. Don’t worry, it can also be milder than you’d expect, sometimes even reaching the low 50s Fahrenheit.
January is also a time for short days with the sun rising around 8 am and setting around 4 pm. But don’t let the gray skies get you down, because the city still has a certain charm.
February feels even colder, although the average temperatures are similar to January. The good news is the days start getting longer, giving us a glimpse of spring.
March: A Tale of Two Seasons
March is fickle! It can feel like spring one day, and then it snows the next. It’s like London can’t decide what season it wants to be in.
You might catch a weekend with sunshine and leave your coat at home, or you might be bundled up inside with the heat cranked up for days.
The average high is 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit), but you can see how that average can be easily skewed.
Thankfully, the days continue to get longer and the spring flowers start to bloom, adding some color to the cityscape.
April: A Month of Contrasts
April in London is just as unpredictable as March. One year you might have a heatwave, and the next you could be in a snowstorm.
The average high is 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit), but that can really vary. My birthday is in April, and I’ve had both sundress birthdays and winter coat birthdays.
The good news is that the spring flowers are in full bloom, and the city is bursting with color.
May: The Turning Point
May is a turning point for London’s weather. By the middle of the month, I’ve finally packed away my winter coat and boots.
While you might still see a few gray skies and rainy days, the warmer temperatures make it all bearable.
The average high in May is 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit). The sun rises before 5 am and sets after 9 pm, making it feel like summer is just around the corner.
Summer in London: A Rollercoaster Ride
June, July, and August are London’s summer months, but don’t expect sunshine and beaches. It’s more like a mix of sunshine, rain, and wind.
June has temperatures in the low 20s Celsius (high 60s Fahrenheit) and it can be windy, so don’t forget a jacket.
July is usually one of the warmest months in London, with average temperatures around 23 Celsius (73 Fahrenheit).
August is similar to July, with slightly shorter days but the same average temperatures. It can be warm, or it can be less so.
The sun rises early and sets late, giving London long days full of possibilities.
Autumn in London: A Mix of Warm and Cold
September, October, and November are autumn months in London. It can be spectacular one year and so-so the next.
September often feels like summer lingers, but it can be rainy. The average high is 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit), making it a pleasant month when it’s not drizzling.
October can be either warm or cold. The average high drops to 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit), but it can still be warm for a short period in the afternoon.
The days get noticeably shorter, but the colorful autumn leaves create a magical atmosphere.
November can be mild or cold and mornings and evenings can be chilly.
The End of the Year: December
December marks the shortest day of the year, with the sun rising after 8 am and setting before 4 pm.
The average high in December is 9 degrees Celsius (48 degrees Fahrenheit), but snow is not uncommon.
It’s a time for holiday cheer, with London’s Christmas lights sparkling throughout the city.
So there you have it – London’s unpredictable weather! I hope this blog post has given you an idea of what to expect.
No matter what the weather throws your way, London is a truly amazing city that’s sure to captivate your heart.
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