London’s weather is infamous for its fickleness. You might experience four seasons in a single day! I’ve lived here for a while now, and I’m still surprised by what each day throws at me.
The Weather in a Nutshell
The saying “predictably unpredictable” perfectly describes London’s weather. One year, summer can be scorching hot for months on end. The next year, you might find yourself bundled up in a raincoat for most of the season. Similarly, winters can bring snow or an early bloom of daffodils. While rain is a constant threat, it doesn’t always fall as much as you might think.
To be prepared for anything, always check the London weather forecast before you travel. You can also find helpful packing tips on my website for each season.
January: A Cold Start to the Year
January in London is generally chilly, especially for someone like me who’s used to California sunshine. The average high temperature is a brisk 9°C (48°F), but it can easily dip below freezing. In some years, London even sees snowfall in January. On the other hand, there are also days when it feels surprisingly mild, reaching into the double digits Celsius (low 50s Fahrenheit).
One thing’s for sure: January in London is often gray and gloomy, with short days. The sun rises around 8am and sets around 4pm, so you’ll need to make the most of the daylight hours.
February: A Glimpse of Spring
February in London feels very similar to January, but I always find it a bit colder. The average high remains the same, while the average low creeps up slightly from 4°C to 5°C (39°F to 41°F).
The good news? The days start getting longer in February! By the end of the month, the sun rises around 7am and sets after 5:30pm. It’s a small but hopeful sign that spring might be just around the corner.
March: Fickle and Unpredictable
March in London is the ultimate wildcard. Some years, it feels like spring has finally arrived, with warm days and blooming flowers. Other years, snow blankets the city for the entire month. I’ve experienced both extremes!
The average high temperature in March is 12°C (54°F), but the reality can be wildly different. One thing that’s constant is the increasing daylight hours. As spring flowers start to bloom, the city feels a little brighter, even if the skies remain gray.
April: A Mixed Bag
April in London is just as unpredictable as March. Some years bring record-breaking heat, while others bring snow. My birthday is in April, and I’ve celebrated it in both sundresses and winter coats!
The average high temperature in April is 15°C (59°F), but, once again, the actual weather can vary greatly. The days continue to get longer, and the spring flowers add more color to the city.
May: The Turning Point
May is usually when London’s weather truly begins to turn around. By the middle of the month, I’ve put away my winter coat and boots, and there are usually more warm days than cold.
While gray skies and rain are still possible, the warmer temperatures make them less bothersome.
The average high temperature in May is 18°C (64°F). By the end of the month, the sun rises before 5am and sets after 9pm. It really starts to feel like summer is on its way.
June: Warm Days and Windy Breezes
June in London marks the beginning of summer, with average highs reaching the low 20s Celsius (high 60s Fahrenheit). Daylight hours continue to increase until the summer solstice, making the city feel bright and inviting.
June can also be quite windy, though. Despite the rising temperatures, I often find myself needing extra layers due to the wind chill. If you’re visiting London in June, be sure to pack a jacket!
July: Warmth and Potential for Rain
July is often one of the warmest months in London, with the longest days of the year. Average temperatures can climb up to 23°C (73°F), which, while not scorching hot, is still quite warm compared to other parts of the UK.
However, July can also bring its share of bad weather. In a bad year (and Britain has its fair share of them), the weather in July can be wet and cold for weeks. In a good year, it can be downright hot.
Even in hot summers, there are usually days of downpour in July. Remember, it’s predictably unpredictable!
August: Summer’s Last Stand
August in London follows a similar pattern to July, with slightly shorter days, but the average highs and lows remain the same. The weather can be warm and sunny, or it can be more like a typical British summer – cool and rainy.
The daylight hours are still pretty long, with the sun rising around 5:45am and setting around 8:25pm in the middle of the month.
September: A Bit of Both
September in London is another month that can be spectacular or just so-so. Many years have beautiful weather in September, with summer lingering into the beginning of autumn. However, there are also years when it’s just rainy.
The average high can reach 20°C (68°F), making it a pleasant month when the drizzle stays away. The daylight hours start to shorten in September, but even in the middle of the month, the sun rises around 6:30am and sets at 7:15pm.
October: Autumn’s Arrival
October in London can be another mix of warm and cold days. Some years, the city experiences record-breaking heat in October, while other years, winter seems to arrive early.
The average high drops to 16°C (61°F), but the actual temperature can fluctuate greatly. Even on warm days, the high temperature might only last for an hour.
The days really start to shorten in October. By the end of the month, the sun rises before 7am and sets around 4:30pm. Autumn is definitely in the air, and London feels it, with colorful leaves adorning the city.
November: The Darker Days
November in London can be mild or cold, depending on the year. The average high is 12°C (54°F), but it often only reaches that temperature for an hour or two in the afternoon.
Mornings and evenings in November can be much colder, and the darkness starts to set in by the end of the month. It’s a good thing London’s Christmas lights are out in full force, or the nights would feel even longer.
December: A Winter Wonderland (Maybe)
December in London brings the shortest day of the year with the winter solstice. By the middle of the month, the sun rises after 8am and sets before 4pm.
The weather in December tends to be cold, and snow is not unheard of, though it’s more plentiful in some years than others. The average high is 9°C (48°F), but sometimes it’s so mild that cherry blossoms and daffodils bloom!
London’s Weather: A Love-Hate Relationship
So there you have it! London’s predictably unpredictable weather. While it’s always a bit of a mystery what the weather will be like from day to day, hopefully this month-by-month guide gives you a better idea of what to expect.
No matter what weather you experience, London is a city that’s full of charm and beauty. You might not even notice the weather, you’ll be so busy exploring!
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