London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history, culture, and architecture. It is also a popular destination for tourists from around the world, who come to experience its many attractions, including the British Museum, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace.
If you're planning a trip to London, it's important to pack the right clothes and plan your activities accordingly. The weather in London can be unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for anything. In this article, we'll take a look at the average temperatures in London by month, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
From the bustling streets of the city center to the tranquil beauty of its parks, London has something to offer everyone. Whether you're looking for culture, history, or simply a fun night out, you're sure to find it in London. And with its mild climate, London is a great place to visit year-round.
London Temperature by Month
London's weather can be unpredictable, but it's generally mild year-round.
- January: Chilly and damp
- February: Cold and cloudy
- March: Cool and windy
- April: Mild and sunny
- May: Pleasant and warm
- June: Warm and humid
- July: Hot and sunny
- August: Warm and dry
The hottest month in London is July, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F). The coldest month is January, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F).
January: Chilly and damp
January is the coldest month in London, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F). It is also the dampest month, with an average of 10 rainy days. Snow is also possible, but it is not common.
- Wrap up warm: Be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes, including a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. You may also want to consider wearing layers, so you can adjust your clothing as needed.
- Prepare for rain: Bring an umbrella or raincoat, as there is a good chance of rain in January.
- Visit indoor attractions: If you're looking for things to do in January, there are plenty of indoor attractions to choose from, such as museums, art galleries, and theaters.
- Enjoy the winter sales: January is a great time to shop in London, as many stores have sales on winter clothing and other items.
Despite the cold weather, January can be a great time to visit London. The city is less crowded than in other months, and there are plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy, such as ice skating, Christmas markets, and New Year's Eve celebrations.
February: Cold and cloudy
February is the second coldest month in London, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F). It is also a cloudy month, with an average of only 3 hours of sunshine per day. Rain and fog are also common in February.
Despite the cold and cloudy weather, there are still plenty of things to see and do in London in February. Here are a few ideas:
Visit the British Museum: The British Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world, with a collection of over 8 million objects. It's a great place to spend a rainy day, and it's free to visit.
See a show in the West End: London's West End is home to some of the best theaters in the world. You can see everything from musicals to plays to comedies. Check out the latest shows and book your tickets in advance.
Take a walk through Hyde Park: Hyde Park is one of London's largest and most beautiful parks. It's a great place to go for a walk, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Visit the Tower of London: The Tower of London is a historic fortress that has been used as a royal palace, a prison, and an execution site. It's a fascinating place to visit, and you can learn all about its history.
February may be a cold and cloudy month, but there are still plenty of things to see and do in London. So wrap up warm and enjoy all that the city has to offer.
March: Cool and windy
March is a transitional month in London, with the weather gradually starting to warm up. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 11°C (41°F to 52°F). However, it can still be quite cold and windy, so it's important to pack accordingly.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting London in March:
Be prepared for rain: March is a relatively wet month, with an average of 11 rainy days. Be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat.
Dress in layers: The weather in March can be unpredictable, so it's best to dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing as needed.
Visit the city's museums and galleries: March is a great time to visit London's many museums and galleries, as they are less crowded than in other months. Some popular options include the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern.
Take a walk through one of London's parks: London has many beautiful parks, which are a great place to go for a walk, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Some popular parks include Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and St. James's Park.
March is a great time to visit London, as the weather is starting to improve and there are fewer crowds. Just be sure to pack accordingly and be prepared for some rain.
April: Mild and sunny
April is a delightful month to visit London, as the weather is mild and sunny. Average temperatures range from 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F), making it ideal for exploring the city on foot or by bike.
- Enjoy the parks and gardens: London's parks and gardens are at their best in April, with the flowers in full bloom. Some popular parks to visit include Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and St. James's Park.
- Take a walk along the river Thames: The river Thames is a beautiful and iconic part of London. You can take a boat tour, a walk along the riverbank, or simply relax and enjoy the views.
- Visit the Tower of London: The Tower of London is a historic fortress that has been used as a royal palace, a prison, and an execution site. It's a fascinating place to visit, and you can learn all about its history.
- See a show in the West End: London's West End is home to some of the best theaters in the world. You can see everything from musicals to plays to comedies. Check out the latest shows and book your tickets in advance.
April is a great time to visit London, as the weather is pleasant and there are plenty of things to see and do. Just be sure to pack a light jacket or raincoat, as the weather can be unpredictable.
May: Pleasant and warm
May is a wonderful time to visit London, as the weather is pleasant and warm. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Take a walk through Richmond Park: Richmond Park is a beautiful and historic park located in southwest London. It's home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds. You can also visit the park's many historical sites, such as the Pembroke Lodge and the Royal Observatory.
- Visit the Chelsea Flower Show: The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the world's largest and most prestigious flower shows. It's held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea every year in May. You can see a wide variety of flowers, plants, and garden designs, as well as attend talks and workshops.
- Take a boat trip down the river Thames: There are many different boat tours available on the river Thames. You can take a leisurely cruise past some of London's most famous landmarks, or you can opt for a more adventurous ride on a speedboat.
- Visit the London Eye: The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the river Thames. It offers stunning views of the city, and it's a great way to see some of London's most famous landmarks, such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
May is a great time to visit London, as the weather is warm and sunny. Just be sure to pack a light jacket or raincoat, as the weather can be unpredictable.
June: Warm and humid
June is a warm and humid month in London, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F). It's also the wettest month of the year, with an average of 8 rainy days. However, there are still plenty of things to see and do in London in June.
Here are a few ideas:
Visit the British Summer Time Hyde Park festival: This annual music festival takes place in Hyde Park over two weekends in June. It features a lineup of popular artists from around the world.
Take a walk through Kensington Gardens: Kensington Gardens is a beautiful park located next to Hyde Park. It's home to the Albert Memorial, the Serpentine Gallery, and the Diana Memorial Playground. It's a great place to go for a walk, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Visit the Tower of London: The Tower of London is a historic fortress that has been used as a royal palace, a prison, and an execution site. It's a fascinating place to visit, and you can learn all about its history.
See a show in the West End: London's West End is home to some of the best theaters in the world. You can see everything from musicals to plays to comedies. Check out the latest shows and book your tickets in advance.
June is a great time to visit London, as the weather is warm and there are plenty of things to see and do. Just be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat, as the weather can be unpredictable.
July: Hot and sunny
July is the hottest month in London, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F). It's also the driest month of the year, with an average of only 4 rainy days. This makes it a great time to visit London, as you're almost guaranteed to have good weather.
- Visit the British Museum: The British Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world, with a collection of over 8 million objects. It's a great place to spend a hot day, as it's air-conditioned and there's plenty to see and do.
- Take a walk through St. James's Park: St. James's Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of London. It's a great place to go for a walk, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. You can also visit Buckingham Palace, which is located at the eastern end of the park.
- Visit the London Zoo: The London Zoo is home to over 750 species of animals from all over the world. It's a great place to learn about animals and see them up close. You can also book a behind-the-scenes tour to get a closer look at the animals and learn more about their care.
- See a show in the West End: London's West End is home to some of the best theaters in the world. You can see everything from musicals to plays to comedies. Check out the latest shows and book your tickets in advance.
July is a great time to visit London, as the weather is warm and sunny. Just be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong during this time of year.
August: Warm and dry
August is a warm and dry month in London, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F). It's also one of the sunniest months of the year, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day. This makes it a great time to visit London, as you're almost guaranteed to have good weather.
Here are a few ideas for things to do in London in August:
Visit the Notting Hill Carnival: The Notting Hill Carnival is a two-day street festival that takes place every August in the Notting Hill neighborhood of London. It's one of the largest street festivals in Europe, and it features music, dancing, food, and drinks from all over the world.
Take a walk through Greenwich Park: Greenwich Park is a beautiful park located in southeast London. It's home to the Royal Observatory, which is the Prime Meridian of the world. You can also visit the Cutty Sark, a historic sailing ship that is now a museum.
Visit the London Eye: The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the river Thames. It offers stunning views of the city, and it's a great way to see some of London's most famous landmarks, such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
See a show in the West End: London's West End is home to some of the best theaters in the world. You can see everything from musicals to plays to comedies. Check out the latest shows and book your tickets in advance.
August is a great time to visit London, as the weather is warm and sunny. Just be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong during this time of year.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about London's weather by month:
Question 1: When is the best time to visit London?
Answer: The best time to visit London is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) months when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Question 2: What is the weather like in London in January?
Answer: January is the coldest month in London, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F). It is also the dampest month, with an average of 10 rainy days.
Question 3: What is the weather like in London in July?
Answer: July is the hottest month in London, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F). It is also the driest month of the year, with an average of only 4 rainy days.
Question 4: What is the weather like in London in December?
Answer: December is a cold and often gloomy month in London, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 8°C (39°F to 46°F). It is also a relatively wet month, with an average of 10 rainy days.
Question 5: How much rain does London get each year?
Answer: London receives an average of 630 millimeters (24.8 inches) of rain each year, which is spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Question 6: What is the sunniest month in London?
Answer: July is the sunniest month in London, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day.
Question 7: What is the windiest month in London?
Answer: March is the windiest month in London, with an average wind speed of 16 kilometers per hour (10 miles per hour).
Question 8: What should I pack for a trip to London?
Answer: Be sure to pack clothes for all types of weather, as the weather in London can be unpredictable. It's also a good idea to pack an umbrella or raincoat, as rain is always a possibility.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about London's weather. For more information, please visit the Met Office website.
Tips
Here are a few tips for planning your trip to London based on the weather by month:
Tip 1: Pack for all types of weather. The weather in London can be unpredictable, so it's important to pack clothes for all types of weather, including warm clothes, light clothes, and rain gear.
Tip 2: Check the weather forecast before you pack. This will give you a good idea of what to expect and help you pack accordingly.
Tip 3: Be prepared for rain. Rain is always a possibility in London, so be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat.
Tip 4: Dress in layers. This will allow you to adjust your clothing as needed throughout the day.
Tip 5: Take advantage of free indoor attractions. If the weather is bad, there are plenty of free indoor attractions to visit in London, such as museums, art galleries, and libraries.
By following these tips, you can be sure to have a comfortable and enjoyable trip to London, no matter what the weather.
Conclusion
London is a city that can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) months when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, each season in London has its own unique charm.
In the winter (December-February), you can experience the city's festive atmosphere and enjoy activities such as ice skating and Christmas shopping. In the summer (June-August), you can take advantage of the long days and warm weather to explore London's many parks and gardens.
No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to pack clothes for all types of weather, as the weather in London can be unpredictable. It's also a good idea to check the weather forecast before you pack and be prepared for rain.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class attractions, London is a city that has something to offer everyone. So start planning your trip today and experience all that this amazing city has to offer.