How does New York's weather compare to London's? Explore the key differences in temperature, rainfall, sunshine, and seasons between these two iconic cities.
Two Great Cities, Two Very Different Climates
New York and London are two of the most visited cities in the world, and while they share a lot in common — world-class culture, incredible food, and iconic skylines — their weather could hardly be more different. New York experiences dramatic seasonal extremes with hot summers and cold, snowy winters, while London has a milder, more moderate climate with cooler summers and warmer winters but considerably more grey skies and drizzle. Understanding these differences is essential for planning the best time to visit either city.
Compare real-time conditions using the New York weather forecast and London weather forecast on WFY24.
Temperature Comparison
New York has much greater temperature extremes than London. Summer in New York (June to August) regularly sees temperatures of 30 to 35°C, with occasional heatwaves pushing above 37°C. High humidity makes it feel even hotter. London summers are noticeably cooler, averaging 20 to 25°C, with temperatures above 30°C considered unusual and newsworthy.
Winter is where the contrast is most dramatic. New York winters (December to February) are genuinely cold, with average highs around 3 to 5°C and lows often dropping below minus 5°C. Heavy snowfall is common, and wind chill can make it feel much colder. London winters are milder, rarely dropping below freezing, with average temperatures around 5 to 8°C. Snow in London is rare and usually light when it does occur.
Spring and autumn are pleasant in both cities, though New York's transitions are sharper — spring arrives later but warms up quickly, while London's spring is gradual and often damp.
Rainfall & Grey Skies
Surprisingly, New York actually receives more total rainfall than London — about 1,270 mm per year compared to London's 600 mm. However, the pattern of rainfall is very different. New York's rain tends to come in intense bursts — heavy downpours and thunderstorms, especially in summer — followed by clear skies. London's rain is lighter but more frequent, with drizzle and overcast skies spread across many more days throughout the year.
London averages about 150 rainy days per year, while New York has around 120. But London's persistent cloud cover means it feels rainier than it actually is. New York enjoys significantly more sunshine — about 2,500 hours per year compared to London's 1,600 hours. This difference in sunshine is one of the biggest weather contrasts between the two cities.
Sunshine & Best Weather Months
New York's best weather months are May, June, September, and October. These periods offer warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, low humidity, and comfortable conditions for sightseeing. July and August are sunny but can be uncomfortably hot and humid.
London's best weather months are June, July, and August, when temperatures are warmest and daylight hours are longest. However, even in summer, Londoners know to always carry an umbrella — rain can arrive at any time. September in London can also be lovely, with an extended warm period sometimes called an Indian summer.
What to Pack: New York
For summer in New York, pack light, breathable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Air conditioning is everywhere indoors, so a light layer for chilly restaurants and subway cars is useful. For winter, you'll need a serious winter coat, thermal layers, waterproof boots, hat, gloves, and a scarf — New York winters are no joke.
What to Pack: London
For London at any time of year, a waterproof jacket and layered clothing are essential. An umbrella should always be in your bag. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater is wise. Winter in London requires a warm coat but not the extreme cold-weather gear that New York demands.
Which City Has Better Weather?
It depends on what you prefer. If you love sunshine, dramatic seasons, and don't mind weather extremes, New York is the clear winner with its bright blue skies and defined seasons. If you prefer mild temperatures without severe heat or cold and don't mind grey skies and light rain, London's moderate climate might suit you better.
For outdoor activities and sightseeing, New York's weather offers more reliably clear days. For a trip where weather won't dramatically affect your plans either way, London's milder climate means fewer extreme disruptions — though you'll need to embrace the occasional drizzle.
Plan your trips using the WFY24 Route Planner and check both city forecasts to choose the perfect travel dates. You can also explore New York's geographic details and compare Istanbul's weather for another popular destination comparison.
