Everything you need to know about London's weather before your trip. From average temperatures and rainfall to packing tips for every season, this guide ensures you're prepared for whatever the British weather throws at you.
Understanding London's Weather
London's weather has a reputation that precedes it — and while the city does see its fair share of grey skies and drizzle, the reality is more nuanced than the stereotype suggests. London actually receives less annual rainfall than cities like Rome, Sydney, or New York. The key difference is that London's rain tends to come in frequent light showers rather than heavy downpours, and cloud cover is common throughout the year. Always check the latest London weather forecast before heading out.
London's Climate Overview
London has a temperate oceanic climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream, which keeps temperatures relatively mild compared to other cities at similar latitudes. Summers are warm but rarely scorching, winters are cool but seldom freezing, and rain is possible in any month. The city enjoys long summer days with up to 16 hours of daylight in June, while winter days can be as short as 8 hours in December.
Average annual temperature is around 12°C, with summer highs typically reaching 20-25°C and winter lows hovering between 2-6°C. Annual rainfall averages about 600mm, spread fairly evenly across the year with slightly drier months in spring and early summer.
Seasonal Weather Breakdown
Spring Weather (March – May)
Spring in London is unpredictable but increasingly pleasant. March can still feel wintry with temperatures around 5-11°C, but by May, conditions warm to a comfortable 9-17°C. Rainfall is moderate, and you'll experience a mix of sunny spells and April showers. Daylight hours increase rapidly, making evenings longer and brighter.
Summer Weather (June – August)
London summers are generally warm and pleasant, with average highs of 20-25°C. Heatwaves are becoming more common, occasionally pushing temperatures above 30°C. Rain showers can still occur, often as brief afternoon thunderstorms. Humidity can be noticeable during warm spells, especially on the Tube. Check the London forecast for any heatwave warnings.
Autumn Weather (September – November)
Autumn brings cooling temperatures from 19°C in September down to around 10°C by November. Early autumn is often beautiful with golden light and mild conditions. October and November see increasing rainfall and wind, with the first frosts possible by late November. Fog can occur, particularly along the Thames.
Winter Weather (December – February)
London winters are cold but mild by northern European standards. Average temperatures range from 2-8°C, with occasional dips below freezing. Snow is relatively rare in central London — perhaps one or two significant snowfalls per year, and often none at all. Rain, drizzle, and overcast skies are frequent. Wind chill can make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
What to Pack for London
Year-Round Essentials
Waterproof jacket: The single most important item for any London trip. Choose a lightweight, breathable option that you can layer over other clothing. An umbrella is also useful, but London's wind can make them unreliable.
Comfortable walking shoes: Waterproof or water-resistant shoes are ideal. London is a walking city, and you'll cover significant distances exploring neighborhoods and attractions.
Layers: London weather can change quickly. Dressing in layers allows you to adapt to morning chill, midday warmth, and evening cool all in the same day.
Spring Packing List
Light jacket or trench coat, long-sleeved shirts, light jumpers, jeans or trousers, a scarf for cooler mornings, sunglasses for sunny spells, and a compact umbrella.
Summer Packing List
T-shirts and light tops, shorts or light trousers, a light cardigan for evenings, sunscreen and sunglasses, a hat for sunny days, and still that waterproof jacket — British summers always include some rain.
Autumn Packing List
Warm layers including jumpers and fleeces, a waterproof coat, sturdy shoes or boots, scarf and light gloves for November, and darker colours that hide London's urban grime.
Winter Packing List
Warm winter coat, thermal layers, wool jumpers, warm trousers, waterproof boots, hat, scarf, and gloves. If visiting during a cold snap, consider thermal underwear. An umbrella is essential.
Common Weather Myths About London
Myth: It always rains in London. Reality: London gets about 106 rainy days per year — roughly one in three. Many days see only brief showers rather than all-day rain.
Myth: London is always grey. Reality: London actually gets about 1,500 hours of sunshine per year. Summer months often bring long stretches of pleasant, sunny weather.
Myth: London is foggy. Reality: The famous London fog (actually smog from coal fires) largely disappeared after the Clean Air Act of 1956. True fog does occur but is far less common than in the past.
Weather Tips for Your Visit
Check the 16-day London weather forecast before your trip to plan activities accordingly. Indoor attractions like museums and galleries make perfect rainy-day options. Morning weather often improves by afternoon, so don't let a grey start cancel your outdoor plans. The UK weather alerts page will warn you about any extreme weather events during your stay.
