London’s weather is the stuff of legend—or perhaps infamy. It is famously unpredictable, often delivering four seasons in a single day. But while the city is not known for guaranteed sunshine, understanding the monthly averages and extremes is key to packing smart and planning your activities.
Here is your month-by-month guide to London weather, helping you decide when to visit and exactly what to pack.
Winter (December, January, February)
Winter in London is characterized by short, dark days, chill, and dampness. While snow is rare, crisp, clear days can be beautiful.
| Month | Average High / Low | The Vibe & What to Expect | Best For |
| December | $47^\circ\text{F} / 39^\circ\text{F}$ ($8^\circ\text{C} / 4^\circ\text{C}$) | Festive & Damp. Shortest days of the year. Cold but very little snow. The city is defined by the spectacular Christmas light displays. | Christmas markets, cozy pub visits, and enjoying the festive atmosphere. |
| January | $45^\circ\text{F} / 37^\circ\text{F}$ ($7^\circ\text{C} / 3^\circ\text{C}$) | Coldest & Quietest. The coldest month, with persistent chill and high chance of frost. Very few crowds. | Budget travel, museum hopping (as they are warm and free), and seeking the lowest prices. |
| February | $47^\circ\text{F} / 37^\circ\text{F}$ ($8^\circ\text{C} / 3^\circ\text{C}$) | Damp & Emerging. Still cold and often damp. Days start to get noticeably longer by the end of the month. | Theatre trips, taking advantage of low crowds, and Valentine’s Day events. |
| Packing Essentials: Heavy winter coat, waterproof boots, hat, gloves, and thermal layers. |
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring is one of the best times to visit. The days lengthen quickly, temperatures become mild, and the parks burst into bloom. The weather is variable but often rewarding.
| Month | Average High / Low | The Vibe & What to Expect | Best For |
| March | $52^\circ\text{F} / 40^\circ\text{F}$ ($11^\circ\text{C} / 4^\circ\text{C}$) | Crisp & Improving. Still chilly, especially in the evenings, but the first signs of spring (daffodils, blossom) appear. | Beating the Easter crowds, long museum visits, and early photography. |
| April | $58^\circ\text{F} / 43^\circ\text{F}$ ($14^\circ\text{C} / 6^\circ\text{C}$) | Mildest & Driest. Often one of the driest months of the year, despite the classic stereotype. Perfect for sightseeing. | Sightseeing tours, walking in the parks (look for tulips), and the London Marathon. |
| May | $64^\circ\text{F} / 48^\circ\text{F}$ ($18^\circ\text{C} / 9^\circ\text{C}$) | Warm & Beautiful. Truly pleasant temperatures. Parks are at their most beautiful, and outdoor drinking/dining becomes popular. | Photography, visiting Kew Gardens, and enjoying a traditional Afternoon Tea outside. |
| Packing Essentials: Medium trench coat or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, light sweaters/cardigans, and a travel umbrella. |
Summer (June, July, August)
Summer brings the warmest weather, long daylight hours (light until 9 PM or later), and major outdoor events. However, it also brings the highest crowds and prices.
| Month | Average High / Low | The Vibe & What to Expect | Best For |
| June | $69^\circ\text{F} / 54^\circ\text{F}$ ($21^\circ\text{C} / 12^\circ\text{C}$) | Longest Days. Excellent weather, often sunny and warm. Fewer school holiday crowds than July/August. | Outdoor theatre, pub gardens, and Trooping the Colour. |
| July | $74^\circ\text{F} / 58^\circ\text{F}$ ($23^\circ\text{C} / 14^\circ\text{C}$) | Hottest & Peak Season. The warmest month. Occasional heatwaves can make the Tube very uncomfortable. | Wimbledon, maximizing daylight for sightseeing, and enjoying the parks. |
| August | $73^\circ\text{F} / 57^\circ\text{F}$ ($23^\circ\text{C} / 14^\circ\text{C}$) | Warm & Festive. Remains hot, but rain showers can be heavy. Peak tourist season due to school holidays globally. | Notting Hill Carnival, open-air concerts, and enjoying street food markets. |
| Packing Essentials: Light layers (T-shirts, blouses), light jacket for evenings, sunglasses, and sun cream. |
Autumn (September, October, November)
Autumn starts warm and pleasant but quickly transitions into cooler, rainier weather. The city’s parks offer stunning autumn foliage.
| Month | Average High / Low | The Vibe & What to Expect | Best For |
| September | $68^\circ\text{F} / 54^\circ\text{F}$ ($20^\circ\text{C} / 12^\circ\text{C}$) | Warm Shoulder Season. Often sees pleasant, warm weather—a final burst of summer before the chill. Crowds drop significantly after the first week. | Fantastic sightseeing, outdoor walking tours, and moderate prices. |
| October | $61^\circ\text{F} / 49^\circ\text{F}$ ($16^\circ\text{C} / 9^\circ\text{C}$) | Cool & Atmospheric. The wettest month of the year; expect frequent rain showers. Beautiful autumn colours in Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath. | Cozy pub visits, exploring museums, and enjoying the theatre season. |
| November | $53^\circ\text{F} / 43^\circ\text{F}$ ($12^\circ\text{C} / 6^\circ\text{C}$) | Chilly & Festive Start. The weather is consistently cold and damp. The start of the festive season with Christmas light switch-ons (early-mid month). | Christmas shopping, the start of ice skating rinks (Somerset House), and lower hotel prices. |
| Packing Essentials: Medium waterproof coat, ankle boots, warm sweaters/jumpers, and a sturdy umbrella. |