London is a bit of a mood right now. If you're looking out the window today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you're probably seeing that classic, thick blanket of gray that makes the city feel like it’s tucked under a heavy duvet. Honestly, it’s the kind of weather that makes you want to cancel every plan and just stay in a pub with a fireplace. But if you have to be out, here is the real deal on what’s happening.
Currently, it’s 45°F and cloudy. The air is heavy—humidity is sitting at a whopping 98%. You’ll feel that dampness in your bones, even if it isn't full-on raining yet. There’s a light breeze coming from the east at about 5 mph, just enough to make the air feel a bit sharper than the thermometer says.
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The Five Day Weather London Outlook: Drizzle and Chill
Looking at the next few days, we are in a bit of a holding pattern. We aren't seeing any "Beast from the East" snow yet (though some maps are whispering about late January), but it’s definitely "big coat" weather.
Sunday, January 18
Today is going to stay cloudy. We might see the high hit 51°F, which isn't terrible for January, but the low will dip to 42°F. Tonight might clear up a tiny bit to "partly cloudy," but don't hold your breath for starlight.
Monday, January 19
Tomorrow, the rain starts to move in. It’s not a monsoon, just that annoying light rain London does so well. The high stays at 51°F, and the low at 42°F. The wind shifts to the southeast, but it’s still pretty gentle at 6 mph.
Tuesday, January 20
Tuesday is more of the same, but the wind picks up a bit. We’re looking at 10 mph gusts from the southeast. Light rain is expected through the day and night. High of 50°F and a slightly warmer low of 44°F.
Dealing with the Humidity
One thing people always forget about London in January is the humidity. It’s not "tropical" humidity; it’s "wet cold." When the humidity is 85% to 95%, like it will be all week, the cold air clings to you.
A 48°F day in London feels way colder than a 48°F day in a dry climate. It’s basically physics.
Wednesday, January 21
The temp drops a tiny bit to a high of 48°F. The light rain continues. It’s pretty consistent, honestly. You’ll want an umbrella, but the wind is 10 mph, so maybe just a good waterproof hood.
Thursday, January 22
By Thursday, we are still seeing light rain. The chance of precipitation goes up slightly to 25% during the day and 35% at night. High of 48°F and a low of 44°F.
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What Most People Get Wrong About London Rain
Everyone thinks it’s always pouring here. It’s not. It’s just... damp. We get these long stretches of "light rain" or "drizzle" that don't actually show up as much volume in a rain gauge, but they definitely ruin your hair.
According to the Met Office, January is typically one of the gloomier months, averaging only about two hours of sunshine a day. We’re definitely seeing that play out this week. The UV index is basically zero, so you don't need the sunscreen, but you might need some Vitamin D supplements.
Strategic Planning for the Week
If you're trying to time your outdoor activities, Sunday is technically your "dryest" bet, even if it is cloudy. Once Monday hits, the dampness settles in for the duration.
- Monday & Tuesday: Best for indoor museums or hitting up the Southbank Centre.
- Wednesday: A good day for a cinema trip or a long lunch.
- Thursday: The rain chance peaks at night, so if you're heading out for dinner, get a cab.
The southeast winds are going to keep things feeling "raw." That’s the word Londoners use when it’s damp and breezy. It’s not freezing, but it’s biting.
Honestly, the most important thing is your footwear. With humidity this high and light rain every day, the pavements never really dry out. They stay slick and cold. Leather boots or something with a decent grip are a must.
Keep an eye on the later part of the month. While this five-day stretch is mostly just liquid, some models are showing a cold snap coming toward the end of January. For now, just keep the umbrella handy and maybe find a nice spot for some tea.
Actionable Steps for the Week:
- Check your gear: Make sure your "waterproof" coat actually still beads water. If it’s soaking through in light rain, it needs a re-treatment.
- Plan for the "Raw" factor: Layer up with wool or fleece. Cotton will just soak up the 98% humidity and make you shiver.
- Monitor evening temps: The lows are sticking around 42°F-44°F, which is just high enough to avoid ice, but low enough for a nasty chill if you're standing still.
- Embrace the indoors: Use the Tuesday/Wednesday rain as an excuse to visit the National Gallery or the British Museum where it’s climate-controlled and dry.