Everyone tells you it always rains in London. They’re kinda wrong.
Actually, they’re definitely wrong. If you look at the raw data from the UK Met Office, London gets less annual rainfall than Rome, Miami, or even Sydney. The difference is the way it rains. It’s not usually a tropical deluge; it’s a persistent, grey drizzle that feels like the sky is just giving up.
Understanding the London weather by month is basically the difference between a trip where you're constantly soggy and one where you actually see the sun. I’ve lived through enough London winters and "heatwaves" to know that the averages usually lie to you.
The Winter Grumble: December to February
London in January is a vibe, but maybe not the one you want. It’s dark. Like, 4:00 PM sunset dark.
January is officially the coldest month. You’re looking at highs of 8°C (46°F) and lows that hover just above freezing at 2°C (36°F). But honestly? The dampness makes it feel colder. The wind whips off the Thames and gets right into your bones. If you’re here then, you need a proper wool coat, not just a light jacket.
February is more of the same, though it’s statistically one of the driest months. Don't let that fool you into leaving the umbrella at home. Snow is rare. When it does happen—maybe two days a year—the entire city basically has a collective panic attack. Trains stop. Schools close. It’s chaos over three inches of slush.
December is actually the wettest of the winter trio. But the Christmas lights on Regent Street make you forget you’re damp.
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Spring Fickleness: March to May
This is when London starts to wake up, but the weather has major trust issues.
March is a gamble. One day you’re sitting in St. James’s Park with your coat off, and the next, there’s a biting sleet. Average highs hit 12°C (54°F). It’s the month of "four seasons in one day."
April brings the famous showers. But here’s the thing: April is actually one of the months with the fewest "wet days" (days with more than 1mm of rain). The showers are short. You duck into a Pret A Manger, grab a coffee, and by the time you’re done, the sun is out again.
May is, in my opinion, the best month to visit. The average high jumps to 18°C (64°F). The parks are exploding with wisteria and tulips. It’s warm enough to walk around without feeling like an Arctic explorer, but you won't melt on the Central Line.
The "Heatwave" Hysteria: June to August
Summer in London is glorious until it isn't.
June has the longest days. The sun rises before 5:00 AM and doesn't set until after 9:00 PM. It’s perfect for pub gardens. Highs sit around 21°C (70°F).
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July and August are the peak. Highs average 23°C (73°F), but recent years have seen spikes over 30°C (86°F) or even 40°C.
Here is the problem: London is not built for heat.
Most homes don't have air conditioning. The Underground—specifically the older lines like the Bakerloo or Central—becomes a literal oven. If the forecast says 30°C, the Tube feels like 40°C.
August is also surprisingly humid. You’ll see Londoners flocking to London Fields Lido or the Serpentine in Hyde Park just to survive. If you’re booking a hotel for August, honestly, check if they have A/C. You’ll thank me later.
The Golden Descent: September to November
September is the "secret" summer. Frequently, it’s warmer and settled than August. Average highs are still a pleasant 20°C (68°F). The crowds have thinned out because the kids are back in school. It’s the sweet spot.
October is when the rain really starts to settle in for the long haul. It’s the wettest month of the year on average (about 71mm of rain). The leaves turning gold in Kensington Gardens is stunning, but you’ll be seeing them through a misty window.
November is grey. Just... grey. Highs drop to 12°C (54°F) and the "big coat" comes back out.
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What to Actually Pack (The Non-Obvious List)
Forget the "Ultimate Packing List" nonsense. You need these three things:
- Light Layers: The temperature changes by 10 degrees the moment you step off the street and into a crowded Tube carriage. You need to be able to peel off layers fast.
- Water-Resistant Shoes: Not wellies. You aren't wading through a bog. But canvas sneakers will be soaked through in ten minutes. Leather or treated synthetic boots are your best friend.
- A Sturdy Umbrella: Cheap "tourist" umbrellas will flip inside out the second you hit a wind tunnel near the Shard. Get one with vented ribs.
Breaking Down the Numbers: A Quick Glance
If you hate reading paragraphs, here is the gist of the temperatures and rain:
- Warmest Month: July (Avg High 23°C / 73°F)
- Coldest Month: January (Avg High 8°C / 46°F)
- Wettest Month: October (Approx. 10 days of rain)
- Driest Month: February or March (Unpredictable, but lower volume)
- Sunniest Month: June (Longest daylight hours)
The Verdict on Timing
If you want the best weather, aim for late May or September. You avoid the "unbearable Tube" heat of July and the "soul-crushing darkness" of January.
Don't let the fear of rain stop you. Londoners just get on with it. If it starts pouring, there are roughly a thousand world-class museums (most of which are free) to hide in until the clouds clear.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the 5-day forecast on the BBC Weather app or Met Office about 48 hours before you fly. Long-range forecasts for the UK are notoriously unreliable because of our position between the Atlantic and the European landmass. Also, if you’re visiting in summer, download the Citymapper app—it has a "step-free" and "AC" filter for routes that will keep you from melting on the Underground.