London in late January is a mood. Honestly, it’s that specific time of year when the city feels like it’s holding its breath between the holiday hangover and the first hint of spring. If you’re looking at the 14 day weather forecast for london, you’re probably seeing a whole lot of gray on your screen.
But here’s the thing: London gray isn’t just one color. It’s a rotating cast of "light rain," "mostly cloudy," and that weird biting wind that makes 47°F feel like you’re standing in a walk-in freezer.
Right now, as we move through mid-January 2026, the city is actually leaning into a bit of a damp stretch. Today, Saturday the 17th, we’re looking at a high of 50°F. Not terrible, right? It's cloudy, sure, but with only a 20% chance of rain, you might actually get through a walk along the Southbank without needing to dive into a Pret every ten minutes to dry off.
The Short-Term Reality Check
The next few days are basically a masterclass in why Londoners carry umbrellas they never actually open. Tomorrow, Sunday the 18th, things get a bit wetter. We’re expecting a high of 49°F with rain chances jumping up to 45% during the day and a soaking 75% at night.
Then comes Monday. It’s looking mostly cloudy with a high of 51°F—the warmest day of the week. But don't let that fool you. By Tuesday and Wednesday, the rain settles in properly, with consistent 35-40% chances of showers and highs sticking around 48°F.
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The wind is also picking up. We’re moving from a gentle 6 mph breeze today to about 10 mph by mid-week. It doesn't sound like much, but when it’s coming from the southeast and carrying that North Sea dampness, it finds every gap in your coat.
Is Snow Actually Coming?
This is what everyone really wants to know. Every time the 14 day weather forecast for london shows a dip in temperature, the "purple alert" headlines start appearing.
Honestly, snow in London is usually a mess of slush and disappointment. However, looking ahead to next weekend, things are getting genuinely cold. By Saturday, January 24, the high drops to 39°F, and the low hits 34°F. There’s even a 10% chance of snow listed for Saturday and Sunday.
By Monday the 26th, we’re looking at a high of only 36°F. That is "baltic," as we like to say. The wind shifts to the northeast, which is the classic "Beast from the East" direction. If we’re going to see actual white stuff on the ground, that’s the window. Tuesday the 27th even shows a "rain and snow" mix with a high of 38°F.
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What Most People Get Wrong About London Winter
You’ll hear people say London is "always raining." It’s actually not. Rome and Sydney get more annual rainfall than London. The difference is that London just drizzles for longer. It’s a persistent, misty kind of wet that mocks your "water-resistant" jacket.
The humidity is the real killer. Right now, it's sitting at 90%. That high humidity means the cold clings to you. 40°F in London feels way more miserable than 30°F in a dry climate like Denver or Madrid.
Surviving the Next Two Weeks: A Pro Tip
If you’re visiting or just trying to survive the commute, forget the heavy Arctic parka unless you want to pass out on the Central Line. The Tube is basically a subterranean sauna. You need layers.
- A thin wool base layer. Keeps the heat in without the bulk.
- A proper waterproof shell. Not a "showerproof" hoodie.
- The Scarf. In London, a scarf isn't an accessory; it's a structural necessity to block the wind from your neck.
- Waterproof boots. Puddles here are deeper than they look.
The days are still short, though we're gaining about two minutes of light a day now. Sunset is currently around 4:22 PM. If you're planning to see the sights, get your outdoor stuff done before 3:30 PM because once the sun goes down, the temperature drops fast and the "feels like" factor takes a nosedive.
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The silver lining? Pubs. There is nothing better than ducking into a wood-paneled pub in Soho when it's 38°F and sleeting outside. The weather is basically an excuse to eat more Shepherd's Pie and stay inside.
Check your apps daily, but don't trust them implicitly beyond 48 hours. London weather is a chaotic system influenced by the Atlantic, and it loves to change its mind at the last second.
Your Action Plan for the Week:
- Invest in a vented umbrella. Cheap ones will flip inside out the moment you hit a draft on Waterloo Bridge.
- Book indoor attractions now. If the forecast holds for rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, the British Museum and the National Gallery are going to be packed.
- Watch the weekend. If you have travel plans for the 24th or 25th, keep an eye on those freezing temps; the trains usually handle snow about as well as a cat handles a bath.