If you’re standing on the Prime Meridian, one foot in the east and one in the west, you might think you’ve got a handle on how the world works. But then the sky over the Thames turns that weird, bruised shade of purple, and suddenly your "light spring jacket" feels like a tragic mistake.
Greenwich is beautiful. It’s also fickle.
Honestly, the weather in greenwich london is a bit of a localized legend. Because it sits right on the river and boasts one of the biggest hills in South East London, it doesn't always play by the same rules as the West End or the City. You can be basking in sunshine at the Cutty Sark while a literal wall of gray mist is swallowing the O2 just a mile north.
It’s weird. It’s London.
The Greenwich Microclimate: Why the Hill Matters
Most people check the "London" forecast and assume that's that. Big mistake. Greenwich has its own little atmospheric bubble.
The Royal Observatory sits about 150 feet above sea level. That doesn't sound like much until you're huffing up the path in July. The "Hill Effect" means that while the riverside is humid and still, the top of the park often catches a stiff breeze coming off the Thames.
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This breeze is a lifesaver in the summer. When Central London is a sweltering concrete oven (thanks to the Urban Heat Island effect), Greenwich stays roughly 2°C cooler.
But there’s a trade-off.
In winter, that same elevation makes the frost stick. While the snow usually turns to gray slush the second it hits the pavement in Westminster, it actually lingers on the grass in Greenwich Park. It's basically the only place in the borough where you can actually build a decent snowman.
Month-by-Month: What to Actually Expect
Don't trust those generic "average temperature" charts. They lie by omission.
The Shifty Spring (March to May)
March is a liar. It promises blossoms and gives you hail.
By April, things settle. You’ve got highs of 15°C, but the wind off the water is still sharp.
May is, quite frankly, the sweet spot. The chestnuts are blooming in the park, and the rain usually takes a breather.
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The Real Summer (June to August)
July 2022 saw London hit a record-shattering 40.2°C.
Greenwich felt it. The grass turned the color of a digestive biscuit.
Generally, though, you’re looking at 23°C to 25°C. It’s perfect for a picnic by the bandstand, but the humidity can make the walk from the pier to the market feel like a trek through a rainforest.
The Golden Autumn (September to November)
September is often better than June.
Seriously.
The "Old Wives' Summer" frequently brings clear, crisp blue skies to the Royal Naval College.
November is when the fog returns. "Pea-soupers" aren't what they used to be in the Victorian era (thank the Clean Air Acts), but the river still generates a thick, damp mist that makes the Old Royal Naval College look like a movie set.
The Damp Winter (December to February)
It doesn't get "Canadian cold" here.
It gets "Wet cold."
Average lows hover around 2°C or 3°C. The wind-chill from the Thames is the real enemy. If you’re visiting the Christmas market, wear wool. Cotton won't save you from the damp.
What Nobody Tells You About the Rain
Everyone says London is rainy.
Technically, London gets less annual rainfall than Rome or Sydney.
The difference is duration.
In Greenwich, the rain is rarely a downpour. It’s more of a persistent, annoying drizzle that lasts for six hours. This is why "waterproof" is a better strategy than "umbrella." The wind near the river will just turn your umbrella inside out anyway. I’ve seen enough "umbrella skeletons" in the bins near Greenwich Pier to last a lifetime.
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The Thames Factor
The river is a giant thermal mass.
In the early morning, it keeps the immediate riverside (the path past the Trafalgar Tavern) slightly warmer than the deep interior of the park.
However, the river also means high humidity. If you have curly hair, just accept your fate now. The weather in greenwich london is a natural enemy of a good blowout.
Expert Tips for Navigating the Elements
- The 3 p.m. Rule: In winter, the sun disappears behind the hills of the park earlier than you’d think. If you want that perfect "Golden Hour" photo of the Queen's House, get there by 2:30 p.m.
- The Wind Tunnel: The area around the North Greenwich station (by the O2) is a notorious wind tunnel. Even on a calm day, the way the skyscrapers are built creates a localized "venturi effect." Hold onto your hat.
- The Mud Factor: If it has rained in the last 48 hours, avoid the dirt paths in the Flower Garden. They turn into a sticky, clay-like mud that will ruin white sneakers instantly. Stick to the paved avenues.
How to Dress for Greenwich Success
Forget the "seasonal" wardrobe. You need a "daily" wardrobe.
- Base Layer: Lightweight cotton.
- The "Middle" Layer: A fleece or a light knit.
- The Shell: A wind-resistant, waterproof jacket.
- Footwear: Something with grip. The cobbles around the Market get incredibly slippery when wet.
Is the Weather Changing?
Greenwich has one of the longest continuous temperature records in the world, dating back to 1841.
The data doesn't lie: it’s getting hotter.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich declared a climate emergency in 2019 for a reason. We’re seeing more "flash" summer storms where a month’s worth of rain falls in an hour, occasionally flooding the lower-lying streets near the river. If the forecast says "Thundery Showers," take it seriously.
Your Greenwich Weather Checklist
- Check the tide times as well as the rain. High tide can make the river walk feel much colder.
- Look at the wind speed. Anything over 20mph means the top of the Observatory hill will be brutal.
- Download the Met Office app—it’s generally more accurate for SE10 than the default iPhone weather app.
- Pack a reusable water bottle. There are free refill points in the park and near the museum.
You've got the data. Now you just need to get out there. The view from the top of the park is worth a little bit of drizzle. Just make sure your jacket actually zips up.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Compare the current SE10 forecast against the river tide charts to find the best time for a riverside walk.
- Locate the nearest "indoor" escape routes, like the National Maritime Museum or the Greenwich Market, in case the clouds break.
- Book your Royal Observatory tickets for a morning slot to avoid the hazy afternoon heat during summer months.