London in November is a mood. Honestly, if you listen to the internet, you’d think the city becomes a soggy, freezing marshland the moment the calendar flips. It’s not. But it’s also not exactly a tropical paradise.
Basically, you’re looking at a transition month. The golden leaves of October are clinging on for dear life, and the festive Christmas lights start twinkling around the second week. It’s a weird, beautiful, slightly damp middle ground.
The Reality of Weather in London Nov
Most people obsess over the temperature. They see "average high of 12°C" (54°F) and "average low of 7°C" (45°F) and think they’ve got it figured out.
Numbers lie.
In London, 10°C feels way colder than 10°C in a dry climate like Madrid or Denver. Why? Humidity. The air is "wet." It’s a pervasive, bone-chilling dampness that sneaks under your coat. You’ve got to respect the damp.
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Last November, we actually saw some wild extremes. The Met Office reported that Bonfire Night (November 5th) in 2025 was the mildest on record, with temperatures in Teddington hitting 14.4°C overnight. That’s warmer than some May nights! But then, a week later, an Arctic maritime airmass can drop the city into a gray funk where you’re shivering at 4°C.
Rainfall: Is It Actually Constant?
Not really. You’ll hear that it rains for 10 to 15 days in November. That sounds like a lot, right? But "rainy days" in London often just mean a 20-minute drizzle or a bit of "mizzle" (misty-drizzle) that doesn't even require an umbrella.
Total rainfall usually hovers around 60mm to 70mm. For context, that’s actually less than what New York City gets in November. The difference is the persistence. It’s often cloudy. You might go three days without seeing the sun, which is why Londoners get so excited when a "crisp autumn day" actually happens. When the sun hits the Thames against a backdrop of orange trees? It's unbeatable.
Packing for the "London Damp"
If you bring a giant, Arctic-grade parka, you’re going to regret it the second you step onto the Underground. The Tube is a furnace. You’ll be sweating in thirty seconds.
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Layers are the only way to survive.
- A waterproof shell: Don't just bring a "water-resistant" jacket. You want something that actually repels water.
- The Uniqlo Factor: Most locals swear by thin down vests or "Heattech" base layers. They’re light enough to stuff in a bag when you’re in a pub but warm enough for a windy walk across Waterloo Bridge.
- Footwear: Suede is a death wish. Stick to leather or treated Chelsea boots.
Daylight is the Real Enemy
The weather in London Nov isn't just about rain; it’s about the vanishing sun. At the start of the month, sunset is around 4:30 PM. By the end of the month, it’s closer to 4:00 PM.
This changes how you plan your day.
If you want to see the sky at the Sky Garden or go for a walk in Hyde Park, you have to do it early. By 3:30 PM, the light starts to turn that flat, blue-gray color. The upside? The city feels incredibly cozy. Pubs start lighting their fires, and the "anticyclonic gloom"—a real meteorological term for those dull, high-pressure days—actually makes the indoor warmth feel earned.
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Why Travelers Actually Love This Month
Despite the gray, November is a secret weapon for smart travelers. The summer "hordes" (as the Rick Steves forums call them) are gone. You can actually get a table at a decent spot in Soho without a three-week lead time.
Events like the EFG London Jazz Festival (mid-November) and the Lord Mayor’s Show bring a specific local energy that you don’t get in the "Disneyfied" peak of December. Plus, you get to see the Christmas lights without the December 20th level of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds on Regent Street.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
- Check the "RealFeel": Ignore the headline temperature on your app. Look at the wind chill and humidity. If it says 9°C but 94% humidity, dress for 5°C.
- Avoid Umbrellas in Crowds: London wind destroys cheap umbrellas, and they’re a nuisance on busy sidewalks. A good hooded raincoat is much more "London."
- Book Indoor Gaps: Plan a museum or a long lunch for 2:00 PM. It gives you a place to be when the temperature starts to dip and the light fades.
- Embrace the Pub: If it starts pouring, do what the locals do. Find a pub with a "snug," order a Guinness or a hot cider, and wait it out. The rain never lasts as long as you think it will.
Go for the museums, stay for the cozy vibes, and just keep your feet dry. You'll be fine.