Honestly, if you're standing on Westminster Bridge right now, you’ve probably noticed two things: it’s dark and it’s very, very grey. Welcome to London in mid-January. It's currently Saturday, January 17, 2026, and the city is tucked under a heavy blanket of clouds.
If you’re checking what is the weather in london now, here is the ground-level reality. The temperature is sitting at a crisp 45°F (around 7°C), but that’s a bit of a lie. With a light 5 mph wind drifting in from the southeast and a humidity level pushing 95%, the "feels like" temperature is actually closer to 41°F. It’s that specific kind of British dampness that somehow finds the gaps in your scarf and settles in your bones.
The London Grey: Saturday's Outlook
Today isn't exactly a "sunglasses and shorts" kind of day. The Met Office has been tracking a fair bit of fog across the UK, and London hasn't escaped the gloom. We’re looking at a daytime high of 50°F and a nighttime low of 42°F.
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Basically, the temperature isn't going to move much. It’s a flat line of "overcast."
- Current Condition: Cloudy
- Rain Chance: About 17% to 20% (Typical London—always a threat, rarely a deluge)
- Wind: Southeast at 5–6 mph
- UV Index: 0 (You won't be catching a tan today)
You've gotta love the consistency, though. While northern parts of the UK are dealing with severe cold wave warnings and temperatures dipping near freezing, London is staying relatively "mild" for January, even if it feels like living inside a Tupperware container.
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Why the London winter is "wet cold" vs "dry cold"
There's a massive misconception that London is always freezing. It’s not. It’s actually quite rare for the city to stay below freezing for long periods. The problem is the humidity. When the air is 95% saturated like it is right now, the cold is "sticky." It clings.
If you were in a dry climate at 45°F, a light sweater might do. Here? You need something windproof. The humidity makes the air more conductive, which means it pulls heat away from your body faster. This is why tourists from much colder places like Canada or Scandinavia often find themselves shivering in London—they underestimate the damp.
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Navigating the city in today's conditions
Since we're looking at overcast skies and a moderate chance of drizzle, today is the perfect day to lean into London's indoor culture.
- The Museum Strategy: If the fog starts to thicken, head for the South Kensington trio (V&A, Natural History, and Science Museum). They are free, warm, and massive enough to spend the entire day in without seeing a single raindrop.
- The Pub Refuge: There is nothing more "London" than a fireplace in a pub on a grey Saturday. Look for spots in Hampstead or Greenwich that still have real log fires.
- Transport Heads-up: Fog can occasionally mess with the river buses (Thames Clippers) or flights out of London City Airport. If you’re planning a trip today, check the status before you trek to the pier.
Actionable insights for your day
If you are heading out into the what is the weather in london now reality, don't overcomplicate your gear.
- Footwear: Wear something water-resistant. The pavements (sidewalks) in London stay slick for hours after a light drizzle because the sun isn't strong enough to dry them.
- Layers: A heavy wool coat is great, but a lighter waterproof shell over a fleece is better for the Tube. The Underground is famously hot, even in January. You’ll be 41°F on the street and 80°F on the Central Line.
- Visibility: If you're driving, watch out for patchy fog, especially near the parks or the river.
The forecast for the rest of the week suggests more of the same, with temperatures hovering around the 50°F mark and light rain becoming more likely by Monday. It’s typical January: moody, misty, and perfectly London.
Check your local transport apps if the fog thickens this evening, and keep a compact umbrella tucked in your bag—even if the chance is only 20%, London likes to surprise you.