If you’re checking the forecast and seeing a bunch of grey cloud icons, don’t panic. That is basically just the default setting for the UK. Honestly, the most important thing to understand about what weather is in london is that the numbers on the screen rarely tell the whole story.
You might see 7°C on a Tuesday in January and think, "That’s not too bad." Then you step off the Tube at Westminster, the wind whips off the Thames, and suddenly you’re questioning every life choice that led you to this frozen sidewalk.
The Humidity Factor Nobody Mentions
London has a damp, oceanic climate. It’s not the "dry cold" you get in places like Chicago or Calgary. Because the air is so moist, the cold has this sneaky way of seeping through your denim and right into your bones.
In 2025, we saw the UK hit its warmest and sunniest year on record, but even with those rising averages, the dampness remains the great equalizer. When people ask what weather is in london during the "shoulder seasons" like March or October, I tell them to prepare for a "wet cold."
It’s not always raining. It’s just... misty.
Seasonal Realities: A Quick Breakdown
Forget those perfectly balanced seasonal charts you see on travel brochures. London weather is chaotic.
Winter (December – February)
January 2026 is currently averaging highs of around 7°C, which sounds mild. But daylight is scarce. You get maybe two hours of actual bright sunshine on a good day. It’s mostly about managing the "wind chill" factor, which can make a 5°C day feel like -2°C.
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Spring (March – May)
This is the ultimate gamble. You might get a "False Spring" in late March where everyone hits the parks in t-shirts, followed by a week of freezing rain in April. April showers aren't a myth; they're a scheduled event.
Summer (June – August)
Here is where things have changed recently. Thanks to shifting climate patterns, London is seeing more frequent spikes above 30°C. In July 2025, temperatures hit 35.8°C in parts of the South East.
London isn't built for heat. The Underground becomes a literal oven, and most older hotels don't have air conditioning. If you're visiting in the summer, "hot" in London feels much more stifling than "hot" in a desert because of that same humidity we talked about earlier.
Autumn (September – November)
Honestly? Probably the best time to be here. The "Great Heat" of summer usually breaks by mid-September, leaving you with crisp air and gorgeous golden light. It gets wetter as you head into November, though.
Why the "Feels Like" Temperature is the Only One That Matters
When you look at what weather is in london on your phone, always swipe down to find the "feels like" stat.
The Met Office—the UK's national weather service—uses a specific formula to calculate this. It factors in wind speed and humidity. On a windy day, the moving air strips away the thin layer of warmth your body naturally radiates.
In the City of London, the skyscrapers actually create "wind tunnels." You can be walking down a perfectly calm street, turn a corner near The Shard, and get blasted by a gale-force wind that drops your perceived temperature by five degrees instantly.
Dressing Like a Local (The Layering Strategy)
You’ll see Londoners wearing trench coats or light puffers even when it’s technically "warm." This isn't just a fashion statement. It’s a survival tactic.
- The Base Layer: Something breathable. If you're running for a bus or packed onto the Central Line, you will sweat, regardless of how cold it is outside.
- The Waterproof: Don't bother with a massive umbrella. The wind will just turn it inside out within ten minutes of you leaving the hotel. Get a high-quality raincoat with a hood.
- Footwear: Leave the suede at home. London puddles are legendary and surprisingly deep. You want something leather or treated canvas that can handle a sudden downpour.
Is London Actually "Always Raining"?
Not really.
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Believe it or not, London actually receives less annual rainfall than Rome or New York City. The difference is the frequency. It doesn't often dump inches of water at once; it just drizzles for three days straight.
This leads to a weird phenomenon where the ground stays perpetually damp, even if it hasn't "rained" in hours.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
Don't let the unpredictability of what weather is in london ruin your plans. Just pivot your strategy based on the season.
- If it’s Winter: Prioritize indoor activities like the British Museum or the National Gallery during the "Big Dark" (the hours between 4:00 PM and 8:00 AM).
- If it’s Summer: Carry a reusable water bottle. London is facing more frequent drought warnings in 2026, and staying hydrated in the un-airconditioned Tube is non-negotiable.
- Check the Radar: Use an app with a live rainfall radar (like Dark Sky or the Met Office app). Looking at a 24-hour forecast is useless here. Looking at the "rain coming in 15 minutes" map is gold.
If you want to stay dry and comfortable, skip the heavy wool coat that takes ten hours to dry out. Go for technical fabrics and light layers. That way, when you transition from a freezing street to a 25°C pub, you can actually shed some skin without having a heat stroke.
Final Reality Check
The weather is part of the London experience. There’s something strangely right about seeing the Tower of London through a light shroud of mist. Just don't trust the thermometer—trust the wind chill, and always bring a hat.
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Next Steps for Your London Visit:
- Download the Met Office App: It’s more accurate for UK microclimates than the default iPhone weather app.
- Pack a "Dry Bag": A small waterproof bag inside your backpack for your electronics is a lifesaver when a "quick shower" turns into a deluge.
- Book Accommodations with AC: If you are visiting in July or August, verify your hotel has climate control; many historic buildings do not, and 30°C nights are becoming the new normal.