London — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit London.
London climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 2°C | 55mm | 84% |
| Feb | 9°C | 2°C | 40mm | 80% |
| Mar | 12°C | 5°C | 40mm | 78% |
| Apr | 15°C | 7°C | 45mm | 74% |
| May | 18°C | 10°C | 46mm | 70% |
| Jun | 21°C | 13°C | 45mm | 68% |
| Jul | 23°C | 15°C | 37mm | 65% |
| Aug | 23°C | 15°C | 47mm | 66% |
| Sep | 20°C | 12°C | 49mm | 72% |
| Oct | 16°C | 9°C | 68mm | 79% |
| Nov | 11°C | 5°C | 64mm | 85% |
| Dec | 8°C | 3°C | 55mm | 86% |
Climate overview
London has a temperate oceanic climate (Cfb), shaped by the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of the North Atlantic Drift. The result is a city without real extremes: summers are mild, winters are cool rather than cold, and rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
Average highs range from 8°C in January to 23°C in July and August. Annual rainfall is around 600 mm — less than Rome or New York — but it tends to arrive as frequent light rain or drizzle rather than heavy downpours, which is where London's damp reputation comes from. Its 'urban heat island' also keeps central London a degree or two warmer than the surrounding countryside.
Köppen classification: Cfb — temperate oceanic
London through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryWinters are cool, grey and damp, with highs of 8–9°C and lows around 2–3°C. Frost is common but snow is infrequent and usually melts quickly. Daylight is short — around eight hours in late December — so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day.
Spring
March – MaySpring warms gradually from 12°C in March to 18°C in May. Weather is notably changeable: sunshine, showers and cool winds can all appear in the same afternoon. Parks are at their best in April and May, and March and April are among the drier months.
Summer
June – AugustSummers are mild and pleasant, with highs of 21–23°C and long evenings — it stays light until after 9 pm around the solstice. Heatwaves above 30°C now happen most summers, and in July 2022 London exceeded 40°C for the first time on record.
Autumn
September – NovemberSeptember is often settled and warm at about 20°C. October and November become wetter and windier, with October the rainiest month at around 68 mm. Autumn storms from the Atlantic can bring strong gusts.
What makes London's weather distinctive
London's weather is famous for being changeable rather than extreme. Atlantic weather fronts move through every few days, so a forecast of 'sunny intervals and showers' is common in any season. Rain often comes in short bursts, and an umbrella is useful year-round.
Fog, once notorious, is now much rarer since clean-air laws in the 1950s. Today the bigger trend is warming: hot summer spells are becoming more frequent, and London's buildings and transport network are not always designed for them.
Best time to visit London
May to September is the best time to visit London for warmth and long daylight hours, with highs of 18–23°C. Late spring and early autumn combine pleasant weather with smaller crowds than July and August. Winter is cooler and darker but quieter, and indoor attractions like museums are easy to enjoy whatever the weather.
What to pack
- A light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella in every season
- Layers — a sweater or light jacket even in summer evenings
- Comfortable waterproof shoes for walking
- A warm coat, scarf and gloves from November to March
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for summer — UV can be strong on clear days
Frequently asked questions
Does it rain every day in London?
No. London gets about 600 mm of rain a year, and on average it rains on roughly one day in three. Most rain is light, and many days with showers also include sunny spells.
Does London get snow?
Occasionally. Light snow falls on a few days in most winters, but it rarely settles for long in the city centre.
What is the warmest month in London?
July and August are the warmest, averaging 23°C. Heatwaves above 30°C have become more frequent in recent years.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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