London Weather by Month
A meteorologist-led guide to London's weather every month of the year — average climate, alerts to keep in mind, and the best months to plan around.
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🗓 London year-round
Best months to visit
- May — spring in full bloom, long daylight, lower rain
- September — often the year's best weather month; warm, dry
- June — peak daylight (16+ hours), festival season begins
- July — warmest month; comfortable unless a heat wave hits
Plan extra carefully
- November–February — gray, damp, short daylight (sunset 4pm)
- Heat wave weeks — many buildings lack AC; the Underground gets brutal
- Any month — rain is possible in every season — pack layers and a light rain shell
London weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit London?
May, June, and September are the sweet spots — mild temperatures, longer daylight, less rain than winter. July is warmest but heat wave risk is rising. April and October are decent shoulder months with more variable weather.
Does it really rain constantly in London?
The reputation is worse than the reality. London gets around 24 inches of rain per year — less than New York, Miami, or Tokyo. But it's spread across many light-drizzle days rather than heavy downpours, and combined with the gray overcast, it feels rainier than it is. A packable rain shell year-round handles it.
How cold does London get in winter?
Less than its latitude would suggest. Average January highs are in the mid-40s°F, lows in the mid-30s. Hard freezes happen but are rare. Snow is possible but rarely sticks. The Gulf Stream keeps London dramatically milder than the same latitude in North America.
Do heat waves hit London?
Yes, and they're becoming more intense. July 2022 hit 104°F for the first time on record. London's building stock — brick, minimal AC, dense construction — was designed for cool damp weather, so heat waves feel worse than the number suggests. Check if your hotel has AC if you're traveling in July or August.