London weather

The United Kingdom is well known for its rain. However, in reality the weather is not so rainy but unstable and unreliable and rarely extreme.
October, November, December and January are the rainiest times of the year, but the temperature rarely goes under freezing, even in the winter. Temperatures and cloud coverage change frequently, often daily, sometimes even hourly, and there are few rules that dominate the weather system.
Summers tend to be moderately warm with occasional hot days and less rain than other seasons. During summer, London’s bountiful green spaces fill up with office workers and tourists enjoying the surprisingly balmy days as café tables sprout across a multitude of pavements. In July and August temperatures average around 65°F but can occasionally soar to 86°F or more. During most summers, however, you’ll be lucky if the mercury tops the mid-20s. Even so, the summer of 2003 was one of the hottest ever on record for Britain and much of Europe. London sizzled at a record-breaking 100°F in August, breaking once and for all the stereotype of the mild English summer.
Winters are usually grey and wet with some wonderful, cool, crisp, clear days in between. During winter, the grey skies and rain can be forgotten for a while in numerous cosy pubs. In winter they hover just below 42°F; it very rarely freezes in London these days and snow is a very infrequent visitor. It may seem mild, but the dampness can often make it feel much colder.Snow is infrequent. In London there is sometimes thick fog that rolls up the River Thames and hangs over the city, making it very damp and cold. Visitors are advised to arm themselves against sudden downpours. In spring and autumn temperatures drop to between 53°F and 59°F.
Spring or autumn are probably the best seasons to visit the city, when clear crisp sunny days often illuminate London and its landmarks, old and new.

London weather current conditions

London weather forecast

Hotels
Vacations
Airlines
Cars
Maps
Weather
Destination Guides



en fr de it