London Weather & What to Pack

London's weather is famously unpredictable, but it isn't extreme in either direction. The city rarely gets very hot or very cold — it just changes its mind frequently, which is why layering and a light waterproof are more useful than a heavy coat or summer wardrobe alone.

Month by Month

January–February: 4–8°C, some frost, short days (dark by 4pm). Least likely to rain heavily; overcast is more common than downpour.

March–May: 8–17°C, increasingly pleasant. April showers are real but usually brief. May is often underrated — warm enough but without summer crowds.

June–August: 18–25°C, occasionally hitting 30°C+ during heatwaves. Long days (light until 9pm in June/July). This is when gardens, parks and outdoor events are at their best, but also the busiest and most expensive period.

September–October: 12–18°C, good natural light and calming crowds. Often the best combination of weather and manageability.

November–December: 5–10°C, building chance of rain. Christmas atmosphere from mid-November makes December enjoyable despite the cold.

What to Pack

For any season: a lightweight waterproof jacket or packable rain layer (not an umbrella, which is awkward in London's wind), comfortable walking shoes, and enough layers to adapt to the temperature swings between heated interiors and the outdoors. In summer, sunscreen is worth having for the longer days. In winter, a hat and gloves matter more than a heavy coat.

Tips

• A packable waterproof is more practical than an umbrella — it's often windy enough to make umbrellas awkward.
• Layer rather than relying on one heavy garment — you'll be moving between cold streets and warm museums.
• Comfortable walking shoes are more important than stylish ones — a full London day can easily mean 15,000–20,000 steps.
• September and May are often the most reliable months for pleasant weather without peak-season crowds.