London Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit London.
Climate overview of London
London has the image always to be wet and gray. But if you look at the whole of the United Kingdom, London is actually one of the most sunny and dry cities in the country. With a quantity of rain that comes out below six hundred millimetres per year, London is drier than for example Rome. With a number of hours of sunshine that averages around fifteen hundred a year, London is not to be called extremely sunny but it is not to bad as well.
Summers have pleasant temperatures with average high temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and night temperatures of 13°C (55°F). Winters in London are cold, but the temperature is hardly below freezing. Snow occurs sometimes in winter but rarely settles more than a few millimetres deep.
Springs is a great period to visit London. During the day it is nice and warm, however in the evenings it is still very cool. In autumn months it can occasionally storm. The rainfall is evenly spread throughout the year.
London Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in London — and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in London
The climate in London is known for significant temperature differences throughout the year, making the weather dynamic. Average daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 23°C (73°F) in July. In January, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a chilly 9°C (48°F).
At night, temperatures range from around 14°C (57°F) in July to 3°C (37°F) in January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in London
Generally, London receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 716 mm (28 in) annually. Despite minor fluctuations, London enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In November, you can expect around 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation, while in March, London receives about 48 mm (1.9 in). For more details, please visit our London Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in London
London can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of July under a blue sky, with approximately 7.3 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in December, with only 1.8 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Humidity in London by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in London.
The city experiences its highest humidity in November, reaching 81%. In April, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 64%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in London
The mean wind speed varies between 3 m/s (6 knots) and 4 m/s (8 knots) throughout the year. It is lowest in May, June, July, August, September, October and November and highest during January, February, March, April and December. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit London
Frequently asked questions about the climate in London
What is the best time to visit London?
June, July, August and September typically offer the most optimal weather in London. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions.
What temperatures can I expect in London?
Daytime highs range from 9°C (48°F) in January to 23°C (73°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from 3°C (37°F) to 14°C (57°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does London get?
Annual rainfall is around 716 mm (28 in). November is the wettest month with 68 mm (2.7 in), while March is the driest with 48 mm (1.9 in).
How sunny is London?
London receives around 1,675 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 219 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 54 hours.
London 3-Day Forecast
London 3-Day Forecast
London on the map
London is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.
Popular this month
Where to go in June — average daytime high across popular destinations.
London
21°C (70°F) Bath20°C (68°F) York19°C (66°F) Manchester
19°C (66°F) Edinburgh17°C (63°F) Glasgow
18°C (64°F) Torquay18°C (64°F) Blackpool17°C (63°F) 
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