London Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore London’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in the United Kingdom.
Monthly Temperature Averages
Visitors to London will encounter a climate influenced by big temperature differences across the year. Typically, maximum daytime temperatures range from a warm 23°C in July to a cold 9°C in the coolest month, January. Nights are cooler, with temperatures generally dropping to 3°C, particularly during the colder months.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in London by month:
Typically, the coolest time of day is between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the hottest time occurs around 3 PM, when the sun’s heating effect is strongest. July, the city’s warmest month, experiences 219 hours of sunshine.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
January, the city’s coldest month, sees about 60 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 18 days. It records 62 hours of sunshine of sunshine.
Annual Temperatures in the United Kingdom Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across the United Kingdom. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
very warm
warm
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moderate
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London Temperatures Compared World Wide
London’s average annual maximum temperature is 15°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual temperature of 20°C, known for its sunny summers and comfortable winters.
In contrast, in Oslo, Norway, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 10°C, with mild summers and cold winters.
Beijing, China, experiences more extreme temperature shifts, but still averaging 20°C annually.
Perth, Australia, experiences a Mediterranean climate, with a pleasant average temperature of 25°C.
How does the temperature feel?
Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.
On the other hand, in cooler months, especially when temperatures dip below 10°C, high humidity can intensify the cold. This makes the air feel much colder than it really is.
In London, during the coolest month, January, you will experience 80% humidity, which is considered very high. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of 9°C. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Temperatures in the Mountains
Although not all regions have mountains, elevated areas exhibit distinct temperature variations.
- Sun Exposure: Sunlit slopes tend to be warmer, while shaded areas remain cooler.
- Altitude Effects: Temperatures drop by approximately 6°C for every 1,000 meters of elevation, creating distinct microclimates.
For more detailed information about London’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our London climate page.
Current temperature in London
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