London Weather in Winter
December - February
Experience the unique charm of London weather in winter with our detailed guide. Delve into the city’s winter weather patterns, discover seasonal activities and festive events, and find essential tips to make the most of your visit to this iconic city during the colder months. From strolling through festive markets adorned with twinkling lights to cozying up in historic pubs with a warm mug of mulled wine, London’s winter offers a magical atmosphere that’s simply irresistible. So bundle up, embrace the chill, and explore the enchanting wonders of London during this enchanting season.
Average Weather Conditions in Winter
- Temperature: Ranges from 6°C to 8°C (43°F to 46°F), with colder nights.
- Rainfall: Moderate, with some snowfall possible but not common.
- Daylight: Shorter days, with the shortest day around December 21st.
Winter Weather Averages (Dec-Feb)
|
Day Temp.
|
Night Temp.
|
Rainfall
|
Wind Speed
|
Humidity
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6-8°C (43-46°F)
|
2-4°C (36-39°F)
|
50-55mm
|
14-20km/h (9-12mph)
|
70% – 85%
|
Weather in Winter Months
December
December in London is magical with Christmas lights and markets. It’s a festive month with a true winter atmosphere.
January
January is often the coldest month, offering a quieter experience of the city post-holiday season.
February
As winter slowly starts to ease, February can have some brighter days, setting the stage for early spring.
What to See and Do in Winter
- Christmas Markets and Lights: Explore festive markets like Winter Wonderland and see the famous Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street.
- Indoor Attractions: Enjoy London’s wealth of museums, galleries, and indoor attractions, perfect for colder days.
- New Year’s Celebrations: Experience the excitement of New Year’s Eve fireworks along the Thames.
Monthly Winter Events in London (Dec – Feb)
Check out what you can see each month in London to fully experience its vibrant cultural scene.
Winter in London casts a magical spell over the city with festive lights, holiday markets, and a crisp, invigorating chill in the air. The city transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a unique and enchanting experience.
A hop on hop off London bus tour is a perfect way to experience London in winter. You can enjoy the city’s twinkling lights and festive decorations from the top deck, taking in iconic landmarks such as the regal Buckingham Palace, the historic Tower of London with its Crown Jewels and ravens, the impressive Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames, the architectural marvel of St. Paul’s Cathedral with its majestic dome, the iconic Big Ben clock tower and the Houses of Parliament, and the spectacular London Eye observation wheel.
As it gets dark early in winter, around 4-5pm, it’s a great opportunity to explore the city lights. Be sure to dress warmly and take advantage of the open-top bus experience on clear, crisp days. If the weather turns colder or you encounter rain, you can easily move downstairs to the covered section to stay cosy while continuing your sightseeing.
Major providers of these tours also offer special Christmas lights night tours, which are not to be missed and provide a particularly festive view of London.
Tips and Advice for Visiting London in Winter
Packing Tips for Winter
- Warm Clothing: Essentials include a heavy coat, thermal layers, gloves, a scarf, and a warm hat.
- Waterproof Footwear: Suitable for rain and the occasional snow.
- Portable Umbrella: For those unexpected showers.
Special Tips
- Enjoying the Festive Atmosphere: Take in the festive decorations and seasonal events that make London uniquely enchanting in winter.
- Café Culture: Explore London’s cosy cafes, perfect for warming up with a hot drink and experiencing the local coffee culture.
Winter Warmers – Local Foods and Drinks
- Indulge in Seasonal Comfort: Winter in London is the perfect time to enjoy traditional British comfort foods. Warm up with a classic Sunday roast in a cosy pub, or enjoy a hot Cornish pasty while on the go. For a sweet treat, try warm scones with clotted cream and jam. Don’t miss out on mulled wine or hot chocolate from the Christmas markets for a festive touch.
Winter Shopping in London
- Festive Shopping and January Sales: London’s shopping scene comes alive in winter. Visit the Christmas markets for unique gifts and festive items. Post-Christmas, the January sales start, offering great deals in major stores like Harrods, Selfridges, and on high streets like Oxford and Regent Street.
Outdoor Winter Activities
- Embrace the Chill: Enjoy ice skating at iconic locations like Somerset House or the Tower of London. Winter walks along the Thames or in parks like Hyde Park offer a different perspective of the city, with frost-covered landscapes and crisp winter air.
London’s Winter Gardens and Conservatories
- Green Escapes from the Cold: Escape the cold by visiting indoor gardens such as the tropical paradise inside the Barbican Conservatory or the lush greenery of Kew Gardens’ Palm House. These spots offer a warm and vibrant respite from the winter weather.
Tips for Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in London
- Holiday Festivities: Plan ahead for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, as these are popular times in London. Book tickets for special events, such as Christmas shows or New Year’s Eve fireworks. Expect large crowds and a festive atmosphere throughout the city.
Winter Wellness and Relaxation
- Stay Warm and Rejuvenated: Combat the winter cold by visiting a traditional London spa, such as the Turkish baths at Ironmonger Row. For a cosy and relaxed environment, spend an afternoon in one of London’s historic pubs, many of which have roaring fireplaces and a warm ambiance.
Cultural Highlights of Winter
- Winter’s Cultural Offerings: Explore winter-specific cultural events, such as seasonal exhibitions at the Tate Modern or the Victoria and Albert Museum. The theatrical landscape in London comes alive with a variety of performances, from classic Christmas pantomimes to captivating shows in the West End featuring renowned musicals like ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Wicked’. Embrace the spirit of the season with these unforgettable artistic and theatrical experiences.
Navigating London in the Cold
- Travel Tips for Winter: Dress warmly and in layers when exploring the city. The London Underground and buses are efficient ways to travel while staying warm. Always check for any travel disruptions, especially during snowy or particularly cold days.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day in London
- Romantic Experiences in the City: London offers a plethora of romantic experiences for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a couple’s evening at a West End show, dine in a candlelit restaurant, or take a scenic walk along the South Bank. Many attractions and venues offer special events or menus for Valentine’s Day, making it a memorable occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about London Weather in Winter
Does it snow often in London during winter?
Snow in London is relatively rare, but light snowfall can occur. It seldom settles, but it adds to the winter charm of the city.
What are the best indoor activities in London during winter?
Winter is an excellent time to explore London’s museums, art galleries, historic houses, and indoor markets.
How should I prepare for London’s winter weather?
Dress in warm layers and ensure you have a waterproof coat and shoes. An umbrella is also a good idea for rain showers.
Is London crowded during the winter holidays?
London can be quite busy during the Christmas and New Year period, especially in shopping and tourist areas.
Are there any special winter events or festivals in London?
Winter in London features several events, including Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and special winter festivals and exhibitions.
Additional Resources
For comprehensive insights into London’s weather, explore the following sections:
Seasonal Weather Guides for London:
- London Weather Guide
- Spring in London: March, April, May
- Summer in London: June, July, August
- Autumn / Fall in London: September, October, November
- Winter in London: December, January, February
Navigating London’s ever-changing weather and making the most of your visit requires access to the right resources. Here are some valuable tools and links to enhance your travel experience:
Weather Forecast and Updates
- Met Office: www.metoffice.gov.uk – The UK’s national weather service offers detailed forecasts and weather warnings.
- BBC Weather: www.bbc.co.uk/weather – Provides reliable weather forecasts and updates for London and surrounding areas.
- Weather.com: www.weather.com – For comprehensive weather forecasts including hourly and 10-day predictions.
- AccuWeather: www.accuweather.com – Offers local and long-range weather forecasts with real-time updates.
London Events, Attractions, and Activities
- Time Out London: www.timeout.com/london – Discover the latest events, activities, and attractions in London, suitable for every season.
- Visit London: www.visitlondon.com – The official visitor guide for upcoming events, exhibitions, and seasonal activities in London.
- The Travel Wiki: thetravel.wiki – Explore our blog for detailed guides on tours and attractions in London. Find information on daily tours to places like Bath, Windsor, Stonehenge, and the Harry Potter locations in London and the rest of the UK, as well as tours within or from London and various travel passes.
London’s weather is famously unpredictable, but that’s part of the city’s charm. Exploring London from a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a fantastic way to see the city, regardless of the weather.
These tours let you visit iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at your own pace.
No matter the season — whether it’s sunny, rainy, or somewhere in between — you can enjoy the open-top deck on warm days or move downstairs to the covered section if the weather turns.
From blooming spring to sunny summer, vibrant autumn, and festive winter, a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour offers a comfortable and flexible way to experience London’s beauty throughout the year.
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