London isn't cold so much as wet and changeable. Highs stay between 8–23°C (46–73°F) all year and most months see 10 to 14 rain days, so layers and a light waterproof jacket matter more than heavy gear. You'll also need a type G adapter, which mainland Europe doesn't use.
London weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 8°C46°F | 10°C50°F | 12°C54°F | 15°C59°F | 19°C66°F | 23°C73°F | 22°C72°F | 23°C73°F | 20°C68°F | 16°C61°F | 11°C52°F | 10°C50°F |
| Low | 2°C36°F | 4°C39°F | 5°C41°F | 6°C43°F | 9°C48°F | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F | 14°C57°F | 12°C54°F | 9°C48°F | 6°C43°F | 5°C41°F |
| Rain days | 11 | 11 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 11 | 7 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs run from 8°C (46°F) in January to 10°C (50°F) in December and February, with lows of 2–5°C (36–41°F) and about 11 rain days a month. A warm, water-resistant coat, a scarf and gloves handle most days. Wear layers you can peel off in warm pubs and the big South Kensington museums.
Spring
March–MaySpring climbs from a 12°C (54°F) high in March to 19°C (66°F) in May, with lows from 5°C (41°F) to 9°C (48°F). March is the wettest month of the year at 14 rain days, easing to 10 by May. Pack a light jacket, a sweater and a rain shell for Hyde Park and the South Bank.
Summer
June–AugustPleasant, not hot. Highs are 22–23°C (72–73°F) and lows 12–14°C (54–57°F), and June and August are the driest months at 7 rain days, while July sees 11. Bring light layers, a thin sweater for evenings and a rain shell for the odd shower at Borough Market or on a Thames walk.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still mild at a 20°C (68°F) high, then it cools to 16°C (61°F) in October and 11°C (52°F) in November. Rain picks up to 12 or 13 days a month and lows drop from 12°C (54°F) to 6°C (43°F). A mid-weight jacket, a warm layer and waterproof shoes make the shorter days easy.
What to bring to London
0 of 22 packed- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Covers UK type G outlets and charges several devices at once, which matters if London is one stop on a wider Europe trip.
With 10 to 14 rain days in most months, a men's shell that packs into its own pocket is easy to carry every day.
A light, packable women's rain shell for London's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing keeps a laptop and layers dry through the steady drizzle London is known for.
- Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30LBags & Luggage
A light 30L carry-on, so a one-bag trip through the Tube and train stations doesn't mean dragging a rolling case.
- Bellroy City PouchDocuments & Security
Keeps tickets and cards flat in an inside jacket pocket on packed Tube rides.
- Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank 5,000mAh (Qi2)Tech & Power
Snaps onto a MagSafe iPhone and tops it up while you walk, so contactless payments and maps last all day.
Clothing
- Warm coatDec–Feb lows of 2–5°C
- Sweaters or fleece · 2
- Layering tops · 4Summer highs only reach 23°C
- Jeans or casual pants · 2
- Scarf, hat and glovesNov–Feb
Footwear
- Water-resistant walking shoesRain falls 7–14 days every month
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- Compact umbrella
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Lip balm
- Hand cream
- Blister plastersLong days on foot
Documents and money
- Passport
- Contactless card or phone walletTap in on the Tube and buses
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
What shoes should you pack for London?
The Tube saves your feet less than you'd think. London is big, and stations like King's Cross mean long corridors and escalators. Bring comfortable walking shoes that cope with wet pavements plus a second pair for after a rainy day, and skip smooth soles, which slip on wet stone.
What do people wear in London?
Londoners dress in dark, practical layers, like a trench or rain jacket, jeans or trousers, and sneakers or ankle boots. Smart casual works for most restaurants and West End theaters. Few locals carry big umbrellas on windy days, and a hooded jacket is more common.
What plugs does London use?
The United Kingdom uses type G plugs at 230V, which aren't the same as the European plugs in Paris or Amsterdam. Most phone and laptop chargers are rated 100 to 240V and only need an adapter. If London is one stop on a wider Europe trip, get a universal adapter that covers both.
Tours and things to do in London
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for London.
What should you leave at home for London?
Leave the snow gear, since winter lows average 2–5°C (36–41°F). A big golf umbrella is a nuisance on crowded sidewalks and on the Tube. You won't need much cash either, because contactless cards and phones work almost everywhere, buses included.
Around London
Packing for London: questions people ask
Does it rain every day in London?
No. Most months have 10 to 14 rain days, and June and August have just 7. Showers are often short, so a packable rain jacket handles most of it.
What plug adapter do I need for London?
The United Kingdom uses type G plugs at 230V. European and US plugs won't fit, so bring a type G adapter or a universal one.
How cold is London in winter?
January averages an 8°C (46°F) high and a 2°C (36°F) low. It's rarely extreme, but the damp makes it feel colder, so bring a warm coat, scarf and gloves.
Do I need an umbrella in London?
A rain jacket with a hood is usually the better call. Crowds and wind make big umbrellas awkward, though a small folding one is fine.
What should I wear in London in summer?
Summer highs average 22–23°C (72–73°F) with lows of 12–14°C (54–57°F). Light layers and a thin sweater for evenings cover most days.
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