London, in the United Kingdom, offers a varied climate throughout the year, with moderate temperatures and significant seasonal changes.
The hottest month is July, with average highs reaching 73°F and lows dropping to 59°F. In contrast, the coolest month is February, showcasing average highs of 48°F and lows of 39°F.
These swings in temperature provide a mix of experiences for locals and visitors alike.
The weather in London can surprise many, with rain being a frequent companion.
June is notably the wettest month, often bringing around 1.77 inches of rain spread across 16 days.
Despite this, London’s numerous parks and outdoor attractions, like Kew Gardens, retain their charm and allure, offering lush greenery and seasonal blooms.
Humidity levels in London typically average around 75%, contributing to the city’s unique misty aura.
Whether strolling through the historic streets or enjoying the picturesque parks, the city’s climate ensures a distinct experience every season.
For more detailed climate information, you can visit the detailed climate page.
Average Temperature In London, United Kingdom
London experiences varied temperatures throughout the year.
Winter months (December to February) are usually the coldest.
In January and February, the average low temperature can dip to 39°F, with highs around 48°F.
These months see shorter daylight hours and colder nights.
Spring (March to May) brings milder weather.
In March, temperatures begin to rise, with highs reaching around 53°F. By May, average highs can climb to 60°F, making it a time of transition.
Summer (June to August) is the warmest period.
The hottest month is July, with average highs of 73°F and lows of 59°F.
These months offer longer daylight hours and warmer nights.
Autumn (September to November) sees temperatures gradually cooling.
September starts with highs around 66°F. By November, the average daily high drops to about 53°F, with cooler evenings.
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 48 | 39 |
| February | 48 | 39 |
| March | 53 | 41 |
| April | 59 | 45 |
| May | 66 | 50 |
| June | 70 | 55 |
| July | 73 | 59 |
| August | 73 | 58 |
| September | 66 | 54 |
| October | 59 | 48 |
| November | 53 | 43 |
| December | 48 | 39 |
During these seasons, the temperature remains moderate, with winters being relatively cool and summers mild.
Some notable records include a minimum temperature dropping to 27.5°F in October 1997 and summer months being consistently warmer.
Average Precipitation In London, United Kingdom
London experiences a variety of precipitation throughout the year, including both rain and, occasionally, snow. Rain is more common than snow, and it varies significantly by month.
Average Rainfall In London, United Kingdom
Rainfall in London is fairly spread out over the year.
On average, November is the wettest month with about 2.68 inches of precipitation.
March sees the least amount of rain, averaging 1.89 inches.
| Month | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 2.05 |
| February | 1.89 |
| March | 1.89 |
| April | 1.97 |
| May | 2.05 |
| June | 1.77 |
| July | 2.24 |
| August | 2.13 |
| September | 1.84 |
| October | 2.36 |
| November | 2.68 |
| December | 2.36 |
Rainfall is more frequent in winter and late fall, making these months wetter overall.
Summer months like July and August also see rain but less consistently, leading to occasionally damp weather that contrasts with the warmth.
Average Snow In London, United Kingdom
Snowfall in London is relatively rare compared to rain. When it does snow, it typically occurs between December and February.
The average snowfall can vary, but it often amounts to less than an inch each month during these periods.
Snow is not a significant feature of London’s climate but can cause disruptions when it occurs due to the city’s infrastructure.
The coldest month, February, sometimes sees freezing temperatures that can lead to light snowfalls. January’s snowfall tends to be similar, seldom exceeding an inch.
| Month | Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 0.79 |
| February | 0.98 |
| March | 0.39 |
In summary, while rain is a common sight, snow is a more occasional visitor in the winter months.
Average Sun In London, United Kingdom
London experiences varying levels of sunshine throughout the year, influenced by its latitude and climate. This section covers how much solar energy London receives on average.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In London, United Kingdom
The amount of solar energy reaching London changes with the seasons.
During the summer months, the city benefits from longer daylight hours.
In June, the longest day has up to 16.5 hours of daylight. In contrast, December has the shortest day, with only about 8 hours of daylight.
Monthly Solar Energy (kWh/m²):
| Month | Solar Energy (kWh/m²) |
|---|---|
| January | 1.1 |
| February | 1.8 |
| March | 2.5 |
| April | 3.5 |
| May | 4.7 |
| June | 5.3 |
| July | 5.1 |
| August | 4.4 |
| September | 3.3 |
| October | 2.1 |
| November | 1.5 |
| December | 1.0 |
London gets the highest solar energy in June, peaking at 5.3 kWh/m². There is a noticeable drop in the winter months, with December receiving the least solar energy.
Daylight saving time in London starts in late March and ends in late October.
This time adjustment helps increase evening daylight, enhancing the city’s sunshine exposure.
London’s moderate climate and geographical position offer a varied yet consistent pattern of sunshine, benefiting its residents and visitors.
Average Humidity In London, United Kingdom
London experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year. Relative humidity measures the amount of moisture in the air compared to what it can hold at that temperature.
The annual average relative humidity in London is around 79.6%.
Here’s a breakdown of average monthly relative humidity:
| Month | Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 88 |
| February | 84 |
| March | 79 |
| April | 73 |
| May | 72 |
| June | 70 |
| July | 72 |
| August | 75 |
| September | 80 |
| October | 85 |
| November | 88 |
| December | 89 |
The most humid month in London is December, with an average relative humidity of 89%. Conversely, June has the least humidity, averaging 70%.
Dew Point is another important factor in understanding humidity. The dew point indicates the temperature at which air becomes saturated, leading to dew or fog. A higher dew point means more moisture in the air.
In the colder months, particularly January and December, high relative humidity can make the air feel even colder.
For more detailed information, the monthly weather statistics of London can be found here.
Average Wind In London, United Kingdom
London experiences varied wind patterns throughout the year. The wind speed typically ranges between mild to moderate levels.
Average Wind Speed By Month
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 10 |
| February | 10.5 |
| March | 10 |
| April | 9 |
| May | 8.5 |
| June | 8 |
| July | 7.5 |
| August | 7.5 |
| September | 8 |
| October | 9 |
| November | 10 |
| December | 10 |
February generally has the highest average wind speed.
June, July, and August see the calmest wind speeds, averaging about 7.5 mph.
Windiest Month
February stands out as the windiest month, with average speeds reaching up to 10.5 mph.
Calmest Period
The summer months (June, July, and August) see the lowest wind speeds, making them ideal for outdoor activities. Wind speeds during this period average around 7.5 to 8 mph.
Winds in London are influenced by various weather patterns, including Atlantic storms that can occasionally bring higher speeds, especially in the colder months.
The wind speed data is crucial for planning activities like tourism and outdoor events.
Average Air Quality In London, United Kingdom
London’s air quality has varied over the years, influenced by factors such as weather patterns, traffic, and industry.
Observations from different areas, including popular spots like Heathrow Airport and Northolt, provide insight into this.
Based on historical data, London’s PM2.5 levels have typically remained above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target limit of 10µg/m³.
For example, in 2019, the average PM2.5 level was 11.4µg/m³. This measurement, while considered “Low” in the UK’s Daily London Air Quality Index, is still higher than WHO recommendations.
Monthly Average Air Quality Levels (PM2.5) in London (2023):
| Month | PM2.5 Level (µg/m³) | Air Quality |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12.5 | Moderate |
| February | 11.8 | Moderate |
| March | 10.6 | Low |
| April | 9.9 | Good |
| May | 8.7 | Good |
| June | 9.3 | Good |
| July | 10.1 | Low |
| August | 10.4 | Low |
| September | 10.7 | Low |
| October | 11.2 | Moderate |
| November | 12.0 | Moderate |
| December | 12.6 | Moderate |
Air quality can be influenced by weather conditions such as clouds and atmospheric pressure.
Data from the London Weather Centre shows that higher levels of pollutants are often recorded during colder months when heating is used more frequently.
To stay updated on real-time air quality, residents can use tools such as IQAir and AccuWeather which provide localized data.
For more detailed information, check out the London Air Quality Index.
Topography Of London, United Kingdom
London is located in the southeast of England. The city sits at a latitude of 51.5074° N and a longitude of 0.1278° W.
The terrain in London is relatively flat with a slight elevation. The average elevation above sea level is about 36 feet.
London is a temperate city with a marine west coast climate according to the Köppen Climate Classification.
London is built on the banks of the River Thames, which flows through the city from west to east. The river’s presence has shaped much of London’s development and landscape, dividing the city into northern and southern parts.
Many of London’s key landmarks and historical sites are situated along the Thames.
In terms of geographical features, London lacks significant natural islands or mountains. The highest point in the city is Hampstead Heath, which reaches an elevation of about 440 feet.
London’s landscape is a mix of urban development and green spaces.
Parks such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are essential green lungs for the city. The city’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean influences its weather, making it more temperate and usually preventing extreme temperatures.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur In London, United Kingdom
London experiences various extreme weather events throughout the year. These can include heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and occasional frost.
Despite its generally mild climate, London has seen hot days. A study by the Met Office Hadley Centre suggests that the chance of seeing days reaching 104°F (40°C) is currently low, but could increase significantly by 2100 as climate change progresses.
Learn more about the potential rise in extreme heat at the Met Office website.
London often faces heavy rainfall, particularly during the winter months.
For example, rainfall from events that usually happen once every two years in summer is expected to increase by around 25%.
This rising trend can lead to more frequent and severe surface water flooding, especially in urban areas.
More details are available at this Met Office report.
Frost:
Frost is less common in central London due to the urban heat island effect but can still occur, particularly in outer areas.
Frosty conditions are more likely during the winter months, usually from December to February.
Average Monthly Extreme Weather Data
| Month | Heatwaves (Days > 85°F) | Heavy Rainfall (inches) | Frost Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 2.1 | 5 |
| February | 0 | 1.6 | 4 |
| March | 0 | 1.7 | 2 |
| April | 0 | 1.5 | 1 |
| May | 1 | 1.8 | 0 |
| June | 2 | 2.2 | 0 |
| July | 4 | 2.5 | 0 |
| August | 3 | 2.4 | 0 |
| September | 1 | 2.3 | 0 |
| October | 0 | 2.7 | 0 |
| November | 0 | 2.6 | 2 |
| December | 0 | 2.3 | 4 |
Extreme weather events in London are influenced by climate change, leading to higher risks of heatwaves and heavy rainfall. These trends create challenges for the city’s infrastructure and population.
For more information, refer to this BBC article on London’s preparedness.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit London, United Kingdom
London’s weather varies through the year, with each season offering unique experiences. Factors like temperature, rainfall, and city events can influence the best time to visit.
What Is London, United Kingdom Like In Spring
Spring in London spans from March to May. During this time, temperatures range from 41°F to 60°F. Rainfall is moderate, so carrying an umbrella is advisable.
The city’s parks and gardens burst into bloom, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities.
Events such as the Chelsea Flower Show in May attract visitors. With mild temperatures and blossoming nature, Spring is often considered one of the best times to explore London.
| Month | Temperature (°F) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 41 – 52 | 1.6 |
| April | 44 – 56 | 1.5 |
| May | 50 – 60 | 1.9 |
What Is London, United Kingdom Like In Summer
Summer lasts from June to August. The average temperature ranges between 54°F to 74°F. It’s generally comfortable, though occasional heatwaves can push temperatures higher.
Rainfall is relatively low, but occasional showers mean having an umbrella isn’t a bad idea.
The city is bustling with events like Wimbledon and outdoor festivals. For many, summer is the prime time to visit due to the longer days and vibrant city life.
| Month | Temperature (°F) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 54 – 70 | 1.7 |
| July | 57 – 74 | 1.7 |
| August | 57 – 73 | 1.9 |
What Is London, United Kingdom Like In Fall
Fall, or autumn, runs from September to November. Temperatures drop from 60°F to 50°F. Rain becomes more frequent, so an umbrella is essential.
The season brings beautiful fall foliage in the city’s parks.
Events like the London Film Festival in October make it an interesting time to visit. While the weather cools, the city’s cultural scene remains vibrant.
| Month | Temperature (°F) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 54 – 66 | 1.7 |
| October | 48 – 59 | 2.3 |
| November | 43 – 50 | 2.6 |
What Is London, United Kingdom Like In Winter
Winter extends from December to February.
Temperatures are cold, ranging from 39°F to 48°F.
Rain and wind are common, making it crucial to have warm clothing and an umbrella.
Despite the cold, festive events like Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve celebrations keep the city lively.
While it might be the worst time to visit for those sensitive to cold, the winter charm and fewer tourists can make it a special experience.
| Month | Temperature (°F) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 39 – 48 | 2.4 |
| January | 39 – 46 | 2.1 |
| February | 39 – 46 | 1.6 |