The capital of Great Britain lies within zone of moderate maritime climate which causes high humidity and legendary fogs. Precipitation is almost evenly distributed through a year. And though its amount may seem humongous actual numbers aren’t as big. Annual amount of precipitation in London is about 610 mm (24”).

There are plenty of days with drizzle yet actual showers are rare. Summer in the city is moderate warm with occasional drops of temperature and significant daily range. Winter is cold and dank however there are no actual frosts. A snow cover lie for about 5 days per year and it is thin, only about 25 mm (0.9”).

 

Seasons

 

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in London

Since March average daytime temperature start to crawl up yet early at spring weather may surprise by sudden drops of temperature of snow out of blue. At April weather conditions are stabilizing and temperature reaches 13 °C (55 °F). In gaps between drizzle mild sun shed its gentle warmth. Sprouts of primroses make their ways through soft soil and gardens are covering with juicy green carpets.

May is great time to visit London despite frequent rains. Air is warmed up to 17 °C (63 °F) and filled with fresh perfumes of blooming vegetation. Amount of daylight hours increases promoting pleasant wandering among the streets.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Min average t°: +3 °C (38 °F) Water t°: +7 °C (45 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 34 mm (1.3")

April Max average t°: +14 °C (57 °F) Min average t°: +6 °C (42 °F) Water t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 43 mm (1.7")

May Max average t°: +18 °C (64 °F) Min average t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Water t°: +12 °C (54 °F) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 51 mm (2.0")

Spring Holidays

Easter celebrations with variable dates at March-April.

Last Saturday of March or April – The Boat Race.

Late April-early May – Virgin London Marathon.

Summer in London

Summer weather in London bears typical English restraint. Average daytime temperature is about 20 °C (68 °F). However visitors should be prepared for surprises. When weather gets tired of restraints sudden warming of cooling may occur. At that shifts air warms up to 25 °C (77 °F) or cools down to 14 °C (57 °F). This circumstance concerns precipitation too. There is possibility of week-long rains or exceptionally periods.

Overall “mood” of weather shifts several times per day yet completely clear sky is rare. Partly cloudy with clearings is its usual state. Summer evenings are rather cool thus autumn clothes will suit better. As exception nighttime extremums reach 19 °C (66 °F).

 

Climate of the Summer Months

 

June Max average t°: +21.5 °C (71 °F) Min average t°: +12 °C (53 °F) Water t°: +15.5 °C (60 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 51 mm (2.0")

July Max average t°: +23.5 °C (75 °F) Min average t°: +14 °C (57 °F) Water t°: +18 °C (64 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 52 mm (2.1")

August Max average t°: +23 °C (74 °F) Min average t°: +13 °C (56 °F) Water t°: +18.5 °C (65 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 62 mm (2.4")

Summer Holidays

First decade of June – London Naked Bike Ride.

Second Saturday of June – Trooping the color.

Late June – City of London Festival.

Last weekend of August – Notting Hill Carnival.

Autumn in London

At September air temperature and amount of daylight hours are decreasing though this is completely suitable time to visit the city. Nature is preparing to winter shifting its palette to various shades of gold, brown and crimson. Air smells damp and feathered foliage making wandering in parks exceptional experience.

October brings rainy and dank days. Thermometer shows 15 °C (59 °F) at day and goes to 6 °C (43 °F) at night. It gets dark earlier and the city filled with some uncertain autumn melancholy. Last month of autumn is dull with almost daily drizzle. It is windy thus average daytime 10 °C (50 °F) aren’t comfortable. Occasionally even first snow falls at late October.

 

Climate of the Autumn Months

 

September Max average t°: +20 °C (68 °F) Min average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Water t°: +17 °C (63 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 2 days Precipitation: 31 mm (1.2")

October Max average t°: +16 °C (60 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Water t°: +14 °C (57 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 38 mm (1.5")

November Max average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Min average t°: +4.5 °C (40 °F) Water t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Sundial in the day: 4 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 46 mm (1.8")

Autumn Holidays

Middle of September – The Mayor's Thames Festival.

Late October-early November – BFI London Film Festival.

Second week of November – London Citi Lord Mayor's Show.

Winter in London

This season is wet and cold in London. Range of daytime temperature is between 5 and 7 °C (41-45 °F) while at night it may drop slightly below 0 °C (32 °F). Central part of the city is bit warmer due to smog and higher density of population. Snowing is rare and usually occurs after rapid cooling.

Fogs, snow drifts and gusty winds are often paralyzing local airports and other transport. Snow is kind of disaster in London. Luckily it never lasts longer than week. Moreover despite unpleasant weather the city at winter is bright and attractive especially at time of Christmas celebrations.

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Min average t°: +3 °C (37 °F) Water t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Sundial in the day: 3.5 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 55 mm (2.2")

January Max average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Min average t°: +2 °C (35 °F) Water t°: +7 °C (45 °F) Sundial in the day: 4 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 32 mm (1.3")

February Max average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Min average t°: +2 °C (35 °F) Water t°: +6 °C (43 °F) Sundial in the day: 4 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 36 mm (1.4")

Winter Holidays

Variable date at January – London International Boat Show.

January 1 – New Year's parade of street artists.