The month in detail
What to expect in January
Winter in London is cool (46°F during the day). Days are short (2.0h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. Expect rain on 37% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended.
January ranks 12 out of 12 months in London. Compared to December: −2°F daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
0 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
3°
Daylight
8.1h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 26
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in London is July (7.9/10), 7.0 pts higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · London
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · London
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.
Country · United Kingdom
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyPound Sterling (£)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘ+2.43°F/decade
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 72°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 46°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJanuary · 37%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is London ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United KingdomTemperate oceanic climate with a 7.9 → 0.9 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
51.51°N · 0.13°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit London?
July is the best month with 72°F highs, 57°F lows, 7.0h of sunshine and 25.0% rainy days. The months of July & August offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does London get in July?
London averages 7.0 sunshine hours per day in July. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.4/10.
What is the rainiest month in London?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in London in July?
In July, overnight lows reach 57°F, while afternoon highs average 72°F.
Is London good in winter?
In winter (December-February), London scores 2.0/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 7.4/10.
When should you avoid London?
January is the most difficult month to visit London, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Do you need sun protection in London in January?
The average UV index reaches 0 in January in London (low), with about 8.1h of daylight. No protection needed.