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weather in london in january

Cold, Gloomy and Fewer Crowds

There is no doubt that the weather in London in January is very cold. You have to wrap yourself up well when outside. London is still a great place to visit during this month since it is not overrun with tourists.

A warm welcome awaits you at the many bars and attractions. When it rains, make sure you have an umbrella and rain cover.

Christmas Time in London 2024

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Snow on London Streets

What to Find During This Month

weather in london in january Statistics

Average Temperature: Highest 8.4°C (47.1°F) | Lowest 2.7°C (36.9°F)
Average Daily Temperature: 4.8°C (40.6°F)
Total Hours of Sunshine: 61.1
Average Daily Hours of Daylight: 8.4
Rainfall: Depth 58.8mm (2.31") | Days: 11.5
Humidity: 86%
Days of Air Frost: 6.8
UV Index: 2

Weather in London compared to other Cities

New York City, NY, USA: -1°C (30.2°F)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): 19.4°C (66.9°F)
Paris, France: 4.3°C (39.7°F)
Los Angeles, California, USA: 11.9°C (53.4°F)
Tokyo, Japan: 4°C (39.2°F)
Rome, Italy: 7.2°C (45°F)

is january the best time to visit london?

Visiting London in January, just right after the Christmas season is quite a good time to visit since you can take advantage of the lower crowds and better sales. The weather is very cold with a number of rainy days so you must pack very warm clothes and also get cover for rainy days. Check out what London in January is like and what to do during this month.

Cloudy Weather in London

what should i pack or wear?

London experiences slightly milder temperatures in January than other northern European cities, but it is still cold and wet, although it is the city's coldest month. No matter when you visit London, there are always the basics you should carry with you especially for winter.

The whole month is very cold, so wearing very warm clothing is essential. However, keep in mind that any indoor activities or establishments will have central heating, so do not wear unnecessary clothing because it will be far too hot.

A raincoat is ideal when walking around, especially since the weather is unpredictable. In addition, an umbrella is useful to carry with you at all times.

Below are the essential needs to bring with you to ensure you beat the cold while in London.

Boots, waterproof shoes and sneakers – These are great for sightseeing especially when it rains.
Long Sleeve Tops & Sweatshirts – Bring a few of each, depending on the length of your holiday.
Jeans and Trousers – Jeans are great for during the day and trousers are thicker for the evenings.
Rain and Winter Jacket – Jackets are a must for the whole duration of your holiday.
Scarf, beanie, and gloves – These will help you keep warm and are easily removable when going indoors.

Weather in London in January - Snowy London

hints on the weather in london

The following is an overview of the weather in London for January to give you a better idea of what to expect when here.

It is not unusual for temperatures to freeze, nor is snow unheard of.
January's average temperature remains steadily at around 5-6°C with a little discrepancy.
The average daily temperature could rise to around 8.4°C (47.1°F) and could go down to 2.7°C (36.9°F).
Snow, rain, fog, or frost; Keep in mind that during the entire month, there is a high possibility that you will experience some or all of these weather conditions.
Around 58.8mm (2.31") of rain falls during this month which comes to around 11.5 days.
If you want to enjoy some off-season crowds, then visiting between the months of January and April is the best time.
London in January has around 61.1 hours of sunshine in total, which averages 2 hours daily. This can vary due to the weather and cloud intensity.
Most days, the average wind speed is approximately 15.9 kph (9.9 mph or Force 3). In general, there is a mild to moderate breeze, usually coming from the south-west, followed by the west and then the east.
On 1st January, the sunrise will occur at 07:43 and sunset will occur at 15:54, while on 31st January, the sunrise and sunset will occur at 08:06 and 16:00.
An average of two days of snowfall happen in London.

best tours from london england

bank holidays for january

New Year's Day: Monday 1st January 2025

Additional Holidays This Month

Christmas Holidays: Typically from mid to late December to early January, usually spanning around two weeks.

New Year’s Day Parade

Take part in the annual London New Year's Day Parade to celebrate the beginning of a new year in the heart of London. A large parade of dancers, marching bands, and acrobats parade around the centre of the city during this massive, confetti-filled festival, as thousands of artists from all over the world join in on the fun.

Event Date: Wednesday 1st January, 2025

Christmas in Kew

At the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, you can embark on a journey into a glittering wonderland during Christmas at Kew.

Enjoy exploring light tunnels and dancing lakeside reflections along the route, as well as colourful trees along the way. The street food vendors will offer you a wide selection of hot food, sweets, hot cocoa, and spicy winter warmers to warm you up.

Event Dates: Wednesday 13th November, 2024 to Sunday 5 January, 2025

hyde Park Winter Wonderland

There can be no greater holiday location in the world than Hyde Park, located right in the heart of London's most prestigious area.

During this holiday season, there will also be a Christmas market and live music, in addition to ice skating and circus performances. It doesn't matter if you are here for a day or an evening, you will have plenty of things to keep you entertained.

Event Dates: Thursday 21st November, 2024 to Sunday 5th January, 2025

london short film festival

The London Short Film Festival, which runs for ten days, showcases the greatest independent films from the UK together with some submissions from outside.

These films range from dramas, comedies, and documentaries to animations, low-budget movies, and experimental works. The London Short Film Festival offers the chance to view unique short films and up-and-coming talent, which is uncommon in today's austere and conformist society.

Event Dates: Friday 17th to Sunday 26th January, 2025

london art fair

London Art Fair will return to launch the international art calendar with over 100 leading galleries from all over the world exhibiting at the fair as part of its line-up to launch the international art calendar. A diverse cross-section of art is featured in the Fair's comprehensive gallery line-up, along with inspirational speeches and panel discussions.

Purchase your tickets today and join fellow art lovers and collectors.

Event Dates: Wednesday 22nd to Sunday 26th January, 2025

burns night

The birthday of Robert Burns, the Scottish national poet and lyricist and an iconic figure in the Scottish nation, is being celebrated today. Poetry readings, fancy dinners, traditional dances, and Scottish whiskey toasts are all part of the event.

In Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom, many restaurants and taverns celebrate Burns Night every year on January 25th.

Event Date: Saturday 25th January, 2025

Chinese New Year's Day 2025

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in London's Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, and the West End, one of the biggest of its kind outside Asia. The parades, shows, and stage performances attract hundreds of thousands of people every year.

Event Date: Wednesday 29th January, 2025

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Walking along Canary Wharf's waterfront is a great way to spend a winter night in London. Thousands of LEDs illuminate the roof of the grand structure, so whatever the weather, you'll have a great time.

Event Date: Saturday 26th October, 2024 to Sunday 23rd February, 2025

New Year's Eve at the London Eye with Fireworks.

New Year's Eve London

first-time visitor travel questions

Every visitor has questions about travelling to a new destination. We have put together the most popular questions and dedicated guides for each.

tours in london during january

There is no holiday complete without taking a tour. Below are some of the most popular London tours.

London: The London Eye Ticket with Fast-Track Option

Experience the fast track line to see London's most impressive view from one of the world's tallest observation wheels. See the famous landmarks from 135 meters above the ground.

Get Your London Eye Fast Track Tickets

London Kew gardens admission ticket

Stroll along an elevated walkway to explore acres of glass gardens. Explore botanical galleries, step inside a royal palace, and learn about 250 years of royal history at Kew Gardens, London's largest World Heritage site.

Purchase London Kew Gardens Admission Ticket

London: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

Experience the best of London from a double-decker bus. Take advantage of the flexibility of a single or multi-day pass and enjoy it at any stop. Listen to the audio commentary onboard for insights and engaging commentary.

Get Your Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour Tickets

Westminster to Greenwich River Thames cruise

A river cruise from Westminster Pier to Greenwich offers the best views of London. Experience London's most iconic sights while listening to live English commentary on a cruise down the River Thames.

There are many iconic sights to see, including the Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the Tate Modern. The audio guide can be listened to on your smartphone in six different languages using Wi-Fi. Duration 1 to 2 hours.

Reserve your Westminster To Greenwich River Thames Cruise Tickets

We hope this guide has given you sufficient information about the weather in London in January. While you are here, why not check out the weather in December or in February.

Also, if you want a general look at the weather for the whole year, check our weather in London page.

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Photo sources

Snow in London – Image by Derek Sewell from Pixabay
Typical London red double-decked bus – Photo by Teresita Biafore on Unsplash
Snow in London – Photo by Valdemars Magone on Unsplash
London eye fireworks – Photo by Kevin Hackert on Unsplash