Spring in London feels like a slow escape from winter’s damp chill into brighter, milder days. You’ll see daytime temperatures climb from the upper 40s °F (about 9°C) in early March to the mid-60s °F (around 18°C) by late May.
Nights hang onto the coolness, so you’ll want to keep a few layers handy.
Rain shows up often, but not in dramatic amounts, and the sky slowly clears as the season moves along.
You’ll watch daylight hours stretch out fast, giving you more time to wander or just hang out outside.
By late spring, evenings can feel long and actually pleasant, great for a walk after work or squeezing in some sightseeing.
This blend of mild temps, occasional showers, and increasing sunshine makes spring a flexible, even underrated, time to visit London.
Whether you’re packing, trying to figure out how often you’ll need an umbrella, or just want to know what to expect, understanding typical spring weather helps you make the most of your trip.
Defining Spring in London
Spring in London signals the shift from winter’s damp chill to longer, brighter days with milder air.
You’ll notice daylight, weather patterns, and the city’s whole mood change across March, April, and May.
Spring Months and Calendar
Spring in London runs from March through May.
Each month brings a different vibe, so your plans might shift depending on when you arrive.
- March: Days stay cool, with highs near 49–55°F (9–13°C). Nights can still drop close to freezing, especially early on.
- April: Temperatures climb, reaching 55–61°F (13–16°C). Rain showers pop up more often, but they’re usually not heavy.
- May: Things warm up and settle down, with highs around 61–66°F (16–19°C). Evenings are still cool but not nearly as sharp.
Daylight expands quickly.
You get about 11 hours in early March, but by late May, the sun’s up for over 16 hours.
This quick shift gives you way more time outside, whether you’re sightseeing or just taking a walk.
Events like Easter and the London Marathon can bring crowds and higher prices.
It helps to know what’s on the calendar when you’re planning.
Springtime in London: What to Expect
You’ll get variable weather.
A single day might throw sunshine, clouds, and a passing shower your way.
Pack layers and stash a small umbrella, since the weather can flip fast.
Cloud cover drops from about 64% in early March to closer to 52% by late May.
You’ll notice more clear or partly sunny days as spring goes on.
Rainfall stays moderate, averaging 1.3–1.6 inches over a month.
Showers tend to be short, not those all-day soakers.
Winds calm down a bit, easing from around 12 mph in March to 10 mph in May.
Late spring feels noticeably calmer and more inviting.
Humidity stays low, so the air rarely gets muggy.
With longer daylight, you get great conditions for exploring parks, gardens, and riverside paths.
Average Temperatures During Spring
Spring in London means a steady rise in temperatures and a mix of mild and chilly spells.
You’ll see gradual warming from early March to late May, but evenings can still surprise you with a chill, so layers are a must.
March Temperature Overview
March marks the first step out of winter.
Average daytime highs hit about 11°C (52°F), while lows often dip to 4–6°C (39–43°F).
Mornings and evenings feel cold, even if the afternoon sun makes things a bit nicer.
Rain’s possible but not relentless.
A light waterproof jacket or umbrella comes in handy.
Bring warmer layers, since temps can drop quickly after dark.
Daylight grows through the month, giving you more time to explore.
Late March afternoons feel a little milder than the start of the month.
Quick facts for March:
- Average high: ~11°C (52°F)
- Average low: ~4–6°C (39–43°F)
- Conditions: Cool, variable, occasional showers
April Temperature Overview
April feels noticeably milder.
Highs average around 14–15°C (57–59°F), with lows near 6–8°C (43–46°F).
The weather gets more comfortable for being outside, but you’ll still want a jacket for the mornings.
April’s famous for its quick showers, so an umbrella is smart.
Even with the rain, you’ll get plenty of bright, dry days.
This mix makes April a lovely time to enjoy London’s green spaces.
Afternoons can be warm enough for lighter clothes, but evenings still run cool.
Layering is your friend, especially if you’re out late.
Quick facts for April:
- Average high: ~14–15°C (57–59°F)
- Average low: ~6–8°C (43–46°F)
- Conditions: Mild, mix of sunshine and showers
May Temperature Overview
May brings the warmest spring weather.
Daytime highs usually reach 17–18°C (63–64°F), with lows around 10–12°C (50–54°F).
You’ll notice evenings aren’t as chilly as earlier in the season.
May gives you longer days and more stable, mild weather.
Rain can still show up, but it’s lighter and usually doesn’t last long.
This makes May one of the most comfortable months to explore the city.
You can often get away with lighter clothes during the day, though a sweater or light jacket is still good for the evenings.
Outdoor dining and evening strolls feel much more pleasant as the temps stay mild.
Quick facts for May:
- Average high: ~17–18°C (63–64°F)
- Average low: ~10–12°C (50–54°F)
- Conditions: Mild to warm, fewer cold evenings
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Spring in London often brings light to moderate rain scattered across many days, plus steady humidity that can make the air feel a bit damp.
You’ll get regular showers rather than heavy downpours, and the climate stays cool and moist, especially earlier in spring.
Rain Frequency and Totals
London’s spring weather is known for frequent rain, but it rarely pours.
You’ll usually see 8–10 rainy days a month from March through May.
Most showers are quick and can pop up anytime.
Rainfall totals average between 40–50 mm (1.5–2 inches) each month.
March is often a bit drier, while April and May bring a touch more rain.
The rain is usually light or moderate, so you might only need an umbrella or a light raincoat.
Since the rain spreads out over many days, the ground rarely gets soggy.
You’ll experience a pattern of passing showers with sunny breaks, which helps keep London’s parks and gardens green.
Humidity Levels in Spring
Humidity in London during spring stays pretty steady, usually ranging from 70% to 80%.
This can make the air feel damp, especially in March and early April.
You’ll often notice mornings are more humid, sometimes with mist or light fog, especially near the Thames.
As the day warms up, humidity becomes less noticeable, though it rarely drops super low.
By May, the warmer air makes the humidity feel more comfortable.
Consistent moisture helps the city’s spring blossoms, but it also means you’ll want clothes that can handle both cool dampness and mild sun.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Spring in London brings longer days, more daylight, and a noticeable jump in sunshine.
Mornings get brighter earlier, and evenings stretch out, especially by late spring.
You’ll get some of the longest days of the year by May.
Sunrise and Sunset Changes
March mornings start with sunrise around 6:30–7:00 AM, and sunset lands close to 6:00 PM.
That’s just under 12 hours of daylight at the beginning.
By April, sunrise shifts to about 6:00 AM, and sunset moves out to around 8:00 PM.
When the clocks jump forward for daylight saving, evenings suddenly feel much longer.
In May, sunrise can be as early as 5:00 AM, and sunset can stretch past 9:00 PM.
You get nearly 16 hours of daylight on the longest late spring days.
These changes shape how you plan your time, whether you’re sightseeing, relaxing, or just wandering around.
Duration of Daylight
Daylight length grows fast through spring.
Early March gives you about 11 hours.
By mid-April, you’re up to nearly 14 hours, and late May hits 15 to 16 hours.
This extra daylight makes spring a fantastic time to see London.
You get more hours to walk, visit attractions, or take day trips without worrying about it getting dark too soon.
Sunshine hours also climb.
London averages about 114 hours of sun in March, 150 in April, and 190 in May.
That’s roughly 3.5 to 6 hours of sun per day, depending on the month.
Even though clouds and showers still show up, the extra daylight and sunshine give you more chances to enjoy the city outside.
Typical Weather Conditions and Variability
Spring in London brings a steady warming trend, longer days, and changing patterns of clouds and rain.
You’ll get mostly mild weather, but temperatures can change fast, with the odd cold snap and differences between open parks and the city center.
Mild and Changeable Weather
People often call London’s spring weather mild but unpredictable.
Daily highs rise from about 49°F (9°C) in March to around 66°F (19°C) in late May.
Lows climb from 40°F (4°C) to 53°F (12°C).
Rain falls throughout the season, with the chance of a wet day going from about 21% in early March to 27% by late May.
You’ll get light rain or drizzle fairly often, but heavy downpours are less common than in winter.
Clouds start to break up as spring goes on.
Early March skies are usually overcast, but by late May, you’ve got nearly a 50% shot at clear or partly cloudy days.
This makes late spring feel much sunnier and better for being outside.
Occasional Cold Spells and Snow
Even though spring is milder, you might still hit a short cold spell.
Nighttime temps can drop near freezing in March, especially if the sky’s clear.
Frost is rare but not impossible in early spring.
Snow in London during spring barely happens, but it’s not unheard of.
If it does snow, it’s usually light and melts fast because of warmer days.
You’ll mostly see this in March, and it’s almost unheard of by May.
Cold winds from the north or east can make things feel chillier than the thermometer says.
Bring a warm layer, especially if you’ll be outside early in the season.
Wind and Urban Heat Island Effect
Average wind speeds drop from about 12 mph in March to 10 mph in May.
Winds usually blow in from the west, but April sometimes brings cooler, drier air from the north.
Strong gusts aren’t as common as in winter, but breezy days still happen.
The city’s urban heat island effect can make spring feel warmer in central London.
Built-up areas often stay a few degrees warmer than the countryside, especially at night.
Paved surfaces hold onto daytime heat and release it after sunset, so city evenings feel milder.
You might notice cooler air and stronger breezes in parks, while busy urban areas feel warmer and calmer.
Where you spend your time can really change how you experience spring in London.
What to Pack for Spring in London
Spring in London brings mild but changeable weather.
You’ll want clothes you can layer and something waterproof for those surprise showers.
Comfort and practicality matter most, since you’ll probably spend long days outside and walking all over the city.
Essential Clothing Choices
Spring mornings in London usually start off cool, but afternoons warm up a bit. You’ll want to pack layered clothing so you can easily adjust as the day goes on.
A light sweater or cardigan over a t-shirt works nicely, and you can toss on or peel off layers as the weather changes.
You’ll probably need a medium-weight jacket in March and April. By May, a lighter option like a denim or bomber jacket usually does the trick.
Even when it feels warmer, the evenings often turn chilly, so it’s smart to bring at least one outer layer for nights out.
For bottoms, jeans or trousers are always a safe bet because they handle drizzle better than lighter fabrics.
If you’re into skirts or dresses, try pairing them with tights in March or April, then skip the tights by late spring.
Choose pieces that work for both daytime exploring and casual dinners—you’ll thank yourself later.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Sneakers or low boots with good support make wandering London’s streets a lot easier.
Since puddles are everywhere, avoid shoes that soak up water.
Rain Gear and Accessories
It rains a lot in spring, so you’ll want to plan for that. A compact umbrella is essential, but make sure it’s wind-resistant because London gusts are no joke.
A lightweight waterproof jacket or trench coat comes in handy, especially during those classic April showers.
Accessories can be a lifesaver in unpredictable weather. A light scarf adds a bit of warmth on cool days and works as an extra layer indoors if you need it.
In early spring, you might still want gloves or a hat. By May, a sun hat or cap helps with the longer daylight hours and stronger sun.
Don’t forget the small stuff. A crossbody bag or daypack keeps your hands free and holds things like your umbrella, water bottle, or map.
Pack lip balm and sunscreen too, since even mild sun can dry out your skin after a few hours outside.
These little details really make exploring London more comfortable, especially when the spring weather can’t make up its mind.
Things to Do in London During Spring
Spring brings longer days, milder temperatures, and parks full of blooming flowers. It’s honestly a great time for sightseeing, outdoor shopping, and catching cultural events—without the huge summer crowds.
Exploring Iconic Landmarks
You get clearer skies and mild weather in spring, so walking to London’s famous landmarks feels a lot more pleasant.
You can check out spots like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey without fighting your way through packed lines.
Walking from Trafalgar Square to Big Ben and Buckingham Palace lets you hit several big sights in one trip.
Those cooler mornings and evenings make layers handy, while afternoons usually feel just right for being outside.
Many landmarks offer both indoor and outdoor experiences. For example, the Tower of London mixes historic exhibits with riverside views.
If you want to visit popular spots like the London Eye, book your tickets ahead of time—spring still brings plenty of tourists.
Visiting Outdoor Markets
London’s markets really come alive in spring, when it’s finally warm enough to wander outside comfortably.
Camden Market is packed with street food, vintage clothes, and quirky bookshops. You’ll also stumble upon live music and art stalls, which give the place a creative vibe.
If antiques and fashion are more your thing, Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is a solid pick. Saturdays get crowded, so try a weekday if you want a bit more space.
Food lovers usually love Borough Market for its fresh produce, baked treats, and international snacks. Go in the morning or during the week to dodge the long lines.
A light jacket is still a good idea, since spring temperatures can drop without much warning.
Seasonal Events and Activities
Spring feels like the right time to get outside and try some cultural stuff. Parks like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park burst into color with blooming flowers, and honestly, they’re perfect for a picnic or just a quick walk.
The West End puts on some great theatre shows too. Sometimes you’ll find discounted tickets if you show up on the day, so it’s worth checking.
If you want a different look at the city, the Sky Garden lets you in for free if you book ahead. The views at sunset are pretty stunning.
You might want to try a day trip. Windsor, Oxford, and Brighton all sit within easy reach by train, giving you a taste of England outside the city. Spring weather usually cooperates for these quick adventures, but it’s London—so maybe toss an umbrella in your bag just in case.