London at Christmas feels vibrant, with festive lights, busy streets, and that unmistakable crisp winter air. You’ll usually see average daytime highs between 8°C and 10°C (46°F to 50°F), and nighttime lows dipping to around 2°C to 4°C (36°F to 39°F). Rain falls more often than snow, so you’ll probably deal with damp weather rather than a snowy wonderland.
Short daylight hours really add to the wintry vibe, with the sun setting by late afternoon. A white Christmas almost never happens, but the cool and often wet weather makes those cosy pubs, decorated markets, and indoor attractions even more inviting.
If you know what kind of weather to expect, you can pack smarter, plan your outdoor adventures for the morning, or pick out the best indoor spots to warm up. Here’s a clear look at what you’ll face and how to make the most of London’s festive season.
Typical Weather Conditions at Christmas
Christmas in London brings chilly temperatures, damp streets, and not much daylight. Snow hardly ever shows up, but rain and thick clouds set the mood for winter in the city.
Average Temperatures in Late December
In late December, daytime highs usually climb to 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F). At night, temperatures often drop to 2°C to 4°C (36°F to 39°F), so evenings feel especially cold.
The average daily temperature hangs around 7°C (45°F). Frost can show up, but it doesn’t happen every year. Snow falls now and then, but a proper white Christmas is rare—London hasn’t seen one in ages.
Bring a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and sturdy shoes. Layers are your best friend because indoor spaces stay heated, and the weather outside can shift quickly. Waterproof outerwear comes in handy since the dampness makes everything feel colder.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December ranks as one of London’s wetter months. On average, the city gets about 50–60 mm of rain over 15 to 17 days in the month. You’ll probably run into light showers or drizzle more than heavy downpours.
Rain usually comes and goes in short bursts, not long storms. Still, the damp air and constant cloud cover make it feel colder than the numbers suggest. You’ll want an umbrella or waterproof jacket to stay comfortable.
Snow barely happens—just over one day of light snow in December is typical. If it does snow, it melts quickly, so you shouldn’t expect snowy streets for Christmas.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine Levels
London’s Christmas days are short. Around late December, the sun rises close to 8:00 am and sets by 4:00 pm, giving you just about 8 hours of daylight.
Clouds dominate the sky about 70% of the time, so sunshine is hard to come by—maybe 1–2 hours per day at best. Long evenings push most people indoors once it’s dark.
Street lights, Christmas decorations, and festive markets light up the city despite those early sunsets. Try to fit outdoor sightseeing into midday, then save evenings for indoor attractions, meals, or seasonal events.
Chances of Snow and White Christmas in London
Snow can fall in London in late December, but it’s not something you should count on. You’ll see frost, sleet, or just cold rain far more often, and the odds of a true white Christmas keep getting lower.
Historical Snowfall on Christmas Day
In the UK, a white Christmas officially means at least one snowflake falls on December 25 somewhere. London’s only had a handful of these since the 1960s, with records showing snow in 1964, 1968, 1970, 1976, 1996, and 1999.
If you’re picturing a blanket of snow, that’s even rarer. The UK saw widespread snow on the ground in 1981, 1995, 2009, and 2010. London didn’t always get deep snow those years, but it stayed cold enough for ice and frost to linger.
London’s maritime climate usually keeps winter temperatures just above freezing, so these snowy events stand out. Snow happens more often up north in England or Scotland, where cold air sticks around longer.
Likelihood of Experiencing Snow
The odds of snow in London at Christmas are pretty low. December averages about 3.9 days of snow or sleet across the UK, but January and February bring more than five days each. So, winter weather is more likely after Christmas.
London’s December highs sit between 8°C and 10°C (46–50°F), and lows hover around 2°C to 4°C (36–39°F). That’s usually too warm for snow to stick, especially in central London, where buildings and traffic keep things a bit milder.
If snow falls, it melts fast or turns into slush. Some outlying boroughs or higher spots in North London might hold snow a bit longer, but don’t expect postcard-perfect scenes most years.
Notable Cold Snaps and Warm Spells
London sometimes gets dramatic swings in late December weather. Cold snaps like those in 1981 and 2010 brought real snow cover, icy roads, and freezing nights. These moments stick in people’s memories.
In recent years, Atlantic air has dominated Christmas, bringing wet, mild, and breezy weather with temperatures above freezing. You’re more likely to walk through drizzle than snow while exploring London in December.
London’s winter climate is nothing if not unpredictable. Pack for damp and chilly days, with a chance of snow but no promises.
How the Weather Impacts Christmas Activities
Cold, damp weather shapes how you experience London in December. Short days, regular rain, and chilly evenings influence outdoor events and festive traditions throughout the city.
Outdoor Festivities and Events
When you head out for Christmas activities in London, the weather makes a big difference. Highs land around 8–10°C (46–50°F), and lows fall to 2–4°C (35–39°F). Since rain is common, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes are must-haves.
Events like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or the New Year’s Eve fireworks draw big crowds, even in damp weather. Give yourself extra travel time—wet conditions can slow down public transport.
Ice rinks at Canary Wharf or Somerset House stay open through most weather. Rain can make skating less fun, but layers help you stay warm without overheating once you’re inside again.
With daylight from just 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Save evenings for indoor performances, dinner, or checking out covered attractions.
Christmas Markets and Light Displays
London’s Christmas markets and light displays are a huge draw in December. Most are outside, so the damp weather can affect how long you want to browse. A compact umbrella or rain poncho makes things easier.
Markets at Southbank, Leicester Square, and Greenwich often get muddy in the rain. Waterproof boots mean you can wander between food stands and craft stalls without trouble. Warm drinks like mulled wine aren’t just festive—they’re practical in the cold.
You’ll get the best view of light displays on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden after dark. Evenings can be cold and windy, so bundle up with a hat, gloves, and scarf.
Crowds grow on weekends, so going earlier in the week usually means fewer people and more space to enjoy the lights. Rain hardly ever cancels displays, but it can make taking photos tricky, so a small cloth for your camera or phone comes in handy.
What to Wear and Pack for London at Christmas
London in December brings cold, damp, and sometimes frosty weather. Rain happens more often than snow, so keeping dry and warm is key when choosing what to wear or pack.
Essential Winter Clothing
Layering is the way to go in London during December. Temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to damp afternoons and slightly warmer evenings. Start with a breathable base like a long-sleeve cotton or thermal shirt, then add a sweater, cardigan, or fleece for warmth.
A waterproof winter coat is a must. Go for one with a hood, or bring a warm hat. Wool coats look great but don’t handle heavy rain well, so a lined waterproof jacket is more practical.
For your legs, jeans are common but stay wet if you get caught in rain. Quick-drying trousers or lined leggings under regular pants work better. If you’ll be outside a lot, pack at least one set of thermal underlayers.
Footwear and Accessories
You’ll walk a lot in London at Christmas, so good shoes matter. Waterproof boots or sturdy trainers with grip keep your feet dry on wet sidewalks. Skip shoes that soak through—puddles and slick pavements are everywhere.
Wool or thermal socks help keep your feet warm, especially during long walks or trips to Christmas markets. Pack extra pairs since damp weather can make socks uncomfortable after a day out.
Accessories really help in cold, damp air. Bring a woolly hat, scarf, and gloves. Pick gloves that are warm but let you use your phone or camera. A compact umbrella is handy, but strong winds might flip it, so a hooded coat is a good backup.
Weather-Appropriate Packing Tips
With daylight fading by mid-afternoon, a small daypack lets you adjust layers as the temperature changes. Make sure you have space for a folded jacket or umbrella.
Moisture-resistant fabrics beat heavy cotton any day. Quick-drying shirts, trousers, and socks help if you get caught in the rain. A lightweight fleece or down jacket that packs small gives you warmth without bulk.
Bring at least one waterproof outer layer, a pair of reliable walking shoes, and several warm accessories. These basics cover you for London’s mix of drizzle, chilly air, and the occasional frost at Christmas.
Travel Tips for Visiting London in December
December brings festive crowds, colder days, and frequent rain to London. If you want to enjoy your trip, get ready for busy transport and weather that can turn on a dime.
Getting Around the City During the Holidays
Public transport offers the fastest way to get around London in December. The London Underground (Tube) runs often, but it gets packed near Christmas markets, shopping spots, and big attractions. Download a Tube map app to make things easier.
Buses work too and are sometimes less crowded, though you might hit traffic on busy shopping days. Walking shorter distances often saves time in central areas and lets you enjoy the festive lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden.
Some services run on limited schedules during holidays. On Christmas Day, almost all public transport shuts down, so plan ahead if you need to travel. Taxis and ride-hailing apps still work, but fares might go up.
If you want to take day trips outside the city, buy train tickets early. December is a busy time for travel, and last-minute tickets can get pricey.
Planning for Weather-Related Disruptions
London in December feels damp, chilly, and unpredictable. Highs reach about 8–10°C (46–50°F), and lows fall to 2–4°C (35–39°F). Rain falls often, with about 10 wet days in the month, so waterproof clothing is a must.
Carry a compact umbrella or lightweight raincoat because showers can surprise you. Waterproof shoes or boots help with wet pavements, especially if you’re heading to outdoor events like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or Christmas markets.
With short days and darkness by late afternoon, plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings or early afternoons. Save museums or theatre shows for later in the day.
Snow doesn’t happen often, but frost and icy sidewalks can slow you down. Give yourself extra travel time if public transport or walking routes get slippery. Checking the forecast from the UK Met Office before you head out is always smart.
Comparing Christmas Weather in London to Other Months
London’s Christmas weather sits between November’s late-autumn chill and the colder, wetter days of January. Temperatures, daylight, and rainfall all shift during this period, so your experience can really depend on when you visit.
How December Differs from November and January
In November, you usually get milder conditions. Average highs reach around 10–12°C (50–54°F), and lows drop to about 5–6°C (41–43°F).
Rain falls pretty often, but frost doesn’t show up much. The days feel short, although you still see a bit more daylight than you do by late December.
By December, especially during Christmas, highs settle closer to 7–9°C (45–48°F). Lows fall to around 2–4°C (35–39°F), so it gets noticeably chillier.
Frost pops up more often, and you can expect about 50–60 mm of rain. Snow? Not really, but you might catch a quick flurry if you’re lucky.
Daylight hits its lowest point, with the sun dipping below the horizon before 4 p.m.
In January, the cold really settles in. Highs stick near 6–8°C (43–46°F), and lows can slip to 2°C (36°F) or even a bit lower.
Rainfall stays pretty similar to December. Icy mornings become more common, so you might want to watch your step.
January feels even gloomier because clouds just seem to hang around, even though daylight hours start to creep up after the solstice.
Seasonal Weather Trends in London
London’s winters usually bring cool, damp, and cloudy weather. Rain shows up pretty often, but it’s usually light.
Snow barely makes an appearance compared to other areas in the UK. Most days, you’ll just see drizzle and those endless overcast skies.
November feels like a turning point from autumn. Temperatures stay tolerable, but you’ll notice the rain picking up.
In December, cold air settles over the city. Short days make mornings and evenings feel even chillier.
January usually claims the title for coldest month. The temperatures don’t drop much lower than December, but the drawn-out dampness and frost can make it feel worse.
So, if you’re heading to London in winter, throw on some layers, grab waterproofs, and pick shoes that can handle puddles.