Early winter · Weather & things to do
London in December
London cools off: highs slip to 46°F (8°C), from 51°F in November, with lows of 37°F (3°C) and about 2.8 in (71 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 50/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 46°F (8°C)
- Avg low
- 37°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 2.8 in (71 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 37 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Afternoons only reach about 46°F (8°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Lows average 37°F (3°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.8 in (71 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 76%.
Daylight is short, roughly 7 h 37 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Shortest days of the year, about 7 h 37 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 59/100 in November to 50/100.
- Our London, the Cotswolds & Bath route recommends May – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 46°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in London in December
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Design, fashion and decorative arts across 145 galleries, with a courtyard café in the original tea rooms.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 46°F.
Tate Modern
Modern art in a former power station on the South Bank, with a free viewing level over the Thames.
The George Inn
London's last galleried coaching inn, 17th century and owned by the National Trust.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 46°F.
Borough Market
London's oldest food market, packed with cheese, oysters, pies and street food stalls.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
UNESCO-listed gardens with Victorian glasshouses and a treetop walkway.
Nearby in December
- The Cotswolds in December~76 mi · highs 43°F, 3.0 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Bath in December~96 mi · highs 46°F, 3.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Bruges in December~146 mi · highs 44°F, 3.1 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Ghent in December~169 mi · highs 43°F, 3.1 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
London in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit London?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 50/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 46°F (8°C) and 2.8 in (71 mm) of rain. Our London, the Cotswolds & Bath route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is London in December?
Average highs are 46°F (8°C) and average lows 37°F (3°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in London in December?
Some: about 2.8 in (71 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 28.0 in (710 mm).
What should I pack for London in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 46°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning London in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.