Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
London in January
This is the coldest month in London: highs average 45°F (7°C) and lows 35°F (2°C), with about 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 50/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 45°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 35°F (2°C)
- Rain
- 2.6 in (65 mm)
- Humidity
- 93%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 06 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Cool days top out near 45°F (7°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights cool to an average low of 35°F (2°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.6 in (65 mm).
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 75%.
Only about 8 h 06 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Comfort holds steady from December (50 → 50/100).
- Our London, the Cotswolds & Bath route recommends May – Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 45°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.6 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in London in January
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
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 45°F.
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 45°F.
British Museum
Two million years of human history, from the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon sculptures. Free entry.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Dishoom Covent Garden
Bombay café-style restaurant known for bacon naan rolls, black daal and chai.
Borough Market
London's oldest food market, packed with cheese, oysters, pies and street food stalls.
Nearby in January
- The Cotswolds in January~76 mi · highs 42°F, 2.8 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Bath in January~96 mi · highs 45°F, 3.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Bruges in January~146 mi · highs 43°F, 2.6 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Ghent in January~169 mi · highs 42°F, 2.7 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 January: quick answers
Is January 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 45°F (7°C) and 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain. Our London, the Cotswolds & Bath route recommends May – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is London in January?
Average highs are 45°F (7°C) and average lows 35°F (2°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in London in January?
Some: about 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 28.0 in (710 mm).
What should I pack for London in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 45°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.6 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning London in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.