This post is a summary of the December weather in London, with tips on what to wear as well as things to do.
If you will be in London at the start or the end of the month, then check out our weather guides for November and January.
- Average Temperatures
- How Much Sun and Rain
- What to Wear
- Things to Do in December
- Christmas in London
- Weather in London by Season
- When Is the Best Time to Visit?
AVERAGE DECEMBER TEMPERATURES
Early this month, the afternoon high temperatures tend to be 9-10 C (upper 40's F) with overnight lows around 5-6 C (lower 40's F).
On a couple of the warmer days, high temperatures will reach 12-13 C (mid-50's F).
The highest temperature recorded here in December was 17 C (63 F).
As we near Christmas, daytime highs tend to be mostly 6-7 C (mid-40's F) and early morning lows around 3-4 C (upper 30's F).
A few mornings will see temperatures dipping down to around -1 to -2 C (30 F).
The coldest temperature recorded in London in December was -12 C (10 F).
HOW MUCH SUN AND RAIN
The sun is low in the sky this month with daylight averaging about 8 hours.
Skies this month tend to be partly to mostly overcast with about 9-10 days seeing at least 1 mm (.04 inches) of precipitation, mostly falling in the form of light to moderate rain.
DOES IT SNOW IN LONDON IN DECEMBER?
Some snow is reported here in December, but only on about 2-3 days.
WHAT TO WEAR
It is always best to carry an umbrella in London and during December, winter attire like hats and gloves with a medium to heavy coat will also be needed.
Temperatures can drop significantly at night, so be sure to bring extra layers if you will be out after dark.
Also, don't forget festive clothing if you plan to celebrate the holidays here!
- Thick coat
- Sweater
- Wooly hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Winter boots
- Multiple layers
THINGS TO DO IN DECEMBER
December is a magical time to be in London, especially the 2nd half of the month.
We have created a post listing over 40 different things to do.
Below is our list of the top 10.
You should consider a tourist discount pass as you could save up to 50% of retail ticket prices to tours, attractions, and restaurants.
- Take a Christmas-themed tour.
- See a major concert.
- Attend a live sporting event.
- See White Christmas or other musicals.
- Take the kids or your friends to go ice skating.
- Enjoy the Winter Wonderland Christmas market.
- See classic holiday films in concert.
- Celebrate New Year's Eve in London.
- See the reindeer at Covent Garden.
- Save more with an attraction discount pass.
Read the full December list here as well as our post on things to do specifically for Christmas.
