London in Winter: Weather, Outfits & Things to Do (2025)

The average temperature in London in winter is between 2.2-8°C (36-46°F) but it does not get extremely cold. Make sure to pack warm clothes that you can wear in layers, including a winter coat and waterproof shoes.

The best things to do in London in winter is to visit the Christmas Markets, go to the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, go ice-skating, visit the Kew Gardens, watch a show at the West End, see the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, go sightseeing, and see a museum exhibition.

So, here is everything you need to know about visiting London in Winter, including the weather, what to wear, and best things to do!

London in Winter

When is Winter in London?

Winter season in London runs from December to February.

December tends to be busy due to the Christmas holidays, but once the holiday season is over, London is more quiet during January and February.

London Weather in Winter

Winter is the coldest time of the year in London and it is usually gloomy and rainy, with a small chance of snow.

The days are short and the sunset in London is usually around 4 pm during winter. On average, there is about 8 hours of daylight in London in winter.

The most chance of snow in London is between January and February, but it usually doesn’t snow much. Even if it does snow, it usually melts away quickly.

As winter is cold in London, make sure to dress in layers. It is good to pack a warm winter coat, jumper, hat, gloves, scarves, and waterproof shoes/ankle boots. It is also good to have an umbrella as there can be some rain too.

London Temperature in Winter

The average temperature in London in winter is between 2.2-8°C (36-46°F). The winters in London are typically mild, so while it is cold in London, it does not get extremely cold.

Does it Snow in London in Winter?

No, it usually does not snow much in London in winter.

The most chance for snow is between January and February, but it does not snow in London much. Even if it snows, it usually melts away quickly.

How Cold is London in Winter?

Winter is the coldest time in London, however, it does not get extremely cold. The average daytime temperature is around 7-8°C (45-46°F) and it is usually cold and gloomy.

When visiting London in winter, make sure to pack a winter coat, warm clothes that you can wear in layers, waterproof shoes/ankle boots, hat, scarves, gloves and an umbrella.

Is Winter a Good Time to Visit London?

It depends on your preferences and when in winter you visit London.

December is a good time to visit if you want to see London during Christmas. January-February are good times if you don’t mind the cold, but want to find affordable flights and cheaper hotels.

Due to the Christmas holidays, December tends to be more expensive, but it is a great time in London!

January and February are low season, and while there are still many things to do in the city, many people don’t visit at this time as it is too cold. As January-February are low season, the flights and hotels are cheaper at this time – so it’s a great time if you want an affordable holiday.

Some of the best things to do in London in winter is to visit the Christmas Markets, go to the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, go ice-skating, visit the Kew Gardens, watch a show at the West End, see the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, go sightseeing, and see a museum exhibition.

Crowds

How crowded London is depends on when in winter you visit. December is busy due to the Christmas holiday season.

Then, once the holiday season is over, January and February are quiet times in London. If you don’t like crowds and don’t mind the cold, then January-February is a great time to visit.

Prices

The prices in London in December are more expensive as it is high season. There are more travellers in London during the holidays, so the prices are higher for both hotels and flights.

January-February is low season in London, so if you are looking for discounts for hotels, January and February are a great time to visit London.

The flights to London are also the cheapest for January and February, so you could catch some good flight deals.

Top Things to Do in London in Winter

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN LONDON

Christmas and New Year’s is one of the busiest times in London (following the summer tourist season). While it is busy and a bit cold, it is a really great time to be in London!

You get to see London decorated with festive lights, Christmas markets and ice-skating rinks are set up all over the city, and it’s the best time to get full eating Christmas food and drinking mulled wine.

The public transport usually stops around 8 pm on 24 December, and there is no service at all on 25 December. On 25 December, you can get a taxi, although the prices may be a bit more expensive than usual.

VISIT THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS

• London Christmas Markets dates: from around 15 November to early January every year

London starts to get into the Christmas holiday vibes from mid-November onwards and by December, it’s proper Christmas time!

The Christmas markets are only open until January, so if you visit in late January or February, you won’t get to see them.

The Christmas markets are a great place for food and drinks, handicrafts and buying Christmas decorations. They have mulled wine, hot chocolate, sausages, waffles and much more!

There are lots of Christmas markets across London, and some of the best ones are the Southbank Centre Christmas Market, Leicester Square Christmas Market, Leadenhall Market and Covent Garden Christmas Market.

GO ICE-SKATING

• Somerset House Ice Skating: Mid-November to Mid-January every year
• Glide Battersea: November to early January every year
• Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink: Mid-November to early January every year

During winter London has many ice-skating rinks are set up and they are usually open from mid-November until early January.

Ice-skating is fun with friends and family and it is a cool activity if you are visiting London in December. Even if you are not so good at ice-skating, you can go and just give it a try.

Some of the best ice-skating rinks in London are at the Somerset House, Battersea Power Station and at the Hampton Court Palace during winter.

If you are looking for a unique place for ice-skating, you should check out the Battersea Power Station.

I remember visiting the Battersea Power Station years ago when it was still out of use. The power station was in a run down state and people could only visit it on special occasions. Then in recent years, it was renovated and now has bars, restaurants, shops. In the winter they set up ice-skating rinks, and it’s pretty cool!

SEE LONDON WITH THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON

London is so beautiful during Christmas as the city is decorated with Christmas lights. They actually start to put up the Christmas lights in November, and by December, most places in the city center are decorated.

For the Christmas decorations, check out Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, Parliament Square, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.

Once the streets are decorated in London, you really start to get into the festive holiday vibes. The streets can be busy with people shopping but it has an all-round nice Christmas feeling.

They usually take down the Christmas lights in January, once the holiday season is over, so if you visit in January or February, you don’t get to see it.

VISIT THE KEW GARDENS

• Kew Gardens Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm Everyday
• Kew Gardens General Tickets: GBP 20-24 (depending if you buy it online/in person and if for weekday or weekend)
• Christmas at Kew: 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026, tickets: GBP 28-34 (USD 36-44). Student and family tickets are available.
• Flower Festival at Kew: February every year

The Kew Gardens is the largest botanical garden in the world and it is a great place to visit in the winter. Most of the flowers bloom in the Spring, but there are seasonal flowers that bloom throughout the year.

In addition, there are some festivals in the winter months that make Kew Gardens a great place to visit!

In December, there is the Christmas at Kew event during which the botanical garden is transformed into Christmas magic.

The Christmas at Kew includes a 3 km trail in the botanical garden that has Christmas lights and illuminations set up. It is all throughout December and it is really nice to get into the Christmas festive mood.

Then, in February there is usually another festival in which flowers from a specific country is showcased each year. Previous years include flowers and plants from Madagascar, Cameroon and Peru.

GO SIGHTSEEING

Visiting the historic landmarks is a must, especially if it is your first time in London! Many of the famous attractions are close to each other, so it is great to explore London on foot.

The weather is cold in winter, so make sure to dress in warm layers, a winter coat or waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, hat, scarves, gloves and an umbrella.

December (especially the second half) is high season, so it could be a bit crowded with tourists, but nevertheless, sightseeing is a nice way to learn more about the history of London.

January and February are low season, so there are not many tourists in the city. It makes it a great time to see London when it is not so crowded, but it does get cold!

Top Attractions to See in London:

• Trafalgar Square
• Tower Bridge
• Tower of London
• Buckingham Palace
• Westminster Abbey
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Big Ben
• London Eye

✅ Skip the queue and book your ticket to the London Eye here!

WATCH THE NUTCRACKER

The Nutcracker is a classic during Christmas and you can catch a ballet show of the Nutcracker at the London Coliseum.

When I was a kid, I used to do ballet and we even performed the Nutcracker – like a less professional, kid version of it! Since then, whenever I think of Christmas, I think of the Nutcracker.

Watching the Nutcracker is a Christmas tradition in many families, and if you are visiting London in winter, it’s a great experience to see the show in London.

The tickets costs between GPB 15-115 (USD 20-150) depending on the seat. The tickets usually sell out fast, so you should get your tickets as early as possible.

HAVE CHRISTMAS FOOD

The food scene in London is very diverse and you can find many restaurants that serve various cuisines from all around the world, such as Italian, Indian and Mexican.

If you are visiting London around Christmas, you can also try some Christmas dishes. Traditional British Christmas dishes include roast turkey, Yorkshire Pudding (pastry served with gravy), Pigs in Blankets (small sausages wrapped in pastry), cranberry sauce, and pudding.

Apart from Christmas food, British dishes include the English Breakfast, Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips, and going for a Sunday Roast.

The Sunday Roast is a traditional British meal on Sundays and it consists of roast meat (beef, chicken, pork or lamb), potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire Pudding (pastry).

The tradition to have Sunday Roast goes back centuries and it started as a meal to bring the family together. Blacklock and Hawksmoor are great places to try Sunday Roast in London.

There is also Secret Food Tour in London where you can have the best British food while also exploring London!

🥘 Book a Food Tour in London here!

WATCH THE NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS

London organizes fireworks every year for New Year’s Eve. It takes place near the London Eye and the Big Ben.

You have to get a ticket for the best spots to see the fireworks, but generally, if you find any spot in London from where you can see the London Eye, then you should be able to see the fireworks too.

For the paid tickets, you can usually get it on ticketmaster up until the beginning of December, when the final tickets go on sale. They cost between GBP 20-50 (USD 26-64).

To see the fireworks for free, some good places are Cannon Street, Waterloo Bridge, Westminster Bridge, Victoria Embankment, Primrose Hill and Parliament Hill.

Alexandra Palace and Greenwich Park are also good options to see the fireworks but they are a little bit further out from the city center.

Following the fireworks, on 1 January, there is a New Year’s Day Parade in London. The parade usually starts at noon and goes through the city centre of London, and you can catch the parade around Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.

WATCH A PLAY AT THE WEST END

Watching a play at the West End is a great activity all year around, especially in winter when the weather is cold outside!

The most popular shows are Hamilton, Wicked, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Lion King, ABBA Voyage, and the Phantom of the Opera.

Generally, the tickets cost between GBP 30-210 (USD 40-270) and you should get your ticket well in advance to get the more affordable ones.

You can also get a discounted ticket if you go to the ticket booths in the morning. It is not guaranteed, but you may be able to get a cheaper ticket for a lesser-known show for the same day.

VISIT THE HARRY POTTER FILM STUDIOS

• Hogwarts in the Snow dates: 15 November 2025-18 January 2026

Visiting the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios is a great activity all year round, but it is the best during the Christmas winter period.

Between November and January, the sets at the studio are transformed with snow and Christmas decorations. It is a fun place for both kids and adults, and is totally worth checking out if you like the Harry Potter books and movies!

The Harry Potter tour takes 7 hours and you get to see the behind the scenes, set and costumes at the Warner Bros Studios in Watford. Watford is near London and you can plan the trip on your own or go on an organized tour.

If you go on your own, you can get a train from London Euston Station to Watford Junction. Once you get to Watford Junction, there is a Harry Potter Shuttle Bus service just outside the station.

The Harry Potter Shuttle Bus is free for everyone who has an entry ticket to the Harry Potter Studio and goes every 30 minutes between Watford Junction and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios.

If you go by an organized tour to visit the Harry Potter Studio, it takes the pressure off organizing it yourself. However, the tours have a set schedule, so you may not have a much time than as if you went on your own.

✅ Book the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour here!

WARM UP IN A PUB

Even if you are in London for a short time, you must visit an English pub! Pubs are everywhere in London whether you are in the city center or far out.

It’s cold in London during winter, and the pubs are a cosy and warm place to escape the cold.

The pubs are very busy in December as lots of people start having Christmas parties from December onwards. January and February are quiet times in London and not many people go out, so it won’t be too busy.

During my time in London, I once used to live near Camden and another time in East London, and I can say these areas have some of the best pubs in London (maybe I am biased!)

If you are visiting Camden, check out the Hawley Arms (where Amy Winehouse used to hang out), Elephant’s Head, and the Dublin Castle. They usually also have live music on!

As for East London, pubs in Dalston, Stoke Newington and Shoreditch are great, such as the Shacklewell Arms, The Victoria, and The Three Crowns.

For pubs in the city center, the Porterhouse and the The Lamb & Flag are typical British pubs near Covent Garden.

VISIT A MUSEUM EXHIBITION

The weather is cold in winter, so a museum exhibition is a great activity to escape the cold (you just have to leave your warm hotel room, brave the cold and make it to the museum!)

I used to go to museums in London all the time and the best thing is that the entry is free to most of the permanent exhibitions, and you only have to pay for the temporary exhibitions.

Some of the best museums in London are the British Museum, National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and the Natural History Museum.

The museums are open all year around and they are a great place to see world famous exhibitions, and to learn more about the history and culture of the UK.

EXPLORE CAMDEN TOWN

Camden is a fun place in London and has lots of vintage shops, pubs, food stalls, restaurants and second-hand bookshops.

The Camden Market is a great place to buy a souvenir, or shop for vintage and unique items! If you love books, it is a great place to find some secondhand books at an affordable price.

From Camden, there is also a footpath along the Regent’s Canal which is a peaceful place for a walk, or you can even take a boat on the canal from Camden to Little Venice.

Camden can be too cold in winter to stay outdoors for too long, so make sure to wear warm clothes. In case it gets really cold, you can always escape to a restaurant or pub!

GET NEW OUTFITS

London is heaven if you are into fashion! There are many clothes shops in London, and there is everything from budget to luxury brands.

On Boxing Day (26 December), the shops start to have a massive sale, and you can get lots of things on a discounted price. It is very crowded in shops on this day, but if you want to get some discounted items, it’s a good time to do so.

The most famous places for fashion in London are Oxford Street and Regent Street. They are right next to each other and there are many fashion brands you can choose from. You can also check out the Westfield Shopping Center but it can get be very crowded.

Oxford Street is the biggest shopping street in Europe and it has more than 300 shops. Apart from clothes shops, there are also jewellery, electronics and homeware shops.

Free Things to Do in London in Winter

London tends to be expensive during the Christmas holidays as it is high season. Nevertheless, London is a big city and there are many activities that you can even do for free!

London has many museums that have free entry to their permanent exhibitions, some museums with free entry include the National Gallery, British Museum, Tate Modern and Tate Britain.

London is also decorated with Christmas lights in December and you can just go explore London on foot and see the city with the lights on. Some places with Christmas lights include Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden and Southbank.

The parks in London are also free. Winter is cold, so dress in warm layers before going for a stroll in the parks. Some popular parks in London are the Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath.

My Verdict: Is London the Perfect Destination in Winter?

Yes, London can be considered as the perfect winter destination for many reasons!

If you visit London in December, you get to see London during the Christmas festive season! The streets are decorated with lights, there are Christmas markets and ice-skating rinks set up all over the city – it is really magical!

Then, London in January and February offer cheap prices and no crowds. January and February are cold, but otherwise there are still many places you can explore in the city – thus, it’s perfect if you don’t like crowds and looking for affordable prices.

I love London during December as the city is so beautiful in the run up to Christmas. January and February are also great, as although the weather is cold, it is much cheaper and there are still so many things to do in the city.

Tips for Visiting London in Winter

What to Wear in London in Winter

The average temperature is between 2.2-8°C (36-46°F) in London in winter. While it does not get extremely cold, it is good to pack warm clothes that you can wear in layers.

It usually doesn’t snow in London but it can rain, so make sure to also have an umbrella.

What to Pack for London in Winter:

• Warm coat, or wind and waterproof jacket
• Sweaters, cardigans, knitwear
• Long-sleeve T-Shirts
• Jeans
• Waterproof shoes, ankle boots
• Hat, scarves, gloves
• Thick socks
• Umbrella

Public Transport in London

One of the best ways to get around London is by public transport. The main modes of transport in London are the tube, buses and trains.

If you are visiting London in Winter, the public transport mostly runs mostly as usual, except during the Christmas holidays:

• Christmas Eve (24 December): transport stops around 8 pm
• Christmas Day (25 December): no transport all day (taxis available)
• Boxing Day (26 December): reduced service
• New Year’s Eve: tube running all night

The public transport in London is safe and easy to get used to, and all tube stations and bus stops have maps for navigation.

To pay for public transport in London, you can use your bank card (contactless payment) or the Oyster Card. If you use your card, make sure that you use the same card when you tap in and tap out.

Taxis in London

Getting a taxi in London is a good option if you want to have some comfort. Taxis in London are safe but if the traffic is bad, they can take longer than taking the tube.

There are different taxis in London, such as the famous black cabs, Uber and Bolt.

The taxis are a bit more expensive during Christmas and New Year’s, especially on Christmas Day (25 December) as there is no public transport running on that day, and if you have to travel between places, only taxis are available.

Events in London in Winter

• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: from late November until January
• Christmas at Kew: 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
• Hogwarts in the Snow: 15 November 2025 – 18 January 2026
• Christmas Day: 25 December 2025
• Boxing Day: 26 December 2025
• London Zoo Christmas Takeover: from late November to early January (every year)
• New Year’s Day Parade: 1 January every year
• London Short Film Festival: 2026 dates TBC
• Flower Festival at Kew Gardens: February (every year)
• London Fashion Week: February 2026 dates TBC

London Seasonal Guides

Not sure about visiting London in Winter? Check out my London seasonal and monthly guides:

• London in Spring
• London in Summer
• London in Autumn
• London in Winter

London Monthly Guides

• London in January
• London in February
• London in March
• London in April
• London in May
• London in June
• London in July
• London in August
• London in September
• London in October
• London in November
• London in December

FAQs: London in Winter

Is London worth visiting in Winter?

Yes, London is definitely worth visiting in winter as you get to see the city during the Christmas holidays!

Christmas and New Years is high season in London and there are many Christmas activities you can do in the city, such as Christmas markets and ice-skating. Christmas is high season, so the flights and hotels are more expensive at this time.

January and February are low season in London. There are not that many tourists in the city, the prices are lower, but it is very cold. If you don’t mind the cold, then it is a great time to see London without the many tourists and enjoy the lower prices.

Is London cold in Winter?

Winter is the coldest time in London, but it does not get extremely cold. The average daytime temperature is around 7-8°C (45-46°F) and it is usually cold and gloomy.

What to do in London for Winter?

Some of the best things to do in London in winter is to visit the Christmas Markets, go to the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, go ice-skating, visit the Kew Gardens, watch a show at the West End, see the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, go sightseeing, and see a museum exhibition.

How to dress for London in the Winter?

London is cold in winter so you can wear a winter coat or a warm, waterproof wind jacket, waterproof shoes or ankle boots, hat, scarves, gloves, and clothes that you can wear in layers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, winter is a great time to visit London! Especially if you visit in December, you can see the city during the Christmas holiday season!

January-February are good times if you don’t mind the cold but want to find affordable flights and cheaper hotels.

The average temperature in London in winter is between 2.2-8°C (36-46°F) but it does not get extremely cold. Make sure to pack warm clothes that you can wear in layers, including a winter coat and waterproof shoes.

The best things to do in London in winter is to visit the Christmas Markets, go to the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, go ice-skating, visit the Kew Gardens, watch a show at the West End, see the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, go sightseeing, and see a museum exhibition.

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