London in December
In December, London averages 8°C (46°F) during the day and 3°C (37°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (55 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in London is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in London
December is one of the coolest months in London (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (16°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (11°C) and stays flat into January.
December sunrise & sunset in London
Times shown for London local time (Europe/London), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in London — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in London's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — London in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and London's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in London
London is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in London
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
London in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C / 46°F | 3°C / 37°F | 55 mm | 11 | 2 |
| February | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 41 mm | 9 | 2 |
| March | 12°C / 54°F | 5°C / 41°F | 42 mm | 9 | 1 |
| April | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 44 mm | 9 | 0 |
| May | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 49 mm | 9 | 0 |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 45 mm | 8 | 0 |
| July | 24°C / 75°F | 15°C / 59°F | 45 mm | 8 | 0 |
| August | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F | 50 mm | 8 | 0 |
| September | 20°C / 68°F | 13°C / 55°F | 49 mm | 8 | 0 |
| October | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 50°F | 69 mm | 10 | 0 |
| November | 11°C / 52°F | 6°C / 43°F | 59 mm | 11 | 1 |
| December | 8°C / 46°F | 3°C / 37°F | 55 mm | 11 | 2 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for London in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is London in December?
In December, London averages a high of 8°C (46°F) and a low of 3°C (37°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in London in December?
December can be fairly wet in London, with about 11 rainy days on average and roughly 2 snow days.
Is December a good time to visit London?
December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for London in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for London for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.