Weather in London during December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 12 rainy days across the month, on average.
London in December is damp and grey, with daytime temperatures hovering around 9°C (48°F) and nights dropping to 4°C (39°F). You'll see roughly 66mm of rain spread across 12 rainy days—enough to keep the city perpetually wet, though rarely a downpour. Sunshine is scarce at just 3.4 hours per day, so expect overcast mornings that linger into late afternoon. The Thames-side air feels raw and penetrating rather than bitterly cold; locals describe it as bone-chilling because of the damp rather than the mercury.
December transforms London into a seasonal spectacle. Christmas markets bloom across South Bank, Trafalgar Square, and Hyde Park; Oxford Street and the West End glow with elaborate window displays. Crowds swell noticeably from mid-month onward, especially weekends. Theatres and concert halls fill with holiday productions and pantomimes. Hotels and restaurants operate at premium pricing from December 15th through New Year's, though early December (before the 10th) offers breathing room at slightly lower rates. Locals bundle up and embrace the festive mood, though many escape for holidays in the final week of the year.
December 2026 sits squarely within London's ten-year climate pattern. The 9°C average and 66mm rainfall align closely with historical norms—no significant warming or cooling trend has emerged. Sunshine hours remain consistently low throughout the decade, so if you're hoping for bright skies, December rarely delivers. This stability means you can rely on packing layers and waterproofs without worrying about unusual extremes.
December suits families drawn to Christmas spectacle, photographers hunting moody light and festive backdrops, and travellers with flexible budgets who don't mind premium pricing. If you're visiting in 2026, book accommodation and theatre tickets well in advance—late November is ideal. Avoid December 20–31 unless you're specifically chasing the New Year's Eve crowd or don't mind intense congestion. For budget-conscious travellers, aim for December 1–10 when prices are more reasonable and crowds haven't peaked.
Real Londoners avoid Oxford Street and Leicester Square; East End Broadway Market Saturday and Maltby Street Sunday are locals-only. Sunday roast at The Anchor & Hope (Waterloo) or Blacklock is booking 2 weeks out. Tube etiquette: stand right on escalators, no eye contact, no talking. Pints served 20-fluid-oz imperial not US. Chicken shops (Morleys south, Sam's north) are late-night cornerstone. Don't call the Underground 'the subway'; subway means pedestrian tunnel.
What to pack for London in December
Layer aggressively: London's December dampness penetrates thin jackets. You'll need a waterproof outer shell, insulating mid-layers, and a scarf to trap body heat. Waterproof boots are essential—pavements stay wet for days. A compact umbrella is non-negotiable.
- Waterproof parka or rain jacket
- Merino wool or thermal base layer
- Insulated winter boots with grip sole
- Knit wool scarf or neck gaiter
- Compact travel umbrella
What to pack for London in December
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Where to stay in London
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to London
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to London?
Flights to London in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Browse Christmas markets at South Bank and Hyde Park, catch a West End pantomime or theatre production, walk along the South Bank with mulled wine, visit Kew Gardens for winter light displays.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in London. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit London
While December has its own character in London, the data-backed best months to visit London are May, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for LondonOther places with a similar climate right now
London in December — FAQ
Q01Should I visit London in December?
Should I visit London in December?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, London averages a high of 9°C (49°F) and a low of 4°C (40°F), with 66mm of rainfall across roughly 12 rainy days. May-June sees Chelsea Flower Show and 16-hour daylight; September Open House weekend opens 800+ buildings normally closed to public.
Q02What temperatures should I expect in London during December?
What temperatures should I expect in London during December?
The average high temperature in London during December is 9°C (49°F), with an average low of 4°C (40°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January 3C damp rarely snows but chills to bone; Borough Market mulled cider stalls run through February, Frost Fair on Thames revives annually at Bankside.
Q03Is December a rainy month in London?
Is December a rainy month in London?
London averages approximately 12 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 66mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04How should I dress for London in December?
How should I dress for London in December?
For London in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A compact umbrella under 25cm folded because Tube gates jam larger ones and you'll ditch it within a day.
Q05Is December a busy travel month for London?
Is December a busy travel month for London?
Tourist crowds in London during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Real Londoners avoid Oxford Street and Leicester Square; East End Broadway Market Saturday and Maltby Street Sunday are locals-only. Sunday roast at The Anchor & Hope (Waterloo) or Blacklock is booking 2 weeks out. Tube etiquette: stand right on escalators, no eye contact, no talking. Pints served 20-fluid-oz imperial not US. Chicken shops (Morleys south, Sam's north) are late-night cornerstone. Don't call the Underground 'the subway'; subway means pedestrian tunnel.