London weather
in January
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 13 rainy days across the month, on average.
In january, London settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 8°C (46°F), cooling to 2°C after sunset. Rainfall is moderate — around 13 rainy days spread through the month.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for London in January
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for London in January
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
- →Anti-theft crossbody bagAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in London
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in London across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Other places with a similar climate right now
London in January — FAQ
Q01Is January a good time to visit London?
Is January a good time to visit London?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In January, London averages a high of 8°C (46°F) and a low of 2°C (35°F), with 68mm of rainfall across roughly 13 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in London in January?
What is the average temperature in London in January?
The average high temperature in London during January is 8°C (46°F), with an average low of 2°C (35°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does London have in January?
How many rainy days does London have in January?
London averages approximately 13 rainy days in January, with a total monthly rainfall of about 68mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for London in January?
What should I pack for London in January?
For London in January, 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 the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is London in January?
How crowded is London in January?
Tourist crowds in London during January are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.