London in December is cold, damp, and short on daylight, but the weather is usually manageable with the right clothing. Expect typical daytime highs near 9°C (48°F), nighttime lows around 3°C (37°F), regular chances of rain, and darkness before 4 PM through much of the month. At the same time, Christmas lights, winter attractions, markets, skating, theatre, and seasonal services make December one of London’s most atmospheric times to visit.
Quick Answer
London weather in December is generally cool and damp rather than severely cold. Heathrow’s 1991–2020 climate averages show a December high of about 8.8°C (48°F), a low of 3.1°C (38°F), roughly 57 mm of rain, and about 11 days with at least 1 mm of rainfall. Snow is possible, but rain is much more dependable.
Key Takeaways
- Typical December temperatures are around 9°C (48°F) by day and 3°C (37°F) at night.
- London receives about 57 mm of December rain, with measurable rainfall on roughly 11 days in an average month.
- Snow can fall, especially during colder spells, but settled snow is not something visitors should expect on a typical December trip.
- Daylight lasts only about eight hours, and sunset occurs before 4 PM through most of December.
- Pack layers, a waterproof outer layer, comfortable water-resistant footwear, gloves, a scarf, and a compact umbrella.
Average temperature and weather patterns in December
December in London is chilly, but temperatures are generally moderate compared with many continental winter destinations. According to the Met Office’s Heathrow 1991–2020 climate averages, the average December maximum is 8.79°C (47.8°F), while the average minimum is 3.08°C (37.5°F).
Those figures are climate averages, not limits. Mild Atlantic air can push temperatures well above the average, while colder spells can bring overnight temperatures close to or below freezing. Heathrow averages about 7.2 days of air frost during December, showing that freezing conditions are possible even though they are not the everyday norm.
The typical pattern is changeable: cloudy periods, occasional brighter spells, rain, damp air, and sometimes brisk winds. London’s maritime climate moderates winter temperatures, so prolonged extreme cold is less common than in many inland European destinations.
| Average December maximum | 8.79°C / 47.8°F |
| Average December minimum | 3.08°C / 37.5°F |
| Average rainfall | 57.05 mm / 2.25 in |
| Days with at least 1 mm rain | 10.77 days |
| Average sunshine | 54.96 hours during the month |
| Average air-frost days | 7.17 days |
Note: Climate averages describe what December has typically been like over many years. They are not a forecast for the exact dates of your trip. Check a current weather forecast shortly before leaving and again each morning because London weather can change quickly.
Typical precipitation and rainfall in December
Rain is a normal part of London weather in December, but the month is not necessarily London’s wettest. The Met Office’s Heathrow climate data records an average of about 57 mm (2.25 inches) of December rainfall and roughly 10.8 days with at least 1 mm of rain.
A typical December at Heathrow receives about 57 mm of rain, with measurable rainfall on roughly 11 days.
Rainfall can range from light drizzle to steadier periods of rain. There is no reliable rule that rain becomes more likely as Christmas approaches, so visitors should be prepared for wet conditions at any point in the month.
A waterproof jacket is often more useful than relying only on an umbrella because wind can make umbrellas awkward. Water-resistant shoes also help when pavements are wet, especially if you plan to spend several hours walking between attractions.
Does it snow in London in December?
Snow is possible in London in December, especially when colder air reaches southern England, but it should be treated as a possibility rather than an expectation. The Met Office explains that the UK’s surrounding seas often modify incoming winter air, meaning rain or a mix of rain, sleet, and snow is common when colder conditions arrive.
Even when snow falls, it may melt quickly on London’s relatively warm urban surfaces. A postcard-style layer of settled snow throughout central London is much less dependable than wet streets, cold air, and occasional frost.
Note: If seeing snow is important to your trip, do not book a December visit to London specifically for it. Snowfall cannot be predicted reliably weeks or months in advance.
Daylight hours and darkness in December
December has London’s shortest daylight of the year. According to December 2026 sunrise and sunset calculations for London, December 1 has about 8 hours 11 minutes of daylight, with sunrise around 7:43 AM and sunset around 3:54 PM.
By the period around the winter solstice on December 21, daylight falls to roughly 7 hours 50 minutes. The earliest sunsets occur in the middle of the month at approximately 3:51 PM. Near the end of December, sunrise is around 8:06 AM while sunset gradually moves back toward 4 PM.
The short day has a major effect on sightseeing. Outdoor viewpoints, parks, neighborhood walks, and attractions where natural light matters are easier to schedule between late morning and mid-afternoon. Museums, theatres, shops, markets, restaurants, and illuminated streets work well after dark.
Pro Tip: Schedule your most important outdoor attraction before about 2:30 PM. Then use the early darkness for Christmas lights, dinner, theatre, indoor attractions, or evening seasonal events.
How to dress for London weather in December
Dressing in layers is the easiest way to stay comfortable because you may move repeatedly between cold streets, warm Underground stations, heated shops, museums, restaurants, and theatres.
A practical December outfit starts with a comfortable base layer, followed by a sweater, fleece, or similar insulating layer. Finish with a wind-resistant and waterproof or water-resistant coat.
Comfortable footwear matters just as much as your coat. London trips often involve substantial walking, and wet pavements can make poorly chosen shoes uncomfortable.
What to pack for London in December
- A warm waterproof or water-resistant coat
- Sweaters, fleece, or other easy-to-remove layers
- Long trousers
- Comfortable water-resistant walking shoes or boots
- Warm socks
- A scarf
- Gloves
- A warm hat for colder days
- A compact umbrella
- A small day bag with room for a spare layer
You generally do not need expedition-level winter clothing for an ordinary London December. The goal is flexible warmth plus rain protection rather than one extremely heavy layer.
Activities and events to enjoy in London during December
December offers a mix of outdoor celebrations and weather-proof indoor activities. One of the largest seasonal attractions is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. For the 2026 season, it is scheduled to run from November 19, 2026, through January 3, 2027, except Christmas Day. Visitors must book an arrival date and time, and many individual attractions require additional tickets.
Central London’s Christmas lights are another major draw. Visit London’s 2026 Christmas lights guide highlights well-known displays around Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden, Carnaby Street, and other central areas. Because darkness arrives early, you do not have to stay out late to enjoy them.
Theatre is particularly useful on wet or cold days. London’s West End normally has its full mix of musicals, plays, family productions, and seasonal entertainment in December. For popular Christmas-week performances, advance booking is sensible.
The combination of daytime sightseeing and evening lights makes the short December day less restrictive than it might first appear.
Tips for staying warm and dry in London during December
Check the day’s forecast before leaving your accommodation and adjust your layers accordingly. A day around 10°C with light winds can feel quite different from a damp 5°C day with stronger wind.
If you plan to remain outdoors for several hours, build indoor breaks into your route. Cafes, museums, covered markets, galleries, shops, pubs, and restaurants give you a chance to warm up and dry off without abandoning your sightseeing plan.
Keep electronics and paper tickets protected from rain, and avoid carrying more clothing than you can comfortably remove and store once you go indoors.
Pro Tip: Pair nearby indoor and outdoor attractions. If a shower arrives, you can switch the order instead of losing an entire sightseeing block.
Best places to visit in London during December
Covent Garden is particularly atmospheric during the festive season. Its historic piazza, covered market buildings, shops, restaurants, and seasonal decorations make it useful in mixed weather because you can move between outdoor displays and sheltered spaces.
Somerset House is another strong December option. Skate at Somerset House is scheduled to run from November 11, 2026, through January 10, 2027. Its ice rink occupies the historic courtyard, creating one of central London’s best-known winter settings.
St Paul’s Cathedral combines architecture with a substantial Advent and Christmas programme. In 2026, scheduled events include Handel’s Messiah on December 2, A Celebration of Christmas on December 10, and Christmas Carol Services later in the month. The cathedral is also a useful indoor destination when the weather turns wet.
Other good December choices include the major museums in South Kensington, the National Gallery, the British Museum, covered markets, West End theatres, and evening walks through London’s illuminated shopping districts.
Traditional holiday celebrations in London
London’s December calendar blends religious traditions, shopping, entertainment, food, lights, and large seasonal attractions. Churches throughout the city hold Advent and Christmas services, while major venues host concerts and seasonal performances.
The Lord Mayor’s Show is sometimes associated with the beginning of London’s winter festive period, but it should not be confused with a December event. In 2026, the procession takes place on November 14.
As Christmas approaches, markets and seasonal stalls appear in different parts of the city, selling gifts, food, hot drinks, and festive treats. Mince pies, roasted chestnuts, and mulled drinks are closely associated with this time of year.
St Paul’s Cathedral is especially notable for seasonal music and worship. Its Christmas programme includes traditional carol services and Christmas Day worship alongside ticketed concerts.
Local traditions and customs related to December weather
Londoners do not normally allow chilly or drizzly December weather to stop outdoor social life. Seasonal markets, illuminated streets, pub gatherings, skating, shopping trips, and walks between festive displays continue in most ordinary winter conditions.
Pubs and cafes become particularly useful in December because they provide warm stops between outdoor activities. Traditional pubs often offer hearty winter meals, while cafes and seasonal stalls serve hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and other warming drinks.
One practical local habit visitors can copy is keeping plans flexible. Rather than planning six consecutive hours outdoors, alternate street-level sightseeing with indoor attractions. That approach makes rain, darkness, and changing temperatures much easier to handle.
Embracing the cold and rain in London in December
Experiencing London in December means accepting that cold air, damp pavements, short days, and occasional rain are part of the trip. In return, the early darkness makes the city’s Christmas lights visible from late afternoon, and cooler weather provides a natural excuse to mix outdoor sightseeing with museums, cafes, pubs, theatres, and historic interiors.
Ice skating beneath seasonal lights, walking through Covent Garden, seeing Regent Street after dark, attending a performance, or warming up with a hot drink can all work well in typical December conditions.
If you are planning your itinerary around London weather in December, focus less on finding perfectly dry days and more on building a flexible schedule. Waterproof clothing, good shoes, layers, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities will make the weather much easier to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in London in December?
London is generally cool and damp in December. Heathrow’s 1991–2020 climate averages show a daytime maximum of about 8.8°C (48°F) and a nighttime minimum of about 3.1°C (38°F). Cold snaps can bring freezing temperatures, while milder spells can be considerably warmer than the monthly average.
How much daylight does London get in December?
London receives roughly eight hours of daylight in December. In 2026, daylight lasts about 8 hours 11 minutes on December 1 and falls to approximately 7 hours 50 minutes near the winter solstice before beginning to increase again.
What type of clothing should I pack for a trip to London in December?
Pack a warm waterproof or water-resistant coat, sweaters or fleece layers, comfortable water-resistant shoes, warm socks, gloves, a scarf, and a compact umbrella. Layering works particularly well because heated indoor spaces can feel much warmer than the streets.
Does it usually snow in London in December?
Snow can fall in London during December, but it is not dependable. Rain and mixed winter precipitation are more common, and snow that does fall may not remain on the ground for long. Do not plan a London December trip assuming you will see settled snow.
How rainy is London in December?
Heathrow’s 1991–2020 climate normal is about 57 mm of rainfall during December, with approximately 10.8 days recording at least 1 mm. That means rain is common enough to prepare for, but it does not normally rain continuously throughout the month.
Sources
- Met Office — Heathrow long-term climate averages — December temperature, rainfall, sunshine, frost, and rainy-day averages.
- Met Office — Snow — UK snowfall and maritime winter-weather guidance.
- Timeanddate — London sunrise and sunset times — December 2026 daylight, sunrise, and sunset calculations.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland — official 2026 opening dates and booking information.
- Somerset House — Skate at Somerset House — official 2026–27 skating dates.
- Visit London — Christmas lights in London 2026 — seasonal light displays and locations.
