November in London is a clear transition from autumn into winter. Expect cool days, chilly evenings, periods of rain, occasional brighter spells, and noticeably shorter daylight hours. The weather can change from one day to the next, so flexible plans and removable layers make sightseeing much easier.
Quick Answer
London in November is cool, damp and increasingly dark. Met Office 1991–2020 averages for Heathrow show a daily high of 11.5°C (52.6°F), a low of 5.3°C (41.5°F), about 66.6 mm (2.6 in) of rain, and roughly 11 days with at least 1 mm of rainfall. Pack layers and waterproof outerwear.
Key Takeaways
- Typical November days are cool rather than severely cold, with average daily highs near 11.5°C (52.6°F) and lows near 5.3°C (41.5°F) at Heathrow.
- November averages about 66.6 mm (2.6 inches) of rainfall at Heathrow, with measurable rain of at least 1 mm on roughly 11 days.
- Frost is possible, especially later in the month, but significant November snow in central London is unusual.
- Daylight becomes limited quickly, so schedule parks, viewpoints and outdoor landmarks earlier in the day.
- A waterproof jacket, warm layers, comfortable water-resistant footwear and a compact umbrella cover most November conditions.
Average Temperature in London in November
The most useful way to describe London weather in November is with long-term climate averages rather than one unusually warm or cold year. According to the Met Office 1991–2020 climate normals for Heathrow, the average November daily maximum is 11.47°C (52.6°F), while the average daily minimum is 5.26°C (41.5°F).
That does not mean every November day stays between those numbers. Mild Atlantic air can lift afternoon temperatures well into the teens Celsius, while colder northerly or easterly flows can bring much sharper conditions, overnight frost and temperatures close to freezing.
| Average daily high | 11.47°C / 52.6°F |
| Average daily low | 5.26°C / 41.5°F |
| Average rainfall | 66.63 mm / 2.6 in |
| Days with at least 1 mm of rain | About 11.2 days |
| Average sunshine | About 70.7 hours during the month |
| Average days with air frost | About 2.7 days |
Note: Heathrow is a long-running official weather station and provides a useful London-area baseline. Central London can sometimes remain slightly warmer at night because of the urban heat-island effect. Climate averages describe typical conditions over many years; they are not a forecast for a specific trip.
Historical Temperature Variations in November
London’s November weather varies considerably from year to year. A mild spell can feel more like late autumn, while an outbreak of northerly or easterly air can produce winter-like temperatures with frost and, occasionally, snow.
Late November 2010 is a useful example of the colder extreme. The Met Office archive of past UK weather events records severe winter weather beginning on November 25, with very low temperatures and significant snowfall affecting parts of the country. Conditions of that severity are not typical of an average London November, but they show why checking the short-range forecast before travel matters.
The opposite can happen too. November 2011 was exceptionally mild in long-term Central England temperature records, demonstrating how dramatically one November can differ from another.
Long-term climate context is also changing. The Met Office State of the UK Climate 2025 assessment, published in 2026, reports that the decade from 2016 to 2025 was 0.51°C warmer than 1991–2020 and 1.33°C warmer than 1961–1990. That does not eliminate cold November spells, but it means modern averages sit within a warming UK climate.
London’s November weather is best treated as variable: climate averages are useful for packing, but the forecast for your actual travel dates should decide your day-to-day plans.
Typical Rainfall in London in November
Rain is a normal part of November in London, but the month is not necessarily a continuous washout. Heathrow’s 1991–2020 Met Office normal is 66.63 mm (2.6 inches) of rainfall for November, with at least 1 mm falling on about 11.2 days.
The “rainy day” figure needs some context. A day that receives less than 1 mm does not count in that Met Office measure, so light drizzle or a brief shower can occur on additional days. Equally, a day counted as rainy may still contain several dry hours that are perfectly suitable for sightseeing.
Rain can arrive as light showers, prolonged drizzle or a steadier spell associated with an Atlantic weather system. Because November temperatures are cool, wet clothing and shoes can make a day outside feel much colder than the air temperature suggests.
Pro Tip: A breathable waterproof jacket is usually more useful than relying on an umbrella alone. London streets can become breezy, and a jacket also keeps your hands free for navigating stations, tickets and luggage.
Weather Patterns and Climate in November
London’s changeable November weather is closely connected to the UK’s position on the edge of the Atlantic. The Met Office regional climate guidance explains that the UK lies in a mid-latitude westerly wind belt, while continental Europe can also influence conditions.
When Atlantic weather systems dominate, London often gets relatively mild, cloudy, breezy and damp conditions. When airflow comes from the north or east, temperatures can fall quickly and the risk of frost or wintry weather increases. High-pressure periods can instead produce calm, grey conditions, patches of mist or fog, and chilly mornings.
Fog is possible in November, especially under calm conditions, but the image of London being routinely covered by dense fog is outdated. Visitors are more likely to encounter ordinary low cloud, mist, drizzle or overcast skies than prolonged city-wide “pea-souper” fog.
Does It Snow in London in November?
Snow is possible in November, but significant settling snow in central London is unusual. The Met Office’s Heathrow climate normals show only about 2.7 November days with air frost on average, which helps explain why rain is much more common than snow at this time of year.
Late-November cold outbreaks can occasionally bring sleet or snow, as happened during the severe UK cold spell that began in late November 2010. For most visitors, however, waterproof clothing is a higher priority than snow boots.
If a cold spell is forecast just before your trip, check the Met Office forecast and weather warnings for current information rather than relying on monthly averages.
Daylight in London in November
Short daylight is one of the biggest practical differences between visiting London in November and visiting in spring or summer. In November 2026, London has about 9 hours 40 minutes of daylight on November 1, falling to a little over 8 hours 13 minutes by November 30. Sunset moves from roughly 4:33 p.m. at the beginning of the month to around 3:55 p.m. at the end.
The UK has already returned to Greenwich Mean Time by November. According to GOV.UK, the clocks go back on October 25 in 2026.
This early darkness affects itinerary planning more than many first-time November visitors expect. Parks, outdoor viewpoints, river walks and photography-heavy stops are usually better scheduled before mid-afternoon, while museums, restaurants, theatres and shopping areas work well after dark.
How to Dress for London Weather in November
Layering is the easiest way to stay comfortable because conditions outside, on public transport and inside attractions can feel very different. A thick winter coat is useful during a cold spell, but on many average November days several lighter layers are more flexible.
- Base layer: A long-sleeve shirt, breathable top or light thermal layer.
- Mid-layer: Sweater, fleece or similar insulating layer that is easy to remove indoors.
- Outer layer: A wind-resistant waterproof or water-resistant jacket.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or boots that handle wet pavements well.
- Accessories: A compact umbrella, scarf and light gloves; a warm hat is useful when colder weather is forecast.
- Bag protection: Use a water-resistant backpack or keep electronics and documents inside a waterproof pouch.
London trips often involve much more walking than expected, including station corridors and transfers, so comfort and grip usually matter more than formal footwear.
Activities and Events in London in November
November brings a mix of autumn events and the beginning of London’s festive season. Bonfire Night, also called Guy Fawkes Night, is observed around November 5 and is associated with fireworks displays and seasonal events around the capital.
Visit London’s November 2026 guide lists Bonfire Night activities along with the arrival of winter markets, Christmas lights, seasonal attractions and festive entertainment. Displays such as Battersea Park fireworks may operate in a given year, but locations, dates, ticket requirements and schedules can change, so check the official event page before making plans.
As the month progresses, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden and other central areas usually become part of London’s Christmas-light season. Winter attractions, seasonal markets, theatre productions and ice-skating experiences also begin appearing.
These evening activities pair especially well with November’s early sunsets. Instead of treating darkness as lost sightseeing time, you can plan outdoor landmarks during daylight and use the evening for lights, theatre, markets, dining or indoor attractions.
Travel Tips for Visiting London in November
November travel is easier when your itinerary can adapt to both rain and short daylight. Check the forecast each morning and keep one or two indoor alternatives nearby rather than planning an entire day around outdoor stops.
- Book fixed-date events early: Fireworks, theatre, popular exhibitions and seasonal attractions can require advance tickets.
- Plan outdoor sights first: Use the brightest part of the day for parks, walking routes, viewpoints and exterior photography.
- Group attractions geographically: Shorter daylight and wet weather make unnecessary cross-city travel more tiring.
- Keep an indoor backup: Museums, galleries, markets and historic interiors can rescue a rainy afternoon.
- Check disruption before leaving: Weather and planned engineering work can affect transport, so confirm your route before longer journeys.
For public transport, Transport for London says pay-as-you-go contactless payment or Oyster is an easy and flexible option for visitors. Contactless cards and compatible mobile devices can be used across TfL services, and pay-as-you-go travel benefits from daily and weekly fare capping. International visitors should check whether their bank charges foreign-transaction fees.
Impact of Weather on Tourist Attractions in November
November weather can change how comfortable an attraction feels, but it rarely means an entire sightseeing day has to be cancelled. Parks, river walks and outdoor viewpoints are most enjoyable during dry spells, while museums and galleries provide reliable alternatives during persistent rain.
Places such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and the Thames can look especially atmospheric beneath autumn skies, but wet and windy conditions can shorten the amount of time you want to remain outside. Keep in mind that attraction opening arrangements vary by season, so check official opening times rather than assuming every site operates on a summer schedule.
Indoor attractions such as the British Museum and Tate Modern are natural choices during poor weather, but rainy conditions can also send more visitors indoors. Timed reservations, where offered, are useful on busy dates.
Local Perspectives on London Weather in November
Londoners are accustomed to dealing with weather that changes throughout the day. A forecast showing rain does not necessarily mean cancelling plans; it often means carrying an umbrella or waterproof layer and adjusting the timing of outdoor activities.
In November, the most useful habit is not trying to predict the entire day from the morning sky. Carry a rain layer, check the hourly forecast and keep your itinerary flexible.
The cooler weather also changes the feel of the city. Walks beside the Thames and through historic neighborhoods can be crisp and atmospheric, while cafés, pubs, museums and indoor markets become useful places to warm up between outdoor stops.
Rather than seeing November weather only as a drawback, plan around it. The combination of autumn color, early festive lighting and long evenings gives London a different atmosphere from the brighter summer months.
Planning for London Weather in November
A successful November trip to London comes down to preparing for variation. Pack for average temperatures around 11.5°C (52.6°F) by day and 5.3°C (41.5°F) overnight, but check the forecast shortly before departure because individual weeks can be much milder or colder.
Expect some rain, protect yourself from wind and wet pavements, and make early sunsets part of the itinerary rather than an inconvenience. Outdoor sightseeing works best during the limited daylight hours, while London’s museums, galleries, restaurants, theatres, markets and festive displays give you plenty to do after dark or during poor weather.
Bonfire Night and the early Christmas season can make November an appealing time to visit, especially for travelers who prefer cooler sightseeing conditions. Just remember that seasonal event dates and tickets change from year to year.
If you’re interested in more London and travel planning information, you can also explore Tagline Today for additional guides and trip-planning resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in London in November?
Met Office 1991–2020 climate normals for Heathrow show an average November daily maximum of 11.47°C (52.6°F) and an average minimum of 5.26°C (41.5°F). Individual days can be considerably warmer or colder.
How much rainfall can be expected in London in November?
Heathrow averages 66.63 mm (2.6 inches) of November rainfall under the Met Office’s 1991–2020 climate normals. About 11.2 days record at least 1 mm of rain, although lighter drizzle or brief showers can occur on additional days.
What type of clothing should I pack for London in November?
Pack removable warm layers, a waterproof or water-resistant outer jacket, comfortable water-resistant walking shoes, a compact umbrella and a scarf. Light gloves and a hat are useful when colder weather is forecast.
Are there notable weather events or holidays in London in November?
Bonfire Night is observed around November 5 with fireworks events in and around London. November also marks the beginning of many Christmas-light displays, winter attractions and festive markets. Event dates, venues and ticket requirements vary each year, so check current official listings.
Does it snow in London in November?
Snow is possible but uncommon, especially in central London. Rain is much more likely. A strong late-autumn cold spell can occasionally bring sleet, frost or snow, so check the forecast if temperatures are expected to fall sharply.
How early does it get dark in London in November?
Sunset becomes progressively earlier through the month. In November 2026 it is around 4:33 p.m. on November 1 and about 3:55 p.m. on November 30. Plan parks, viewpoints and other daylight-dependent attractions earlier in the day.
Is November a good time to visit London?
November can be a good time to visit if you are comfortable with cool weather, occasional rain and early sunsets. Bonfire Night, Christmas lights, theatre, museums and seasonal attractions provide plenty to do, but flexible indoor and outdoor plans are helpful.
Sources
- Met Office — Heathrow location-specific long-term averages — November temperature, rainfall, frost and sunshine climate normals.
- Met Office — State of the UK Climate — current long-term UK warming context.
- Met Office — UK regional climates — Atlantic, westerly and continental influences on UK weather.
- Visit London — Things to do in London in November 2026 — current Bonfire Night and festive-season information.
- Transport for London — Best ways for visitors to pay — Oyster and contactless travel guidance.
- GOV.UK — When do the clocks change? — official 2026 British Summer Time and GMT change dates.
