Last updated: March 17, 2025
In December, the City of London experiences a distinct winter chill, with average temperatures hovering around 6°C (44°F) and reaching a maximum of 14°C (58°F). The nights can be particularly brisk, dipping to a minimum of -4°C (25°F). This month is characterized by high humidity levels at 92%, creating a damp atmosphere that often accompanies the 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation typical for December, spread across 14 days of rainfall. As the city prepares for the festive season, residents and visitors alike should brace for alternating chilly days and wet weather, making warm attire and waterproof gear essential for outdoor exploration.
As December settles in London, temperatures begin to shift towards the chill of winter, with minimums averaging around -4°C (25°F), while the average hovers at a brisk 6°C (44°F). The city experiences a maximum of 14°C (58°F), providing a stark contrast to the colder nights. This month marks a noteworthy pivot as the temperatures drop from the milder conditions of November, which had briefly flirted with higher averages. Despite the bite in the air, London remains vibrant, with holiday lights illuminating its streets and festive cheer invigorating its atmosphere. Visitors can expect a mix of brisk mornings and crisp afternoons, perfectly suited for exploring the city's seasonal charms.
In December, the City of London experiences a notable increase in precipitation, averaging 84 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days. This marks it as one of the wetter months of the year, following a trend of higher rainfall as the winter season sets in. The frequency of rainy days ramps up compared to previous months, with nearly half of December’s days experiencing precipitation. This uptick contrasts sharply with the drier conditions of early spring, highlighting a significant seasonal shift. As holiday festivities unfold, London is often cloaked in a damp chill, making the city both atmospheric and reflective of the typical UK winter climate.
As December settles in the City of London, humidity levels remain notably high at 92%, mirroring the dampness of November. This trend underscores a distinct seasonal pattern, where winter months tend to bring increased moisture to the air. Following the gradual drop from the summer's lows in July and August—when humidity reached 76% and 73%, respectively—the data reveals a consistent rise in moisture as autumn deepens. With January poised to kick off the new year at an even higher 91%, it seems London's winter will continue to envelop its residents in a blanket of humidity, reinforcing that the colder months are best characterized by a persistent, damp chill.
In December, the UV Index in the City of London drops back to 1, signifying a low exposure category with a burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of reduced UV levels during the winter months highlights a significant shift from the intense sunlight experienced in the summer, where values soared to 8 in June and July. As the year progresses, UV exposure levels typically rise from low in the colder months to moderate in early spring, peaking at high during late spring and summer before tapering off again. By the end of the year, Londoners can feel a sense of relief with the low UV index, making December a more forgiving month for sun exposure. For more detailed insights, you can visit the City of London UV Index.
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As winter settles in, December in the City of London sees a significant dip in sunshine hours, with only 106 hours of bright light gracing the city. This timeframe starkly contrasts with the sun-drenched days of summer, where June and July bask in over 390 hours of sun. The gradual decline begins in the fall, where September still enjoys a respectable 300 hours before plummeting through November's 142 hours. There's a notable pattern: as the year progresses, London experiences its peak sunshine in late spring and summer, while the darker months of December remind us of the cozy charm that winter brings, despite the reduced daylight.
As December rolls in, the City of London experiences a notable dip in the likelihood of sunny weather, with only 17% of days offering glimpses of sunshine. This month stands out as one of the least promising for sunshine, significantly lower than autumn's 32% in November and far below the spring peak of 49% in April. The trend reveals a gradual decline in sunny days as the city transitions from the milder months of late autumn into the chill of winter. This pattern highlights the typical dreary disposition of December, where Londoners often brace for shorter days and cloudier skies, opting for cozy indoor activities over sun-soaked outings.
As the year draws to a close in London, the daylight duration dances its way down to a mere 7 hours in December. This marks the culmination of a gradual decline that began after the luminous heights of summer in June and July, where daylight peaked at 16 hours. Each month, from the bright 15 hours of May to the brisk 8 hours of November, shows a clear trend of diminishing light, reflecting the city's shift into the depths of winter. With December's long nights, residents find solace in the cozy embrace of evening activities, as the city transforms into a twinkling wonderland, inviting warmth and camaraderie despite the shorter days.
As December settles over the City of London, the winds pick up to an average speed of 4.3 m/s (10 mph), matching the brisk gusts experienced earlier in the autumn months. This surge in wind velocity reflects a broader trend throughout the year, where the city experiences its highest winds in late autumn and winter, contrasting with the calmer breezes of summer. Interestingly, while the winter winds evoke a chill, they are consistent with the general variability observed across the seasons. The average wind speeds fluctuate, peaking in February and October, yet remain fairly steady in December, suggesting an enduring winter presence. As Londoners bundle up against the cold, the December wind carries not only the promise of winter festivities but also the echoes of the city's dynamic seasonal pattern.
The weather in City of London changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in City of London and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January in London exhibit somewhat similar temperature ranges, with January being slightly colder on average. December sees a minimum temperature of -4°C and an average of 6°C, while January dips further with a minimum of -5°C and an average of 5°C. Precipitation is heavier in December, with 84 mm falling over 14 days, compared to January's 54 mm over just 9 days. Both months maintain high humidity levels, with December at 92% and January slightly lower at 91%. For more detailed information about the weather in January, visit City of London weather in January.
In December, the weather tends to be slightly milder, with average temperatures hovering around 6°C (44°F) and a maximum of 14°C (58°F), although it can drop to as low as -4°C (25°F). This month sees more precipitation, approximately 84 mm (3.3 in) over about 14 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 92%. In contrast, February brings colder temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (21°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), but can reach up to 18°C (65°F) on warmer days. February is drier overall, with only 52 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 11 days and a slightly lower humidity of 89%. For more detailed insights, check out the City of London weather in February.
In December, temperatures typically range from a chilly -4°C (25°F) to a mild 14°C (58°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F). The month experiences significant precipitation of 84 mm (3.3 in) over about 14 days, resulting in a high humidity level of 92%. In contrast, March brings a slight warming trend, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and peaking at 22°C (72°F), averaging around 8°C (46°F). Precipitation decreases to 52 mm (2.1 in) across 13 days, and humidity slightly drops to 86%. For more details, check out the City of London weather in March.
In December, the weather can be quite chilly, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), and a high humidity level of 92%. The month sees considerable precipitation, accumulating to 84 mm (3.3 inches) over about 14 days. In contrast, April presents a more moderate climate, with average temperatures fluctuating between -2°C (29°F) and a pleasant maximum of 26°C (80°F). April typically experiences less rainfall, totaling 32 mm (1.3 inches) spread over just 7 days, and slightly lower humidity at 85%. For more detailed insights, you can explore the City of London weather in April.
In December, temperatures in the city typically range from a chilly -4°C (25°F) to a mild 14°C (58°F), with an average of around 6°C (44°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 92% and considerable precipitation of 84 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days, resulting in a damp and wintry feel. In contrast, May ushers in a more temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from a cool 1°C (34°F) to a warm 25°C (78°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). Precipitation decreases to 63 mm (2.5 in) across 10 days, and humidity drops slightly to 82%, offering a more pleasant atmosphere as spring takes hold. For more detailed weather information, check the City of London weather in May.
In December, the weather tends to be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F) and an average of 6°C (44°F). The month experiences significant precipitation of 84 mm (3.3 in) over about 14 days, and the humidity is quite high at 92%. In contrast, June brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F), an average of 17°C (62°F), and a maximum soaring to 32°C (89°F). Precipitation is slightly less at 77 mm (3.0 in) over just 8 days, with a lower humidity level of 81%. For a more detailed overview of June weather, you can check out the City of London weather in June.
In December, the weather tends to be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F) and an average temperature of 6°C (44°F). The humidity is notably high at 92%, contributing to a damp atmosphere, with precipitation occurring on 14 days and totaling 84 mm (3.3 in). In contrast, July sees much warmer conditions, with temperatures hitting a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and soaring up to 36°C (97°F), averaging around 18°C (65°F). The humidity is lower at 76%, and rainfall is less frequent, with only 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days. For more detailed information, visit City of London weather in July.
December and August present contrasting weather patterns in terms of temperature and precipitation. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -4°C (25°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F) and highs reaching 14°C (58°F). The month sees around 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 14 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 92%, creating a chilly and damp atmosphere.
In contrast, August brings a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), and an average of 18°C (64°F). Precipitation is lower at 72 mm (2.8 in), occurring over 12 days, and the humidity level is significantly reduced to 73%. This makes August a more pleasant and comfortable month overall. For more details, you can visit City of London weather in August.
In comparing the weather between December and September, significant differences emerge. December experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 6°C (44°F), while September offers a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to an average of 15°C (60°F), peaking at a maximum of 28°C (83°F). Additionally, September sees less precipitation, with 45 mm (1.8 in) falling over about 9 days, compared to December's 84 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days. The humidity is also notably higher in December at 92%, compared to September's 80%. For more details on September weather, you can read more here: City of London weather in September.
In comparing the weather between October and December, December tends to be noticeably colder with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F). In contrast, October offers milder conditions, with temperatures fluctuating from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F). Both months experience similar levels of precipitation, with December slightly higher at 84 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days compared to October's 81 mm (3.2 in) over 12 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly increased in December at 92%, compared to October's 89%. For more detailed information on October weather, you can visit City of London weather in October.
December weather is generally colder than November, with average temperatures dropping from 8°C (47°F) in November to 6°C (44°F) in December. The maximum temperature in December reaches 14°C (58°F), which is lower than November's high of 17°C (62°F). Additionally, December sees more precipitation, totaling 84 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days compared to November's 48 mm (1.9 in) over 10 days. Despite the increases in rain and slightly lower temperatures, both months share the same high humidity level of 92%. For a detailed look at November conditions, visit City of London weather in November.
As December rolls in, the City of London transforms with its characteristic chill, offering a stark contrast to the milder months preceding it. The air is crisp, with noteworthy humidity levels creating an almost wintry feel that permeates the city. While maximum temperatures hover around a mild 14°C, a brisk average of 6°C signals that winter has truly taken hold. Rainfall becomes a regular companion, with approximately two weeks of precipitation adding a layer of atmospheric richness to the festive season. This blend of cold temperatures and increased wetness makes December a unique time to experience London's charm, showcasing its resilience and allure even in the depths of winter. For a more detailed look at what to expect throughout the year, check out the City of London Climate.