Visiting London in winter is a magical and memorable experience you won’t soon forget!
The weather during winter in London will be a bit cold but with averages in the mid-40s Fahrenheit, it is not that bad. There is a low chance of snow and fewer crowds.
Winter in London is generally defined as December to February, but months such as November and March can experience winter weather as well.
If you are wondering what to do in London in the winter, there are many options. Admire Christmas decorations, go ice skating, and eat tasty Valentine’s Day treats.
We have visited London during winter a couple of times and had wonderful trips! I adore the festive atmosphere and pretty lights decorating the streets!
With a few tips and this handy guide by your side, you will be off to an enjoyable trip to quintessential London during the winter months!
Make sure to check out my complete guide to where to stay in London, too!
12 Best Things to Do in London in Winter
Explore London By Bike
Santander Cycles, London’s public bike-sharing scheme, is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
You can rent bikes for a small fee and use them as long as you like. Biking is a wonderful way to explore the city, even in winter!
Make sure you are dressed in warm, windproof clothing. Wear gloves to keep your hands warm and a hat.
You can also ride your bike across town and drop it off at one of the 750 different docking stations and simply take the Tube home if the weather gets bad!
You can also take a guided bike tour if you are not sure where to start!
Book Here: London Christmas Lights Bike Tour
Explore the Victoria And Albert Museum
If the weather of winter in London gets too dreary, consider spending a day exploring the V&A Museum, the world’s largest museum of arts and design.
What better way to spend a rainy afternoon in winter in London than wandering the halls of this historical museum? It was founded in 1852, and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
The Victoria and Albert Museum is the home of over 2 million objects from 2,000 years of art history.
As in all national museums in London, entrance is free of charge, though a voluntary donation is suggested.
This is one of the best things to do in the South Kensington neighborhood.
Go Skating at the Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Located just across the street from the V&A Museum, the Natural History Museum is another of the top museums in London.
During winter, the open-air ice rink here is a magical way to spend a day. Ice skating is one of the best winter activities in London the whole family will love!
At night during the Christmas season, the rink is surrounded by thousands of twinkling fairy lights and overlooked by a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree.
Make sure to bundle up with knit caps, gloves, scarves, and thick socks to wear inside your skates.
You can also visit the museum’s alpine-style cafe for something warm to drink after your chilly ice-skating adventure and enjoy a view of the skaters and twinkle lights.
Want more ice skating in London? Head to the rink at Somerset House.
Enjoy a Shopping Spree at Harrods
Whether you’re spending summer or winter in London, you really need to make time for a trip to London’s world-famous store, Harrods.
The rainy winter weather may be the perfect reason to head indoors! There are lots of things to do inside Harrods.
If you love upscale shopping, this is one of the best places to visit in London in December. Some of the designer stores found here include Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Cartier, Rolex, and more.
You can also find inexpensive souvenirs to buy such as delicious chocolates, a Harrods Christmas bear, or a Harrods Advent calendar.
Even if you do not buy anything, it is fun to just soak in the festive atmosphere!
Make sure to dress a little posh if you wish to have afternoon tea at the Harrods Tea Rooms!
Harrods also has some of the prettiest Christmas lights in London!
See a West End Show
West End is renowned for some of the best live performances in the world! When spending winter in London, stay warm and dry while enjoying a show here.
If you want an excuse to dress up a little, going to see a musical in quintessential old London is the perfect idea!
There are several different theaters to choose from, all within fairly close distance of each other.
Depending on when your trip is, you can choose from many different famed musicals such as Wicked, The Lion King, Mama Mia, and Phantom of the Opera.
This is what to do in London in February when the nights are dark and cold.
Wander a London Christmas Market
Feel like you have stepped right into a Dickens novel by visiting one of the many charming Christmas markets in London.
If you want to enjoy one of the best things to do in London in December, make sure to schedule a trip to a Christmas market in Europe.
Follow the lights to Hyde Park where you will find the Winter Wonderland Christmas Market, one of the biggest Christmas markets in London.
If you’re looking for stunning views, try checking out Christmas By The River at London Bridge City. There is a spectacular view of the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
Explore Covent Garden
London goes all-out during late November and December with lights and decorations for Christmas. Covent Garden is a perfect place to view them!
You can get lots of Christmas shopping done while in a wintry, festive atmosphere.
Regardless of whether your wintry London visit takes place around Christmastime, there are all kinds of shops to visit, delicious food to try, and sights to see at Covent Garden in the winter.
Make sure to give yourself at least two hours when visiting, as you may very well get sidetracked between shops to watch the amazing street performers!
Covent Garden is easily one of the most Instagramable places in London during Christmas!
Sip Mulled Wine at the Borough Market
The Borough Market is a tasty place to visit any time of the year with a ton of food vendors. In winter, breathe in the scent of fresh baked goods and festive spices.
As you wander the stalls full of food and artisan items, sip on a cup of mulled wine. This is sure to warm you up and put you in the holiday spirit.
Pick up some cookies and other treats for a holiday party. You can also buy handmade decor such as wreaths and ornaments.
Book Here: London: Guided Winter Markets Food Tour
Discover the Best Street Light Displays
One of the best things to do in London during Christmas is wander the streets with dazzling light displays. Many of the best streets are interconnected in the Mairfair and SoHo neighborhoods.
Most displays go up around the first or second week of November and stay up until the new year. You’ll be amazed by giant angels, dangling stars, and balls of light that seem to float down the street.
Some of the most famously decked-out Christmas streets in London include Oxford, Regent, Carnaby, New Bond, and South Moulton Streets.
Book Here: London: Christmas Lights by Night Open-Top Bus Tour
Attend Christmas at Kew
For another amazing light display, head to Kew Gardens for one of the best winter events in London!
Christmas at Kew runs from mid-November through the first week of January. If you want London winter activities the whole family will enjoy, this is it!
Wander the illuminated paths and discover light arches and fascinating installations. There is a fire garden, fun projections, and a chance to spot Father Christmas.
At the Palm House, there is an amazing show that utilizes lights, music, and water. It is a beautiful experience!
After exploring the gardens, grab a meal to warm you up such as kebabs or cheese toasties.
This is definitely one of the top things to do in London in the winter!
Visit Hogwarts in the Snow
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you have to visit Hogwarts in the Snow at the Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour. This is one of the best day trips from London in winter.
From mid-November through mid-January, the magic is heightened with festive decor throughout the exhibits.
In the Great Hall, take a picture with the Christmas tree. There is powdery snow on the massive Hogwarts model, in the Forbidden Forest, and dusting Diagon Alley.
You will have a fun time learning about how these iconic movies were made and taking pictures of the sets and props. Make sure to order some warm butterbeer!
This is one of the best things to do in London in January after a lot of the holiday crowds have died down.
Book Here: From London: Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
Get a Birds-Eye-View from the London Eye
Though slightly on the expensive side, you don’t want to pass up the chance for a stunning view of London’s Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, and the Thames River.
The London Eye isn’t just any ordinary Ferris wheel. It offers a magical view of the old city that you can’t get anywhere else unless you are Mary Poppins.
Make sure to check your dates if you are planning your trip in January because the London Eye annually closes for maintenance for a couple of weeks every January.
Book Here: London: The London Eye Entry Ticket
Winter Weather and Temperatures in London
The average winter weather in London is a bit rainy and chilly. On rare occasions, usually in midwinter, you might find a bit of snowfall.
December weather in London is actually more on the rainy and warmer side, so there is less chance of snow because it is too warm and wet for the snow to form. Even if it does snow in London, it is usually just a dusting.
The sun sets quite early during the winter. Expect the sun to set around 4:00 p.m. While you have less daylight, that just means more time to see the city lit up at night. It is especially pretty during Christmas in London.
If winter is the only time you have to visit London, just remember that the average London winter weather isn’t all that bad. It is quite doable with the proper packing and planning!
The temperature of London in the winter is actually relatively reasonable, especially for a northern city.
On average, the temperatures range from about 37 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit.
You won’t show up to your London winter trip and be shocked by the temperature change, especially if you already live in a place that experiences winter.
We are from Florida and have visited London during the winter twice and survived just fine. If we can do it, you certainly can!
Average London Winter Temperatures:
November: 50°F high and 43°F low
December: 45°F high and 37°F low
January: 43°F high and 37°F low
February: 45°F high and 37°F low
March: 50°F high and 39°F low
Make sure to check out our guide on the best time to visit London for more info!
How To Get Around London In Winter
Public transportation is the best way to get around London during winter.
The Underground, or Tube, system is very extensive and easy to use. You will be able to get warm and toasty while you quickly travel from spot to spot.
The iconic red, double-decker buses are another option. They run on a regular schedule and you can watch the city go by.
Keep in mind, though, that public transport can get very crowded around Christmas.
What To Pack For London In Winter
If you are heading to London in the winter, there are a few packing tips I suggest! Winter is a magical time to visit, but you need to stay warm and dry.
Dressing in layers is key! If you get too warm or too cold, simply add or take away a layer until you feel better.
Both times we have visited London in winter, we packed our entire wardrobe in carry-on luggage! If you want to pack in a carry-on, it is totally doable!
If you want to bring a checked bag, that is even better as you will have more space!
- Fleece-lined Leggings. These are perfect for your winter packing list for London because they don’t take up much space and keep you warm under slacks, jeans, or dresses!
- Warm Winter Dresses. Thick dresses will keep you comfy and stylish on the streets of London!
- Thin Long Sleeve Thermal Tops. These are perfect for layers and pack up super small.
- Comfy Knit Hat. These keep you warm and protect your ears from the wind.
- Waterproof Boots/Shoes. Waterproof footwear is essential for rainy days during a London winter.
- A Winter Jacket. Do not think that you can visit London in the winter and NOT bring a winter jacket. Bonus points if that winter jacket is waterproof!
- Warm Gloves. These are essential to keep your hands warm. Try touch-screen gloves for snapping photos with your phone.
- A Balaclava. An alternative to a scarf that won’t blow in the wind while keeping your neck warm.
- Dark Denim Jeans. These are easy to style and can be worn over fleece-lined leggings
- Pull-Over Sweaters. Again, easy to style and layer.
There is so much to see and do when visiting London in winter!
If you have any questions about planning your winter London vacation, make sure to let us know in the comments and we will try and answer the best we can!
Next, check out my suggested 4-day London itinerary!
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