London Weather, Time Zone & Travel Guide
London sits at 51.5°N in southern England, making it one of the northernmost major world cities. Its temperate oceanic climate means mild temperatures year-round — but also famous grey skies and rain that can arrive without warning at any time of year. A compact umbrella is London's most important accessory, any season.
London Climate by Season
Spring (March–May): Mild and increasingly sunny, with temperatures from 45–65°F (7–18°C). Rain is frequent but rarely heavy. UV climbs to moderate — SPF 30+ recommended from April onward.
Summer (June–August): London's summer is warm rather than hot — typically 65–80°F (18–27°C), though heatwaves occasionally push past 95°F (35°C) as in 2022. UV index can hit 7–8 on clear days, so don't skip sun protection. Afternoon showers remain common even in summer.
Autumn (September–November): Temperatures drop quickly from September (still pleasant at 60–70°F) to November (45–55°F / 7–13°C) with increasing fog and drizzle. A waterproof layer is essential.
Winter (December–February): Cold and very grey, with highs around 40–50°F (4–10°C). Snow is rare but frost is common. Short daylight hours (under 8 hours in December) make the live sunrise/sunset times above especially useful.
London Time Zone
London uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+0) in winter — the reference point for all world time zones. From the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, London switches to British Summer Time (BST, UTC+1). The clock above automatically applies the correct offset.
Time Difference: London vs Major Cities
New York: New York is 5 hours behind London (4 hours during US Daylight Saving).
Paris / Rome: 1 hour ahead of London.
Dubai: Dubai is 4 hours ahead of London (3 hours during BST).
Tokyo: Tokyo is 9 hours ahead of London (8 hours during BST).
Sydney: Sydney is 10–11 hours ahead depending on the time of year.
What to Pack for London
The golden rule: always carry a compact windproof umbrella — London's weather changes within hours. In summer, a light waterproof jacket doubles as windbreaker for cooler evenings. SPF 30+ is recommended even on overcast days, as UV penetrates cloud cover. Comfortable waterproof walking shoes handle cobblestones and sudden rain equally well. A universal travel adapter (UK uses Type G plugs) and portable power bank complete the essentials kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is it in London right now?
The exact current local time in London is shown live above — automatically switching between GMT and BST.
Does it rain a lot in London?
London averages about 600mm of rain per year — less than New York or Miami, but spread across more days. Check the live rain probability above before heading out.
What is the weather in London today?
Current temperature, UV index, humidity and 5-day forecast for London are displayed live above.
