London Weather: Capital Braces for Cold Snap as Winter Takes Hold

Introduction: London Faces Wintry Conditions

London’s weather has taken a distinctly wintry turn as January 2026 brings temperatures dropping as low as -1°C with snow forecast for the capital. Understanding London’s weather patterns is crucial for the city’s millions of residents and visitors, affecting daily commutes, business operations, and outdoor activities. As the UK experiences what forecasters describe as a potentially colder than average winter, Londoners must prepare for more challenging conditions ahead.

Current Weather Conditions and Forecasts

Daytime temperatures usually reach 7°C in London in January, falling to 2°C at night, though recent conditions have seen even lower temperatures. Light snowfall is expected between 8am and 11am on Saturday January 3, with another smattering of snow forecast for 8pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday morning. Despite the wintry weather, there have been no weather warnings issued for the weekend in London, so disruption to transport from snowfall is likely to be minimal.

The capital typically experiences 16 days with some rain in London in January and the average monthly rainfall is 55mm. Snow is rare in January in London, as it rarely gets below freezing, sometimes overnight. However, urban areas like London will benefit from the urban heat island effect, rarely dipping below –3°C, providing some relief compared to rural areas.

Broader Winter Outlook and Significance

Winter 2025/2026 is expected to be colder than recent winters, with forecasts pointing to a mild start in December followed by a significant shift to lower temperatures in January and February. Forecasting models suggest January and February could see multiple snow events as colder air from the north and east pushes across the UK.

For Londoners, this means adapting to more challenging weather conditions than in recent years. The cold snap serves as a reminder of the importance of winter preparedness, from appropriate clothing to ensuring heating systems are functioning properly. Whilst London has fewer crowds and cheaper hotel prices during the off season, with weather being cold and damp but the spirit of the city lives on, residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant and check forecasts regularly as winter weather can be unpredictable and conditions may change rapidly.