Guide to Things to do in London in Winter

London – the capital of England is a glamorous city to visit anytime of the year. But as the temperature drops the city becomes even more dazzling and beautiful.

Therefore, London winter is definitely one of the best times to explore the city. So, if you’re wondering what are the best things to do in London in winter? Don’t worry, we have you covered.

London is a winter wonderland you can’t miss. The city captures the seasonal aura beautifully with twinkling Christmas lights, street carol singers, freshly baked cookies and high tea parties. And besides the city’s celebrations, the various indoor and outdoor activities, ice skating and installations in art galleries are equally popular.

The city will not disappoint anyone as there is something for all ages. Whether you are visiting London with your friends or family, there are endless things to do.

What’s the Weather Like in London Winter Months?

Officially, winter in London lasts from December to February, but it’s common to experience the cold weather in November and March as well.

The city of London does not experience harsh winters like Berlin or Helsinki and the temperature is usually between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius during the day, dipping close to freezing at night. It rains all year round in London, but February and March are usually quite dry.

Winter days in London are usually quite short. December and January are the darkest months. Sunrise is from 8am to 4pm and it gets dark by 4:30pm. Days start to get longer in February, the sun sets after 5pm, and in March around 6pm.

Snow is rare in London, but it’s a magical sight. Nothing beats seeing the city’s iconic monuments covered in snow. Be sure to bring a warm coat, hat and gloves so you can enjoy your trip to London both outdoors and indoors.

The average temperatures in London during the winter months, from November to March:

November – high 12°C (53°F), low 7°C (44°F)
December – high 9°C (48°F), low 5°C (41°F)
January – high 9°C (48°F), low 4°C (39°F)
February – high 9°C (48°F), low 5°C (41°F)
March – high 12°C (53°F), low 7°C (44°F)

Best Things to do in London in Winter

Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

As we all know the Harry Potter series of films was hugely popular across the world. So, even if you’re not a fan, a walking tour around some of the locations that made the movie famous is simply fascinating. You will hear stories about how these landmarks relate to Harry Potter in the company of a knowledgeable guide and answer all your questions. And, if you are in London during the winter months you can experience ‘Hogwarts in the snow.’ To be honest, the Harry Potter Studios is a truly magical place at any time of year, but in the runup to Christmas it goes onto become a winter wonderland.

Ride the London Eye

Start your tour of London with a whirl. Quite Literally!! Enjoy a captivating 360° view of the city from the London Eye that’s truly mesmerising. This attraction situated by the river Thames opened on 31st December 1999 as part of London’s celebration to welcome the forthcoming millennium. Today, it remains the highest observation wheel in the world at 450 ft (135 m). The ovoid capsules are air conditioned and the passengers can sit and walk inside it easily. Be it summer or winter, this attraction is popular and you should book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues. And during good weather conditions, you’ll see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, river Thames and others without haze and can take good pictures to share it with your family and friends.

Tower of London

Visiting the Tower of London is another amazing thing to do in London in winter. It’s a complex of 20 medieval buildings, some of which are almost a thousand years old. The White Tower building is 90 ft high and is home to over 500 items including life-sized horses, armours and swords used by the earlier kings and military personnel. It has a collection of Crown Jewels which displays the diamonds and jewels which were a part of the British monarchy. You will also see the remnants of animals which were once kept in this tower for exhibition. It’s a busy attraction so it’s best you book your skip-the-line tickets. Visitors can also stroll through the tower gardens.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens – Royal Botanic Gardens is a heaven for nature lovers. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to over 50,000 shrubs and plants. It’s a collection that was gathered over many years and is a spectacular reminder of the variety of flora worldwide. Once here, you will surely have a great time, relaxing and appreciating nature. And if you’re looking for a truly magical Christmas experience, Kew Gardens is the place for you. During the festive season, the botanical garden transforms into a magical place with loads of beautiful lights, art and sound installations.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the largest annual Christmas event held in Hyde Park and is on most people’s winter wish list. Here you can go ice skating, browse Christmas markets, enjoy live music and dance, see a circus performance or drink mulled wine, all in the same place. More than just thrilling rides, Hyde Park is home to Santaland that’s ideal for a magical day out for your kids. Visiting Hyde Park is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in London in winter.

Enjoy the View from the Shard

The city of London is home to several viewpoints but some of them have an outside access which may not be pleasant when it’s really cold. That’s why the Shard is an ideal place as a viewpoint as it’s warm and dry, offering 360 degrees views of the city. This attraction was opened in 2012, and at 1000 ft (306 m) it’s the tallest building in London. The name ‘Shard’ refers to the shape of the building, shaped like a shard of glass jutting out from the London skyline, more than twice as tall as the surrounding buildings. To visit the Shard, you can either go to the bar at the top of the Shard and purchase a drink and enjoy the view, or visit the actual observatory.

London’s Christmas Markets

If you’re visiting London starting December, you’re going to find plenty of amazing Christmas markets where you can enjoy local delicacies and get into the festive mood. The streets are decorated with colourful glittering lights and you’ll see visitors enjoying delicious food and admiring music, dance and cultural performances that are held at these markets every day of the holiday season. There are so many Christmas markets spread throughout the entire city, but the most popular one’s are at the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival, Greenwich Christmas market and Kingston Christmas market. A tour of the Christmas markets is a great winter activity to do in London with family, friends and loved ones.

Go Ice Skating

London winter offers plenty of opportunities for thrill seekers, including ice skating. As the temperature drops and cold weather sets in you will see people playing in the snow and enjoying the ice-skating experience. There are several places in London where you can go ice skating, this includes – Somerset House, Natural History Museum, Hampton Court and the Tower of London to name a few. It’s a fun activity for kids and adults alike and one of the best things to do in London in winter.

Visit Popular Museums and Art Galleries

When it comes to museums – London is a top destination with some 250 museums within the city limits. So, if it’s too cold outside and you prefer to stay indoors, you can visit the rich museums and art galleries. During this festive season, the city hosts many world-class exhibitions that are held completely free of charge. However, some special exhibitions require a ticket. The British Museum, Churchill War Rooms, National Gallery, Museum of London, Royal Academy of Arts, Tate Modern and Science Museum are some of the ones you can visit during your stay in London. And by the way, London is also a great place for street art lovers.

Westminster Abbey

The Westminster Abbey is a large Gothic Church that’s popular for its religious buildings, coronation site and burial place for famous English personalities. It has been the official coronation church since 1066. Not only coronation ceremonies, but also royal weddings and funerals are held here. From kings and queens, politicians, poets and writers to national and international heroes and villains, there is a rich history everywhere. So, whether you’re a history buff or not, the exquisite architecture and stories about the abbey will surely interest you and be on your mind for a long time. As a visitor you can explore the gallery inside the abbey that showcases the world class art which is famous worldwide. There is also a large garden with many varieties of flowering plants where you can easily stroll around.

Borough Market

Borough Market is one of London’s most ancient markets and is a perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy a great number of delicious festival foods. So, if you happen to visit the market then you must try the food. Authentic and delicious food options include a variety of sweet and sour dishes. The market is spread over a large area, allowing travellers to walk around, enjoy food and meet new people. Although the market is fun to visit in any season, in winter the search for mulled wine to warm you up makes a trip here even more special.

Visit the Sky Garden

If you’re visiting London in winter and don’t want to be outdoors for too long then the perfect place for you is the Sky Garden. The best thing about the Sky Garden is that you can enjoy the superb views of London without going outside. The top floor of the Sky Garden is enclosed in glass, so you can see all around 360 degrees. Its terrace also offers an absolutely stunning panoramic view of the city of London. Although the temperature is cold, it’s worth going out on the terrace and enjoying the view. In addition to the great view of London, you can enjoy the garden with its trees, plants and flowers. There are also several dining options so you can dine with a view.

Tips for Visiting London in Winter

December can be one of the most expensive months to travel to London during the winter. But if you are on a budget you can visit in January or February to keep costs down.

Flight and hotel prices are a lot more particularly close to Christmas. However, travelling in January and February offers cheaper options.

Also, January and February are quieter months to visit London, this is a good time if you want to visit some of the city’s big attractions without being run over by crowds.

It’s wise to stay as centrally as possible so that you can connect with different parts of the city with ease. It’s unwise to stay on the outskirts of the city and spend half your day getting into the city centre.

Deciding what to wear on a cold London day can be difficult. Our advice is wearing layers that can be easily removed.

What to Pack for London Winter

This isn’t a complete list of things to pack for London winter, but are items that you must have in your traveling bag.

Umbrella – There are many misbeliefs about heavy rains in London, but it does rain frequently and can be unpredictable, so it’s best you have an umbrella.

Hat, Scarf and Gloves – The temperatures in London fluctuate a lot so you should wrap up warm while walking around.

Thick Socks – Wearing a thick pair of cosy socks will make a difference during very cold days and nights.

Comfortable Pair of Shoes – Wear comfortable waterproof ankle length boots for walking around.

Winter Jacket – It’s best to dress in layers, but you can also add a nice cosy winter jacket that can go from day to night.

So, there you have it – London is a great city to visit during the cold winter months.

There are several things to do in London in winter – from sightseeing activities to typical British experiences such as pubs and afternoon tea, to attending shows and other entertainment the list is endless.

We hope this post has inspired you for your London winter travels. Please share your experiences with us!!