Does It Snow In London? Tea, Trench Coats, and Tobogganing?

Does it snow in London, England? If you, too, had this question in your mind, then you’ve come to the right place!

In this blog, we will discuss the weather in London and whether or not it ever snows there. London is located in the southern part of England, and it has a temperate climate.

This means that the weather is neither too hot nor too cold all year round, but does it ever snow there?

Does It Snow in London?

While it does snow in London from time to time, it is not a common occurrence. The last significant snowfall in London was in 2018 when the “Beast from the East” brought record-low temperatures and heavy snowfall to the UK.

However, Prior to that, the last major snowfall in London was in 2010, when the city accumulated around 20 inches of snow in just 24 hours.

If you’re planning a trip to London and hoping to see some snow, your best bet would be to visit during the winter months (December-February). However, even then, there is no guarantee that you will see any snow.

How Often Does It Snow in London?

Although it snows very rarely, the city does have an annual snowfall of about 3.9 inches (10 cm). The last time it snowed heavily was in 2013, when the city was blanketed under snow which caused the closure of all Airports in the area.

The most recent Snowfall in London was seen on December 12 and 13, 2022. When around 4 inches of snowfall, which brought several parts of the UK to a standstill.

The United Kingdom experiences different weather patterns than other parts of Europe, thanks to the North Atlantic Drift.

This oceanic current brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico up the coast of Europe, resulting in milder winters along the UK’s western edge.

The North Atlantic Drift also protects the UK from extremely cold air masses from the east, so even though snow is not common when it does happen, it tends to be wet and heavy.

If you’re hoping for a white Christmas, you’re more likely to see snow in other parts of the UK, such as Scotland or Wales.

When Does It Snow in London?

Although it generally does not snow very often in London, there are a few times throughout the year when it is possible for light snowfall to occur.

It snows for about 12 to 16 days per year in London. The best time to see snow in London is typically from late December to early February, as this is when the city sees its coldest weather.

However, snowfall is not guaranteed during this time period, and some years may see no snow at all.

The Seasons in London

Autumn in London starts in September and ends in November. This is when the leaves on the trees start to turn red, orange, and yellow before they fall off. The weather is usually cool and sunny during the day but can be cold and rainy at night.

Winter in London starts in December and ends in February. It is often very cold during this time, with temperatures sometimes dipping below freezing. Snow is not very common, but it does happen occasionally. The days are shorter during winter, with less sunlight.

Spring in London starts in March and ends in May. The weather gets warmer, and the days get longer. This is when the flowers start to bloom, and the trees start to get green again.

Summer in London starts in June and ends in August. It is usually very hot and sunny during this time, although there can be occasional showers or thunderstorms.

What Is the Weather Like in London?

London has a temperate climate, meaning that it does not experience the extremely cold winters or hot summers found in other parts of the world.

The average temperature in London is about 10 degrees Celsius, although it can reach as high as 30 degrees Celsius in the summer months.

Snow is not a common occurrence in London, but it does happen occasionally. If you are planning to visit London, be sure to pack both warm and cool clothing so that you can be prepared for any weather conditions.

What Are the Most Popular Things to Do in London in Winter?

There are plenty of things to do in London in winter, despite the cold and wet weather. From visiting world-famous museums to taking a leisurely stroll through one of the city’s many parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the most popular winter activities in London is ice skating. There are several places to go ice skating in the city, including the Natural History Museum, Somerset House, and the Tower of London. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can even skate on the open-air rink at Hyde Park.

Another popular winter activity is visiting one of London’s many Christmas markets. These markets sell everything from traditional Christmas decorations to handmade gifts and delicious food. There are markets located all over the city, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you.

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, why not take a stroll through one of London’s many parks? Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Richmond Park are all beautiful in winter and make for a great day out.

Here’s a short list of some ideas on how to make the most of a winter’s day in the UK capital.

• Build a snowman in Hyde Park or one of London’s many other green spaces
• Have a snowball fight in Kensington Gardens
• Skate at Somerset House, the Natural History Museum, or on the South Bank
• Go Christmas shopping on Oxford Street and in Covent Garden
• Visit a festive market, such as Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park or Southbank Centre Winter Market
• See the Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House, Sleeping Beauty at Sadler’s Wells, or another ballet or opera performance
• Take a Thames river cruise and enjoy views of London’s landmarks covered in snow

Conclusion

So, does it snow in London? Though it is not a common occurrence, it does happen! 

If you’re hoping to see a winter wonderland, you’ll probably be disappointed. However, if you don’t mind a few flakes now and then, you’ll be just fine.

If you are planning a trip to London and are worried about the weather, be sure to pack your winter gear just in case.

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• Does It Snow In Northern Ireland?

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