London in December

Christmas lights; Dec 25 almost no transport.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• MayGreatGood month; bank holidays busy.
• JuneGreatLong days; Trooping the Colour.
• JulyGreatWarm, busy; some heat waves.
• SeptemberGreatMild and drier.

• LondonHighs around 8 °C (46 °F), lows around 4 °C (39 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 46 °F (8 °C), lows around 39 °F (4 °C), rain on about 12 days
• London and the south-east, United Kingdom · London, Oxford, Cambridge, Kent, Brightoncool

  Mildest and driest region; summer heat waves above 30 °C (86 °F) are now common, and older Tube lines and many homes have no air conditioning.Mildest and driest region; summer heat waves above 86 °F (30 °C) are now common, and older Tube lines and many homes have no air conditioning.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Christmas lights and markets check

  Mid November to early January · Regent Street, Oxford Street and Covent Garden

  Crowded streets; Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.

• Christmas Day and Boxing Day

  Dec 25–26 · Citywide

  Almost no public transport on Dec 25; limited service on Dec 26; most sights closed.

Crowds · United Kingdom overall

Medium

Prices · United Kingdom overall

High

United Kingdom overall: Christmas markets and shows; transport stops on the 25th and hotels spike around New Year.

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in London, side by side.

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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