Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Daniel Globe
June is one of the easiest months for sightseeing in London, thanks to mild-to-warm temperatures and some of the longest days of the year. Rain is still possible, though, and recent summers have shown that heatwaves can push temperatures well above the long-term average. Packing light layers, rain protection, and sun protection gives you the flexibility to handle most conditions.
Quick Answer
London in June is usually mild to warm, with average daytime highs around 21°C (70°F) and nighttime lows around 11°C (52°F). Expect long evenings, roughly seven hours of sunshine per day on average, and occasional rain. Pack layers, a light waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Key Takeaways
- Met Office 1991–2020 averages for Kew Gardens put June’s average maximum at about 21.4°C (70.6°F) and minimum at 11.0°C (51.8°F).
- June averages about 49.7 mm of rain at Kew Gardens, with 8.5 days receiving at least 1 mm.
- London gets about 16.5 hours of daylight around the June solstice, making evening sightseeing especially easy.
- Heatwaves are possible. June 2026 was exceptionally warm in England, so long-term averages should not be treated as a temperature ceiling.
- Bring light layers, rain protection, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle.
Note: Climate averages describe what is typical over many years; they are not a forecast for your exact travel dates. Check the Met Office London forecast shortly before and during your trip.
Average Temperatures in June
London’s June weather is generally mild to warm rather than consistently hot. According to the Met Office’s 1991–2020 averages for Kew Gardens, the average June maximum is 21.43°C (70.6°F), while the average minimum is 11.02°C (51.8°F).
| June climate measure | Kew Gardens 1991–2020 average |
| Average maximum temperature | 21.43°C (70.6°F) |
| Average minimum temperature | 11.02°C (51.8°F) |
| Rainfall | 49.66 mm (about 2 inches) |
| Days with at least 1 mm of rain | 8.5 days |
| Sunshine | 209.75 hours |
Those numbers are averages rather than limits. A cloudy Atlantic spell can keep afternoon temperatures in the teens, while a summer heatwave can send them much higher. Mornings and late evenings can also feel cool enough for a light sweater or jacket.
A typical June at Kew Gardens averages about 21.4°C by day, 11.0°C at night, 49.7 mm of rain, and nearly 210 hours of sunshine.
Length of Daylight Hours
June gives London some of its longest days of the year. Daylight increases during the first part of the month, reaches its annual maximum around the summer solstice, and then begins to decrease slowly.
For 2026, the Royal Observatory Greenwich placed the summer solstice on June 21. London had roughly 16.5 hours of daylight around that date, with sunrise at about 4:43 a.m. and sunset around 9:21 p.m.
The long evenings are particularly useful for travelers. You can visit museums or indoor attractions during the middle of the day and still have several hours of daylight for a park, riverside walk, neighborhood exploration, or outdoor meal afterward.
Pro Tip: Save outdoor viewpoints, parks, and Thames walks for late afternoon or early evening. London’s June daylight lasts well beyond normal attraction closing times.
Typical Rainfall and Showers
Rain remains part of London’s June weather, but there is no reliable rule that showers occur mainly in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Weather fronts and showers can arrive at any time of day.
At Kew Gardens, the Met Office’s 1991–2020 average is 49.66 mm of June rainfall, with about 8.5 days receiving at least 1 mm. That does not mean rain occurs on only eight or nine days; lighter or trace precipitation may occur on additional days.
| Rain factor | What it means for your trip |
|---|---|
| Monthly average | About 49.7 mm at Kew Gardens |
| Measurable-rain days | About 8.5 days with at least 1 mm |
| Timing | No dependable daily pattern; check the hourly forecast |
| Best preparation | Light waterproof layer or compact umbrella |
A shower does not necessarily ruin a sightseeing day. London’s dense public-transport network and large number of museums, galleries, markets, churches, shops, and covered attractions make it easy to switch between indoor and outdoor plans.
Sunshine Duration and Cloud Cover
June is one of London’s brighter months. Kew Gardens averages 209.75 hours of sunshine in June, which works out to almost seven hours of recorded sunshine per day across the month.
That number is different from daylight duration. London can have more than 16 hours between sunrise and sunset near the solstice while receiving only part of that period as direct sunshine because of cloud cover.
Average Sunshine Hours
About seven hours of average daily sunshine gives travelers a good chance of bright periods, but it does not guarantee clear skies for an entire day. A typical London day can shift among sun, cloud, and showers several times.
Because the evenings remain light for so long, even a cloudy morning does not necessarily mean losing a full sightseeing day. Conditions may change before late afternoon.
Variability in Cloud Cover
Cloud cover in London can change quickly as weather systems move across southern England. Some June days are mostly clear, some are overcast, and many contain a mixture of both.
For travelers, flexibility matters more than trying to identify a reliably sunny part of the day. Check the hourly forecast before leaving your accommodation and keep one or two indoor alternatives available.
Humidity Levels and Air Quality
Humidity varies considerably from one June day—and even one hour—to another. It should not be treated as a fixed monthly percentage or used by itself to predict whether London’s air will feel comfortable.
The Met Office’s “feels like” temperature combines factors including humidity and wind, making the current forecast more useful than a single monthly humidity figure.
June Humidity Trends
Relative humidity can be higher during cool mornings, after rain, or when moist air moves across the city, and lower during warmer or drier parts of the day. Because relative humidity depends partly on temperature, it does not simply rise whenever the weather becomes warmer.
| Condition | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| Cool or damp morning | Air can feel damp even when temperatures are mild |
| Warm afternoon | Comfort depends on temperature, wind, sunshine, and moisture together |
| Breezy weather | Often feels fresher and can improve dispersion of local pollution |
| Hot, sunny, still weather | Can be more uncomfortable and may favor summer ozone episodes |
Air Pollution Factors
Humidity alone does not determine London’s air quality. Traffic emissions, regional pollution, sunlight, temperature, wind direction, and atmospheric dispersion all matter. Summer ozone can become more significant during hot, sunny conditions, while pollution from traffic can be higher close to busy roads.
Rather than estimating pollution from the weather, check the UK government’s air-quality forecast service. Travelers who are sensitive to air pollution can also reduce exposure by choosing quieter streets instead of walking directly beside heavy traffic.
Note: During a high-pollution alert, follow the official health advice shown with the UK Daily Air Quality Index rather than relying on humidity or cloud cover as a guide.
Variations in Weather Throughout the Month
There is no dependable pattern in which the first week of June is sunny, the second warmer, and the third wetter. London’s weather is controlled by changing weather systems, so any part of the month can produce cool Atlantic conditions, settled sunshine, heavy showers, or a hot spell.
| Possible June pattern | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Cool Atlantic spell | Cloud, breeze, showers, and temperatures below the monthly average |
| Settled summer weather | Dry periods, sunshine, and comfortable daytime warmth |
| Hot spell or heatwave | Temperatures well above average, stronger heat stress, and possible transport impacts |
| Unsettled or thundery spell | Heavy showers or thunderstorms separated by brighter periods |
How June 2026 Compared With Normal
June 2026 is a useful reminder that averages are not limits. The Met Office reported that England had its warmest June on record in 2026, with a mean temperature of 17.1°C, 2.8°C above the 1991–2020 average. The month began cooler and unsettled before exceptional heat developed later.
For future trips, use the long-term averages for packing decisions but check the actual forecast before departure in case a heatwave or unusually cool spell is developing.
How to Prepare for June Weather
The easiest strategy is to dress in light layers. A T-shirt or breathable top works for many afternoons, while a thin sweater, cardigan, or light jacket is useful in the morning, after sunset, or on cooler days.
Carry a compact umbrella or lightweight waterproof shell instead of a heavy winter raincoat. Comfortable walking shoes are important because many London itineraries involve several miles of walking, and water-resistant footwear can be helpful when showers leave pavements wet.
June’s long daylight also means more exposure to summer UV. The Met Office advises sun protection when UV levels are high, including shade during the strongest midday sun, covering up, and using sunscreen.
Warning: Do not assume London’s mild climate rules out extreme heat. During a heatwave, carry water, reduce strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, seek shade, and check travel updates before making long rail journeys.
Effects of June Weather on Outdoor Activities
June is well suited to parks, walking tours, outdoor dining, markets, river trips, and evening sightseeing because daylight lasts so long. The main challenge is not persistent bad weather but rapid changes between sun, cloud, showers, and occasional hotter conditions.
Sunny Days and Planning
On dry days, June’s long evenings make it easy to spread sightseeing across more hours instead of rushing through the middle of the day. Parks such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, and St James’s Park can fit naturally around indoor attractions.
For especially warm days, schedule longer walks earlier or later, take breaks indoors, refill your water bottle, and use sun protection. A warm forecast should not be treated as a reason to leave waterproof gear behind, since showers can still develop.
Rain Showers Disrupt Events
Rain can affect picnics, outdoor performances, walking tours, markets, and other open-air plans, but short showers do not always require cancelling the day.
Before an outdoor event, check the hourly forecast and the organizer’s weather policy. A compact umbrella or poncho is useful for general sightseeing, although some ticketed venues restrict large umbrellas or bags.
It also helps to identify a nearby indoor alternative. Museums, galleries, markets, historic buildings, cafés, and covered shopping areas make it easy to change plans without losing an entire afternoon.
Comparing June Weather to Other Months
June is warmer than spring but normally a little cooler than July and August. The differences are smaller than travelers sometimes expect.
| Kew Gardens average | June | July | August |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum | 21.43°C | 23.78°C | 23.37°C |
| Average minimum | 11.02°C | 13.19°C | 12.99°C |
| Rainfall | 49.66 mm | 45.24 mm | 55.10 mm |
| Sunshine | 209.75 hours | 221.87 hours | 206.50 hours |
July and August are therefore warmer on average, but daytime averages are in the low-to-mid 20s Celsius rather than the high 20s or low 30s. Temperatures above 30°C are possible during hot spells, not the everyday summer norm.
Compared with winter, June offers much warmer temperatures and dramatically longer daylight. Rain, however, occurs throughout the year, so London should not be treated as having a sharply defined dry summer season.
Tips for Packing and Planning Your Visit
A practical June packing list includes lightweight tops, comfortable trousers or shorts, a thin sweater, a light jacket, and a compact waterproof layer. Comfortable walking shoes are more useful than heavy footwear for most city itineraries.
Also pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for bright or hot days. A refillable water bottle is useful during long sightseeing days, especially when the forecast is warmer than normal.
Check the forecast each morning rather than planning your entire trip around a monthly climate average. London weather can change enough from one day to the next that a flexible itinerary is more useful than trying to predict a “best” weather week.
Pro Tip: Pair each outdoor-heavy day with one nearby indoor backup. A passing shower then becomes a small schedule change rather than a lost sightseeing day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does London’s weather in June compare to July and August?
June is usually slightly cooler. At Kew Gardens, the average maximum is about 21.4°C in June, compared with 23.8°C in July and 23.4°C in August. Rainfall is similar across all three months, so June should not automatically be considered much drier.
Are there any specific weather events typical for June in London?
June can bring showers, Atlantic weather fronts, warm settled periods, thunderstorms, and occasional heatwaves. There is no fixed pattern for when these occur within the month, so travelers should check the current forecast rather than relying on a particular week.
How does the weather in June affect London’s outdoor festivals?
Long daylight and generally mild temperatures are favorable for outdoor events, but rain or unusually hot weather can still affect schedules. Check the event organizer’s weather policy and the hourly forecast, and bring appropriate rain or sun protection.
What are the best indoor activities during rainy June days?
Museums, galleries, historic interiors, covered markets, theaters, shops, and cafés are easy rainy-day options. Because showers can be temporary, combining an indoor attraction with a nearby outdoor sight gives you flexibility when conditions improve.
How do London’s June temperatures impact public transportation operations?
Normal June temperatures usually do not cause major weather-related disruption. During exceptional heat, however, railway tracks and overhead equipment can become hot enough for operators to introduce speed restrictions. Check TfL and National Rail updates when a heatwave is forecast.
Sources
- Met Office — Kew Gardens long-term climate averages — 1991–2020 temperature, rainfall, rainy-day, and sunshine averages.
- Met Office — England’s warmest June on record, 2026 — recent heat and climate context.
- Royal Observatory Greenwich — June 2026 astronomy guide — summer-solstice date, daylight, sunrise, and sunset information.
- UK Government — Check Air Quality — current air-pollution forecasts and public guidance.
- Network Rail — Hot weather and the railway — how exceptional heat can affect rails, overhead lines, and train operations.
Conclusion
London in June usually offers a comfortable mix of mild-to-warm weather and very long days. Expect average daytime highs around 21°C (70°F), cool evenings, occasional rain, and plenty of usable daylight. Pack layers, light rain protection, comfortable shoes, and sun protection, then check the forecast each day. Most importantly, remember that recent June heatwaves show temperatures can rise far above the long-term average.