Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Quick Answer
London in November is cool and damp, with daytime highs averaging 10–12°C (50–54°F) and night lows around 5°C (41°F). Expect roughly 65–67mm of rainfall across 15–17 days, humidity near 85%, and daylight shrinking from 9.6 to 8.2 hours. Pack warm layers, waterproof footwear, and a wind-resistant jacket.
Key Takeaways
- Temperature Trends: Highs range from 12°C early in the month down to 9°C or lower by late November.
- Rainfall & Dampness: Rain occurs on roughly half the days in November (15–17 wet days), accompanied by high relative humidity (84–89%).
- Shrinking Daylight: Sunset shifts earlier, dropping from 16:33 on Nov 1 to 15:55 on Nov 30.
- Low Snow Probability: True snowfall is rare in November; brief flurries occur occasionally without settling.
- Layering Strategy: Waterproof outerwear paired with warm knitwear works better than bulky coats or large umbrellas in crowded city streets.
Typical Temperature Ranges and Climate Trends
In November, London’s average daily temperatures typically range between 5°C and 12°C (41°F to 54°F), signaling a clear transition from autumn to winter.Met Office (Heathrow 1991–2020)
Early vs. Late November Temperature Drops
Early November often retains mild early-autumn air, with afternoon highs reaching 12–13°C (54–55°F). However, as the month progresses, cooler Arctic air masses pull temperatures downward. By the final week of November, daytime highs frequently top out at just 8–9°C (46–48°F), while nighttime temperatures can dip close to 0–2°C (32–36°F). Occasional cold snaps bring early morning ground frost.
Central London Microclimate and Wind Chill
London experiences a mild urban heat island effect. Built-up areas like Westminster, Covent Garden, and Soho remain 1–2°C warmer than outer boroughs like Richmond, Greenwich, or open parklands. However, along open corridors like the River Thames (Southbank, Tower Bridge), brisk winds can make an 8°C reading feel significantly colder.
Light snow flurries can occur late in the month in some years, but settled snow remains rare until deeper winter.Met Office (Snow in the UK)
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
As air temperatures decrease, relative humidity climbs significantly. November brings frequent drizzling precipitation interspersed with brief showers. Monthly rainfall averages around 65–67mm at Heathrow, spread across roughly 15–17 wet days.Met Office (Heathrow 1991–2020)
Central London’s average relative humidity sits between 84% and 89% throughout the month.Timeanddate (St James’s Park climate) High moisture content in the air accentuates the cold, giving London’s weather a distinctly damp, sharp feel.
Pro Tip: A breathable, waterproof hooded shell layered over a merino or fleece jumper works better than a large umbrella. Narrow, crowded London pavements and gusts near Underground station entrances make managing large umbrellas awkward.
Morning fog occasionally forms during calm weather windows late in autumn, slowing early transit commutes before clearing by mid-morning.Met Office (Fog facts)
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
Daylight hours decrease sharply across November following the late-October return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
- November 1: Sunrise at 06:54 | Sunset at 16:33 (9 hours, 39 minutes of daylight)
- November 30: Sunrise at 07:42 | Sunset at 15:55 (8 hours, 13 minutes of daylight)
Total bright sunshine averages approximately 71 hours for the entire month.TimeanddateMet Office (Sunshine averages 1991–2020)
With around 71 total hours of sunshine recorded across 30 days, overcast skies are standard. Schedule outdoor walking tours for morning hours before light fades around 4:00 PM.
What to Pack for Changing Weather Conditions
Because daylight is limited and weather conditions shift quickly between dry chills and damp showers, packing versatile clothing layers is essential.
At a Glance: November Packing Essentials
| Outerwear | Waterproof, wind-resistant jacket or thigh-length raincoat with a hood |
| Clothing Layers | Wool or cashmere jumpers, fleece jackets, long-sleeve cotton/thermal base shirts |
| Accessories | Warm scarf, beanie/knit hat, light touchscreen gloves, compact windproof umbrella |
| Footwear | Waterproof leather walking shoes or boots with rubber soles for wet pavement |
Tips for Enjoying London During November
Despite cooler weather, November offers great advantages for travelers, including shoulder-season accommodation rates and festive events.
- Plan around early darkness: Visit outdoor landmarks like Hyde Park, Tower Bridge, or Buckingham Palace between 09:00 and 15:00. Transition to indoor venues as twilight arrives.
- Dress for outdoor evening events: If attending early November Bonfire Night fireworks (Nov 5) or late-month Christmas light switch-ons (Oxford Street, Regent Street), wear heavy thermal layers—standing still outdoors at night drops body heat quickly.
- Utilize indoor museum fallbacks: World-class venues like the British Museum, National Gallery, and Natural History Museum offer warm, indoor refuge on wet days.
Note: November sits between the autumn rush and peak Christmas tourism. Flights and hotel pricing are generally lower than in December, and major museum lines are shorter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does November weather vary across different London neighborhoods?
Central London tends to run slightly milder and wetter due to heat retention from buildings, while outer boroughs like Richmond or Hampstead can feel colder and windier, especially near open green spaces.
Are there any specific weather events typical in London during November?
Frequent drizzle, overcast skies, and chilly temperatures are standard. Early morning fog and ground frosts occur during late November cold snaps.Met Office (Fog facts)
How early do snowfalls usually occur in London in November?
Snow in London during November is uncommon. When it does occur, it is usually a fleeting flurry rather than accumulating snow. Significant snowfall is far more likely from late December through February.Met Office (Snow in the UK)
What are the best indoor activities during London’s November weather?
Free major museums (British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern), West End theatre shows, covered historic markets (Leadenhall Market, Seven Dials Market), and traditional historic pubs are ideal choices on wet afternoons.
How does November weather affect London’s public transportation?
Heavy rain, fog, or morning frost can occasionally cause minor delays on above-ground train lines or London bus routes. The Underground network remains mostly unaffected by surface weather.
Conclusion
Visiting London in November brings crisp, damp air, quiet attractions, and early festive ambiance. By packing warm water-resistant layers, scheduling outdoor sights before 4:00 PM sunset, and utilizing the city’s rich indoor cultural offerings on rainy days, you can easily enjoy London’s autumn-to-winter shift.
Sources
- Met Office — Heathrow long-term averages (1991–2020) — Climate baseline data for temperature, rainfall, and sunshine
- Met Office — Snow in the UK — Historical analysis of snow seasonality in southern England
- Met Office — Fog facts — Autumn and winter fog formation mechanics
- Timeanddate — St James’s Park climate — Humidity and microclimate averages
- Timeanddate — London sunrise/sunset, November — Solar calendar and daylight calculation