What’s the Number of Sunny Days in London?
According to the data, London has 126 sunny days every year. This equates to 239 overcast days.
The sun shines the most in August, with 14 days of sunshine, and the least in January, with only 7.
The ocean influences the climate in London, the capital of the United Kingdom, making it cold, humid, and rainy.
During the year, Atlantic fronts pass one after the other, bringing varied weather with cloudiness, rains, and showers that alternate, at least in spring and summer, with a few hours of sunshine.
The climate is warmer than the rest of Britain, however, because the city is located in the south, in a somewhat sheltered location known as London Basin, between the Chiltern Hills to the north and the North Downs to the south.
Except when a high-pressure system approaches in winter and generates thermal inversions and night fogs, the climate in this location is slightly warmer than in the surrounding region.
In this article, I’ll answer in detail the question “what’s the number of sunny days in London?”
So, let’s get started.
What is the number of sunny days in London? The answer is 126 days every year.
In England, they say, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
While London has four distinct seasons, light rains and gloomy skies are common throughout the year.
Daily highs range from 48°F (9°C) in the winter to 73°F (23°C) in the summer, and weather conditions can change dramatically throughout the day.
Take a look at the table below to get a better idea of what kind of weather to expect on your trip to the UK capital.
It covers the city’s monthly average temperatures and rainfall days.
Climate of London
Spring (March – May)
The weather in London can range from warm and bright to cold and rainy as the season changes from winter to spring.
Daily highs range from 53°F (12°C) to 64°F (18°C), with lows ranging from 43°F (6°C) to 55°F (13°C).
Pack a warm jacket and layers for a trip to London in springtime so you can quickly adapt to changing weather.
Summer (June – August)
Summers in London are generally moderate and pleasant; however, rain showers do occur on occasion.
The days are lengthy, with high temperatures ranging from 70°F (21°C) to 73°F (23°C) and lows around 59°F (15°C).
While you may leave your winter clothes at home, I suggest packing a light jacket or sweater for cool summer evenings.
Autumn (September – November)
Summer temperatures often linger until September before dropping precipitously in October.
Highs will range from 68°F (20°C) to 53°F (12°C), with lows around 50°F (10°C).
Autumn is typically London’s rainiest season, so dress accordingly!
Winter (December – February)
Winters in London are marked by cold and frequently rainy weather.
From December and February, the average high temperature is 48°F (9°C) and the average low temperature is 41°F (5°C).
However, frigid temperatures and snowfall are not uncommon.
Pack a winter coat, as well as a hat, gloves, and scarf.
The Number of Sunny Days in London
According to the data, London has 126 sunny days every year.
This equates to 239 overcast days.
The sun shines the most in August, with 14 days of sunshine, and the least in January, with only 7.
It should be noted that the sunshine sensors do not provide cloud cover (they calculate direct solar irradiation).
This implies that the calculations in the table above indicate how many days have some sun but not always blue skies throughout the day.
Sunshine Hours in London Compared to Other Big Cities
Here are some prominent cities across the world with their comparable sunlight hours compared to London to give you a better idea of how sunny the climate is.
United Kingdom
Liverpool has 1,499 hours of sunshine, which is 176 fewer than London.
Glasgow has 395 less hours of sunshine than London.
Birmingham has 1,395 hours of sunshine, which is 290 fewer than London.
United States
New York City has 2,535 hours of sunshine, which is 860 more than London.
Los Angeles has 3,254 hours of sunshine, which is 1,579 more than London.
Chicago has 2,508 hours of sunshine, which is 833 more than London.
Europe
Paris has 1,717 hours of sunshine, which is 42 more than London.
Madrid has 2,744 hours of sunshine, which is 1,069 more than London.
Berlin has 1,759 hours of sunshine, which is 84 more than London.
Other Cities Across the World
Dubai has 3,570 hours of sunshine, which is 1,895 more than London.
Sydney has 964 more hours of sunshine than London.
Cape Town has 3,094 hours of sunshine, which is 1,419 more than London.
What is the Best Time to Visit London?
Summer is the best time to visit London, or more broadly from mid-May to mid-September.
Temperatures are generally pleasant for outdoor activities, but carry an umbrella and a sweatshirt or jumper for the evenings or cool days.
In the summer, you may expect balmy days with maximum temperatures above 25 °C (77 °F) or approaching 30 °C (86 °F), allowing you to remove outer layers of clothes, stroll around the city’s various parks, and even sunbathe.
How Much Rainfall Does London Receive?
Rainfall totals 615 millimeters (24 inches) a year, which is not nearly as much as in many other European cities.
The impression of London as a rainy city stems primarily from the frequency of the rains, which can occur very frequently even in summer.
Rains are so regular but infrequent, generally light or intermittent, and typically take the form of drizzle or a brief shower.
Final Thoughts on the Question: What’s the Number of Sunny Days in London
What’s the number of sunny days in London?
London has 126 sunny days every year. This equates to 239 overcast days.
The sun shines the most in August, with 14 days of sunshine, and the least in January, with only 7.
Despite having fewer sunshine days compared to other cities across the world, London is a top travel destination and the best time to visit London is during the summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every year, London receives 1,675 hours of sunlight. This suggests that the probability of sunshine is 35%.
Every year, London experiences an average of 239 cloudy days.
Given that there is at least some sun on 126 out of 365 days, the percentage of sunny days is 35%.
London is not as sunny as Paris. Every year, London receives 1,675 hours of sunlight. There are 1717 in Paris. The difference is minor, but Paris has 42 hours more of sunlight.
Chichester has the most sunshine in England, with 1,919 hours of sunshine every year.
London receives 615 mm of rain on average every 112 days. That is a fairly standard amount of rain for European cities, neither too much nor too little.
