As a powerful symbol of its age-old charm and misty gray skies, London remains eternally attractive, even when it’s covered in a blanket of snow.
Many people wonder, “Does it snow in London?”
To help answer this question, We’ve put together a month-by-month breakdown of snow chances in the city, as well as a list of fun activities to enjoy when those flurries do make an appearance!
Does It Snow in London? A Month-by-Month Breakdown
January
January is the coldest month in London, and there’s always a chance of snow. However, snowfall is generally low and often doesn’t settle for long due to the city’s mild temperatures.
February
Like January, February has a slight chance of snow, but again, it’s usually minimal and melts quickly due to London’s moderate winter climate.
March
The snow chances decrease in March, but an odd, short-lived shower or flurry can still surprise Londoners, turning the city into a magical, snowy escape for a few brief moments.
April
In April, the chances of snow in London are minimal and quite rare. Expect more rain showers than snow as the city starts to warm up.
May – September
From May to September, it’s highly unlikely to snow in London, as these months represent spring and summer when temperatures rise and rainfall occurs in the form of rain.
October
As we get into October, there’s still little to no chance of snow, though temperatures begin to dip, and days grow shorter in preparation for the winter months.
November
November sees increased chances for colder weather, but snow isn’t particularly common this month. There may be a rare occurrence, but the city is typically more focused on gearing up for the holiday season.
December
December is one of London’s most likely months for snowfall. However, it’s worth noting that the city typically experiences mild winters, and significant snowfall is rare. Snow is most likely during late December, just in time for a white Christmas if you’re lucky!
What to Do When it Snows in London
When it does snow in London, there’s no need to hibernate indoors. Don your warmest clothes and head out to explore the city’s snowy delights.
Here are our top recommendations for fun winter activities:
- Hop on a Red Bus Tour. Board one of London’s iconic red buses for a tour around the city, taking in snow-dusted landmarks like Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace.
- Build a Snowman in Hyde Park. Take advantage of the snowfall and get creative with your very own snowman or snowball fight in Hyde Park, one of London’s most beautiful winter spots.
- Warm up with a Hot Chocolate at a Local Café. Once you’ve finished exploring snowy London, treat yourself to a cup of steaming hot chocolate or cappuccino at one of the city’s many cozy cafes, like Monmouth Coffee Company or Timberyard.
- Browse Festive Markets. In the lead-up to Christmas, several markets pop up around the city, offering a unique shopping experience and an array of tasty festive treats.
Ski Resorts in London
- Hemel Snow Centre: Located in the Dacorum district of Hertfordshire, Hemel Snow Centre is the only indoor ski slope in London. They offer a range of group lessons and classes for all levels, plus snowboarding and freestyle activities.
- Alpine Snowsports Mitchells Butlers: This state-of-the-art facility located in Highgate is one of London’s best dry slopes for skiing and snowboarding, with two slalom courses and an additional skill slope perfect for beginners.
- Chatham Ski & Snowboard Centre: Located just 30 minutes outside of Central London (in Kent), this center offers both beginner slopes as well as steeper runs to challenge experienced skiers or snowboarders.
- Snozone Milton Keynes at Xscape MK: With two 180m real snow slopes made up entirely from manmade flakes, Snozone provides year-round skiing fun! Lessons are also available here starting from age 3+.
- Brent Cross Ski Slope: This outdoor artificial ski area located close to Hendon has been running since 1992 – offering lessons, regular club nights, and events throughout the year.
Conclusion And Travel Tips
London can be a magical place when it’s covered in snow, and exploring the city on a wintery day is an experience to remember.
However, it’s important to note that light snowfall is more common than heavy snowfall in London.
If you plan to travel during these colder months, make sure you bring suitable clothing and footwear for wet, cold weather.
With the right precautions and a little luck, you could be in for a lovely snow day in London!
Last, but not least, remember to keep updated with local developments on snow chances.
The BBC Weather app is an excellent source of reliable information and can help you make decisions based on the current forecast.
Enjoy your time in London and stay safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I do when it snows in London?
When it does snow in London, there are plenty of fun winter activities to enjoy, such as taking a red bus tour around the city, building a snowman or having snowball fights in Hyde Park, or enjoying warm drinks at one of London’s cozy cafes.
Are there any ski resorts near London?
Yes! There are several ski and snowboard resorts located nearby London including Hemel Snow Centre, Alpine Snowsports Mitchells Butlers, Chatham Ski & Snowboard Centre Snozone Milton Keynes at Xscape MK, and Brent Cross Ski Slope.
What precautions should I take if traveling to London during the winter months?
If you plan to travel during these colder months, make sure you bring suitable clothing and footwear for wet, cold weather. Keep updated with local developments on snow chances using reliable sources like the BBC Weather app – this will help you make decisions based on the current forecast.