How Rainy Is It in London?

London gets about 23 inches (58.4 cm) of precipitation every year. This is less than the rainfall in Dallas, Texas, which gets 37.1 inches (94.2 cm) per year, or Rome, Italy, which gets 32.8 inches (83.4 cm) of rain annually. Within the United Kingdom, several other cities get more precipitation than London, including Liverpool, which gets almost 34 inches (86.6 cm) per year, and Sheffield, at almost 32.5 inches (82.55 cm) per year.

More about weather in England:

• During the summer, London's average temperature is 75.2° Fahrenheit (24° Celsius). In the winter, temperatures typically range from 24.8° Fahrenheit (minus−4° Celsius) to 57.2° Fahrenheit (14° Celsius).


• October is historically the wettest month in London, with an average of 2.42 inches (6.15 cm) of rain. The driest month is February, with an average of 1.34 inches (3.4 cm) of precipitation.


• England's Lake District is the wettest area of the country. The area gets more than 78.7 inches (200 cm) of precipitation each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much rain does London typically receive in a year?

London experiences a moderate level of precipitation, with an annual average of around 601 millimeters (23.7 inches) of rain. This is less than the UK average, which is about 1,154 millimeters (45.4 inches) annually, according to the Met Office. Despite its reputation, London is not the rainiest city in the UK.

What is the rainiest month in London?

Historically, October is considered the wettest month in London, with an average of 71 millimeters (2.8 inches) of rainfall. This is closely followed by November and August. The variability in rainfall can be attributed to London's temperate maritime climate, which brings unpredictable weather patterns.

Does it rain every day in London?

It does not rain every day in London. On average, London experiences rain on about 109 days per year, according to the UK Met Office. This means that there are more dry days than wet ones, although the city is known for its frequent overcast skies and light drizzle rather than heavy downpours.

How does London's rainfall compare to other major cities?

London's rainfall is relatively low compared to other major cities around the world. For instance, New York City averages about 1,200 millimeters (47 inches) of rain per year, while Tokyo receives around 1,528 millimeters (60 inches). This makes London drier than many of its international counterparts.

Is London's weather the same throughout the city?

London's weather can vary slightly across different parts of the city. Microclimates exist due to urban density, parks, and the Thames River. For example, the city center might experience less rainfall than the outskirts. However, these variations are generally subtle, and the overall climate remains consistent throughout London.

Has climate change affected rainfall in London?

Climate change is impacting weather patterns globally, and London is no exception. According to the Greater London Authority, the city is facing an increased risk of both drought and flooding due to climate change. This includes more intense and frequent heavy rainfall events, which could lead to greater annual precipitation totals and more extreme weather incidents.