Planning a trip to London in January 2026? This month is one of the most rewarding times to explore the UK capital, thanks to low crowds, cheaper hotels and flights, dramatic winter scenery, and some of the city’s best cultural events. Expect crisp weather, misty Thames views, atmospheric evenings, world-class museums, cosy pubs, vibrant West End shows, and the famous January Sales offering huge shopping discounts across Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Westfield. January is perfect for travellers looking for a quieter, more affordable, and more immersive London experience. With temperatures between 4°C and 9°C, occasional rain, and shorter daylight hours, this is the ideal season to enjoy London’s indoor attractions, iconic landmarks, royal palaces, markets, galleries, river cruises, and neighbourhood walks.

This London January travel guide 2026 covers London weather in January, what to pack, best places to visit, top things to do, signature events, crowd levels, travel costs, and expert tips to help you plan your winter trip effortlessly. Whether you’re here for sightseeing, food, culture, theatre, shopping, or photography, London in January offers a magical and budget-friendly start to the new year.

Key Takeaways

• London Weather: Cold and damp (4-9°C), with shorter daylight, light rain, and occasional fog.
• Season: Deep winter, cosy cafés, indoor attractions, theatre, museums, hot chocolate spots.
• Crowds: Low after the first week. January is one of the quietest months for tourism.
• Prices: Up to 30–40% cheaper for hotels and flights after Jan 7.
• Events: Winter Lights, New Year’s Parade, Burns Night, London Art Fair, Chelsea Physic Garden Lights.
• What to Bring: Layers, waterproofs, thermals, woollens, umbrella, moisturiser.
• Best For: Culture lovers, history travellers, budget trips, solo travellers, families with older kids.

London Weather in January: Detailed Overview

London’s January weather is classic European winter: chilly, crisp, and atmospheric. You’ll likely experience foggy mornings, cosy evenings, and occasional light showers.

Here’s what to expect:

Weather Element	January Condition	Why It’s Good
Avg Temperature	4°C (low) – 9°C (high)	Manageable with proper layering
Feels Like	0–6°C due to wind chill	Keep a warm jacket handy
Rainfall	~50–60 mm over 10 days	Short, light showers—not disruptive
Snow	0–2 days (light)	Rare but magical when it happens
Humidity	75–85%	Typical London dampness
Daylight Hours	8–9 hours (sunrise 8 AM/sunset 4 PM)	Perfect for cosy evenings
Wind	10–20 km/h	Makes evenings feel colder
Fog	Common in the mornings	Creates iconic atmospheric photos

When Is the Best Time of Day to Explore London?

• Best: 10 AM – 3:30 PM (daylight window)
• Not ideal: After 6 PM for long outdoor walks (very cold + windy)
• Perfect for indoor attractions: 3 PM onward

London January Weather vs Other Months

• December: More festive, more crowded, colder evenings.
• January: Quietest, cheapest, and crispest winter month.
• February: Slightly warmer but busier (Valentine’s Day + half-term week).

London Winter Packing List

Here’s the most detailed London winter packing guide online, practical and tested.

Clothing Essentials

• Heavy winter jacket (down/insulated)
• Thermals (top + bottom)
• Full-sleeve sweaters & warm tops
• Waterproof boots/shoes
• Warm socks (wool recommended)
• Jeans/warm trousers
• Gloves, scarf, beanie

Weather Protection

• Compact umbrella
• Light waterproof outer layer
• Lip balm & moisturiser
• Hair serum/anti-frizz products (UK humidity!)

Practical Items

• Power bank (cold drains batteries fast)
• Hot water bottle for Airbnb stays
• Reusable water bottle
• Backpack for day trips

Optional But Useful

• Hand warmers (great for night events)
• Touch-screen gloves
• Small thermos for hot drinks

Best Places to Visit in London in January

Here are the most rewarding attractions in January, each benefiting from lower crowds, winter ambience, or indoor comfort. 

• Westminster & Big Ben
• Tower of London & Tower Bridge
• The British Museum
• Natural History Museum
• Winter Walks: Hyde Park & Regent’s Park
• Camden Market
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Greenwich
• Kensington Palace & Gardens

Top Things to Do in London in January

Here are January-exclusive or season-enhanced experiences.

1. Shop the January Sales (Up to 70% Off)

One of Europe’s biggest shopping events.

Best Areas:

• Oxford Street
• Regent Street
• Covent Garden
• Harrods
• Liberty London
• Westfield London (Shepherd’s Bush & Stratford)

2. Winter Lights at Canary Wharf

Held mid-January, this free light festival features immersive outdoor installations, ideal for photography.

3. West End Theatre Shows

January brings easier ticket availability and great discounts, making it the perfect time to catch London’s best musicals and plays. Top picks include Hamilton, Les Misérables, Wicked, The Lion King, and The Phantom of the Opera.

4. Join a Cosy Pub Experience

Warm up in classic London pubs offering crackling fireplaces and hearty winter comfort food. Top picks include The Churchill Arms in Kensington, the historic Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, and The Harp in Covent Garden.

5. Thames River Cruise

A winter cruise along the Thames feels cinematic, with foggy mornings, golden hour views, and early sunsets creating dramatic cityscapes.

6. Day Trips

January crowds are minimal at all major attractions.

Choose from:

• Windsor Castle
• Bath (Roman Baths feel magical in winter steam)
• Oxford
• Cotswolds villages
• Stonehenge

7. Ice Skating (Until Early Jan)

Enjoy London’s festive winter charm at ice rinks that stay open during the first week of January, including the iconic Somerset House and the riverside rink at Battersea Power Station.

London Events & Festivals in January 

Event	Date	Description
New Year’s Day Parade	Jan 1	Marching bands, dancers, and global performers
Winter Lights at Canary Wharf	Mid-Jan	Free immersive light installations
London Art Fair	Jan 14–18	Modern British art exhibition
Burns Night	Jan 25	Scottish dinners, whisky events across London
London International Mime Festival	Jan 2026	Cutting-edge theatre, circus, performance art
Chelsea Physic Garden Winter Trail	All month	Illuminated garden walks
January Sales	Entire month	Fashion, luxury, electronics, discounts

London Travel Costs in January(Hotels, Flights, Meals)

Hotels

• Budget: £50–90/night
• Mid-range: £120–180/night
• Luxury: £250–450/night

Prices drop significantly after Jan 7.

Flights

Flights from India/Middle East/Europe are 20–35% cheaper in January.

Food & Dining

• Breakfast: £6–12
• Pub meals: £15–25
• Mid-range restaurants: £20–35
• Coffee: £3–5

Transportation

Daily Oyster cap: £8–9 for most travellers.

Crowd Levels & Travel Mood in January

Week 1 (Jan 1–7):

• Moderate crowds around shopping streets, Winter Wonderland, and New Year events.
  

After Jan 7:

• One of the quietest periods in London.
• Shorter queues at attractions.
• Hotels at their lowest winter prices.

Weekends:

Oxford Street gets busy due to sales.

Photography:

Fog, mist, and early sunsets create dramatic frames around Big Ben, St Paul’s, and Tower Bridge.

January London Travel Tips

• Always check attraction opening hours, some shorten in winter.
• Book theatre tickets online early for the best rates.
• Start sightseeing late morning for warmer conditions.
• Bring a reusable cup; many cafés offer discounts for hot drinks.
• Layer your clothing; temperatures fluctuate indoors vs outdoors.
• Stay near a Tube station; winter nights get very cold.
• Carry a backup power bank (battery drains fast).
• Download CityMapper for easy navigation.
• Keep an umbrella + waterproof shoes at all times.

Bottom Line: Is London worth visiting in January?

London in January is the ideal choice for travellers seeking low costs, peaceful sightseeing, cosy winter charm, world-class events, and iconic attractions without the holiday crowds. Despite the cold weather, the city feels warm and immersive, think golden winter lights, steaming cafés, historic museums, fog-kissed mornings, and great deals on hotels, flights, and shopping. If you want a quiet, budget-friendly, and truly atmospheric start to the year, January is one of the best times to book your London tour package. Plan your winter getaway with Pickyourtrail to enjoy a seamless, personalised London experience crafted just for you.

FAQs

1. Is January a good time to visit London?

Yes, January is one of the best budget-friendly months to visit London. You get lower hotel prices, fewer crowds, great winter events, and excellent shopping deals during the January Sales.

2. How cold is London in January?

London experiences temperatures between 4°C and 9°C in January, with chilly winds, light rain, and occasional fog. Proper layers, a warm jacket, and waterproof shoes make sightseeing comfortable.

3. Does it snow in London in January?

Snow is rare but possible. Light flurries may occur, especially in early mornings, adding a magical winter charm to the city.

4. What should I pack for London in January?

Pack warm layers, a heavy jacket, thermals, gloves, a scarf, waterproof boots, and a compact umbrella. Moisturiser and lip balm are also essential for the cold, damp weather.

5. Are London attractions open in January?

Yes, almost all major attractions, including museums, royal palaces, markets, and theatres, remain open in January, with shorter queues and faster entry.

6. Are flights and hotels cheaper in January?

Yes, January is one of London’s most affordable months. Hotels and flights become 20–40% cheaper after the first week, making it a great time to book a London tour package.

7. What are the best things to do in London in January?

Top activities include the New Year’s Day Parade, Canary Wharf Winter Lights, West End shows, Thames River cruises, museum visits, winter markets, and shopping the massive January Sales.

8. Is London crowded in January?

Crowds are minimal after January 7. You can explore attractions like the Tower of London, British Museum, and Buckingham Palace with significantly shorter lines.

9. What events happen in London in January?

Key events include the London New Year’s Day Parade, Winter Lights Festival, London Art Fair, Burns Night celebrations, and the January Sales across major shopping districts.

10. Is January a good month to book a London tour package?

Absolutely. January offers the perfect blend of affordability, quiet sightseeing, winter ambience, and ongoing events. It’s one of the best months to book a personalised London tour package for maximum value.