When I first stepped into London in January, it felt peaceful and fresh. The holiday lights were coming down, the air was cold, and the city was quiet. I remember holding a hot cup of tea on a foggy morning, walking slowly as the streets slowly came to life. London in January feels like a secret — not many people talk about it, but it’s truly a lovely time to visit. Hotels cost less, crowds are small, and you get to see the real side of the city.

We had no rush — just slow walks, warm drinks, and quiet corners of London waiting to be discovered.

What’s January Like in London?

During our visit, we noticed that January is a calm month in London. The streets weren’t busy, and we didn’t have to wait in long lines. Many shops had big sales, with lower prices after Christmas. I saw people happily shopping, finding great things without the stress of crowds.

One day, we joined the New Year’s Day Parade. The streets were full of colour, music, dancers, and fun. It felt like a bright start to the new year. And even though Christmas had passed, some activities stayed open — like ice skating rinks and the magical Hogwarts in the Snow at Harry Potter Studios. That little bit of holiday feeling still hung in the air.

Weather in London in January

London in January gave us real winter weather. The days were chilly, usually around 7°C, and nights got colder, about 2°C. Some days brought soft rain. I always kept a warm coat and umbrella with me. The cold didn’t stop us — it actually made the city feel extra pretty, especially the old buildings.

We didn’t see much snow, but there were times when the rain felt peaceful, especially when sitting in a café watching it fall. It’s the kind of weather where you want to walk slow and then find a warm drink to hold in your hands.

Daylight Hours in January

One thing we had to plan around was the short daylight. In January, the sun rises around 7:30 to 8:00 and sets early, between 4:30 and 5:00. That meant we made the most of mornings.

One early morning, we walked by the River Thames and saw the soft sunlight on the water. The city felt calm and full of promise. Even though the days were short, they still gave us enough time to enjoy outdoor walks and city views.

South Bank, Bankside & Southwark – Underrated but Central

Now let me tell you about where I stayed — and I think it’s one of London’s most underrated spots: the area just south of the River Thames, around South Bank, Bankside, and Southwark. Some people also call it Blackfriars or nearby Borough, but whatever name you use, the location is amazing.

We were within walking distance of some of London’s best sights:

• The London Eye
• Shakespeare’s Globe
• Tate Modern
• The Shard
• Borough Market

For theatre or film lovers, it’s perfect. There’s the BFI Southbank, National Theatre, and Royal Festival Hall — all full of shows, films, and music.

And here’s the best part: we walked across the river to Covent Garden in just 15 minutes. So you get a central experience without paying central prices. I stayed in a clean, modern hotel by the river. It was affordable, and we could walk everywhere.

Yes, the riverside can get a bit touristy on weekends, especially in July when I first filmed there. But in January? It’s much calmer. And even then, if you walk just five minutes south, you’ll find cosy pubs and small restaurants where locals eat and drink.

Transport here is easy too. You’ve got big stations like Waterloo, Southwark, London Bridge, and Blackfriars. Tube lines include the Northern, Jubilee, Bakerloo, and Circle/District, so you can go anywhere fast.

Whether you call it Bankside or Southwark, staying here gave us the best of both worlds — close to all the action but still peaceful and real.

If this is not to your liking, you can check out our other recommendations here.

Is January a Good Time to Visit London?

Honestly, January surprised us in a good way. Without so many tourists, we enjoyed famous places in peace. Hotels were cheaper, and we got to walk around without rushing. It was cold, yes, but wearing warm clothes made it fine.

We found cosy cafés and quiet museums. It was easy to stop, relax, and just enjoy being in the city. We planned our walks during the daylight, and when it got dark or rainy, we found warm places indoors. It made the whole trip feel calm and thoughtful.

What to Wear in London in January?

We learned quickly that clothes matter a lot in January. The cold wind near the river and the wet pavements meant we had to dress wisely.

Dressing for the Elements

We wore layers. First a thermal shirt, then a t-shirt, sweater, and finally a thick coat. If it rained, we had waterproof jackets with hoods. This way, we could adjust inside warm places. Layers really helped.

Key Clothing Accessories

Scarves, wool hats, and gloves made a big difference. We didn’t forget them once we saw how cold our hands got without gloves! Shoes were just as important. We wore waterproof boots with strong grips. Wet streets can be slippery, but we stayed safe and dry. Wearing the right clothes helped us enjoy our trip without worry.

Things to do in January in London

Cold or not, London gave us lots to do. Some days we stayed indoors at museums. We loved the British Museum and the three museums in South Kensington — the Natural History, Science, and Victoria and Albert Museums. They were all close to each other, and walking between them kept us dry and busy.

One evening, we watched a West End show. There were good prices in January, and the theatre was warm and lively. We saw a funny pantomime where people clapped and laughed with the actors. It felt like a holiday treat, even in the new year.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus helped us visit many places in one day. If it rained, we stayed on. If it was dry, we got off to explore.

Borough Market’s food tour warmed us from the inside. Fresh pies, cheeses, and hot drinks made us feel happy — and full.

At Sky Garden, we saw the whole city from above. It’s free if you book in advance. We went up just before sunset. Standing in that warm glass garden, looking at London’s rooftops, was one of the best parts of the trip.

On dry mornings, we walked through parks. Even in winter, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St. James’s Park were calm and beautiful. One day in Regent’s Park, we heard birds singing in the mist and it felt like a dream.

The New Year’s Day Parade was full of joy and bright colours. We stood with other families, watching the dancers and bands. It made us smile and feel part of something big and happy.

And one afternoon, we treated ourselves to something very special.

Luxury Afternoon Tea at the Top – Ting at the Shard

If you want a fancy afternoon tea with a view, nothing beats Ting at the Shangri-La Hotel in The Shard. We went up to the 35th floor and sat by the window, looking down at Tower Bridge and the River Thames. It felt like we were in the clouds.

The service was excellent — staff poured our tea with care using real tea strainers, and we didn’t even have to touch the pot! There were many teas to pick from, and they brought everything in pretty cups. We added a glass of Prosecco to make it even more special.

The menu followed a seasonal theme. Ours was “Over the Rainbow”, with decorations like wisteria and clouds. The food was fancy — little truffle egg sandwiches, pretty cakes, and warm scones. At the end, they served a white chocolate shard, shaped like the building itself. It looked too nice to eat, but we ate it anyway!

They also offer options for special diets. If you’re vegan or gluten-free, just tell them before you go. There’s also a smaller version of the tea for kids under 12, which costs less but still feels special.

It was one of the more expensive teas — about £80 per person — but for the views, food, and feeling, it was worth it. A great way to celebrate something or just enjoy a peaceful treat high above the city.

Traditional Foods to Try in January

London’s cold weather makes warm and hearty food taste even better. We tried some of the classic British dishes during our visit, and they gave us both comfort and a real feel of the culture.

Fish & Chips

There’s one dish you can’t skip — fish and chips. Warm, crispy, and full of flavour. The fish part was first brought by Jewish people from Spain and Portugal. The thick chips came from Belgians. Together, they became a British favourite.

I found a small shop on a quiet street in Camden. The smell of hot oil and vinegar was everywhere. The food came wrapped in paper, just like old times. The fish was flaky, the chips golden. Simple, but perfect.

During World War II, this was one of the few foods not rationed. People needed it for comfort. Even today, fish and chips feel like home. It’s not fancy — it’s real, warm, and loved.

Read our full guide about fish & chips here.

Ploughman’s Lunch – Try at a Traditional London Pub

Another dish we loved was the Ploughman’s Lunch, found in many pubs. No cooking, just cold fresh items: cheese, bread, pickled onions, sometimes ham or boiled eggs.

We had ours in a cosy pub near Covent Garden. The cheddar cheese was strong, the bread crusty, and the sweet pickle brought it all together.

This meal started as a farmer’s lunch — easy to pack and eat in the fields. Today, it’s still a favourite for both locals and visitors. Simple, tasty, and proudly British.

Famous London foods we test are here.

Theatre shows in London in January

Though January is a quiet month, the theatre world stays strong. Some festive shows continue for a few days, and it’s a nice chance to catch that last bit of Christmas magic indoors.

We saw Matilda, which was full of fun and energy. The Lion King amazed us with its music and costumes. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child brought the wizard world to life again with clever stage magic.

Other good ones in January include Mamma Mia!, with songs you want to sing, and Wicked, which tells the story before Oz. We also liked Just for One Day — a musical about the Live Aid concert, full of heart and music from stars like Elton John and Queen.

January is a great time to enjoy these shows with cheaper tickets, especially on weekday evenings.

Top London Tours in January

We tried a few special tours that made our January trip even better. The first was the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. It happens every night and is hundreds of years old. Standing there in the cold evening air, we watched the guards lock the gates. It was quiet and serious — like stepping into history.

Next, we visited the Harry Potter Studios and went on the walking tour. Even with the cold wind, walking through magical places like Diagon Alley felt exciting. Lights twinkled in hidden streets, and the tour guide shared stories that made us feel like we were in the films.

One cold afternoon, we booked the Real London Black Cab Tour. It was the perfect choice when we didn’t want to walk in the rain. Our cab driver showed us hidden spots and old tales while we stayed warm inside.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour also helped us see a lot without walking too much. From the top of the bus, we passed places like Big Ben and Tower Bridge. We could hop off when the weather was nice and stay on during light rain.

And for food, we joined the Ultimate Food Tour of Borough Market. I remember holding a hot cider while eating the best sausage roll I’ve ever had. The smells, the food, and the guide’s stories made it a fun way to explore on a cold day.

Reasons to Visit London in January

During our trip, we found many reasons why January is a great time to visit London.

January Sales were everywhere. We walked down Oxford Street and saw big discounts. It was fun to shop slowly and find good things without rushing.

Christmas Activities Continue even after the holiday. We went ice skating at Somerset House on January 10. The lights, music, and winter air made it feel like Christmas one more time.

Fewer Crowds meant we had more space at museums and famous places. Seeing the Crown Jewels without a crowd felt special. We could take our time, read the signs, and enjoy quietly.

Winter Walks gave us a new view of the city. The trees looked bare and beautiful, and the parks were peaceful. Even in light rain, we kept walking. One day in Hyde Park, we saw squirrels and breathed in the fresh winter air.

Discounted Theatre tickets were a sweet surprise. We booked a midweek show and sat in the front row for a small price. The singing, the lights — it made our night feel rich.

Final words

Visiting London in January felt like finding a quiet moment in a big, busy city. The streets were calm, the prices were better, and everything moved slower — in a good way. We saw London’s famous places without big crowds, enjoyed warm food on cold days, and even watched the city from high above the clouds at the Shard.

There were still touches of Christmas magic, like twinkling lights and ice rinks, and the New Year’s Parade gave us a joyful start. Museums, theatre shows, and parks were all open and welcoming, even in the cold.

I won’t forget walking beside the Thames on a foggy morning, sipping tea and watching the city wake up. London in January gave us time to think, explore slowly, and feel a bit more like locals. With warm clothes, smart plans, and a love for cosy spots, this winter month turned into something truly special.

Read also about solo travel here.