If you are planning to visit London in January, this post will give you all the information you need. In this complete guide, we will cover the weather, daylight hours, what to pack, things to do, including events, activities, museum visits, and concerts.
We will also talk about theatre shows, and finally, answer some common questions you might have. Stay with us to get the full idea of visiting London in January.
Top 3 London Tours in January
- TOWER OF LONDON – Ceremony of the Keys
- HARRY POTTER STUDIOS – Making of Harry Potter Studio + HP walking tour of central London
- PRIVATE TOUR – Discover Real London black cab tour of London
Visiting London in January – What to Expect
Weather
The weather in January is cold, and it rains on about 15 days of the month. The highest temperature usually reaches around 7°C (45°F), while the lowest drops to about 2°C (36°F).
Snow can also occur in this month, though it is mostly noticed in the outer suburbs of the city.
It’s always best to carry a good-quality umbrella and wear waterproof jackets to stay dry and comfortable while walking around the city.
Daylight hours
In January, London gets about 8–9 hours of daylight. Sunrise usually happens between 7:30 am and 8:00 am. The days are slightly longer than in December, but still much shorter compared to May or June.
If you enjoy rainy weather, January is ideal, as it rains on about 15 days of the month, so sunny days are quite rare.
Read: London in December
What to wear in London in January
In January, London is usually cold and damp, so it’s important to dress warm. The best way is to wear layers, so you can adjust if you go indoors where it can be quite warm.
I usually wear a light t-shirt, a long-sleeved thermal top, and a warm jacket or coat on top.
Here are some key things to wear:
- Warm, water-resistant coat: A coat with a hood is perfect to keep you dry and protect you from cold winds.
- Hat, scarf, and gloves: These keep your head, neck, and hands warm, especially on windy days.
- Waterproof shoes or boots: Make sure your shoes keep your feet dry and have a good grip because pavements can be wet or slippery.
Dressing in layers and wearing the right clothes will make your walking around London comfortable, even on rainy or chilly days.
Snow in January
In London, it sometimes snows in January, but it usually doesn’t last long. The city looks magical when it’s covered in snow. If it snows, famous spots like Tower Bridge, The Shard, Borough Market, and the London Eye look amazing from above. You can also make snowmen in the parks or enjoy a warm drink by an open fire in cosy pubs — a unique experience.
Weekends can get busy, so exploring the snow in the morning is best. This experience is perfect for beginners and first-time visitors, giving London a completely different charm.
Reasons to Visit London in January
There are hundreds of reasons to visit London in any month. It really depends on your mood and which season you enjoy the most. It could be winter or summer, but the beauty of nature in the capital of the UK stays the same throughout the year.
But if we talk about why January is the best, the first thing is the cold weather. You’re not always guaranteed snow, but the rainy days and around 2°C temperature make the whole atmosphere feel charming.
Even though Christmas is over, you can still enjoy ice rinks, some remaining Christmas lights, cheaper hotel prices, long nights to spend quality time with your family, budget-friendly shopping, the famous January sales, and discounted theatre tickets.
And if I talk about my personal favourite, then I would choose the January sales and the cheap, high-quality hotel prices. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy a happy trip with your partner in proper comfort.
Events in London in January 2025
New Year’s Day Parade
London’s New Year’s Day Parade happens every 1st of January. The city comes alive with one of the most colourful and exciting celebrations of the year. The parade is a huge street event with dancers, marching bands, acrobats, and performers from all over the world.
The parade starts around midday and moves through some of London’s most famous streets, including Piccadilly, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, and Whitehall. You can watch the parade for free along the route, or if you want the best view, you can buy grandstand tickets in advance.
Hogwarts in the Snow
This is my favourite for Harry Potter fans — Hogwarts in the Snow at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. The event turns the whole studio into a magical Christmas wonderland with snow and festive lights. You can explore The Great Hall, beautifully decorated for the Yule Ball.
You can also visit the Gryffindor and Slytherin common rooms, and walk through Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest, all covered in snow and lights.
The event runs from 15 November 2025 to 18 January 2026. The studio is in Leavesden, just outside London, so you should plan your travel in advance. The Hogwarts castle model is also covered in snow, and you get a behind-the-scenes look at how it was created. Tickets sell out quickly, so book ahead to make sure you don’t miss it.
Ice skating
Ice skating in London during Christmas is a completely different kind of fun. You can go to plenty of pop-up ice rinks for a family outing or a date. The rinks are decorated with fairy lights and Christmas decorations, and some even have winter markets nearby.
The top ice rinks include Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the UK’s largest outdoor rink. Canary Wharf offers a mix of indoor and outdoor skating among skyscrapers. Somerset House is famous for its giant Christmas tree, and Battersea Power Station has three connected rinks along the Thames with a 30-foot centerpiece tree. Each session lasts around 45 minutes, and it’s best to book in advance. These rinks are very popular in December, so arriving early and wearing warm clothes is important.
Burns Night London
Burns Night in London is an amazing celebration held every year to remember Robert Burns. The event brings Scotland’s rich culture to life — its poetry, music, food, and social vibes — right in the middle of London. Restaurants and bars across the city host special programs on this day. You can enjoy poetry readings of Robert Burns’ work, listen to bagpipers playing traditional Scottish tunes, and at some places, join ceilidh dance parties where everyone dances together.
The food is a big part of the fun. You can try classic Scottish dishes like haggis with neeps and tatties. Some bars also offer whisky tasting, letting you try different whisky flavors paired with food. The dress code is relaxed. You can wear tartan or a Scottish kilt if you want, but it’s not necessary. The event feels relaxed and fun while giving a truly authentic Scottish atmosphere.
Many London venues take part in the celebration. Boisdale serves elegant dinners with live entertainment. Ceilidh Club gives the perfect mix of dance and poetry. Some fine-dining restaurants also serve special Burns Night menus.
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
This event usually runs from mid-November to early January and opens daily from 10am to 10pm (except Christmas Day). People of all ages can enjoy it. Kids can have fun at special rides and Santa’s Grotto, while adults can try the ice bar and adventurous rides. The ice rink is open-air and really fun, and the Magical Ice Kingdom is a full ice world with different themed areas.
The food and drinks are amazing. You can enjoy roasted chestnuts, waffles, churros, bratwurst, and mulled wine. There is also a German-style Bavarian Village with live music and drinks. Wooden chalets sell gifts and Christmas decorations too.
The rides have lots of options, including roller coasters, carousels, high-adrenaline rides, and fun slides. The ice bar and Magical Ice Kingdom need separate tickets. Entry tickets are timed, and peak times require paid entry. Make sure to dress warm, especially if you plan to visit the ice bar or ice kingdom. It’s better to book tickets in advance.
Activities to do in London in January
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace opens from 10:00 – 16:30 in winter and 10:00 – 18:00 in summer.
Inside the palace, you can see lots of interesting things. The State Rooms and Apartments show the royal life and rich interiors. In the Tudor Kitchens, you can watch how the royal court prepared massive amounts of food. The Haunted Gallery is famous because people say the ghost of Henry VIII’s wife, Catherine Howard, appears there.
The Great Hall is very grand and used to host royal gatherings. The Chapel Royal and William III’s State Apartments give a historic and unique feel. The Magic Garden is perfect for kids and families, with outdoor fun and a maze to explore.
The palace gardens are amazing too. You can walk through the UK’s oldest hedge maze and enjoy getting lost in it. The Rose Garden and Privy Garden are peaceful and beautifully arranged. The Wilderness and Kitchen Garden give a more natural and historic feel. The Great Vine is very famous — it’s an old grapevine and a highlight of the gardens.
You can also join tours and experiences. An audio guide helps you understand the palace’s history and stories easily. You can take Garden History Tours or enjoy special events like the Easter Trail, Summer Food Festival, Halloween celebrations, and Christmas Fayre. Every June, the Hampton Court Palace Festival happens, where famous artists perform live concerts.
Afternoon Tea in London
Afternoon tea is a very popular British tradition in London. You usually get a pot of tea, scones with jam and cream, small sandwiches, cakes, and pastries. You can enjoy it in different styles — traditional, champagne tea, or fun themed teas. High-end hotels and lounges in London serve this classic afternoon tea.
Many top venues offer a great experience. The Langham gives a luxury Palm Court setting with classic tea. Sheraton Grand London, Park Lane serves colourful sweets and savoury items in 1920s-style interiors. Dukes Hotel has an elegant drawing room, and The Athenaeum provides vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
If you want something fun and different, London has quirky afternoon teas too. You can take a double-decker bus tour with tea and enjoy the city’s famous landmarks at the same time. You can also take a river cruise and sip tea while seeing the skyline. Some themed teas, like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” serve creative and fun cakes and sandwiches.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Like me, I hope you also know about some of London’s favourite sights:
- Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace
- Westminster Abbey
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Tower Bridge
- Trafalgar Square
If not, then don’t worry — the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour will help you. With this bus, you can book tickets for 24, 48, or 72 hours and explore the whole of London with a proper audio guide. You can buy tickets online or directly on the bus; it totally depends on you.
Ticket prices vary as well. For adults, prices start from £42, and for children, they start from £24. A family package is also available, so you can book that too.
Visit Sky Garden London
Sky Garden London is an amazing free attraction where you can see the whole city from high above. It’s built on the top floors of the Walkie-Talkie building at 20 Fenchurch Street. From here you get a full 360-degree view of London, and there’s also an outdoor terrace where the fresh air and scenery feel fantastic.
There are restaurants and bars at the top as well, so you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with the view. If you don’t get a free ticket, you can still visit by booking a meal or drinks. Free tickets must be reserved online in advance because the slots are limited.
Opening hours are 10am to 6pm on weekdays, and 11am to 9pm on weekends. The evening view looks beautiful, and a slightly smart outfit is better for that time.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral has lots of amazing things to see inside. Inside the dome, you can visit the Whispering Gallery, where a soft whisper against one wall travels clearly to the opposite side. Above that, the Stone Gallery gives you a panoramic view of London. At the very top, the Golden Gallery shows a full 360-degree view of the city.
The cathedral’s interior is grand, with marble floors, beautiful arches, and detailed decorations all around. Down below, the Crypt holds the tombs of famous people like Admiral Lord Nelson, Duke of Wellington, and the architect Wren.
You need tickets to visit the cathedral. A sightseeing ticket gives access to the cathedral floor, the Crypt, and the dome galleries. To reach the galleries, you climb stairs — 257 steps to the Whispering Gallery, and even more steps to reach the Stone and Golden Galleries. Tickets cost around £26 for adults and £10 for children, and some discounts and group options are also available.
IFS Cloud Cable Car & Thames Clippers River Roamer
The cable car takes you from North Greenwich to the Royal Docks and gives amazing views of the London skyline, The O2, and the Olympic Park. The ride lasts about 10 minutes, and you can take photos and enjoy the scenery throughout the trip.
With the River Roamer boat pass, you can hop on and hop off at 15 different piers along the Thames. You can visit famous London spots like Canary Wharf, London Bridge, Westminster, and Greenwich. Boats run every 20 minutes or so, and the pass lets you ride as many times as you want during the day.
The combo ticket includes a return trip on the cable car and the River Roamer pass. Families can also get family tickets. Both the cable car and the boat give you unique views of London. You can relax and enjoy the city from above and along the river.
You can start your trip by exchanging your voucher at a selected pier. Both the boat and cable car provide partial accessibility for people who need it. This experience suits anyone who wants to enjoy London’s city and river views in one day.
Tower of London
It is one of the most famous fortresses in the world, located at Tower Hill in Central London. Inside, you will find more than 2,000 precious stones, the Tower of London itself, the Bloody Tower, the Crown Jewels, the ravens, the Raven Masters, the Ceremony of the Keys, and many different stories of different people told in interesting ways.
Your visit might take the whole day, but I personally recommend spending 3 to 4 hours here. You can increase the time if you want. History lovers will absolutely love this place, and I highly recommend visiting it. Ticket prices may vary depending on your age, and it’s always best to buy them from their official website.
Visit Borough Market
Borough Market in London is a famous food market where you can enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and world-class street food. You’ll find handmade chocolates, special cheeses, Indian street food, and many other tasty dishes. The market is near London Bridge and easy to reach by Tube or bus.
There are both restaurants and small stalls, so you can try lots of little treats while wandering around. It gets a bit busy on weekends, so visiting in the morning is best. This place is perfect for food lovers and gives an iconic London experience.
Why are museums the best option?
As we discussed earlier, outdoor activities are possible in April, May, and June, but not in January because of the cold weather and frequent rain. That’s why the best choice in January is to visit museums like the National Gallery, the Victorian collections, and my favourite one, the V&A Museum, where I usually spend my whole day enjoying my favourite art and memories.
Free things to do in London in January
Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station sits in Battersea, London, right by the Thames. You can walk around the building and enjoy the huge open spaces and unique design. Visitors can explore the public areas for free and soak in the atmosphere without buying tickets.
You can take Lift 109 to the top of a chimney and see an amazing panoramic view of London, or simply enjoy the views from outside. The Turbine Halls welcome visitors, letting you experience the building’s scale and design up close.
You can stroll through Power Station Park along the Thames or have a picnic, and the riverside walkways offer great photo opportunities with the chimneys and London skyline in the background. You can also grab coffee or snacks at cafes and food halls, but even without spending a penny, you can enjoy the open spaces and riverside views.
National Army Museum
The National Army Museum is in Chelsea, London, on Royal Hospital Road. You can explore the museum for free, so it’s perfect if you want to enjoy something interesting without paying. The museum opens from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, giving you plenty of time to see everything.
When you visit, you can walk through interactive galleries that show soldiers’ lives, their daily routines, and their experiences in different parts of the world. You can see real objects like uniforms, equipment, and even personal items from soldiers, which give you a sense of what army life is really like. The museum also has family-friendly areas, including a soft-play zone for younger kids, making it easy to enjoy for all ages.
You can also take photos inside the galleries and enjoy the modern and open spaces. The museum has a cafe where you can grab coffee or a snack, and a shop with army-themed items if you want a souvenir. Wheelchair users can easily access all areas using lifts and automatic doors.
London in January – Where to stay
I recommend Fraser Suites Kensington if you’re planning to stay in London. The apartments sit in South Kensington and combine hotel facilities with the comfort of home. They offer units from studios to 3‑bedroom apartments, each featuring a living area, dining space, and a fully equipped kitchen.
You can enjoy a private garden, gym, and sauna, while the 24/7 reception and concierge assist you anytime. The hotel provides parking (limited and chargeable), and it sits near Gloucester Road Tube station, within walking distance of museums and Hyde Park. They welcome families and pets, offer complimentary Wi‑Fi, and arrange airport transfers on request.
One Response