Whether February is a good time to visit London, United Kingdom, depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trip. Here are some factors to consider:
Weather:
- February is typically a cold and wet month in London, with average temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 9°C (48°F).
- Expect frequent rain, with an average of 10 rainy days in February.
- Pack layers of clothing so you can adjust to the changing weather conditions.
Crowds:
- February is generally a low season for tourism in London, so you can expect fewer crowds at popular attractions and lower prices for flights and accommodations.
- However, there may still be some crowds during the February half-term school holiday (typically around mid-February), when many families take vacations.
Things to do:
- Many of London’s top attractions are open year-round, including museums, theaters, and historical sites.
- Some popular February events include the Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown, the London Fashion Week, and the Six Nations Rugby Championship.
- If you’re interested in seeing the city from a unique perspective, take a walk along the South Bank or take a boat trip down the River Thames.
Pros of visiting London in February:
- Fewer crowds and lower prices for flights and accommodations
- Opportunity to experience unique events and festivals
- Chance to see the city without the summer crowds
Cons of visiting London in February:
- Cold and wet weather
- Shorter daylight hours (around 9 hours of daylight per day)
- Some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed during the off-season
Ultimately, whether February is a good time to visit London depends on what you’re looking for in a trip. If you’re prepared for the cold weather and rain, and you’re interested in experiencing London’s unique events and festivals, then February can be a great time to visit.
Weather In London During February
London’s weather in February is characterized by cold, damp, and often cloudy conditions, with occasional periods of milder weather and sporadic rainfall. Here’s a closer look at the typical weather patterns in London during February:
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Temperature:
- Average High: 48°F (9°C)
- Average Low: 37°F (3°C)
February is one of the coldest months in London, with average temperatures hovering around 40°F (4°C). Nights and early mornings tend to be chilly, with temperatures dropping close to freezing or slightly below.
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Rainfall:
- Average Rainfall: 2.01 inches (51 mm)
February is a relatively dry month in London, with an average of 10-12 rainy days throughout the month. Rain tends to be sporadic and unpredictable, often occurring in brief showers or drizzle.
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Humidity:
- Average Humidity: 84%
London experiences high humidity levels throughout the year, including February. The damp conditions can sometimes make the air feel colder than the actual temperature suggests.
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Sunshine:
- Average Sunshine Hours: 2.8 hours per day
February in London is often characterized by cloudy and overcast skies, with limited sunshine. On average, the city sees only about 2.8 hours of sunshine per day during this month.
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Wind:
- Average Wind Speed: 11 mph (18 km/h)
London’s weather in February is often accompanied by moderate winds. The average wind speed during this month is around 11 mph (18 km/h), which can make it feel colder than the actual temperature.
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Fog:
- Average Foggy Days: 4-6 days
London is prone to fog, especially during the colder months. In February, there are typically around 4-6 foggy days, where visibility can be significantly reduced.
Overall, February in London is a chilly and damp month, with limited sunshine and occasional periods of rainfall. However, the city’s vibrant atmosphere and numerous indoor attractions make it an enjoyable place to visit year-round.
Things To Do In London In February
- Chinese New Year Celebrations:
The London Chinese New Year Festival is typically celebrated in February, with a variety of colorful events and performances taking place in Trafalgar Square and Chinatown.
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park:
Hyde Park transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, offering ice skating, a Christmas market, and various rides and attractions.
- London Fashion Week:
London Fashion Week is a biannual event held in February and September, showcasing the latest designs from leading fashion designers and brands.
- Valentine’s Day Celebrations:
London offers numerous romantic experiences for Valentine’s Day, including special dinners at renowned restaurants, cozy walks in picturesque parks, and romantic getaways.
- Six Nations Rugby Championship:
The Six Nations Rugby Championship takes place annually from February to March, featuring exciting rugby matches between England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Italy, and France.
- Museums and Art Exhibitions:
London’s world-class museums and galleries often host special exhibitions in February, showcasing works from renowned artists and exploring various historical and cultural themes.
- London Restaurant Festival:
The London Restaurant Festival showcases the culinary delights of the city’s diverse dining scene, with special menus and events held at participating restaurants throughout the month.
- Lunar New Year Celebrations:
London’s diverse communities celebrate Lunar New Year with various cultural events, including parades, lion dances, and traditional performances, typically held in late January or early February.
- Valentine’s-themed Events:
Various venues and organizations in London host special Valentine’s Day-themed events, such as candlelit dinners, live music performances, or romantic art exhibitions.
Tourism In London, United Kingdom During February
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Weather: February is generally cold and wet in London, with average temperatures ranging from 3°C to 9°C. It’s a good idea to pack warm clothing, including a coat, scarf, hat, and gloves. Be prepared for rain, as it can rain frequently during this time of the year.
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Crowds: February is typically a quieter time for tourism in London, as it falls outside of the peak season. This means that you can often enjoy shorter lines and fewer crowds at popular attractions. However, it’s worth noting that some attractions, such as museums and art galleries, may have reduced hours during this time of the year.
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Events: There are a number of events and festivals that take place in London during February. Some of the most popular include:
- Chinese New Year: London celebrates Chinese New Year with a variety of events and activities, including parades, lion dances, and food festivals.
- Valentine’s Day: London is a romantic city any time of the year, but it’s especially charming on Valentine’s Day. There are many special events and activities to enjoy, such as romantic dinners, couples’ massages, and Valentine’s Day-themed theater performances.
- London Fashion Week: London Fashion Week is a major biannual event that showcases the latest trends in fashion. It’s a great opportunity to see the latest collections from top designers and get a glimpse of the latest trends.
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Things to do: There are plenty of things to see and do in London during February. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include:
- Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is a must-see for any visitor to London. You can take a tour of the State Rooms, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, or simply admire the palace from afar.
- Houses of Parliament: The Houses of Parliament are the seat of the British Parliament. You can take a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament, watch a debate in the House of Commons, or simply admire the architecture of this iconic building.
- Tower of London: The Tower of London is a historic castle that has served as a royal palace, a prison, and an execution site. You can take a tour of the Tower of London, see the Crown Jewels, or simply wander around the grounds and enjoy the views of the River Thames.
- British Museum: The British Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world. It houses a vast collection of artifacts from all over the world, including the Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone, and the mummies of ancient Egypt.
- Natural History Museum: The Natural History Museum is a world-renowned museum that houses a vast collection of natural history specimens, including dinosaurs, fossils, and animals from all over the world.
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Food and drink: London has a thriving food and drink scene, with something to suit every taste and budget. Some of the most popular dishes to try in London include fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie. There are also many great restaurants serving international cuisine, from Italian to Indian to Chinese. London is also home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, if you’re looking for a truly special dining experience.