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February weather

I am looking to book a trip to London and am wondering about the month of February.

Posted by
1011 posts

It's cold here, tends to be a bit wet, and the sun sets around 5pm (getting later towards the end of the month). It's a good time to visit if you mostly want to do indoor activities.

Posted by
481 posts

It is also a good time to visit if you want to do outdoors activities! Just wear a coat! Bring some gloves! You will be in London, where an indoor space is almost always available within 20 feet or so.

And sun-chasing tourists are thinner on the ground in February, so you won't have to hack through as many oblivious, shambling crowds. I cannot recommend winter in London highly enough. Just, you know, DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. No one is forcing you to take off your coat and stand outside in the breeze. :-)

Posted by
2836 posts

You could have everything from snow and ice to warm sunny days....

Posted by
450 posts

Do be aware that some tourist attractions and stately homes etc don’t open until close to Easter. or, they may not open on some days of the week. This is probably more of an issue outside of London itself, but If you have some key things you want to see, check opening times.

Posted by
215 posts

Impossible to say other than it won’t be hot! :-)
There is a reason why the British talk about the weather a lot, it is unpredictable and changeable.
How you feel about the weather will probably depend on what weather you are use too.The UK has a maritime (read damp) climate so cold temperatures can feel more chilling.

The thing to do is wear the right clothes. You will be in and out of buildings and off and on transport so layers that can be easily removed and adjusted is the way to go. Warm socks, a hat , scarf and gloves can do wonders as can waterproof footwear.

Posted by
1963 posts

It’s usually very grey and damp in February. Visitors do seem to find the damp cold weather to be quite uncomfortably chilly so I definitely agree with the need for layers, a scarf, gloves etc.

Posted by
1632 posts

I am arriving Feb 2 for two weeks and chose this time to learn another perspective of life in London. My itinerary includes:
- taking in a football game, I am a huge fan and look forward to being bundled amongst the fans rabidly cheering in the cold for their teams
- Taking in four plays during the evenings
- Attending two music concerts
- Investing time in museums, particularly looking forward to a lengthy time within the British Museum and the V&A storage annex. Using RS guidebook and this forum I have identified lessor known museums to have as a menu of choice should I desire to spend more time on this endeavor.
- Walking…..my favorite mode of transport in London is walking with so much to discover at street level. History, food, retail, alleys with hidden delights, parks and so much more. Need to warm up? A pub is always at hand. Feeling a bit tired, the underground or bus is also close at hand.
- Food. I am not typically a “foodie”, but have identified a number of restaurant's to consider. Have already selected location for a Sunday roast and look forward to pubs known for their food offerings.

Note: I am staying in an apart-hotel for access to a larger space and a kitchen. Odds are there maybe days where extra adverse weather and my energy require re-charging with some British comfort foods, hot cocoa and long naps. To me this is part of the experience of a February journey.

Posted by
5902 posts

I can't stand February in England. Cold, grey, damp, often snowy and a month that really drags winter on. In fact there are no redeeming features about it despite it being my birth month. The only saving grace is that spring is on the horizon.

Fortunately, spending February in London means that any inclement weather needn't be of much concern because there is so much to do that isn't weather dependant. Consequently I wouldn't dress as warm as I would if I were spending more time outdoors.

Posted by
1963 posts

I agree JC. January is awful as well but by February I’ve really had enough of the endless dark grey skies and cold weather. I read last week that Britain gets the 2nd lowest amount of sunlight hours in the world with lucky Ireland beating us to last place.

Posted by
175 posts

It's likely to be a lot warmer than Chicago. Most likely to be above freezing during the day, close to freezing overnight, grey skies and short spells of rain. There is a chance of extreme weather, snow and sub zero days, it could also be sunny. We don't have a climate, just weather.
However, London and England in general is geared up to cater for inclement weather with lots of indoor activities.

Posted by
1632 posts

Keep in mind the mental difference between living in England and having to deal with winter weather in contrast to visiting for a short time and knowing there is a limit to the “pain”. For example I live on the SW coast of Florida and can endure a winter blast while looking forward to a return to sunny skies and mid-70 daily temps.
I write this reply from a screened in lanai watching the sun set, 68 degrees, sundowner in hand and an alligator sitting on the opposite bank of the pond. 😘🤣🌞

Posted by
10003 posts

Just booked my February flight. Excited.

It’s London. Weather is weather. Been there enough to pack accordingly. One bag traveler.

Good friend flying in from Budapest for a 72 hour meet up. After their departure visiting Nigel and Carol. Also other friends I’ve made over the years.

Have a big grin on my face, knowing flight and accommodations are settled!

Like my last trip I intend to share a daily journal.

Posted by
1632 posts

Love Claudia’s positive energetic spirit and the support of so many wonderful forum members. We truly comprise a community!

Posted by
89 posts

As has been mentioned, due to the maritime climate, cold hits differently in the UK compared to much of the US. That moisture carries heat away from the body. Add in thick cloud cover, a little wind and shorter days, and it’s noticeable. I find I dress for about 10F cooler in the UK winter than I do for that same temperature in Michigan or the Rockies.

Posted by
10003 posts

As I’ve mentioned before 365 days of sunshine here in the Land of La bores me. It’s chilly today
( in the 50’s ) and I’m loving it.

Each to their own. Traveling because I can, meeting up with good friends because I can and want to.

Count my blessings because I must.

Posted by
457 posts

My husband and I had our honeymoon in London in January 2004. We had a great time! It's London!

My daughter and I will be visiting in February. We are ready for bad weather. Just happy we will be in London. We're from Louisiana, so it will be nice to get some real winter weather. Of course, when we visit there will probably be a hot spell.