What is London's weather like in January?

[Claude S. Ayakawa]

As I had reported on another thread, I will be a speaker at the 2008 SWPP convention in London. Coming all the way from Hawaii, USA where it is always nice and warm, what should I expect as far as weather is concerned? I have been to the north east cost of the US in late winter (February) a couple of times  and I found it to be cold but nothing I could not manage. I was told to expect cold wet weather in England. This will be my very first trip to Europe and to the UK and I would like to see as much of London as possible during the very short time I will be in the city and plan to use public transportation and do a lot of walking. Do you think I will have a problem if I did that?

-Claude S. Ayakawa

[Peachy]

How jealous am I and probably every other person from the UK? Hawaii... I wish....

London in January will be cold and wet. My brother in law from Canada always reckons it feels colder here than where he is in Calgary (it's the damp.). However, it's usually slightly warmer in London so it shouldn't be too bad as far as the weather's concerned. Can't vouch for the transportation though. Walking will be fine!

[Paul Hurst]

Hi Claude

You will have a great time, especially if it is your first trip to London.  It will be cold in January, especially if you are coming from a warm climate.  There may be snow on the ground, although that is increasingly unlikely with global warming etc.  British weather is very changeable, and can completely change from one hour to the next.  Bring a warm coat.

You are never too far away from shelter in London though to keep yourself dry and warm.

Have fun, and I look forward to bumping in to you.

Paul

[Sofie]

UK weather in January? Hhhmmm... it'll definitely be cold especially as you're coming from a tropical climate and there may even be snow in January! Bring a hat, gloves & scarf!

Which island are you on? Oahu is simply stunning and Maui used to be so peaceful & laid back... not so much anymore sadly. You have an amazing culture & way of life on the islands (no wonder everyone on the mainland wants to move there!)

Have a wonderful time sightseeing in London (btw, it's very easy to get around on the Tube - our subway system).

[Claude S. Ayakawa]

Hello Sofie, Peachy & Paul,

        I was born in Hawaii and lived most of my life there.  I live and work in Waipahu, a little town on the island of Oahu just twenty miles away from Honolulu. I love Oahu because we have everything here. A large city with a lot of activity going on as well as a tropical environment on the east, north, west and south coast of the island. The other islands are ok but if I have to chose my favorite, I would pick Oahu first for all of the above mentioned reasons. My next favorite would be the big island of Hawaii with her volcanic peaks, Mauna Loa and Mauna Loa which is is usually snow covered during this time of the year, the Kona coast, Waimea and rainy but still enchanting Hilo.  If you are planning to attend the SWPP convention in January, I am planning to show my new muti media DVD titled "Les Images de Claude S. Ayakawa" as an introduction to my two hour program and it will feature a lot of Hawaiian  images I had created. I hope you will be there for it and  I will have the pleasure of meeting you and so many other photographers during my very short visit to the U.K.

  Paul, I do have warm clothing for my trip. How cold do you think it will get? I can handle above freezing climate but I do not know what I will do if it gets colder.

-Claude

   

[Peachy]

It could get below freezing Claude but you're in London and there's always a cafe or a shop you can nip into to get warm. Bring a big coat, hat, gloves and scarf and you'll be fine.






On second thoughts don't forget your trousers, shoes and socks or your nether regions will feel the cold too. LOL

[Paul Hurst]

Hi Claude

January 19 for -
2007 had Mean Temperature 54 °F / 12 °C
2006 had Mean Temperature 48 °F / 9 °C 
2005 had Mean Temperature 44 °F / 7 °C
2004 had Mean Temperature 46 °F / 8 °C
2003 had Mean Tempreature 46 °F / 8 °C
2002 had Mean Temperature 46 °F / 8 °C

It does get a bit colder at night but going from that historical data I guess you will be fine with a good jumper and coat.

I lived in the Caribbean for 2 years and returned to the UK towards the end of a summer in September and did feel the cold then.  I was the only person walking around in winter clothing for a few days.

Just keep nipping into shops and museums to keep warm on your travels.

Paul

[Tim Driver]

The average temperatures quoted above are right - You can get a cold snap but the chances are low - Expect nighttime temperatures to be closer to freezing

Tim

[Claude S. Ayakawa]

Thank you, Paul & Tim for the very useful information about London's weather in January. As long as it remains above freezing, I know I will be all right. When people say London can get very wet during the winter time, what exactly do they mean? Do you get very light showers or heavy rain or a little bit of both?

I understand London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. A good part of  my expenses will be  covered by the SWPP but I will be responsible for two additional nights of lodging at £200 plus other expenses for the two extra days I will be staying. I am hoping I could get by with about £50 a day for meals, transportation, etc.  Here in America, it is $100.00.  I will spend more if I have to but I would like to keep it at that amount. Is that a realistic budget?

-Claude

[Peachy]

You won't be eating at the top restaurant but you could get by with that if you go to cafes and use the bus or tube. Keep away from taxis (cabs) as they can be pricy. If you were coming near me I'd cook you a meal but I think I live a bit far out.

[Claude S. Ayakawa]

Hello Peachy,

       Thank you very much for your sentiment about cooking me a meal. Even if it was possible, it will not be necessary because I will have more than enough funds for my trip to London and have a good time. When I had mentioned my £50 daily budget, I believed it will be enough to take care of essential things such as simple meals and transportation. In my country, one can get by very easily with a hundred dollars  a day including eating in nice restaurants. I also have a budget to do some shopping for gifts and other items such as classical music cds and DVDS of movies that are not avaiable in America. Good classical music CDs cost about $20,00 (£10) here and I have paid about the same for the latest movies that are released  on DVD. Is the prices in London the same or more? I would be surprised if it was less.

-Claude

[Peachy]

Claude

I don't buy many DVDs I'm afraid so I'm not sure about the prices but I would say that £10 is about mid price.

[johncharding]

Welcome
As they say its very changable here  It was near freezing yesterday now Its 45 degrees F at 18.00 hrs and its raining.
Suggest you visit http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_weather.html but bring warm things anyway.
Cheers John

[Claude S. Ayakawa]

Thank you, John

   I have bookmarked the link and I now have an advance UK weather site I can check what the condition might be when I travel to London in a week and a half.. After spending a lot of time on it since last April when I was invited to speak at this years SWPP convention, I am very happy my two hour visual power point presentation is just about completed. I am looking forward to seeing you and many others at my program so I can show it to all of you so please come. My Masterclass program "AN EYE FOR THE LIGHT" will be on Saturday, January 19th from 1200 noon until 1400 hour.

-Claude S. Ayakawa

[warhead]

Enjoy the nice overcoat of pollution. London rocks!