London Christmas Eve Weather: Hour-by-Hour Forecast for a Gloomy Day
London's Christmas Eve forecast: Grey skies and 8C high

London is set for a characteristically British and gloomy Christmas Eve, with forecasts predicting grey skies and a damp chill in the air throughout the day.

A Damp Start to Festive Preparations

The day will begin with a period of light drizzle, which is expected to ease by the late morning. While the rain will stop, it will leave behind persistently cloudy conditions blanketing the capital. Temperatures will begin to climb gently from the morning chill.

Overcast Skies Dominate the Day

The afternoon will remain resolutely overcast, with Londoners missing out on any festive sunshine. The mercury will reach its peak of around 8°C at approximately 2pm, coinciding with the time the sun begins its early descent. Sunset is officially forecast for 3.55pm, marking an early end to the short daylight hours.

Evening Chill for Festive Celebrations

As evening falls and Christmas Eve celebrations commence across the city, temperatures will gradually drop. They are predicted to cool to around 5°C by 9pm and will remain at that level throughout the night and into the early hours of Christmas Day. Those heading out for last-minute preparations or festive gatherings are advised to wrap up warm against the damp chill.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the expected conditions for Christmas Eve in London:

  • 8.05am: Sunrise
  • 9am: Light drizzle
  • 11am: Cloudy skies, temperatures rising to 7°C
  • 2pm: Overcast conditions continue, peak temperature of 8°C
  • 3.55pm: Sunset
  • 5pm: Temperatures cool to 6°C
  • 9pm: Temperatures settle at 5°C for the evening and overnight

The forecast confirms a traditional, misty scene for the capital, setting a subdued yet atmospheric backdrop for the festive night before Christmas.