London's Christmas and New Year weather forecast promises dry, sunny days
Dry and sunny Christmas forecast for London

Londoners can look forward to a welcome break from the recent damp and grey conditions, with forecasters predicting a largely dry and bright festive period. The BBC's outlook suggests the capital will enjoy a significant stretch of dry weather, offering ideal conditions for winter walks and outdoor celebrations.

A Festive Forecast Full of Promise

The promising spell is set to begin on Monday, December 22, and is currently expected to hold until Thursday, January 1. Not a single drop of rain is predicted for London until at least January 2, according to the BBC's forecast. This dry run will be punctuated by sunny intervals and clear spells on several days, providing a much-needed boost of vitamin D during the darkest months of the year.

Adding to the seasonal cheer, the winter solstice occurred on Sunday, December 21. This astronomical turning point means the days will now gradually start to lengthen again, gaining approximately 15 minutes of daylight each week.

Your Day-by-Day London Weather Guide

The detailed forecast for London presents a picture of crisp, cold, and predominantly dry days ahead:

  • December 22: High of 12C, low of 5C with light cloud.
  • December 23: High of 8C, low of 5C with light cloud.
  • Christmas Eve: High of 7C, low of 2C with light cloud.
  • Christmas Day: High of 6C, low of 1C with sunny skies.
  • Boxing Day: High of 6C, low of 3C with sunny intervals.
  • December 27-28: Highs of 7C with sunny intervals and sunshine respectively.
  • New Year's Eve: High of 6C, low of 1C with sunny intervals.
  • New Year's Day: High of 6C, low of 1C with sunshine.

A Potential Shift in the New Year

While the outlook for the holidays is decidedly rosy, the forecast indicates a potential change as we move deeper into January. The BBC's long-range forecast suggests that during the second week of January, high pressure may shift southwards. This shift could allow milder air to creep into the UK, but it may also herald a return to more unsettled and potentially wetter conditions.

For now, however, Londoners are encouraged to make the most of the forthcoming dry and bright spell. It offers a perfect opportunity for festive strolls in the parks, outdoor ice skating, and enjoying the capital's decorations without an umbrella in hand.