Wondering about the weather in June in London England? How hot will it be or might it rain? British weather is famously variable and no more so than in our summers. So here’s a local’s eye view on temperatures in London in June plus seasonal events and things to do.
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June is the beginning of summer in London. It’s the magical month leading up to the longest day of the year, with endless blue skies and sunshine…. Well, that’s what we always hope!
I’ve lived in London all my adult life so I know a thing or two about the weather here. Yes it’s true, London has unpredictable weather. But some years June really does live up to our expectations with fine sunny days to showcase the traditional June events that Londoners and visitors look forward to. Here’s everything you need to know about the weather in London for June.
All my photos in this post were taken in London in June over the last few years.
What is June in London weather really like?
The weather in June in London can be some of the best of the year which makes it a wonderful time to explore the UK capital. It’s early summer in the UK and you can expect June temperatures to be warmer than in the spring, coupled with less rain than in many other months too.
But this is the United Kingdom. The weather in London for June can never be guaranteed. June weddings can be glorious – or rather damp. Royal occasions may take place in balmy temperatures under blue skies, or it can literally rain on the parade. Here are the facts and statistics:
June weather London England facts
Expect warm days and nights. Although the average high in London in June is around 20°C, in reality in the last couple of years we’ve seen it spike much higher. But it hasn’t reached the extreme highs we’ve experienced in July or August. You usually feel comfortable in June, it’s pleasant weather without being overly hot or chilly.
June is one of the sunniest months in London with an average of 7 hours of sunshine a day. Although we still see cloudy skies, temperatures usually stay mild.
June is also one of the drier months in London. But be prepared for occasional showers by packing a raincoat or umbrella. Average rainfall for June in London is 43mm spread across 13 days of the month.
Enjoy the longest days of the year in London in June. These extended hours of daylight are great for outdoor dining as well as open air theatre and concerts.
Temperatures in London in June
The average temperature in London in June is 15°C (°F) with an average high temperature of 20°C and average daily low of 12 °C. But daily high temperatures can sometimes spike into the 30s°C. The nights are generally warmer than in May, averaging 15°C (°F).
A guide to London weather
To put June London weather into perspective here are some facts about London’s climate. As the country’s weather agency the Met Office points out: “The UK is well known for the variability of its weather”….
- The coldest month in London is January with the mean minimum temperature around 3°C (37.4°F).
- The warmest month in London is July with mean daily maximum temperatures of 23.5°C (74.3°F).
- The wettest month in London tends to be November.
- April London weather is some of the driest of the year.
- Weather in May in London is mild, though it can be showery in some years.
- Recent heatwaves happened in July and August. They usually last for several days.
- But in fact the hottest day of the year in London in 2023 was 9 September with a high of 33.2°C (91.8°F).
- The coldest day of the year in 2023 was 23 January: temperatures dropped to -7°C(24.8°F) in the early hours, but rose to 5°C (41°F) during the day.
Hours of daylight in London in June
The longest day of the year is in June at the summer solstice on 20 June 2024. So we enjoy more than 16 hours of daylight in London in June. On the first day of June the sun rises at 4.48am and sets at 9.08 pm. By 30 June sunrise is very early morning at 4.47 am and it sets at 9.20 pm.
London weather in June 2023
In 2023 we had some record high temperatures for June. The highest temperature on 25 June was 31°C (87.8°F). By contrast the lowest temperature was 8°C (46.4°F) in the early hours of 3 June. This is significant since the UK experienced its hottest June on record. The Met Office puts this down to human-induced climate change and experts think this trend will continue.
Statistics for London weather in June 2023 show that we had 14 sunny days, 6 cloudy days and 10 days which had some rain. In general it was a very warm month with a little rain, some cloud and one or two thunderstorms.
Is June a good time to visit London?
Yes, the month of June is a prime time to visit London. The weather is often glorious, days and evenings are long, the parks are green. It’s also a wonderful month to enjoy traditional London pageantry and summer events.
Plus, British schools don’t break up for the summer until July. In early June at least, London is not yet at full capacity. Peak tourist season certainly kicks in during June but it’s July and August that are the busiest months in London.
Pros and Cons of London in June
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Longer days: You’ll enjoy more than 16 hours of daylight for sightseeing | Higher Prices: It’s the onset of peak season, so expect to pay a premium for hotels and flights |
| Warm weather: Expect warm and sunny conditions | Rainfall: Despite the good weather, there’s still a chance of clouds or rain |
| Outdoor Activities: London’s parks and gardens are in full bloom, perfect for picnics | Congestion: Events like Trooping the Colour can make central London particularly busy |
| Fewer Crowds: June isn’t as crowded as the months of July and August | But it is getting busier! June is a favourite month for Londoners as well as visitors |
Things to do in London in June
There’s a lot going on in London in June. Traditional summer season events like Trooping the Colour are a highlight of the calendar along with sporting occasions and summer concerts. The weather in June in London is usually warm enough, but not too hot to enjoy exploring the capital. You could follow your own London itinerary on foot or join a walking tour. The eye-catching historical sights of London are iconic all year round but even better in sunshine. London in June has something for everyone.
Stop and smell the roses
Rose gardens all over London will be bursting with colour and fragrance. The flowering season varies each year according to the weather. But June is usually the best time to visit Queen Mary’s Rose Garden in Regent’s Park or the rose displays in Kew Gardens.
Picnic in a park
A clear day in June is a wonderful time for a picnic. You can rent stripy deckchairs in St James’s Park or Hyde Park or settle on one of the lawns at Kew Gardens and enjoy the beautiful backdrop.
Watch as the sun goes down
These are the lazy hazy days of summer making June a perfect month to find a spot to watch the setting sun. Make the most of the long summer evenings and stroll alongside the Thames on the South Bank. Or find a spot on Primrose Hill or Hampstead Heath to watch dusk fall across the city at your feet.
Make the most of the warm weather in June in London and take to the water to enjoy golden hour on the river Thames. As the sun sets to the west you’ll see the lights of the city twinkle into life. Choose a leisurely River Thames evening cruise with a glass of bubbly and nibbles.
Or ramp up your adrenaline with a high speed dash in a RIB speedboat on a Thames Rockets London Sunset Speedboat Experience. This golden hour tour for just 12 people takes a leisurely ride past some iconic riverside sights before powering up to zoom around Canary Wharf. Read the excellent reviews and book
Eating and drinking in London in June
Warm summer days are the time to enjoy seasonal drinks like elderflower cordial. Or, for something with a kick, try refreshing spritzers of white wine and soda or the inimitable Pimm’s, a gin-based liqueur mixed with lemonade.
This is also the perfect season for a cream tea: a plate of scones liberally spread with jam and clotted cream served with a freshly-brewed pot of tea.
You’ll find fresh broad beans on restaurant menus and strawberries and raspberries will be at their best too.
Look out for Eton Mess on the pudding menu: it’s an indulgent muddle of meringue, strawberries and thick whipped cream. This traditional English dish is said to have been originally served at cricket matches at the elite boarding school, Eton College near Windsor. In fact you could pay a visit to nearby Windsor and try Eton Mess in its home town! The Windsor Long Walk is beautiful on a summer’s day.
Outdoor bars in London
It’s the time of year for long languorous evenings spent outdoors. On warm nights in June Londoners gather at rooftop bars for cocktails and outdoor suppers.
Bloom at Four Seasons London 10 Trinity Square, only opens from mid-May to the end of August. It offers cocktails, small bites and views of Tower Bridge.
Or head to the South Bank for the Roof Garden at Queen Elizabeth Hall. It has lots of flowers and lovely views of the Thames. Roof Garden at the Southbank centre opens on 1 June.
Open air theatre and concerts
If you’re in the mood for music, open-air concerts are a staple on London’s summer entertainment calendar. Keep an eye on local listings for the latest shows. This is also a great time to enjoy the outdoor theatre season: check out the venues at Holland Park, Regent’s Park and Shakespeare’s Globe theatre.
Lidos and outdoor swimming
June is often warm enough to tempt swimmers to throw caution to the winds and take a plunge in a London park or lido. On hot days Londoners throng to the outdoor pools in Hampton, Tooting Bec and Parliament Hill.
Whilst one of the most iconic spots for a sunny day’s swim is the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park. In similar vein, on Hampstead Heath you’ll find the near-legendary series of natural Ponds designated for men, for ladies or for mixed bathing. They’re popular, despite or because of the cold and the ducks, so you’ll probably need to book ahead if you’d like to join a session.
London June Events
June in London is a busy month. Here are some of the highlights from summer season parties, cultural events, sporting dates and historic pageantry.
- Trooping the Colour: A celebration of the King’s official birthday with pomp, pageantry and a historic military parade on the Mall near Buckingham Palace. 15 June 2024
- The Derby One of the most famous flat races in the world, held at Epsom Downs. Ladies Day on Saturday and Derby Day on Sunday. 31 May – 1 June, 2024
- Polo matches: Cartier Queen’s Cup polo tournament is the big summer season event in Windsor. Closer to central London, Chesterton’s Polo in the Park is held at Hurlingham Park 7 – 9 June, 2024
- Royal Ascot: Dress up to the nines for a day at the races with the Royal family in attendance. Hats and horses take centre stage at this stellar event on the racing calendar. 18 – 22 June, 2024
- RA Summer Exhibition: The world’s biggest open submission art exhibition, held annually at the Royal Academy of Arts since 1769. 18 June – 18 August 2024
- London Open Gardens: A chance to discover hidden green spaces and private gardens across London that aren’t normally open to the public. 8 – 9 June, 2024
- West End Live: A free event showcasing performances from some of London’s top West End shows. 22 – 23 June, 2024
- Hampton Court Palace Festival A multi-genre series of concerts in the grounds of Henry VIII’s palace. 11 – 22 June, 2024
- The Queen’s Club Championships This APT world tour tennis tournament sees international players hone their grass court game in the lead up to Wimbledon. 15 – 23 June, 2024
- Pride in London The annual LGBT+ festival and parade in central London, 29 June, 2024
Make sure to book your tickets early for these events.
What to wear in London in June
June is one of the warmest, driest months in London. It’s a time when I look forward to wearing sleeveless summer dresses without being chilly! But you still need to keep an eye on the weather. If you’re visiting London, check the weather forecast at BBC Weather, a few days in advance. This will give you an idea of the current weather trends and the temperatures that are likely during your stay.
- Natural fabrics Cottons, linens and silk are all breathable fabrics that work well in city summers.
- Tops If the temperatures are in the 20s°C then short-sleeved tops and a light cardigan, jumper or jacket will take you from breakfast to supper.
- Trousers etc Pack a lightweight pair of trousers or two for cooler days and skirts or dresses for the sunshine.
- Footwear You need comfortable shoes in London whatever the time of year. You might choose sneakers or a pair of smart walking sandals in hot weather and include something smarter for dressier outings.
- Jackets Even though it’s summer, you need to be prepared for a wet day. A lightweight packable waterproof is a good idea to keep rain at bay. Plus a small lightweight umbrella.
- Sunglasses Hopefully essential in June.
- A scarf or wrap Handy to add a layer of warmth.
Keep in mind that Londoners like to dress up for events, so aim for a mix of comfort and smart casual style in your packing.
What to read next
Pretty and Historic Cities close to London
Guide to central London: neighbourhoods and things to do
Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the relevant websites for the most up to date information eg. accommodation details, tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.
About the author Nancy Roberts is a former women’s magazine editor and writer. She lives in London and is mum to two 20-something boys. In Map&Family she shares info and inspiration for curious travellers: singles and couples as well as families travelling with teens and young adults.
All photos are all rights reserved. Please do not reproduce these photos without prior written permission
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