What's the weather like in London in August
August is a great time to visit London, UK, when the summer season is coming to a close.
Temperature
During this month, the average temperature is 18°C the highest average temperature for the whole year. As August progresses, the daily temperatures slowly decrease as summer blends into autumn.
Daily high temperatures start off at 23°C on August 1st, falling down to 22°C on August 11th before finally reaching 20°C on August 30th.
Across the month, daily highs rarely exceed 26°C or fall below 18°C. Daily low temperatures change in a similar fashion and start off at 16°C on August 1st before dropping down to 15°C by August 30th. Daily low tempertures rarely exceed 18°C or fall below 13°C.
Highest temperature in London
The highest temperature ever recorded in recent times in London in August is 38°C, with the lowest temperature ever recorded for this month being 10°C.
Compare these figures to the average temperature for the month 18°C and it's easy to see that they're the extremes and certainly aren't what you should expect during your holiday.
Relative to the average, the hottest day of 2013 was August 1st when the daily high temperature was 33°C, compared to the average of 23°C. Moreover, in 2003, August 10th was one of the hottest days in London and across the whole of the UK since records began.
On this day, the highest temperature in the region was 38.1°C which was recorded in Greater London, beating the previous record broken in 1990 (34.6°C).
Rain
Even though it's one of the hottest months of the year, London experiences an average of 48mm of rainfall each August, spread across 13 days, making it very likely you'll experience some kind of precipitation at least once during your visit, compared to the rainiest place in the UK, Glasgow.
Light rain is the most common type of precipitation you should expect during this time and generally occurs around August 14th. This is followed by moderate rain which tends to fall around August 1st. Overall, August 3rd is most likely to be the wettest day of the month, with rain falling on 51% of days, and August 28th is most likely to be the driest day of the month, with rain falling on 47% of days.
The likelihood of London receiving some kind of rainfall throughout August decreases as the month progresses. On August 1st, the probability of precipitation is 51%, which falls to 50% by August 11th before falling once again to 47% by August 28th. If you don't want the chance of any rain spoiling your holiday, you're best off planning your visit for the last week in August.
Cloud Coverage
The median cloud coverage for London in August is 64% a figure which hardly varies at all throughout the month. And as you'd imagine for summer, the city is almost never affected by foggy days in August.
Average Sea Temperature
At 17°C, the average sea temperature for London's closest coastal location is quite cool and will probably only be enjoyed by very hardy swimmers.
Any more than 10-20 minutes in the sea at this temperature would leave you feeling very chilly.
Humidity
Throughout August, the relative humidity for London ranges from 47% to 88%, rarely dropping below 38% or reaching as high as 95%. August 1st is usually when you'll find the air to be at its driest, when the humidity drops below 50% three days out of every four, on average.
On the other hand, August 16th is when the air tends to be at its most humid, with the average humidity rising above 83% three days in four.
Average Sunshine Hours
In August, London enjoys an average of six hours of sunshine each day that's two hours less than the previous month.
As August develops, the number of sunshine hours and daylight hours rapidly decreases. From the beginning to the end of the month, the length of the day decreases by one hour and 47 minutes.
Daylight Hours
The shortest day of the month is August 31st with 12 hours and 37 minutes of daylight and the longest day of the month is August 1st with 15 hours and 24 minutes of daylight. The earliest sunrise and latest sunset take place on August 1st at 5:24am and 8:47pm, respectively, whilst the latest sunrise and earliest sunset take place on August 31st at 6:11am and 7:48pm, respectively.
Wind
Throughout August, typical wind speeds tend to fluctuate between 1 m/s and 7 m/s, rarely rising over 8 m/s. The highest average wind speed of 4 m/s usually happens on August 28th when the average daily maximum wind speed is 6 m/s. The lowest average wind speed of 4 m/s usually occurs on August 1st, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 6 m/s. Just like the rest of the year, the most common wind direction during August is out of the south west, followed by west and then east.
London Hotels in August
Devonport House
For a luxurious stay, consider staying at Devonport House. Set amidst the World Heritage Site in Greenwich, this Georgian hotel is within walking distance of numerous tube and train stations which can get you into the heart of London within 20 minutes.
Here guests can choose from 99 single, twin, double and executive double rooms, each of which features free WiFi access, tea/coffee making facilities, flat-screen satellite TV and private bathroom with shower and bath. Onsite dining options include a restaurant which serves traditional and modern British cuisine. Nearby points of interest include the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park and the River Thames.
The Belgrave
The Belgrave is a family-owned hotel set in Central London, close to the Victoria train station and Pimlico Underground station. The hotel is spread out across four Georgian townhouses, where you'll find 73 individually-designed guestrooms with private bathroom with rain shower and designer toiletries. With all of London on your doorstep the hotel is within walking distance of Westminster Cathedral, Harrods and Houses of Parliament.
Bars and Restaurants
Ivy Chelsea Gardens
Located on the desirable Kings Road the Ivy Chelsea Gardens is a sumptously elegant yet relaxed all day dining restaurant. The food is European with many British dishes and the service is friendly and attentive. On a sunny day you can also sip a cocktail on the picturesque terrace. The Ivy Chelsea is perfect for a relaxed meal in beautiful surroundings.
Things to do in London in August
Head to the South Bank
August is one of the warmest months of the year in London, so make the most of it by taking a stroll along the South Bank.
Here you'll find tonnes to see and do outdoors, including
shopping and dining at London Duck Tours.
If the weather takes a turn for the worst, you'll be pleased to hear that there is plenty of indoor things to do, too, such as the
and the National Theatre.
Art and architecture lovers won't want to miss the opportunity to stop by Sir John Soane's Museum.
This site has been a public museum since the start of the 19th century and now incorporatesa wealth of important works of art and antiquities, including the alabaster sarcophagus of Seti I, Canaletto's Riva deglli Schiavoni looking West and Hogarth's a Rake's Progress, as well as around 30,000 architectural drawings, almost 7,000 historical volumes and over 250 historical architectural models. In addition to the permanent collections,
Sir John Soane's Museum also features various temporary exhibitions.
Camden
If you fancy bagging a bargain, head to Camden Town This lively part of London is jam-packed with cafes, shops, bars, restaurants and clubs.
During the day you can wander around the shops and stalls browsing the vintage clothing, retro gifts, artisan products and souvenirs all of which are available for low prices. Come nightfall, the area takes on a completely different atmosphere, as trendy locals come out to dine on contemporary eats and enjoy a drink or two in swanky bars.
Dates for the diary for August
Notting Hill Carnival
With over 1,000,000 people visiting each year, Notting Hill Carnival is one of Europe's largest street parties. The streets burst alive with the abundance of Caribbean music, dance, exquisite and dazzling costume and the tantalizing aromas of Caribbean food. The carnival is well organised however, some tube stations and roads are closed to avoid congestion so make sure to do some research before you leave so you don't miss any of the action!
