London has a reputation for frequent, often light rain spread throughout the year. The monthly table below summarizes the wider London area using NASA POWER estimates; totals can differ from individual weather-station records. Atlantic weather systems dominate, bringing a steady rotation of fronts that can shift the forecast from clear to overcast to drizzling within the same afternoon. Genuinely heavy, disruptive rainfall is less common but not rare, and when slow-moving low-pressure systems stall over the region they can bring surface water flooding to parts of the city not designed for intense short-term downpours. Because conditions can change so quickly across a single day, radar imagery is a practical way for commuters to judge whether an approaching band of rain is a passing shower or likely to linger. The UK Met Office operates the national weather radar network covering London and the surrounding region.
Rain in London by month
London gets about 709 mm (27.9 in) of rain in an average year. The wettest month is October, with 74 mm (2.9 in), and the driest is April, with 42 mm (1.6 in).
| Month | Average rain | Average temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 4.1 °C (39 °F) |
| February | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 4.3 °C (40 °F) |
| March | 50 mm (2.0 in) | 6.1 °C (43 °F) |
| April | 42 mm (1.6 in) | 9.0 °C (48 °F) |
| May | 55 mm (2.1 in) | 12.3 °C (54 °F) |
| June | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 15.5 °C (60 °F) |
| July | 60 mm (2.3 in) | 17.6 °C (64 °F) |
| August | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 17.3 °C (63 °F) |
| September | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14.7 °C (58 °F) |
| October | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 11.3 °C (52 °F) |
| November | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 7.3 °C (45 °F) |
| December | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 4.8 °C (41 °F) |
Long-term monthly averages from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 satellite reanalysis). They describe the wider area around London and can differ slightly from local weather-station records.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in London right now?
The map above shows recent radar observations over London, England where coverage is available. Use the map legend and timestamp to interpret the imagery. A blank map over London can mean no detected precipitation, missing coverage, delayed data, or rain too light for radar to detect.
How often does the London rain radar update?
Updates depend on the radar provider and local network. Check the timestamp on the map for the latest available frame, and press play to compare recent observations. Radar imagery can lag conditions on the ground.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward London?
Press play to compare recent radar frames over England and see the direction of detected rain. This can help you assess approaching showers near London, but storms can grow or change direction; check your local weather service for forecasts and warnings.
Is this London rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.