Does London Have Snowfall?

By Anna Duncan

London, the capital city of England, is known for its gray skies and rainy weather. But what about snowfall?

Does London get enough snowfall to turn into a winter wonderland? Let’s find out!

London’s Climate

Before we dive into the topic of snowfall in London, let’s take a look at its climate. London has a temperate maritime climate, which means it experiences mild winters and cool summers. The average temperature in January, the coldest month of the year, is around 6°C (43°F), while in July, the warmest month, it is around 19°C (66°F).

Snowfall in London

Now coming back to our question – Does London have snowfall? Yes, it does!

However, it is quite rare and doesn’t happen every winter. On average, London experiences 1-2 days of snow per year. The last time London saw significant snowfall was in February 2019 when several centimeters of snow covered the city.

Why is Snowfall Rare in London?

There are several reasons why snowfall is rare in London. Firstly, as mentioned earlier, it has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters.

Secondly, London is a densely populated city with lots of buildings and people generating heat that can prevent snow from settling on the ground. Lastly, the urban heat island effect – where cities are warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activity – also plays a role.

What Happens When it Snows in London?

When it does snow in London, it can cause chaos on the roads as they are not equipped to deal with such conditions like cities that regularly get heavy snowfall such as New York or Moscow. Public transport can also be affected with delays and cancellations.

However, for those who love snowy scenes, London can be a beautiful sight to behold when it does snow. Landmarks like the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square look stunning covered in snow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, London does get snowfall but it is quite rare and doesn’t happen every winter. So if you’re planning a trip to London in winter hoping to see a snowy cityscape, keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best!