As someone who has visited both London and New York during the winter months, I can attest to the fact that both cities can get pretty chilly. But which one is colder? In this article, we’ll dive into the temperatures and weather patterns of both cities to determine which one truly takes the cake as the colder destination.
Temperature Comparison
When it comes to average temperatures, New York tends to be colder than London. In January, for example, New York’s average high is around 38°F (3°C), while London’s is around 46°F (8°C). Similarly, New York’s average low in January hovers around 26°F (-3°C), while London’s is closer to 36°F (2°C).
However, it’s worth noting that temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit in both cities. During my own visits to London and New York in the winter, I’ve experienced days where it felt relatively mild and others where I was bundled up in multiple layers just to stay warm.
Weather Patterns
Temperature isn’t the only factor that contributes to how cold a city feels. Weather patterns can also play a significant role in determining whether or not you’ll need a heavy coat during your visit.
In New York, winter weather tends to be quite dry and sunny with occasional snowfall. This can actually make the cold feel more manageable since you’re not contending with rain or sleet on top of low temperatures.
London winters, on the other hand, tend to be damp and rainy with less sunshine overall. While snow isn’t unheard of in London during the winter months, it’s relatively rare compared to what you might experience in New York. The dampness can make it feel colder than it actually is since moisture tends to cling to skin and clothing.
Additional Factors
Of course, weather and temperature aren’t the only factors that can make a city feel colder than others. Wind chill, for example, can make it feel significantly colder outside even if the actual temperature isn’t all that low.
Additionally, personal factors such as your individual tolerance for cold weather can play a role in how you perceive the temperatures in both cities. Someone who is used to mild winters may find both London and New York to be frigid, while someone from a colder climate might not bat an eye at either destination’s winter weather.
Conclusion
So, is London colder than New York? While New York tends to have lower average temperatures than London during the winter months, London’s dampness and lack of sunshine can make it feel colder overall.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual traveler to decide which city they’re better equipped to handle in terms of winter weather. Regardless of which one you choose, though, be sure to pack plenty of warm clothing and brace yourself for chilly days ahead!