London vs New York: Weather & Climate Compared
The annual temperatures are close. New York has more sunshine, while London records more rainy days, so those differences are more useful than naming one warmer city.
London vs New York weather right now
At this moment, London is the warmer of the two by 8°F (5°C).
Where London and New York actually differ
New York takes the temperature crown. Averaged over all twelve months it runs 54°F (12°C), about 2.0°F (1.1°C) above London's 52°F (11°C).
For the full seasonal context behind this comparison, see the London monthly climate guide and New York monthly climate guide.
The tie-breakers
The tie-breakers: sunshine, daylight and rain
| Month | London sun | New York sun | London daylight | New York daylight | London wet-day chance | New York wet-day chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.3 h | 6.1 h | 8.3 h | 9.6 h | 38% | 32% |
| February | 5.2 h | 6.9 h | 9.9 h | 10.6 h | 40% | 34% |
| March | 6.5 h | 8.2 h | 11.7 h | 11.8 h | 42% | 33% |
| April | 9.5 h | 8.8 h | 13.8 h | 13.2 h | 32% | 40% |
| May | 10.6 h | 9.9 h | 15.6 h | 14.4 h | 36% | 37% |
| June | 11.2 h | 11.1 h | 16.6 h | 15.1 h | 36% | 35% |
| July | 11.2 h | 11.6 h | 16.2 h | 14.8 h | 35% | 43% |
| August | 10.0 h | 10.9 h | 14.6 h | 13.8 h | 31% | 40% |
| September | 8.4 h | 9.1 h | 12.6 h | 12.4 h | 37% | 32% |
| October | 6.3 h | 7.8 h | 10.5 h | 11.0 h | 38% | 29% |
| November | 4.4 h | 7.1 h | 8.8 h | 9.8 h | 38% | 29% |
| December | 3.3 h | 5.6 h | 7.9 h | 9.3 h | 39% | 35% |
London vs New York month by month
| Month | London high / low | New York high / low | London rain days | New York rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46° / 35° | 40° / 26° | 12 | 10 |
| February | 49° / 37° | 43° / 26° | 11 | 10 |
| March | 52° / 39° | 49° / 33° | 13 | 10 |
| April | 57° / 41° | 60° / 42° | 10 | 12 |
| May | 63° / 47° | 70° / 53° | 11 | 12 |
| June | 69° / 53° | 79° / 62° | 11 | 11 |
| July | 73° / 57° | 85° / 69° | 11 | 13 |
| August | 72° / 57° | 83° / 68° | 10 | 12 |
| September | 67° / 53° | 77° / 62° | 11 | 10 |
| October | 60° / 48° | 66° / 51° | 12 | 9 |
| November | 52° / 42° | 54° / 39° | 11 | 9 |
| December | 49° / 40° | 45° / 32° | 12 | 11 |
When the small temperature gap changes
These two trade places through the year - London leads in 4 months, New York in 8, so the better-weather answer depends on when you ask. The starkest contrast comes in July, when New York runs about 12°F (7°C) warmer; November is the great equalizer.
Best months for sightseeing
Counting months with average highs between 64°F and 82°F (18–28°C) and fewer than 12 wet days:
- London: June, July, August, September (4 months)
- New York: May, June, September, October (4 months)
Both cities are at their most comfortable in June, September, the easiest window for a trip that takes in both.
Seasons compared
| Months | London high / low | New York high / low | London rain days | New York rain days | London sun | New York sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December - February | 48° / 37° | 42° / 28° | 35 | 30 | 4.3 h | 6.2 h |
| March - May | 57° / 42° | 60° / 43° | 34 | 34 | 8.9 h | 9.0 h |
| June - August | 71° / 56° | 82° / 67° | 31 | 36 | 10.8 h | 11.2 h |
| September - November | 60° / 47° | 66° / 51° | 34 | 27 | 6.4 h | 8.0 h |
Dataset extremes, distance and time difference
- London 2015–2024 extremes: highest daily value 100° in July, lowest 13° in February. These are reanalysis values, not all-time station records.
- New York 2015–2024 extremes: highest daily value 100° in August, lowest -5° in January. These are reanalysis values, not all-time station records.
- Distance: London and New York are about 3,461 miles (5,570 km) apart as the crow flies.
- Time difference: London is 5 hours ahead of New York right now.