Honestly, if you're standing in the middle of Piccadilly Circus right now or just planning your Saturday out, you've probably realized that London is being its classic, moody self. Right now, as of Saturday night, January 17, 2026, the current temperature in London is 46°F. It’s not freezing, but that 89% humidity makes it feel like the damp is trying to introduce itself to your bones.
Basically, it's mostly cloudy with a light 3 mph breeze coming in from the east. It's the kind of night where you don't necessarily need the heavy-duty Arctic parka, but you’ll definitely regret leaving your scarf at home.
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Earlier today, we hit a high of 51°F, which is actually pretty decent for mid-January. The low for tonight is expected to settle around 42°F. If you’re looking at the sky and wondering if you’re about to get soaked, there's only about a 10% to 20% chance of rain for the rest of the night. It's more of a "patchy drizzle" situation than a "bring an ark" situation.
London Weather Today and Why It Matters
People always say London is rainy, but the real secret is the grey. Today has been a textbook example of that "murky" vibe the Met Office loves to talk about. We’ve had a 0 UV index all day, which basically means the sun didn't even try to say hello.
The wind is currently quite calm at 3 mph, but it’s shifted slightly throughout the day. While it’s southeast-ish right now, that easterly flow is what keeps the air feeling "raw" rather than just cold.
The Real Numbers for January 17, 2026
- Current Temp: 46°F
- High/Low: 51°F / 42°F
- Wind: 3 mph from the East
- Humidity: 89%
- Conditions: Mostly cloudy/Nighttime
You might see some news reports talking about extreme cold or snow. While there have been some rough patches for the unhoused community earlier this week due to a temperature plunge on Thursday, today is relatively stable. We aren't in that "minus 15" territory that some councils use for emergency declarations, but 46°F with this much moisture in the air is still plenty biting.
What’s Coming Next for the Big Smoke?
If you’re sticking around for Sunday, don’t expect a massive change. The forecast for Sunday, January 18, looks remarkably similar with a high of 50°F and a low of 41°F.
There is a slightly higher chance of rain—about 40%—especially in the afternoon. So, if you're planning a Sunday roast trek or a walk through Hyde Park, maybe aim for the morning.
Looking further ahead into the month, there’s a lot of chatter about a "beast" of a cold spell coming toward the end of January. Some models are even whispering about sleet and snow around January 25th or 26th. For now, though, we’re just dealing with the standard-issue British grey.
To stay comfortable in London tonight, stick to layers that can handle high humidity. A water-resistant outer shell is better than a thick wool coat that will just soak up the dampness like a sponge. If you're heading out, the visibility is around 10 miles, so travel is looking clear despite the clouds.
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Check the local transport apps if you're using the Tube or buses, as the "murky" conditions can sometimes lead to minor delays on overground lines, but for the most part, London is moving as usual. Keep an eye on the sky for that 20% drizzle chance, and you'll be fine.