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London, United Kingdom·Marathon· A Sunday in late April

TCS London Marathon Weather & What to Wear

Greenwich to The Mall past Tower Bridge, with the biggest field of any marathon. Late April in London is usually cool and grey, with the occasional heatwave.

By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.

The quick answer

Plan for about 54°F (12°C) at the 10:00 start, feeling like 49°F (9°C), with 65% humidity and 10 mph wind, warming to roughly 59°F (15°C) by the finish. It rained on 4 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket.

Average start

54°F (12°C)

Average finish

59°F (15°C)

Rain days

4 of 10 years

Start range

44° to 67°F

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Race-day weather, 2016 to 2025

Conditions at the 10:00 start on the race's usual date each year (a Sunday in late April). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.

YearStart tempFeels likeFinishHumidityWindRainSky
202562°F (17°C)62°F69°F55%0 mph–Mostly clear
202444°F (7°C)35°F48°F86%15 mph0.48 inDrizzle
202352°F (11°C)48°F52°F79%8 mph0.15 inDrizzle
202260°F (16°C)53°F64°F57%14 mph–Clear
202150°F (10°C)40°F54°F58%15 mph–Overcast
202058°F (14°C)57°F65°F58%1 mph–Mostly clear
201953°F (12°C)45°F56°F60%13 mph0.07 inDrizzle
201867°F (19°C)65°F71°F68%10 mph0.17 inClear
201751°F (11°C)46°F58°F70%8 mph–Drizzle
201644°F (7°C)35°F49°F57%12 mph–Mostly clear

Coldest start: 44°F (7°C) in 2024. Warmest: 67°F (19°C) in 2018. Wettest: 0.48 in in 2024.

What to wear for a typical London

Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.

Upper body

  • essential

    Long Sleeve Tech Shirt

    Breathable moisture-wicking fabric

  • essential

    Waterproof Jacket

    Breathable rain protection

Lower body

  • essential

    Capris or Light Tights

    3/4 length for moderate warmth

Accessories

  • essential

    Running Cap

    Keep rain out of eyes

Footwear

  • recommended

    Trail or Waterproof Shoes

    Better grip and water resistance

Race-day tips for the London

  • •This is near-ideal racing weather. Dress as if it were 15°F warmer than the start temperature and resist the urge to add a layer.
  • •It has rained on 4 of the last 10 race days. Pack a brimmed cap and a disposable poncho for the start, and consider a second pair of socks for the drop bag.
  • •Nothing new on race day: run your long runs in exactly what you plan to race in, including the socks.

Race-day gear picks

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather usually like for the TCS London Marathon?

Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 54°F (12°C) (feels like 49°F (9°C)) with 65% humidity and 10 mph wind, warming to about 59°F (15°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 4 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 44°F (7°C) in 2024; the warmest was 67°F (19°C) in 2018.

What should I wear for the London?

For a typical 54°F (12°C) start: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.

When is the next London?

The TCS London Marathon is usually held on a Sunday in late April. The next expected date is Sunday, April 25, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.

How accurate is the race-day forecast?

The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.

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