How bad can it be? It’s just weather!
Navigating London’s weather has been quite a challenge after swapping South Africa’s pleasant climate for the UK’s often gloomy conditions. The constant rain, bone-chilling temperatures, and limited sunlight make it a struggle, especially for those of us accustomed to the southern hemisphere weather. I get it, Joburg winter can be harsh, but even after a year in London, I still find it hard to acclimate.
The United Kingdom, situated in the Northern Hemisphere, witnesses shorter days with reduced sunlight during winter. Darkness sets in early, around 3:54 PM, impacting outdoor activities, mood, and energy levels. Winter days here feel like they’ve been compressed into a four-hour window. We’ve adjusted our daily shenanigans, shifting meal times to 16:45 PM to sync up with the premature darkness, resulting in late-night munchies that effortlessly evolve into impromptu family gatherings. Hey, it was our honeymoon phase in London, not the marital kind, but the one that comes with the territory of relocating. Midnight snacks became a thing—because who’s keeping tabs, anyway?
What in the world is BST?
Our first year in London turned into a crash course on learning new things – because, well, why not?. Honestly, I still can’t wrap my head around the whole concept of clocks doing the cha-cha between backward and forward. Allow me to illuminate: the United Kingdom uses different time zone during the summer months, when daylight saving time is in effect. British Summer Time is observed in the UK from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, with the time typically set at GMT+1 (Greenwich Mean Time + 1 hour). During winter months in England, the country observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is UTC+0. Adjusting to BST during the transition to daylight saving time can cause minor disruptions for individuals, in terms of daily routines and schedules.
Seasonal Reflections
We encountered scorching heat upon our arrival in the summer, reminiscent of my homeland South Africa. I was genuinely taken aback when the locals informed me that summer in London typically only spans about two days! We savored every bit of those warm summer days while they stuck around. It’s that time when staying indoors is not an option; you’ve got to be outdoors as much as possible, basking in the sun and truly soaking it all in.There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in London, including picnics, Open-Air Concerts, Music festivals, fun fairs, theme parks and well-kept play areas for the kiddos. The theme parks reminded me of Gold Reef City, a theme park built on an old mine in Johannesburg.
The first park we visited was Greenwich Park, which was close to where we were staying in South East London. This park has a nice playground for kids, picturesque scenery, and an adjacent museum. Summer in London brings an abundance of outdoor activities, easily discoverable through a quick Google search. However, the weather swiftly transitioned as Autumn approaches. By Halloween in late November, it already felt like the heart of winter, although technically still Autumn.
Christmas Traditions and January Blues
The month of December brought the enchantment of winter wonderlands, with Christmas decorations, mistletoes,and enough festive spirit to distract us momentarily from the gloom outside. London’s parks transform into picturesque wonderlands during winter. Hyde Park, in particular, hosts the enchanting Winter Wonderland festival. You just forget about the weather outside and grab your camera to capture the magical lights and the festive stalls.The best part of Christmas Day is the speech, yes you got that right, the queen’s speech(now the King’s speech). The monarchy delivers the speed that is broadcasted on television and radio, a Christmas Day tradition for many people. How wonderful.
Yet, as January loomed, the reality of a prolonged winter sank in, feeling like it consumes half the year. Okay, this is the moment when you feel the urge to unleash a primal scream, throw in some enthusiastic shouts, maybe a couple of kicks, and seriously contemplate packing up your bags for a thawing session in South Africa. We’re not asking for the moon or 4 more bank holidays, just some decent weather, is that really too much to ask? enough rambling about the weather, let’s shift the focus.
Ensuring a Warm Winter
Preparing for London’s winter was a first-time endeavor, and despite our efforts, complete comfort in preparation remained elusive. We invested in warmer coats, cozy jumpers, socks, and winter bedding.
When it comes to thermal layers, Uniqlo is your go-to store. They offer stylish and affordable heattech clothing that will keep you warm without the bulk. Consider investing in a versatile trench coat – it’s a Londoner’s secret weapon for staying both stylish and dry during unexpected drizzles.
Online shopping for winter clothing led to scheduling a boiler check and central heating inspection with a plumber. Having a plumber check our boiler before winter was crucial to ensuring no unpleasant surprises during the coldest months. We used the nextdoor app to find local plumbers to expedited the process.
Considering seasonal fruits and vegetables became part of our strategy. Opting for locally sourced, in-season produce, we aimed to break away from the habit of buying items from all over the world. It’s ironic that we left South Africa only to find ourselves purchasing avocados and potatoes from there at WaitRose—in pounds. Lesson learned.
Flu Shots: A Winter Necessity
Making immune health a top priority, we stocked our pantry with vitamin C-rich foods. Getting flu shots was a crucial part of our plan, and being registered with a local GP meant receiving timely notifications for flu shot appointments, ensuring both adults and kids were covered. The flu here claps harder, it will really put you down for days and you will feel under the weather.The realization dawned on me during a conversation with an Australian acquaintance, who, having experienced a similar climate as South Africa, shared insights on transitioning to colder weather. He pointed out that recognizing seasonal depression often occurs when symptoms manifest, underscoring the importance of consulting a healthcare professional for guidance if prone to this condition.
Tips for Winter Outings
Don’t forget to grab an umbrella—consider it a winter accessory essential (opt for a folding one if carrying a gazebo tent isn’t your style). There’s nothing worse than shivering in the cold rain while your train is delayed. Dressing for the weather is key, so make sure to equip yourself with Wellie boots, raincoats, cozy beanies, and warm gloves. Most train stations offer covered areas or nearby coffee shops where you can take refuge while waiting for your train—take advantage of those spots.
And here’s a pro-tip: Bring along a hot beverage in a thermos to keep yourself warm while braving the chill. It’s like a portable heater for your hands!
Despite the cold, don’t let it deter you from venturing out for some fun or taking a leisurely walk in the woods. Movement is your ally; waiting for ideal weather is never guaranteed. Embrace the brisk air and keep the winter blues at bay by exploring the various indoor and outdoor activities your city has to offer.Speaking of activities, ice-skating rinks often pop up during the winter season. Consider lacing up those skates for a festive and chilly adventure. Not only is it a great workout, but it also adds a touch of winter magic to your routine.
Embrace the chill for cold weather adventures
Additionally, embrace the cozy charm of winter markets. They’re not just for holiday shopping; they offer a delightful atmosphere with seasonal treats, warm beverages, and festive decorations. Take a stroll, enjoy the festive ambiance, and savor the unique offerings.
The British Museum is a treasure trove of history, and it’s free! Spend a day exploring ancient artifacts and marvel at the Rosetta Stone. If you’re into art, Tate Modern offers contemporary masterpieces and an incredible view of the city from its terrace. And for theatre enthusiasts, the West End is bustling with captivating shows – grab discounted tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.
Winter garden exploration
Kew Gardens is a botanical wonder, even in winter. The Palm House offers a tropical escape, and the Temperate House showcases an array of plants from around the world. If you’re near the city, the Sky Garden at the Walkie-Talkie building provides panoramic views of London amidst lush greenery.
Remember, preparation is key. Check the weather forecast before heading out, and layer up accordingly. Don’t forget a good-quality lip balm and moisturizer to combat the winter dryness. Oh, and invest in thermal socks—they’re game-changers for keeping your toes toasty in chilly weather.
In a nutshell, facing London’s weather involves a mix of practical preparations and adapting expectations, all while trying to maintain a touch of humor in the face of unpredictable climates. May this article be a guide, a weather wager, for those embarking on a journey to trade sunsets for the pursuit of cloudy adventures.We