Air Conditioning in London: Everything to Know & How to Deal

As I sit in my sweltering flat during a London June heatwave, I wish there was more air conditioning in London.

AC in London isn’t very common, and coming from America where it’s everywhere, it’s a big adjustment. 

If you’re traveling to London in July or August – or even June, as it’s currently 75F (23C)  at 7am at the end of June – here are the most important things you need to know about air conditioning in London.

Image of parched London park with text overlay: "where's the AC in London?"

1. Air Conditioning is Incredibly Rare in London and the UK. Why? 

Air conditioning is scarce in most buildings and older homes across London. Unlike many modern cities in the US and other parts of Europe, where air conditioning systems are considered a standard feature, the absence AC in London’s older properties is all too common. 

It’s estimated that only 5% of homes in London have AC, and that’s usually in newer high-rise buildings with modern features.  

Historic buildings make up the majority of architecture in London, and they have been reliable for ages. Reliable only for keeping heat IN, however. 

After the Great Fire of London in 1666, when most of London burned down, construction laws were put in place which banned or severely limited wood construction. 

The result? Majority brick and stone buildings, which were designed to keep heat in. But in our modern day summers, these brick buildings heat up quickly and retain heat all day (and night) long. 

Brick buildings – and old buildings in general – don’t have ventilation systems like the central air systems in America. And even though there are modern options like heat pumps that don’t require a vent system within the walls, those haven’t caught on yet for the majority of London. 

What makes heat waves even worse is that most windows in London are single-glazed. Unless a building owner has replaced the windows at great cost – which in some cases is impossible due to grade listing (historical value) – the heat comes right inside the thin glass and stays there. 

If you’re flat hunting or it’s your first time renting in London, consider the energy efficiency of the house and how hot it will get in summer.

2. The Heat Feels Hotter Here

Image of sweltering travelers on the Northern Line in London in summer. Passengers are sweaty and look irritated.
Sweltering temps on the Northern Line in summer.

Because our homes were built to retain heat and we lack air conditioning in London, you don’t ever get a break during the summer heatwaves. Not only that, but with so much of London being paved with concrete, cobbles, and stone, all of the streets and buildings store up that heat and create an overall warmer environment. 

Residents and visitors to London in the summer months may not think 80 F (26 C) is a big deal. But while I’m sitting in my brick flat with single pane windows, it’s 80 F outside and 79 F inside. It’s been warm 5 days in a row, and fans can only do so much. 

While there are alternative methods to cope with the heat, such as using fans or opening windows for cross ventilation, the lack of air conditioning can pose a challenge for individuals seeking respite from the sweltering temperatures. There’s nowhere in your home or office you can go to get relief.

Outside is even worse; walking the hot pavement, riding the sweltering underground, or enduring a very hot bus ride. 

Even though we only need air conditioning in London a few weeks a year, those weeks can be insufferable without it. Our buildings heat up quickly as soon as the sun comes up, and the heat only gets worse during the day. If you go outside, it’s worse with direct sun. 

Image of heat coming off concrete in London summer
All of the concrete and stone heats up the summer streets quickly.

How to Deal With London Summer Heat

The last few summers in London, the heat has only gotten worse. But don’t worry – if you have a trip coming up and are worried about the heat, there are ways to cope.

Air conditioning in London is definitely available, you just need to know where to look! Here are my tips.

From June Through September:

  1. Book a hotel with air conditioning. Assume that if you book an Airbnb, it will not have AC, and in some cases not even provide fans. The extra cost of a hotel will be worth it when you’re not melting and can sleep soundly. 
  2. Carry a fan, either a mini battery-operated one or an accordion-style fan, and an umbrella to shade you from the sun. 
  3. Carry water. You can buy cold bottled water almost anywhere for £1-2, or any coffee shop or restaurant will usually fill your bottle if you ask politely. 
  4. Open your windows at night, if you can (if it’s not a safety issue). 
  5. Try to travel on air-conditioned tube lines and avoid the upper deck of the bus if you can. 
  6. Last resort: take an Uber or Taxi. It’s expensive, but blast that AC and it’ll be worth it. 

Guide to Air Conditioning London 

Here’s how to get around – and where to go – in the sweltering summer heat.

Air Conditioned Tube Lines  (map)

London Underground map of which lines have AirConditioning, labeled "Air conditioned London 2022"
Image created by GeoffTech

Some Tube and train lines are air conditioned. The best is the new Elizabeth Line, where you hardly notice the warm weather outside. Note that the majority of TFL’s red double-decker buses do NOT have air conditioning. 

  • Elizabeth Line (crossrail) 
  • Circle Line 
  • District Line
  • Hammersmith & City Line 
  • Metropolitan Line 
  • London Overground
  • Thameslink, including the Northern City Line
  • Tram lines 

Which Museums Have Air Conditioning in London? 

Air Conditioned Attractions 

the London eye as seen from the river thames. the pods on the london eye are air conditioned, but the ac won't keep up on very hot summer days.
The London Eye’s pods are air conditioned, but the AC won’t keep up on very hot days.

Which Shopping Centers have Air Conditioning in London? 

Air Conditioning London: Final Tips

London in summer is incredible, but plan your visit to London carefully if you are coming in the summer months. Especially if you’re coming from the US, or other countries where air conditioning is standard, you’ll be in for a surprise at the lack of AC in London.

Make sure to book a hotel that has air conditioning, plan your travel carefully, and drink plenty of water. But above all, be safe during a heatwave!

More on Visiting London: 

Where to Stay your First time in London

Where Can I Charge my Phone in London?

Debating ‘Should I Rent a Car in London?’ Insider Tips

What’s the Closest Country to London? 10 Incredible Trips to Take Today

How to Use the London Underground for the First Time 

How to Catch a Bus in London for the First Time

How to Travel in London During a Tube or Rail Strike

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