Is it too hot to walk my dog in London today?

London loves a dog. There are more than half a million of them trotting around the capital, and on a sunny day they all seem to want walkies at once. The thing to watch is the heat. All that brick, glass and tarmac soaks up the sun and turns the city centre into one big radiator, so it often runs a few degrees warmer than the countryside around it.

Not safe right now

London, Greater London

27°C

It's too hot to exercise your dog safely right now. Wait for one of the cooler windows below.

Estimated pavement temperature 27°C. Always do the 5-second palm test as the definitive on-the-ground check.

  • Carry water and stick to shade where you can.
  • Watch for heatstroke signs: heavy panting, drooling, lethargy or collapse. Contact a vet immediately if you see them.

Best walk windows today

Tomorrow before 11am · 24.3°C
Advice based on RSPCA guidance. View RSPCA hot weather advice →
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Walking your dog in London

Right now it's the warmer half of the year, so heat and hot pavements are the main things to keep an eye on when walking your dog in London.

In hot weather

On hot days the pavements are the real villain. They hold their heat long after the sun has swung round, so a midday stroll on hard ground is no fun for paws. Keep to grass and shade, and save the proper walk for the cool of the morning or the calm of the evening.

In cold weather

Deep frosts are rarer in the centre than out in the suburbs, but the moment it turns icy the gritters are everywhere. Grit and salt sting little paws, so give them a quick wipe when you get home and your dog will love you for it.

Good places to walk in London

  • Hampstead Heath. Loads of tree cover and ponds, so it is your best friend on a scorcher.
  • Victoria Park. East London's big green lung, with shady avenues and water fountains dotted about.
  • Richmond Park. Huge, open and gorgeous, but light on shade, so go early when the sun is fierce.

Quick tips for London

  • Do the five second pavement test before every summer walk, hand flat on the ground.
  • Pop a collapsible water bowl in your bag, the parks are big and the cafes are busy.
  • Beat the crowds and the heat by going out before 8am on a hot day.

London is stuffed with dog-friendly pubs and cafes, so there is always somewhere to flop and cool off after a walk.

Read more dog-walking advice →

Dog walking & temperature FAQs

Where are the best places to walk a dog in London in hot weather?
On a hot day, look for shade and water rather than open pavement. In London, good options include Hampstead Heath, Victoria Park and Richmond Park. Loads of tree cover and ponds, so it is your best friend on a scorcher.
Is it too hot to walk my dog in London today?
Check the live verdict at the top of this page. It uses the current weather for London to tell you whether it's safe to walk right now, shows the estimated pavement temperature, and lists the best walk windows for the day.
What temperature is too hot to walk a dog in the UK?
As a guide, walking becomes risky for many dogs once it's above about 20°C, and genuinely dangerous above 28°C, especially for flat-faced, large or older dogs. Just as important is the pavement: hard surfaces in direct sun can reach 50°C even when the air feels comfortable, which is hot enough to burn paws. Always check the live verdict and the pavement, not just the air temperature.
How do I test if the pavement is too hot for my dog?
Use the 5-second test: press the back of your hand flat against the pavement for five seconds. If it's too hot for you to hold there comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paws. This is the definitive on-the-ground check, and the estimated pavement temperature on this page is only a guide.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Watch for heavy or frantic panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums, lethargy, stumbling, vomiting or collapse. Heatstroke is an emergency: move your dog to shade, offer small amounts of water, cool them gradually with tepid (not ice-cold) water, and contact your vet immediately.
Is it too cold to walk a dog in winter?
Most healthy dogs cope down to around freezing, but small, thin-coated, very young or older dogs feel it much sooner, and wind chill can make it far colder than the thermometer suggests. Below about -9°C apparent temperature it's unsafe for many dogs. Grit and salt on pavements can also irritate and poison paws, so wipe them after every winter walk.

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Temperatures are estimates. When in doubt, wait for a cooler window.

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