Winter in London has a charm all its own, blending frosty mornings with the cozy glow of twinkling lights and historic streets. While the city rarely sees heavy snow, the winter months bring cold temperatures, damp days, and the occasional gusts of wind that makes bundling up essential.
Packing for London in winter can be overwhelming, but it’s all about finding the balance between practicality and style. Exploring London requires a fair amount of walking, even in the winter, so packing the right items to keep you warm is essential.
In this post, I’ll guide you through exactly what to wear in London during the winter months—whether you’re exploring the city or enjoying afternoon tea or date night.
Here are my packing tips and essential items to help enjoy your winter London trip.
What to Wear in London in Winter
Typical Winter Weather in London
London experiences four distinct seasons. Winter in London is in December, January and February, and by mid-November, temperatures typically start to drop from autumn weather to cool temperatures.
The average temperature in London in the winter is in the mid to high 40s Farenheit, with the average lows just around 40 degrees.
London weather isn’t as severe as winter weather in other parts of the UK (or even New York City), but you can potentially see flurries and occasionally experience light snow in this beautiful city. If you’re familiar with any east coast winter, then you will be fine for a winter in London. Of course, London winters are notably gray, and rainy weather is highly likely, so always be sure to pack a travel umbrella.
Packing for London in Winter
I find that London fashion feels like what I see people wearing in Los Angeles or New York City. Although office wear can be conservative and traditional, outside of this, Londoners dress casually and practically for their walking city. However, similarly to the rest of Europe, you’ll still want to look put together and polished, even if you’re sightseeing for the day.
Layering for a London winter is key so you can strike a balance between the cool temperatures outside and the warmer temperatures inside department stores, restaurants, and The Underground, London’s subway system.
London is very much a walking city, even in the winter, so it’s important to pack comfortable shoes that will keep your feet warm. And although jeans are totally acceptable for pretty much every occasion in London, it’s fun to get dressed up for afternoon tea or a fun restaurant.
Although Londoners do embrace lots of black and gray, they’re also not afraid of wearing color and patterns. London style is a blend of edgy individuality and timeless elegance, rooted in versatile staples like tailored coats, sleek trousers, and chunky knits. If you’re comparing it to Paris winter fashion, Londoners definitely dress a little more fun, matching the quirky and easygoing personality that Britain is known for. And let’s not forget, this is the city where punk was born, after all!
London Packing List for Winter
Warm Coat
A light jacket or a trench coat won’t do much for warmth for the winter months in London; be sure to pack a winter coat that will keep you warm.
Although a puffer coat will keep you warm in London this time of year, I am always a big fan of a long black wool coat. It’s a versatile outerwear option that works for day and night so that you streamline your packing. Plus, a wool coat has a bit more of that tailored London sensibility.
I’ve used this long wool coat as my winter coat for the past couple of years, but I also love Bernardo coats if you are in the market for a puffer coat.
Sweaters
It can be very cold and damp during the winter thanks to many rainy days, so you’re going to want to be cozy. Be sure to pack plenty of sweaters that you can wear under a coat by itself or as an extra layer.
Cashmere sweaters, although pricey, are usually excellent for winter travel because the fabric is fairly resistant to wrinkling and rarely requires an iron or a steamer.
This cashmere sweater is one of my favorites because it’s on the lighter side but still keeps me very warm. I’ve taken this to London in both the winter and in the spring.
T-Shirts
Regardless of the season, I always back a couple of basic t-shirts whenever I travel – one in black and one in white. They’re an easy extra layer if you need it, and don’t take up much space in your suitcase.
My favorite basic short sleeve t-shirts are these tees from Madewell and these tees from Everlane.
Base Layers
The cold weather in London can feel even cooler if there are rainy or windy conditions, so base layers like long sleeve t-shirts are also a good idea to pack.
I personally don’t think you need something as warm as a thermal base layer, as I save those for the mountains and temperatures in the 20s. However, if you are traveling to London from a warmer climate, and you’re not used to the cold, a thermal top or merino wool base layer could be great options to keep you cozy!
Jeans
Jeans can be found on just about everyone in London, so pack a couple of pairs for your London trip. Straight leg jeans are my preference for cooler days, because they work with ankle boots and sneakers.
If you’re going to London for a week or more, I recommend packing a pair of black straight leg jeans and a pair of medium or dark blue jeans so that you have options.
Denim is a great, durable fabric, and you can re-wear your jeans multiple times on your trip.
Something Dressy
Typically, jeans or black trousers are more than enough for a trip to London, but if you’re planning on afternoon tea or you’re visiting during the holidays, you may want to consider packing a dressy outfit or two.
The holidays in London are absolutely fantastic, so embrace it by leaning into velvet and sequins.
My two no-fail dressy winter travel outfits are a slip skirt with a sweater, and sweater dresses. Both can easily be worn with your long wool coat and look great with black ankle boots or knee-high boots. And, if you need some extra warmth, just add some tights!
Best Shoes for London in the Winter
London is a walking city, and public transport is usually the way to go to get around the city quickly. Therefore, it’s important to pack comfortable shoes for your trip.
Sneakers
A pair of sneakers is a must. Every time I go to Europe, my most worn shoes are always sneakers. Lately I have been obsessed with styling my Adidas Samba sneakers with just about everything. Otherwise, classic white sneakers are always a good choice.
Ankle Boots
Although London may experience some snow, it never really piles up, so skip the snow boots and leave them at home if you’re staying in the city.
Avoid suede and look for waterproof leather boots that won’t get ruined if you’re caught in the rain. A classic flat or lug sole Chelsea boot is a super common shoe because it’s a versatile and practical shoe that’s great for walking through the streets of London.
Unless you have a specific event or New Year’s Eve party, I would also skip high heels.
However, if you are looking for something with a heel, I love these heeled boots. I’ve walked several blocks in New York City in them, and they’re some of the most comfortable heels I’ve ever owned.
Knee-High Boots
If you have space, you may want to pack a pair of tall boots to pair with dresses, skirts, or any skinny jeans you might be packing for London. Whether they’re a flat boot or a low-heeled shoe, tall boots are a stylish yet practical option for dinners or events.
Accessories to Pack for London
Cold Weather Accessories
Cold temperatures require the right accessories, and you’re going to want to stay warm in London! Don’t forget to pack warm hat like a wool beanie, along with a scarf and gloves. You’ll especially want to make sure you have these if you’re attending an English Premiere League soccer match. You can also find merch outside of the stadiums and at the stadium stores in case you want to snag a cozy scarf or hat to show some team pride.
Cashmere gloves and leather gloves are my personal favorites, especially tech versions that allow you to use your phone while wearing them.
Socks and Tights
Warm socks are crucial to staying warm in London, and having the right ones make all the difference in your comfort level while you’re out and about in the city.
For an extra layer of warmth in the cold weather, wear tights under your jeans or pants—it’s a discreet way to stay cozy without adding bulk.
Crossbody Bag
I like being hands-free when I’m out sightseeing, and I also like knowing that my bag is physically connected to my body and my wallet and phone are safe. Therefore, I always prefer to travel with a crossbody bag, especially when traveling internationally.
This crossbody bag has been a go-to of mine for years because it fits my camera, but i also love this bag and it fits all the essentials.
Travel Umbrella
London is famous for its gray weather and rainy days, especially in the winter, so be sure to pack a travel umbrella.
Electronics and Other Necessities
Outlet Adapters
London (and the UK as a whole) runs on a different voltage than the United States and so they also have different outlets. Be sure to pack a couple of outlet adapters so that you can charge your phone and devices.
I like this travel adapter because it works with multiple countries, making it the perfect international travel essential if you’re also planning to visit Paris or other areas in Europe along with London.
Portable Phone Charger
Chances are your London itinerary probably includes a lot of time outside of your hotel room sightseeing, touring, and visiting a museum or two.
I like to keep a portable phone charger in my purse so that I can easily charge it on the go, especially since the cold can also drain your phone battery.
Lip Balm and Hand Cream
Winter weather also means dry winter lips and skin, so be sure to pack lip balm and hand cream to hydrate both. For a no-frills lip balm that always works, you can’t go wrong with good old Carmex!
More Packing Tips for London in Winter
Utilize Packing Cubes
Winter clothing is bulky, and using packing cubes can help compress your items a little bit for some extra space in your suitcase.
Plan to Wear Your Items More Than Once
I find it much easier to re-wear items in the winter than in summer, since you’re less likely to get sweaty. Trust me when I say you don’t need to have a sweater for each day of your trip; you can wear some of them more than once, along with your jeans and pants.
Pack a Capsule Wardrobe
When I travel, I like to pack a capsule of wardrobe staples in the same color palette. This way, you can easily create multiple outfits on the fly and adapt to any unexpected changes in winter weather or plans.
Leave Room for Purchases
Although the UK no longer provides VAT refunds to non-residents, there are several department stores and English brands that still make shopping in London worthwhile.
Be sure to leave a little space in your luggage for any purchases. This packable bag unfolds to a full-size zipper carry-on duffel if you think you’ll be purchasing a lot of items.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items on The Plane
Plan to wear your bulkiest items like your winter coat or boots on the plane to help save suitcase space. You can always store your coat in the overhead compartment once you board.
other posts you may like:
