Fall is great time to visit London. The summer crowds have started to thin out, the weather finally feels like fall, and if you’re lucky, you may be able to catch a soccer game and the beautiful autumn leaves in Hyde Park and throughout the city. By mid-November, you’ll be able to peek at the holiday lights going up along Regent Street before the full holiday rush begins. It’s a beautiful time of year there, and a little pause in time between summer and the busy Christmas streets.
Of course, London’s fall weather can be a little unpredictable, which is why knowing what to pack makes all the difference. In this guide, I’m sharing what to wear in London in September, October, and November, including what to expect from the weather each month, my tips for packing layers and comfortable shoes, and a few of my favorite London fall outfit ideas. I’ll also break down the essential pieces I recommend adding to your London fall packing list, so you can spend less time worrying about what to wear and more time enjoying everything that London has to offer.
What to Wear in London in Fall
When it comes to what to wear in London in fall, the best approach is to build your wardrobe around lots of layers that can adapt to ever-changing London weather. Think sweaters, a tailored blazer, a classic trench coat, leather boots, and a few pieces that can be layered together as the weather gets cooler.
Neutral colors are always helpful for a London trip (and any other trip, for that matter) because they allow you to mix and match everything in your suitcase. I also recommend choosing shoes you’ll actually want to walk in and keeping a few rain-ready pieces on hand. Exactly what you’ll need to pack, however, depends quite a bit on when you’re visiting.
What Is the Weather Like in London in Fall?
London’s weather changes considerably from early fall through November. September can still feel relatively mild, October brings cooler days and that unmistakable crisp fall air, and November is generally colder and wetter.
The weather can also change throughout a single day, so checking the weather forecast before your trip (and each day of your trip!) is always a good idea. The table below gives you a general idea of what to expect, but think of these temperatures as a guide rather than a guarantee.
| Month | Average Temperature | London Weather | What to Wear |
| September | Around 55–68°F | Mild, with warmer and sunny days mixed with light rain | A lightweight sweater, a pair of jeans, trench coat, sneakers |
| October | Around 48–60°F | Cooler days, crisp, and increasingly rainy days | Sweater, blazer, leather jacket or trench coat, ankle boots |
| November | Around 43–53°F | Colder, wetter, and often overcast | Cozy sweaters, a wool coat, knee-high boots or waterproof boots |
London Weather in September
September is early fall in London, and it’s often one of the easiest times of year to pack for. The beginning of the month can still bring warmer days and plenty of sunshine, while mornings and evenings can feel cool and crisp.
For what to wear in London in September, I’d start with a t-shirt, lightweight sweater, pair of jeans, and classic trench coat. A sweater gives you flexibility when temperatures rise during the afternoon, while the trench is useful as a light layer when the weather turns cooler or if you encounter light rain.
For shoes, opt for sneakers or loafers. Both are comfortable enough for walking around the city but still feel polished with jeans and trousers. I also love wearing sneakers with a dress.
London in Fall Wardrobe Essentials
London Weather in October
October is when London starts to feel unmistakably autumnal. Temperatures are cooler, the crisp fall air sets in, and you’re more likely to encounter rain as the month progresses.
For what to wear in London in October, I like having several layers that can work together: a turtleneck or sweater under a tailored blazer, a classic trench coat, or even a black leather jacket. These pieces provide warmth without requiring you to commit to a heavy winter coat.
Think about transitioning your footwear to account for the cooler days and nights. Ankle boots are a great option, and work with jeans or trousers.
October is a great month for leaning into fall textures and colors—think denim, leather, wool, houndstooth and neutral colors—while keeping your overall looks polished and effortless.
London Weather in November
If you’re searching for what to wear in London in November, you’ll want to prepare for a distinctly cooler version of fall. Temperatures are lower, daylight hours are shorter, and rainy days become more common.
By the middle and end of the month, you will likely want to trade in your trench coat for a wool coat and think about fabrics like leather and heavy sweaters.
For footwear, knee-high boots and leather boots are both excellent options. If rain is in the forecast, waterproof boots are worth considering.
Don’t forget cold-weather accessories for November. A pair of gloves and a scarf will keep you warm, and if you live in a warmer climate you will definitely feel the November chill of London.
I’d also pack a travel umbrella and, if you have room, a packable waterproof jacket. You don’t necessarily need to dress for rain every day, but having a few weather-ready pieces means an unexpected shower doesn’t have to change your plans.
London in Fall Wardrobe Essentials
Tips for Packing for London in Fall
Think About Layers
London is famous for fickle, ever-changing weather that can change throughout the day (Especially this time of year!). Pack layers you can mix, match, add, and remove for London in fall. At the start of the season, think about lighter pieces like a short sleeve t-shirt and a year-round lightweight cashmere sweater. As the season progresses, something heavy like a wool coat can keep you warm day or night. I also always pack an extra layer or two, just in case.
Hone Your Color Palette
London style can be bold and patterned and even colorful, but I always find that it helps to pack neutral colors regardless of destination. This way, you can create multiple outfits from fewer items in your suitcase. At the very least, focus your neutral color efforts on your layering pieces.
Prioritize Comfortable Shoes
London is a large walking city, and usually it’s much quicker to get from point A to B by taking public transportation. Therefore, comfortable footwear should be one of your biggest considerations when packing. However, keep your shoes polished and stylish. Prioritize shoes like lifestyle sneakers, loafers, or low heel boots that you can walk in for a full day of sightseeing or walking through London’s parks.
London Fall Packing List
I promise that you don’t need to pack your entire closet for your London fall wardrobe. A handful of classic, versatile pieces can create plenty of outfits when you choose items that work well together. Well, that, and a spacious suitcase that will hold bulky autumn pieces.
If you’re building your London packing list for fall, these are the essential pieces I’d prioritize.
Classic Trench Coat
A classic trench coat is a British icon, and arguably the most versatile outerwear piece you can bring to London in fall. It’s a fantastic light layer that works for September and October, and you can wear it casually during the day and even over a dress if you’re getting dressed up at night. While a trench coat isn’t fully waterproof, it will always provide some protection from light rain.
I especially love a neutral trench in a camel or tan color because it works with virtually everything else in your suitcase and closet.
A few years ago I finally invested in the iconic Burberry Waterloo trench coat, and my only regret is not doing so sooner. More affordable options include this trench coat, or this trench coat.
Tailored Blazer
A tailored blazer is an easy way to elevate a simple jeans-and-sweater outfit. It’s also one of those pieces that can transition effortlessly from sightseeing during the day to dinner or afternoon tea.
Whether you want an oversized blazer or a more fitted style, be sure there is enough room for layering without feeling bulky.
Leather Jacket
A brown or black leather jacket is a great alternative to a trench coat for cooler September and October days. It adds a little edge to classic fall pieces (and pays homage to the British punk rock scene) and works particularly well with jeans, dresses, sneakers, and ankle boots.
Consider wearing the same base and just swapping out your jackets for two totally different looks.
London in Fall Wardrobe Essentials
Lightweight Sweaters
A lightweight sweater is one of the most useful pieces in an early-fall London wardrobe. September can still bring warmer afternoons, so you want something that provides a little warmth without being too heavy.
Wear it on its own, or layer it underneath a trench or blazer when temperatures drop, or tie it around your waist or over your shoulders for dimension and added visual interest.
My favorite lightweight cashmere sweaters are from Aritzia, and for more everyday pieces you can’t go wrong with affordable cashmere from this brand.
Cozy Sweaters
For October and November, I’d add at least two cozy, warmer-weight sweaters to your suitcase to wear as the temperatures decrease.
A neutral sweater in cream, camel, gray, navy, or black will give you the most outfit options.
I particularly love the half-zip detail on this sweater; it keeps you so warm.
Pair of Jeans
A great pair of jeans is a London fall essential. Choose a comfortable pair that you can walk in all day and wear with nearly everything else in your suitcase.
Straight-leg, relaxed, or wide-leg jeans all work well; the important thing is choosing a pair that feels like you and can easily be dressed up or down.
I like to bring a couple of pairs in classic washes that work with everything from sneakers and a sweater during the day to ankle boots and a blazer for dinner.
London in Fall Wardrobe Essentials
Wool Coat
If you’re visiting London in November (or traveling toward the end of October) a wool coat is a necessity. It provides significantly more warmth than a trench coat and works for casual outfits during the day, afternoon tea, and a night in the city.
If you’re visiting in September, you can likely leave the wool coat at home. However, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast as you pack, since temperatures have been unpredictable these last several years.
Ankle Boots
Aside from comfy lifestyle sneakers or loafers, ankle boots are one of the most versatile shoes you can pack for London in fall. Choose a comfortable pair that you can walk in for hours, such as these or these.
If rain is in the forecast, waterproof boots are a must. You don’t necessarily need a dedicated pair of rain boots or wellies, but a sturdy water-resistant leather boot will do the job to protect your feet from rain and much more seamlessly into the rest of your chic London wardrobe.
For dressy dinners, I reach for these heeled ankle boots; they’re some of the most comfortable heeled ankle boots I own and I have them in three colors. Charmed by Camille readers can use the code CAMILLEC15 to save.
Knee-High Boots
Knee-high boots are a great addition for cooler October and November trips. Wear them with dresses and skirts, or pair them with skinny jeans or leggings for a warmer alternative to ankle boots.
Pro tip: to keep your legs warm with dresses or skirts, wear thick tights as an extra layer!
Crossbody Bag
I love being hands-free when I travel so I usually almost always pack a crossbody bag wherever I go. Choose one that’s large enough for your daily essentials but not so large that it becomes cumbersome while you’re out and about exploring.
Travel Umbrella
A small travel umbrella takes up very little space and will save you from an unexpected London rain shower.
Cold-Weather Accessories
In November and even in late October, you will want to bring a scarf or two and a pair of gloves to keep your neck and hands warm. You may not need them every day, but you’ll be glad you packed them when it gets cold. And of course, don’t forget to pack socks!
