London weather doesn’t care what you packed. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring. You show up in sandals because the forecast said 18°C - and then it drops to 10°C with wind off the Thames. You’re not alone. Every year, tourists and new residents make the same mistake: they pack for the weather they wish London had, not the one it actually gives.
The key isn’t to bring a closet full of clothes. It’s to bring the right layers. London’s climate is mild but unpredictable. Summers aren’t hot. Winters aren’t freezing. But the damp? That never leaves. And wind? It finds every gap.
Spring (March-May): Layer Up, Even When It Feels Like Summer
March still feels like winter. April? Maybe. May? Sometimes. You’ll see people in coats, t-shirts, and rain boots all on the same day. Pack for change.
- Lightweight waterproof jacket - not a heavy winter coat. Something packable. A Marmot Precip or similar works.
- Long-sleeve thermal tops - cotton or merino wool. Wear under sweaters or shirts.
- Medium-weight cardigans - easy to tie around your shoulders when it warms up.
- Waterproof walking shoes - not sneakers. Not boots. Something with grip and drainage. Clarks or Ecco are common here.
- One pair of jeans - dark wash, no holes. You’ll wear them everywhere.
Leave the shorts and flip-flops at home. You’ll see maybe two days of real warmth. And even then, it’s not beach weather. The British don’t wear shorts unless it’s 25°C and the sun is out for six hours straight - which rarely happens.
Summer (June-August): Cool, Not Hot - And Always a Chance of Rain
Don’t believe the hype. London summers average 20-23°C. Heatwaves hit maybe once every three years. And when they do, the Tube turns into a sauna. You’ll sweat. Then it rains. Then you’re cold again.
- Two lightweight, breathable shirts - cotton or linen. No polyester. It traps heat and smells after one day.
- One pair of light trousers - chinos or linen pants. Dark colors hide rain spots better.
- One light jacket - even in July. The evenings drop fast. A denim jacket or unlined windbreaker works.
- Umbrella - yes, really. Not a fancy one. A sturdy, compact one from Marks & Spencer. The cheap ones break in the wind.
- Comfortable walking sandals - for when you’re not walking. Not for sightseeing. You’ll be on your feet 8-10 hours a day.
Bring a small crossbody bag. London has pickpockets. Don’t carry a big backpack. It’s a target. And no, you don’t need sunscreen. The sun is weak. You’ll burn if you’re out for four hours straight - but most people aren’t.
Autumn (September-November): The Rain Gets Worse. So Do the Layers.
September still feels like summer. October? It’s wet. November? It’s dark, cold, and damp. By mid-November, daylight ends at 4 p.m. You’ll need warmth that doesn’t make you look like a snowman.
- Medium-weight wool coat - not a puffer. Wool holds heat better and looks less touristy.
- Thermal leggings - wear under jeans or trousers. They’re thin, warm, and invisible.
- Waterproof boots with grip - no more rubber rain boots. Look for ones with a rubber sole and seam-sealed construction. Timberland or Blundstone are popular.
- Two sweaters - one chunky, one fine-knit. Layer them. One under a shirt, one over.
- Scarf - not for fashion. For warmth. A simple cotton or wool one. Wrap it twice. It cuts the wind.
Leave the summer dresses and open-toed shoes behind. You’ll be cold. And wet. And embarrassed when you see locals in full gear while you’re shivering in a sundress.
Winter (December-February): It’s Not Cold. It’s Just Damp.
London rarely drops below 0°C. But it feels colder than -10°C because of the damp. The wind off the river, the wet pavement, the lack of central heating in old buildings - it all adds up.
- Heavy wool coat - knee-length if possible. Down coats are fine, but avoid bulky ones. You’ll be on the Tube, in queues, in museums. You need mobility.
- Thermal base layers - top and bottom. Merino wool is best. It doesn’t stink after three wears.
- Insulated waterproof boots - with thick soles. Ice? Rare. Mud? Constant. You’ll walk through puddles that are waist-deep after rain.
- Two pairs of gloves - one thin for indoors, one insulated for outside.
- Beanie - not a knit cap. A wool one that covers your ears. The wind cuts through hair.
- Thick socks - wool blend. Cotton socks stay wet. Wool dries fast.
Forget the fur-lined boots or designer puffers. Locals wear practical, dark, functional clothes. You don’t need to look like a fashion influencer. You need to stay dry and warm.
What Not to Pack (And Why)
You think you need 10 outfits. You don’t. You need 5 core pieces that work together.
- No flip-flops - you’ll never use them. And you’ll look ridiculous.
- No heavy winter boots - too bulky for the Tube, too hot for indoors.
- No bright colors - London is gray. You’ll blend in better with dark, neutral tones.
- No expensive shoes - you’ll walk 15,000 steps a day. Your feet will thank you for comfort, not style.
- No laundry detergent - you can buy it here. And it’s cheaper than bringing a bottle from home.
Also, don’t pack your entire wardrobe. You’ll regret it. London has great thrift stores. Oxfam, The Salvation Army, and charity shops in Camden and Notting Hill are full of quality coats, boots, and sweaters for under £20. You can buy what you need once you’re here.
Pro Tip: The 7-Piece System
Here’s what a smart traveler packs for any season:
- 1 waterproof jacket
- 1 wool coat (for winter)
- 2 thermal tops
- 1 pair of dark jeans
- 1 pair of waterproof boots
- 1 scarf
- 1 compact umbrella
That’s it. You can mix and match. Add a sweater if it’s cold. Swap the jacket for a coat. But you don’t need more than seven items to survive any season in London.
Final Thought: Dress Like a Local
Londoners don’t dress for the weather. They dress for the day. A coat on a 12°C day? Normal. A scarf in May? Common. An umbrella in August? Expected.
They don’t wear matching outfits. They wear what works. Layered. Practical. Dark. Functional.
You don’t need to be fashionable. You need to be prepared.
Do I need to bring a winter coat to London?
Yes, but not a heavy parka. A medium to heavy wool coat is enough. London winters rarely drop below freezing, but the damp wind makes it feel colder. A wool coat is warmer than a puffer and looks more natural here.
Can I wear sneakers in London?
You can, but not for long. London’s pavements are uneven, wet, and often muddy. Sneakers get soaked quickly. Waterproof walking shoes with grip - like Clarks or Ecco - are better. Wear sneakers only if you’re staying indoors most of the day.
Is it worth buying clothes in London?
Absolutely. London has excellent secondhand shops - Oxfam, The Salvation Army, and vintage stores in Camden and Shoreditch. You can find a warm wool coat for £15-£30. It’s cheaper than shipping heavy clothes and you’ll get something that actually fits the local style.
Should I bring an umbrella every day?
Yes. Even if the forecast says sunny. London rain comes fast and without warning. A compact, sturdy umbrella from Marks & Spencer costs £8 and lasts years. Don’t rely on weather apps - they’re wrong half the time here.
What color clothes should I pack?
Stick to dark, neutral tones: black, navy, charcoal, dark green. London is gray. Bright colors stand out - and not in a good way. You’ll look less like a tourist and more like someone who belongs.