Looking for a London packing list? Look no further! Here’s an Ultimate London Packing List for Winter, Spring, Fall, and Summer with all the vital things to pack for London. Enjoy!
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Going across the pond is its own kind of adventure, but add the huge to-do of things to pack for London and it may get overwhelming.
Whether you’re in London for a spell or the long haul, here’s your ultimate London packing list for every season and outfit recommendations so you never forget to look your London best.
I’ve also added bonus suggestions for nightlife, extra items, what not to wear and final tips for your London packing list. So stick around!
London Packing List: Winter
Christmas markets, Winter Wonderland, and hot cocoa retreats. If you’re making your way to L town come snowfall, here’s all you need to be winter-ready. Hot cocoa not included
Average Temperature: 40°F to 48°F or 4°C to 8°C
Winter Coat
Okay, so London’s not exactly known for its pristine weather. Which is why any winter in London should be accompanied with a warm winter coat. From roaming Christmas markets to cozying up in a pub you’ll want to make sure it fits every London occasion.
Turtleneck
Adding to your London packing list, you’ll want to throw in a turtleneck or two. The cold weather and constant walking will definitely call for some layers, i.e perfect the turtleneck occasion. I’ve always found them to be the perfect balance between comfort, warmth, and style, making them a go-to winter choice.
Sweater Dress
Back to being warm and looking chic. Now I’ll admit, Sweater dresses have honestly been a hit or miss for me. But, if you can find the right fit, it’s the perfect add in to your London packing list (and nicely paired with legging and high boots). Which leads me to…
High Boots
For winters in London, I highly suggest leaving the Uggs at home and opting for high boots. They’re perfect for the weather and super versatile so you can use them for fall too.
P.S You typically won’t see winter boots here either, so don’t worry about buying them.
Scarf & Gloves, Hats
And lastly, for your Winter London, packing list you’ll of course need your standard, but oh-so-necessary scarfs, gloves, and hats. I tend to air on the side of neutral colors for these to make sure I can pair them with as many winter outfits as possible.
If you’re wandering London in winter your hands will also be preoccupied with things like navigating the city or snapping a picture, so be sure to opt for touchscreen gloves.
London Packing List: Spring
Chelsea flowers in full bloom, postcard-pastel houses, and the first sight of al-fresco dining. If you’re coming to London in spring here are a few staples for your London packing list.
Average Temperature: 53°F to 64°F or 12°C to 18°C
Water Resistant Jacket
Unfortunately, rain is still very much apart of London’s character in every season (although it’s grown on me). A light water-resistant jacket, preferably one you can tuck in your bag is the perfect accompaniment to London’s surprising weather spurts.
Light Blouse
Wandering London in Spring is magical and you’ll constantly be hit with photogenic opportunities. So make the most of it and pack a light blouse to match London’s spring charm. Opt for something light, airy, and preferably undistracting to compliment all the amazing floral backgrounds you’ll find yourself in.
Cardigan
What can’t be solved with a cardigan? From coffee stains to chilly afternoons, a Cardigan is a great addition to your London packing arsenal (and life in general). During springs in London the weather usually takes a turn mid-afternoon, so you’ll want to be prepared in as many ways as possible.
It’s also a warm cover-up for when you’re popping into London museums, coffee shops and well, everything inbetween.
Jeans
Although things like tied or ripped jeans aren’t common for London, a plain pair of jeans is a great staple for your London packing list. This also allows you to also switch out your spring tops with ease, leaving you more time to explore the city of course!
Ankle Boots
Who invented these and where can I thank them? I’ve had so many spring outfits saved by pairing them with some quick ankle boots to complement my spring outfit, while still being practical enough to get around London.
London Packing List: Summer
Rare English sun, rooftop bars and impromptu picnics. Welcome to summer in London. Packing list for one please.
Average Temperature: 53°F to 70°F or 12°C to 21°C
Sundresses
Sundresses may just be my favorite part of summer. And luckily in London, your sundress will fit right in. Given the weather is right.
A definite add to your London packing list, sundresses are simply beautiful and give me all the confidence in the world walking down the cobblestoned streets on a hot London day.
But remember you’re at the mercy of English weather so never leave without a jacket of some sort.
Light Jacket
Back to the sundress dilemma, and well frankly, the summer in London dilemma, you’ll want to have a light jacket at all times.
The weather here is as unpredictable as it gets and it’s the worst feeling to have your sightseeing met with sudden chills. So, as always, make sure to layer it up with a cozy light jacket.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses or “sunnies” are of course a needed add to your summer in London packing list. I’m hopelessly in love with retro glasses (thanks John Lennon) but understand that’s not everyone’s taste.
Whatever you choose for your London summer wanderings, just make sure they include enough dark tint for some shameless people watching.
Summer Scarf
A scarf in summer sounds a bit like an oxymoron. But not uncommon in London as summer weather sometimes feels more like autumn on any given day. Luckily summer scarfs are lighter and suited for the occasion making it a nice and stylish touch to your London summer outfit.
Comfortable Flats
One thing you’ll be doing a lot of in London regardless of the season is walking. Flip-flops tend to be a no-go, so instead, you’ll want to opt up for comfortable flats.
I love how seamlessly they match with any outfit and occasion making it a big recommendation for every London packing list.
London Packing List: Fall
Crunchy autumnal leaves, rustic fall colors, and diminishing crowds here are all the things to pack for London and it’s oh-so-pretty fall charm.
Average Temperature: 44°F to 57°F or 7°C to 14°C
Sweaters
Nothing says autumn like a cozy sweater. And autumn in London is no different. Be sure to add a few staple knits to your London packing list or better yet, add browsing vintage sweaters in Shoreditch to your itinerary.
Overcoat
For the dapper Londoner in you, a peacoat is all you need. Perfect for fall weather and effortlessly stylish, be sure to add it to your London packing list to have all your warmth and fashion needs happily met.
Thick Leggings
Thick leggings are a key staple for any season. But, as a previous buyer of an unfortunate see-through pair (yes, it was as bad as it sounds) I’m going to stress on the thick part.
This is a perfect pairing for your sweater and nearly any pair of shoes for your autumn in London. Win-win.
Booties (with water-resistant spray)
Booties make every fall outfit a little more chic. Although I definitely wouldn’t recommend going for the super high heeled pairs, finding a comfortable fit at the right size makes it the perfect walking partner for London in autumn.
Berets & Baker Boy Hats
I didn’t start wearing berets or baker boy hats until I moved to London. But now that I have, I’m utterly hooked. They’ve instantly upgraded so many fall outfits of mine so I truly can’t recommend them enough.
Make a bold fall move and add a couple to your London packing list for an instant outfit makeover.
Bonus: Nightlife
Cocktail Dress
London outings can be on the fancier end if you’re in Central, meaning you’ll want to dress for the occasion. Depending on the establishment, you may want to have a cocktail dress on hand. However, if you’re going to a pub or standard club you’ll be fine with a smart casual fit.
Be sure to check this article out as she breaks down the dress code for different parts of London perfectly (and hilariously).
High Heels
In addition, you’ll want to add a pair of high heels to your packing list if London nightlife is on your itinerary. From experience, some clubs may not let you in without them, so best to have just in case.
P.S Pack your heels and wear sneakers on your route over if you’re trying the night scene in London, your feet will thank you later.
Cross-Body Bag
On a night out, the last thing you want to worry about is lost belongings. Especially if you’re only in London for a short time. Be sure to have a cross-body bag handy so you never accidentally leave your bag.
Other Items
Tote or Small Backpack
While roaming around London it can be tempting to bring everything. Choose wisely and stick to the essentials with a tote or stylish backpack to accompany your day.
This allows room to bring a little extra travel baggage (camera, chargers etc.) while not being heavy to the point where you regret it halfway through your day.
Sturdy Compact Umbrella
London is most iconically known for, well, rain. So, of course, an umbrella should always be your #1 on your things to pack for London. It’s worth it to spend a little more on a reliable, sturdy umbrella, than a flimsy one, so keep that in mind. The wooden grip also makes me feel like a true Londoner, don’t ask why.
Perfume
Okay, not a necessity for your things to pack for London, but a fine touch none the less. When I first moved to London my friend introduced me to this perfume and I’ve never looked back. It’s Daisy by Marc Jacobs, comes at a very reasonable price, and makes you feel all kinds of classy for your days out in London.
Lip Balm
London weather will inevitably leave your lips dry and in desperate need of attention. Be sure to add a couple of lip balms to your London packing list and keep them somewhere handy.
Power Adapter
It’s easy to forget the U.K operates under different outlets (and lingo) while you’re busy packing outfits. Buy your adapter before you go and avoid paying exorbitant prices at the airport.
Portable Charger
Being stuck in London with a dead phone isn’t ideal. Be sure to have a reliable power adapter that can last at least the length of a day trip during your time in London. I personally use this one and it hasn’t let me down since.
Bluetooth Headphones
Okay, another none necessity. But as a huge fan of walking the city, there’s nothing like popping on your favorite playlist and roaming the streets of London.
I personally use Airpods, but any pair will do.
What NOT to Wear
Now, I’m personally of the belief to wear whatever you want. But if you’d like to fit in with the locals, these are your no-gos.
Logo Tees
In general logo tees aren’t a thing in London and you won’t see them outside of Oxford t-shirt wearers in Central.
Tie-Die or Camoflague
Although the 2003 in me would love to sport a colorful tie-die or camouflage fit, it’s really not a thing in London or Europe and may even confuse you with a strange army member of sorts.
Sweatpants or Sweatshirts
My go-to Walmart outfit was aptly left in America when I realized casual has a different meaning in London and it doesn’t include sweatpants, or sweatshirts, unfortunately.
Final Tips
Some important things to remember…
- As you can see, London is all about layers, always have at least one on hand when you’re out and about
- Weather changes all the time, even within a single day, so always check the weather the day before (and of) your days out to dress accordingly
- When indecisive, it’s best to tread on the side of stylish (I definitely don’t always follow this though) Londoners are a lot less casual than Americans
- Neutral colors make mixing and matching much easier and allow you to pack less, so opt for them when you can
Well, that’s all from me. Everything you need, for every season, to roam the city, London style.
I hope your London packing list is wonderfully sorted from here, and if it isn’t, let me know what I missed!
Happy packing,
Don’t forget to read up on some London travel tips before your trip!
