United KingdomWestern Europe

What to Pack for London, England

Layer for fast-changing weather, pack a real rain jacket, and wear shoes broken in for miles

Last verified Jul 20264seasons covered

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Packing Tips
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Quick answer

Pack layers for 15 to 25°F swings between the heated Tube and cool streets, plus a compact windproof umbrella (a brolly, locals call it). Temperatures run 35 to 48°F in winter and 55 to 75°F in summer, with light rain possible any day. Bring waterproof walking shoes for 15,000-plus steps, a Type G adapter, and a contactless bank card.

Seasons

4 seasons covered

Region

Western Europe

Temp range

35-75°F

Country

United Kingdom

Pack layers, a rain jacket, and shoes you've already broken in. That handles most of London. The weather turns over fast here: grey skies at breakfast, sun by lunch, a shower on the walk to dinner. The pattern holds in every season, so bring versatile pieces you can add and shed through the day instead of one heavy outfit.

London is a walking city. You'll cross whole neighborhoods on foot, Westminster to Camden, Shoreditch to South Bank, and rack up 15,000 to 25,000 steps on a normal sightseeing day. That's roughly 8 to 12 miles. New shoes will wreck your feet by day two, so bring a pair that's already comfortable.

Dress leans smart casual. Most pubs, restaurants, and theaters expect you to look put-together, though clean jeans and trainers pass almost everywhere. Bring a Type G power adapter, since UK outlets take nothing else. London tap water is safe to drink, so a refillable bottle saves you a few pounds a day.

Temperature: 45-62°F°FJUL 26Mild but unpredictable. A single afternoon can swing from sun to cloud to a sudden shower. Mornings and evenings stay cool, with afternoons warming up by May. Cherry blossoms fill the parks. Wind makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.

👕Clothing

Essentials

Long-sleeve shirts in breathable cotton or merino x4 (Base layers for cool mornings and layering throughout the day)
Lightweight t-shirts x3 (For warmer May afternoons or wearing under layers)
Mid-weight sweater or fleece pullover x2 (Essential for cool mornings and evenings)
Dark-wash jeans or chinos x2 (Versatile enough for sightseeing and dinners out)
Lightweight packable down jacket or insulated vest (March and April mornings can be quite chilly)
Underwear x7
Socks (wool-blend or moisture-wicking) x7 (Warm socks make a big difference on cool, damp days)

Nice to Have

Smart casual trousers or a skirt (For nicer restaurants or West End theater shows)
Lightweight scarf (Doubles as a style piece and warmth layer)

👟Footwear

Essentials

Waterproof walking shoes or boots (You'll walk 8 to 12 miles a day. Waterproofing is critical in spring.)
Comfortable sneakers or trainers (A dry backup pair for days your boots are drying out)

Nice to Have

Smart casual shoes (For West End shows or upscale dining)

🧴Toiletries & Health

Essentials

Moisturizer for face and hands (London's hard water and cool air dry out skin quickly)
Deep conditioner or leave-in treatment (Hard water makes hair feel rough and tangled)
Lip balm
Blister prevention patches or moleskin (Essential for all the walking you'll do)
Basic first aid kit (Band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes)
Prescription medications (Bring more than enough for your trip length)

Nice to Have

Allergy medication (Pollen levels rise in late April and May)

📱Electronics & Gear

Essentials

Type G power adapter (UK 3-pin plug) x2 (US, EU, and AU plugs don't fit UK outlets)
Portable charger / power bank (10,000+ mAh) (GPS routing and photos drain your battery fast)
Phone with contactless payment set up (Apple Pay or Google Pay works on the Tube and buses)

Nice to Have

Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds (Great for the Tube and long walks)
Camera or phone with a good camera
Kindle or e-reader (Perfect for rainy afternoons in a cozy pub)

📄Documents & Money

Essentials

Valid passport (Must be valid for at least 6 months. US citizens need a UK ETA (apply in advance).)
UK ETA confirmation (Electronic Travel Authorization required for US visitors. Apply online before your trip.)
Travel insurance documents
Credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees x2 (London is nearly cashless. Contactless cards work almost everywhere.)

Nice to Have

Small amount of British pounds in cash (Some market stalls and small vendors may prefer cash)
Printed backup of hotel and flight confirmations

🎒Day Bag Essentials

Essentials

Anti-theft crossbody bag or slim backpack (Keep valuables secure on the Tube and at busy tourist sites)
Reusable water bottle (London tap water is safe and free refills are widely available)
Compact windproof umbrella (Spring showers are frequent but usually brief)

Nice to Have

Packable tote bag (UK charges for plastic bags in shops. A tote is handy for purchases.)
Snacks and energy bars x5 (London food is pricey. Having snacks saves money between meals.)

🌧️Rain & Weather Gear

Essentials

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket (packable) (A breathable shell that packs into your day bag)
Compact windproof umbrella (Cheap umbrellas invert in London wind. Invest in a sturdy one.)

Nice to Have

Water-resistant bag cover or dry bag (Protects electronics and documents during downpours)
Waterproof phone case or pouch (Useful if you rely on phone maps in the rain)
Quick-dry travel towel (Handy for drying off after surprise showers)

Temperature: 55-75°F°FJUL 26The warmest, driest season, with long days (sunrise before 5 AM, sunset after 9 PM). Most days sit in the mid-60s to low 70s. Heat waves can push past 85°F. Air conditioning is rare here, uncommon in older buildings and shops and absent on some Tube lines. Showers still happen, just less often than the rest of the year. Bring the umbrella anyway.

👕Clothing

Essentials

Lightweight breathable t-shirts x5 (Cotton or moisture-wicking blends for warm days)
Light long-sleeve shirt x2 (For cooler evenings and sun protection)
Shorts or light skirts x3 (Perfectly acceptable for daytime sightseeing)
Lightweight trousers or chinos x2 (For restaurants and cooler evenings)
Light cardigan or thin sweater (Summer evenings can drop into the mid-50s)
Underwear x7
Lightweight socks x7

Nice to Have

Smart casual outfit (For a nice dinner or rooftop bar)
Sleepwear x2 (Lightweight. Hotels rarely have AC, so heat waves mean warm nights.)

👟Footwear

Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers (Breathable and well broken-in for all-day walking)
Water-resistant shoes (Rain can still catch you off guard in summer)

Nice to Have

Supportive sandals (Nice for parks and casual days when it is warm)
Dressy flats or casual loafers (For evening plans or theater visits)

🧴Toiletries & Health

Essentials

Sunscreen (SPF 30+) (UV can be strong on clear summer days, especially in parks)
Sunglasses (polarized)
Moisturizer (Hard water still dries out skin in summer)
Deep conditioner or leave-in treatment
Blister prevention patches or moleskin
Basic first aid kit
Prescription medications

Nice to Have

Insect repellent (Useful for evening picnics in Hyde Park or Regent's Park)
Antihistamines (Grass pollen peaks in June and July)

📱Electronics & Gear

Essentials

Type G power adapter (UK 3-pin plug) x2
Portable charger / power bank (10,000+ mAh)
Phone with contactless payment set up

Nice to Have

Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds
Portable hand fan or mini USB fan (The Tube gets brutally hot in summer with no AC on older lines)
Camera (Long daylight hours mean golden hour lasts forever)

📄Documents & Money

Essentials

Valid passport (Must be valid for at least 6 months)
UK ETA confirmation (Apply online before your trip)
Travel insurance documents
Credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees x2

Nice to Have

Small amount of British pounds in cash
Printed backup of hotel and flight confirmations

🎒Day Bag Essentials

Essentials

Anti-theft crossbody bag or slim backpack
Reusable water bottle (Stay hydrated. Free water refills available at many cafes and fountains.)
Compact umbrella (Even summer has surprise showers)

Nice to Have

Packable tote bag
Wide-brim sun hat or baseball cap (Useful for long days in parks and open-air markets)
Snacks and energy bars x5

🌧️Rain & Weather Gear

Essentials

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket (packable) (Still needed even in summer. Showers come out of nowhere.)
Compact windproof umbrella

Nice to Have

Waterproof phone case or pouch
Light scarf or buff (Handy for breezy boat rides on the Thames)
Packable poncho (Backup rain protection that takes up almost no space)

Temperature: 40-60°F°FJUL 26Temperatures drop steadily from pleasant September days into chilly, damp November. Rain becomes more frequent and persistent. Daylight shortens noticeably, with sunset as early as 4 PM by late November. Fog and grey skies are common. Days get short fast. Autumn foliage in Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath is worth the trip through October.

👕Clothing

Essentials

Long-sleeve shirts or lightweight knits x4
Mid-weight sweaters or fleece layers x2 (Merino wool is ideal for warmth without bulk)
Warm jacket or insulated coat (A wool or quilted jacket for October and November)
Dark jeans or trousers x2
Scarf (wool or cashmere blend) (Doubles as a style accessory and serious warmth layer)
Underwear x7
Warm socks (wool-blend or thermal) x7

Nice to Have

Warm leggings or thermal base layer (Useful under trousers on cold November days)
Light gloves (Handy for late October and November mornings)

👟Footwear

Essentials

Waterproof boots (ankle-height) (Chelsea boots or similar. Wet leaves and puddles are a fact of the season.)
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (Wet cobblestones and pavements can be slippery)

Nice to Have

Smart casual boots or shoes (For evening dinners or shows)

🧴Toiletries & Health

Essentials

Rich moisturizer for face and hands (Cold wind and hard water are tough on skin)
Deep conditioner or leave-in treatment
Lip balm (Wind and cold dry out lips quickly)
Blister prevention patches or moleskin
Basic first aid kit
Prescription medications

Nice to Have

Cold and flu medicine (Cold season starts in autumn)
Vitamin C supplements (Support your immune system during travel)

📱Electronics & Gear

Essentials

Type G power adapter (UK 3-pin plug) x2
Portable charger / power bank (10,000+ mAh) (Cold weather drains batteries faster)
Phone with contactless payment set up

Nice to Have

Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds
Small flashlight or headlamp (Sunset is early. Useful for evening walks in parks.)
Kindle or e-reader

📄Documents & Money

Essentials

Valid passport (Must be valid for at least 6 months)
UK ETA confirmation
Travel insurance documents
Credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees x2

Nice to Have

Small amount of British pounds in cash
Printed backup of hotel and flight confirmations

🎒Day Bag Essentials

Essentials

Anti-theft crossbody bag or slim backpack
Reusable water bottle
Compact windproof umbrella

Nice to Have

Packable tote bag
Hand warmers (disposable) x4 (Cheap warmth boost for November sightseeing)
Snacks and energy bars x5

🌧️Rain & Weather Gear

Essentials

Waterproof rain jacket with hood (A proper shell, not just water-resistant. Fall rain is persistent.)
Compact windproof umbrella
Waterproof backpack cover or dry bag (Protects electronics and documents during long rainy stretches)

Nice to Have

Waterproof phone case
Water-resistant hat or cap (Keeps rain off your face when the umbrella is not enough)

Temperature: 35-48°F°FJUL 26Cold and grey, with short damp days (sunrise around 8 AM, sunset as early as 3:45 PM in December). Temperatures hover in the mid-30s to mid-40s, and wind chill makes it feel colder. Snow is rare in central London but not impossible. It gets dark early. Rain is frequent, usually a steady drizzle rather than a downpour. The payoff is the festive stretch, when Christmas markets and holiday lights give you plenty to do indoors and out.

👕Clothing

Essentials

Warm insulated winter coat (knee-length or longer) (Wool, down, or synthetic insulation. This is your most important item.)
Thermal base layers (tops and bottoms) x2 (Merino wool or synthetic. Wear under regular clothes for serious warmth.)
Thick sweaters or fleece mid-layers x3
Long-sleeve shirts x3
Warm trousers (wool-blend or lined) x2 (Regular jeans let cold wind right through)
Warm scarf
Warm hat (beanie or wool cap)
Insulated gloves or mittens (Touchscreen-compatible gloves let you use your phone)
Underwear x7
Thick wool-blend socks x7 (Cold, wet feet will ruin your day. Good socks matter more than you think.)

Nice to Have

Smart casual outfit for evening (For holiday dinners, shows, or festive events)

👟Footwear

Essentials

Insulated waterproof boots (Warm and waterproof, with good grip for wet pavements)
Backup walking shoes (water-resistant) (In case your boots get soaked through)

Nice to Have

Warm indoor shoes or slippers (Nice for the hotel room after a long cold day)
Smart boots or dress shoes (For theater or holiday events)

🧴Toiletries & Health

Essentials

Rich moisturizer for face and body (Heating and cold air strip moisture from skin)
Deep conditioner or leave-in treatment
Lip balm (multiple) x2 (Keep one in your pocket at all times. Lips crack fast.)
Hand cream (Frequent hand washing and cold air dry hands out)
Cold and flu medicine (Peak cold and flu season. Being prepared saves a pharmacy visit.)
Basic first aid kit
Prescription medications

Nice to Have

Throat lozenges (Dry heated air irritates throats)

📱Electronics & Gear

Essentials

Type G power adapter (UK 3-pin plug) x2
Portable charger / power bank (10,000+ mAh) (Cold weather shortens battery life significantly)
Phone with contactless payment set up

Nice to Have

Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds
Kindle or e-reader (Short days mean more cozy evenings in pubs and cafes)
Small flashlight (Sunset before 4 PM means walking in the dark)

📄Documents & Money

Essentials

Valid passport (Must be valid for at least 6 months)
UK ETA confirmation
Travel insurance documents (Consider trip interruption coverage for winter weather delays)
Credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees x2

Nice to Have

Small amount of British pounds in cash (For Christmas markets and street food vendors)
Printed backup of hotel and flight confirmations

🎒Day Bag Essentials

Essentials

Anti-theft crossbody bag or slim backpack
Reusable water bottle (insulated) (Insulated bottles keep drinks warm too)
Compact windproof umbrella
Tissues and hand sanitizer (Cold and flu season essential)

Nice to Have

Hand warmers (disposable) x6 (Lifesavers for outdoor Christmas markets and walking tours)
Snacks and energy bars x5

🌧️Rain & Weather Gear

Essentials

Waterproof rain jacket with hood (worn over winter coat or as shell) (A waterproof shell layer is essential. Your coat alone will get soaked.)
Compact windproof umbrella
Waterproof backpack cover or dry bag

Nice to Have

Waterproof over-trousers (packable) (For truly miserable rain days when you still want to explore)
Neck gaiter or balaclava (Wind along the Thames cuts right through you in winter)

Packing Tips for London, England

1Bring a compact, windproof umbrella. London rain is frequent but usually light. Locals call a small umbrella a "brolly" and rarely leave home without one.
2Pack a Type G power adapter for UK outlets. US and European plugs won't fit without one. Bring at least two so you can charge multiple devices overnight.
3Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane to save luggage space. Waterproof boots or sturdy walking shoes are the best choice for this.
4Use contactless payment everywhere. London is nearly cashless, and you can tap your bank card or phone on the Tube, buses, and in most shops and restaurants.
5Bring a good conditioner or leave-in treatment. London has very hard water, and your hair will feel dry and tangled without extra care.
6Layer everything. Indoor spaces, the Tube, and shops are well-heated, but stepping outside can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler. You'll be peeling layers on and off all day.
7Pack a small crossbody bag or anti-theft daypack. Tourist hotspots like Leicester Square, Camden Market, and the Tube are popular with pickpockets.
8Leave the formal wear at home unless you have specific plans. Smart casual covers nearly every restaurant, pub, and theater in the city.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of power adapter do I need for London?

London uses Type G plugs, which have three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. US, European, and Australian plugs won't fit without an adapter. Buy a Type G adapter before your trip or pick one up at Heathrow Airport on arrival. Voltage in the UK is 230V, so check that your devices support dual voltage (most modern phone chargers and laptops do). Sort it before you fly.

Do I need to pack an umbrella for London in summer?

Yes. London gets rain showers in any month, including July and August. Summer showers tend to be brief, but they arrive with no warning. Keep a compact windproof umbrella in your day bag. You'll use it.

What should I wear to pubs and restaurants in London?

Smart casual is the standard for most London pubs and restaurants. Clean jeans or chinos with a nice top or sweater will get you into nearly anywhere. Only a few upscale restaurants have strict dress codes. Avoid wearing athletic wear, flip-flops, or overly casual beachwear to dinner.

How many outfits should I pack for a week in London?

For a 7-day trip, pack 4 to 5 versatile outfits that you can mix and match. Focus on neutral colors that layer well together. You'll want one slightly dressier outfit for evening plans. London has plenty of laundromats and hotel laundry services if you need to wash mid-trip.

Do I need an Oyster card for London public transport?

You don't need a physical Oyster card anymore. Any contactless bank card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay works on the Tube, buses, and most rail services at the exact same fare as an Oyster card, so a dedicated card buys you nothing extra. Contactless fares are capped daily and weekly, which means you pay the cheapest rate for how much you actually travel. Want a physical card anyway? Oyster cards are sold at Tube stations.

What shoes are best for walking around London?

Comfortable, broken-in shoes with good support are essential. You'll walk 8 to 12 miles a day on hard pavement and cobblestones. Waterproof or water-resistant shoes are strongly recommended since rain can start at any time. Skip anything brand-new, along with heels and thin-soled fashion shoes, on sightseeing days.

Is London safe for carrying valuables?

London is generally safe, but pickpocketing happens at crowded tourist spots like the West End, Oxford Street, Camden Market, and on the Tube. Use an anti-theft bag with zippers, keep your phone secure, and avoid putting valuables in back pockets. A crossbody bag worn in front of you is the safest option.

What should I NOT bring to London?

Leave bulky hair dryers and straighteners at home, since hotels provide them and the 230V supply can fry a US appliance built for 120V. Skip formal evening wear unless you have a reservation that demands it. Don't bring much cash. London is nearly cashless, and cards are accepted almost everywhere, even at market stalls.

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