What to Pack for London in Winter: Complete Cold-Weather Packing List

 

Quick Answer: What to Pack for London in Winter

For a week in London between December and February, pack a waterproof winter coat, two or three warm sweaters, two or three thermal base layers, dark jeans or warm trousers, and one pair of waterproof boots with good grip. Add a hat, scarf, touchscreen gloves, wool socks, a compact umbrella, a Type G plug adapter, a power bank and a secure crossbody bag that fits over your coat.

• Waterproof, windproof winter coat (hip or knee length)
• 2 to 3 warm sweaters or fleeces for layering
• 2 to 3 thermal base layers (tops and leggings)
• 1 to 2 pairs of waterproof boots or walking shoes with good grip
• Warm accessories: a hat that covers your ears, a scarf, touchscreen gloves, thermal socks
• A compact windproof umbrella or a packable waterproof shell
• Moisturizer, lip balm and hand cream for cold, damp air
• A UK Type G plug adapter, a power bank and a reusable water bottle
• An anti-theft crossbody bag for the Tube, markets and busy streets

London winters are cool and damp rather than freezing. Average highs sit around 8 to 9°C (46 to 48°F) and lows around 2 to 4°C (36 to 39°F) from December to February, according to the Met Office. Snow is rare. Drizzle, wind and short days are not: in mid-December the sun sets before 4pm.

That is why smart packing matters more than packing a lot. A morning on the South Bank can start with drizzle, turn bright by lunch, and end with a cold walk back from dinner in Covent Garden. The right layers, shoes and coat make those changes easy.

This guide is for trips to London from late November 2026 to early March 2027. It also covers what to add if you take day trips to Bath or Oxford, or continue north to Edinburgh. Start with the essentials above, then use the sections below to adjust for your trip length, plans and how much you feel the cold.

 

 

Key Takeaways

• London in winter is around 2 to 9°C (36 to 48°F), wet and windy, with sunset before 4pm in December.
• Pack in three layers: a thermal base, a warm sweater, and a waterproof, windproof coat.
• Waterproof boots with grip matter more than extra outfits. Wet pavements and Tube stairs are slippery.
• A hat, scarf and touchscreen gloves weigh almost nothing and make the biggest difference outdoors.
• Pickpockets work crowded Tube stations, Oxford Street and Christmas markets. Carry a secure crossbody bag in front of you.
• Heading to Edinburgh or the Highlands? Add warmer base layers, grippier boots and a second hat.

Table of Contents

1. How We Built This London Winter Packing List
2. Winter Clothing to Pack for London
3. Footwear for London Winter Streets
4. Winter Accessories You Should Not Skip
5. The Best Bag for London in Winter: La Trotteuse
6. Non-Clothing Winter Essentials for London
7. Sample Winter Packing Lists for London Trips
8. How to Decide What to Pack for Your London Winter Trip
9. Which Winter Packing Approach Is Best for You?
10. Final Thoughts on Packing for London in Winter
11. FAQs: What to Pack for London in Winter

How We Built This London Winter Packing List

This list is built on Met Office climate data for London and the south of England, and on how a typical London trip actually runs: long walking days, the Tube and buses, museums and theaters, Christmas markets, and a day trip or two. It is part of our wider Europe packing list for women, adapted for London in winter.

Every item earns its place by doing at least one of these jobs:

• Handling cold, wet and windy conditions (rain, sleet and the occasional frost)
• Layering easily between overheated trains and museums and chilly streets
• Saving luggage space, especially for carry-on only trips
• Working for walking, public transport and day tours
• Working from December Christmas markets through February city breaks

Items are grouped by category (outerwear, layers, footwear, accessories, your bag, toiletries, tech and documents) so you can make packing decisions quickly.

Winter Clothing to Pack for London

London winter weather is cold, damp and windy, and the days are short. The answer is a three-layer system: a thin base layer that holds warmth, a mid-layer that insulates, and an outer layer that blocks wind and rain. You add or remove one layer instead of changing your whole outfit. For ready-made outfit ideas built on these layers, see our guide on what to wear in London in December.

1. Outerwear: Coats and Weather Protection

Your coat will be in every outdoor photo and you will wear it every day, so choose it first. A good London winter coat has:

• A waterproof or highly water-resistant shell for steady drizzle and showers
• Windproof fabric or lining, for bridges over the Thames and exposed squares
• A hip to knee length for warmth on walking tours and evening queues
• Insulation suited to 0 to 9°C, with room for a sweater underneath
• A hood or high collar for rain and gusty evenings

Bring one main winter coat, such as an insulated parka or a wool coat paired with a packable rain shell. Add a lighter waterproof shell only if you plan active hikes outside the city. Neutral colors (black, navy, camel, khaki) work everywhere, from a Mayfair restaurant to a countryside pub.

2. Mid-Layers: Sweaters, Fleeces and Warm Tops

Mid-layers are the workhorses of a London winter suitcase. For a 7 to 10 day trip, pack:

• 2 to 3 medium-weight sweaters (wool, cashmere blend or a good quality knit)
• 1 fleece or zip-up for day trips and long walks
• 1 smarter knit for the theater, afternoon tea or a nicer dinner

Choose slimmer fits that layer easily under your coat. Bulky knits overheat fast on a crowded Tube carriage or in the British Museum.

3. Base Layers and Everyday Tops

Base layers keep you warm on damp days near freezing without adding bulk. Pack:

• 2 to 3 thermal or heat-tech tops (long-sleeved and moisture-wicking)
• 1 to 2 pairs of thermal leggings to wear under jeans or trousers
• 3 to 5 cotton or merino t-shirts to rotate under sweaters

With a thin base layer, you can stay comfortable in a warm café, an overheated train and a cold cathedral without changing clothes.

4. Bottoms: Trousers, Jeans and Optional Skirts

You need warmth, comfort for walking, and something that looks polished in the city. For a typical trip, pack:

• 1 to 2 pairs of dark, thick or lined jeans
• 1 pair of warmer trousers (wool blend or ponte)
• Optional: 1 skirt or dressy trousers with opaque tights or thermal leggings for evenings

Lightweight summer fabrics and ripped jeans are uncomfortable in December to February wind and rain. For outfit ideas built from these pieces, see our guide to European winter outfits.

Footwear for London Winter Streets

Rain, puddles and slick pavements make shoes one of your most important packing decisions. Expect to walk 15,000 to 20,000 steps on a full sightseeing day, much of it on wet stone.

5. Boots and Walking Shoes

Waterproofing and grip matter more than fashion-only options. Pack:

• 1 pair of waterproof ankle or mid-calf boots with good traction for wet pavements and Tube stairs
• Optional: 1 pair of trainers or leather sneakers with decent grip for drier days

Break your boots in before you fly, and wear the bulkiest pair on the plane to save suitcase space. High heels and smooth leather soles are risky on wet, mossy or icy stone.

6. Socks and Foot Warmth

Warm, dry feet decide whether you enjoy a full day outdoors or a long evening at a Christmas market. Pack:

• 3 to 5 pairs of wool or thermal socks for outdoor days
• 2 to 3 pairs of regular socks for indoor days and travel days
• Optional: 1 pair of slipper socks for evenings at your hotel or rental

Keep one spare pair in your day bag in case of a sudden downpour.

Winter Accessories You Should Not Skip

Small accessories make the biggest difference against wind chill and drizzle, and they take up almost no space.

7. Hats, Gloves and Scarves

• 1 warm beanie or bobble hat that covers your ears (add a second if you head to the Scottish Highlands)
• 1 to 2 scarves: one thick for real cold, one lighter for everyday wear and flights
• 1 pair of insulated, touchscreen-friendly gloves, so you can use maps and pay contactless without taking them off

Use scarves and hats to add color to a neutral capsule wardrobe, so you do not look identical in every photo.

8. Extra Warmth: Tights, Hand Warmers and Neck Gaiters

If you feel the cold, or plan evening walking tours, outdoor events or a trip north, add:

• Opaque thermal tights to wear under dresses, or under jeans on icy days
• Disposable or reusable hand warmers for queues, outdoor markets and New Year's Eve
• A neck gaiter or snood for windy riverside walks and coastal day trips

These pieces are tiny in your luggage but make long hours outside far more comfortable.

The Best Bag for London in Winter: La Trotteuse

Your bag matters more in London in winter than most travelers expect. Crowded Tube platforms, Oxford Street and Regent Street at Christmas, and packed markets like Winter Wonderland are exactly where pickpockets work. Distraction is easy when you are juggling gloves, an umbrella and a phone map.

What to look for in a London winter bag:

• A crossbody strap long enough to wear over a winter coat, with the bag in front of you
• Zippers you can lock, so the bag cannot be opened in a crowd without you noticing
• A strap and body that resist being slashed
• RFID-blocking pockets for the contactless cards you will tap on the Tube all day
• Enough organized pockets to find your phone, Oyster or bank card and lip balm without digging

We designed La Trotteuse, our anti-theft crossbody bag for women, for exactly this kind of trip. It has lockable zippers, a slash-resistant strap reinforced with a steel cable, and a slash-resistant lining. RFID-blocking pockets hold your cards and passport, and 12 pockets keep everything organized. The water-resistant vegan leather handles London drizzle (it is not waterproof, so do not leave it out in a downpour), and the adjustable strap fits comfortably over a thick coat.

It also looks like a handbag, not a travel bag, so it works for a museum morning, afternoon tea and a theater night without marking you as a tourist. For more ways to stay safe in crowds, read our guide on how to avoid pickpockets in Europe, and see why we think it is the best bag for sightseeing in Europe.

Shop La Trotteuse, the anti-theft travel purse built for city days.

Non-Clothing Winter Essentials for London

Short daylight, damp air and strong central heating all shape what else you need.

9. Toiletries and Winter Skincare

Cold air outside and heated rooms inside dry out your skin fast. Pack travel-size:

• Rich face moisturizer and body lotion
• SPF 30+ sunscreen, especially if you head to the Highlands, where snow reflects the sun
• Lip balm with SPF to prevent wind chapping
• Hand cream
• Pocket tissues and a small hand sanitizer

Liquid rules in hand luggage can differ between UK airports. Check the GOV.UK liquids guidance and your airport's own page before you fly. Keeping liquids in containers of 100 ml or less is the safest choice.

10. Weather-Smart Gear and Small Comforts

• A compact, wind-resistant umbrella that fits in your day bag
• A small insulated flask for tea or hot chocolate on day trips
• A reusable water bottle (London tap water is safe to drink)
• A light, foldable tote for a wet umbrella, shopping or market finds
• Simple first-aid items: blister plasters, pain relief and cold medicine

11. Tech, Documents and Getting Around

Keep these together before departure:

• A valid passport and any required entry documents
• Accommodation and transport confirmations
• Travel insurance details
• A UK Type G plug adapter (the UK runs on 230V, so check your devices)
• Charging cables and a power bank (batteries drain faster in the cold)
• Offline maps and saved addresses
• Emergency contact details

Many visitors now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel. Check what applies to your passport with the official UK visa and ETA checker.

In London, you can tap a contactless bank card or phone to ride the Tube and buses, so you do not need to buy a separate ticket. Keep the card you tap in an RFID-blocking pocket that is easy to reach, and keep your phone in a closed inside pocket rather than your coat's outer pocket.

Sample Winter Packing Lists for London Trips

What you pack changes with trip length and plans. Use these lists as a starting point.

12. City Break: 3 to 5 Days in London

A carry-on only list for a long weekend or short break:

• 1 winter coat, 2 sweaters, 2 thermal tops, 1 pair of thermal leggings
• 2 bottoms (jeans and trousers) and 1 dress or smart outfit for the theater
• 5 pairs of underwear and 3 to 4 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of waterproof boots (plus trainers if you have space)
• Hat, scarf, gloves and a small winter toiletry kit
• Your crossbody bag and a compact umbrella

You will not need laundry on a trip this short. Focus on pieces that mix and match.

13. One to Two Weeks: London Plus Day Trips or Edinburgh

A slightly bigger list, with laundry every 5 to 7 days:

• 1 main winter coat, plus an optional light waterproof shell
• 3 sweaters, 1 fleece, 3 thermal tops and 2 pairs of thermal leggings
• 3 to 4 bottoms, including 1 pair that dries quickly
• 7 to 10 pairs of underwear and 5 to 7 pairs of socks (mix regular and thermal)
• Waterproof boots plus casual shoes
• 2 hats, 2 scarves and spare gloves

Packing cubes and compression bags help keep bulky winter items under control. Planning to continue to Paris on the Eurostar? See what to pack for Europe for the holidays.

14. Christmas Markets, New Year's Eve and Winter Light Trails

London's winter events mean hours outside in the cold, usually after dark. Think Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, the Southbank Centre Winter Market, Christmas at Kew's light trail and the New Year's Eve fireworks on the Thames. For these, add:

• An extra thermal layer for standing still outdoors
• Hand and toe warmers
• Waterproof over-trousers if rain is forecast
• A small crossbody bag worn in front of you, over or under your coat

Ticketed events like the New Year's Eve fireworks can have bag rules, and large backpacks may not be allowed. Check the event page before you go.

How to Decide What to Pack for Your London Winter Trip

Three questions decide most of your list: where you are going, what you will do, and how you are packing.

15. Staying in London vs Heading North

• London and the south (Bath, Oxford, Brighton): milder and wetter. Focus on waterproofing and city-smart layers.
• Northern England and Wales: colder and windier, with more outdoor walking. Add a warmer mid-layer.
• Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands: a higher chance of snow and ice, and even shorter days. Bring warmer base layers, grippier boots and a stronger coat.

16. What You Will Be Doing

• Museums, cafés, shopping and the theater: smart casual layers and fewer technical pieces.
• Day trips, countryside walks or the Highlands: more performance layers, waterproof trousers and a day pack with a rain cover.
• Work trips: at least one formal outfit that works under your warm coat.

The core list stays the same. You simply shift the balance between polished pieces and outdoor gear.

17. Carry-On vs Checked Luggage

• Carry-on only: fewer, better pieces, your heaviest items worn on the plane, and a neutral color palette.
• Checked luggage: room for spare shoes, more outfit variety and cozy extras.

Roll soft items, use compression cubes for sweaters, and put heavy items near the suitcase wheels.

Which Winter Packing Approach Is Best for You?

• Choose a minimalist capsule wardrobe if you are staying in London or city-hopping by train with just a carry-on.
• Choose a bulkier, warmer setup if you are adding the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District or rural Wales in January or February.
• Choose a smart casual mix if you are splitting time between London meetings and weekend countryside escapes.

Start from the Quick Answer list, then add or remove pieces using this section as your filter. Visiting in another season? Our UK summer packing list covers warmer months.

Final Thoughts on Packing for London in Winter

There is no bad London winter weather, only the wrong clothes. Layers, a waterproof coat and good boots matter more than the number of outfits you bring.

Pack to stay warm, dry and comfortable, and keep your essentials secure in a bag you can wear all day. Then enjoy the lights, the historic pubs and the frosty walks along the Thames. One last tip: lay everything out a week before you leave, then remove 10 to 20 percent of it.

FAQs: What to Pack for London in Winter

Is a wool coat enough for London in December, or do I need a heavy parka?

A good wool coat is enough for most London trips in December, as long as you wear thermal layers and a sweater underneath. Temperatures usually sit between 2 and 9°C (36 to 48°F), so a heavy expedition parka is more than you need. Choose a coat that also blocks wind and light rain, or carry a packable waterproof shell for wet days.

How cold is London in winter?

London is cool rather than freezing in winter. From December to February, average highs are about 8 to 9°C (46 to 48°F) and lows about 2 to 4°C (36 to 39°F). Wind and damp air make it feel colder, and frost is possible on clear nights, but snow is rare.

How many pairs of shoes should I bring for a week in London in January?

Two pairs are enough for most travelers. Bring one pair of waterproof boots with good grip for wet days and long walks, and one pair of comfortable trainers or flats for drier days and evenings. Wear the bulkier pair on the plane to save space.

Do I need an umbrella if I already have a waterproof hooded coat?

A hooded waterproof coat handles most London drizzle on its own. A compact umbrella is still useful for heavier showers, for keeping your face and hair dry, and for waiting at bus stops. If you only want one, choose the coat, and pick a small wind-resistant umbrella if you have room in your bag.

Can I travel to London in February without thermal underwear?

You can if you mainly visit museums, shops and restaurants and you run warm. Thermal layers become important for long days outside, evening events, day trips or a trip north to Edinburgh. They are thin and light, so packing one or two sets is easy insurance.

Are jeans warm enough for London in winter?

Thick, dark jeans are fine for most London days, especially with thermal leggings underneath on colder days. They are less practical in heavy rain, because wet denim stays cold and dries slowly. For Edinburgh Castle or a windy coastal day trip, wear thermals under them or switch to warmer trousers.

What should I wear to London's Christmas markets?

Dress for standing still in the cold after dark. Wear a thermal base layer, a warm sweater, a windproof coat, waterproof boots, a hat, a scarf and gloves, and bring hand warmers. Wear a crossbody bag in front of you, because crowded markets like Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park attract pickpockets.

Is pickpocketing a problem in London in winter?

Pickpocketing happens in London, mostly in crowded places like busy Tube stations, Oxford Street, Leicester Square and Christmas markets. The holiday crowds make it easier for thieves. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you, your phone out of your back and outer pockets, and your cards in a secure inside pocket.

Do I need different clothes for December, January and February in London?

The same core packing list works for all three months. December has the shortest days and the most events outdoors after dark. January and February are often the coldest and can bring frost, so add an extra thermal layer and warmer socks if you travel then.

About the Author

Arielle has traveled through Europe, including Paris, Madrid, Venice, Switzerland, Florence and Rome, and launched La Trotteuse after years of searching for a travel bag that kept her safe without making her look like a tourist. She is the founder of THAFAEL, a women's travel accessories brand named after her two children, Thaliya and Rafael.