What to Wear in London in December: Complete Outfit & Packing Guide

Quick Answer: What to Wear in London in December

For London in December, wear warm layers under a coat that handles rain and wind. Add comfortable waterproof or water-resistant boots with good grip, plus a scarf, a hat that covers your ears and gloves. Expect grey skies, light rain and short days rather than heavy snow.

Pack these first:

• 1 warm, weather-resistant winter coat, ideally with a hood
• 1 pair of comfortable waterproof or water-resistant boots with grip
• 2 to 3 jumpers or cardigans
• 2 to 3 long-sleeved tops or thin thermal tops
• 2 to 3 pairs of jeans or trousers
• A scarf, a hat that covers your ears, gloves and a compact umbrella

December in London is cold, damp and often windy, but you do not need serious snow gear. You need clothes that keep you warm and dry through long days on your feet, and that still look polished for an evening out.

This guide covers what to wear in London in December, from sightseeing days to theatre nights, with outfit ideas, a capsule wardrobe and a London winter packing list you can adapt to your trip.

Key Takeaways

• London in December is cold, damp and often windy, so focus on warm layers and rain protection.
• Build outfits from three layers: a base layer, a jumper or cardigan, and a weather-resistant coat.
• Comfortable, broken-in footwear with good grip matters more than the number of outfits you pack.
• Choose versatile pieces that work for sightseeing, festive activities and evening plans.

 

Table of Contents

1. What Is the Weather Like in London in December?
2. How Do Londoners Dress in Winter?
3. How Should You Layer for London in December?
4. What Should a London Winter Capsule Wardrobe Include?
5. What Tops and Jumpers Should You Wear in London in Winter?
6. Can You Wear Jeans, Trousers or Dresses in London in December?
7. What Is the Best Coat for London in Winter?
8. What Are the Best Shoes for London in Winter?
9. Which Winter Accessories Do You Need in London?
10. What Is the Best Bag to Carry in London?
11. What Should You Wear to Christmas Markets, Museums and the Theatre?
12. How Do You Pack Light for London in Winter?
13. What Should You Pack for a Week in London in December?
14. Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Is the Weather Like in London in December?

December daytime highs average around 8–9°C (46–48°F), while nights are colder. Cold snaps can bring temperatures close to or below freezing.

• Rain: Light rain and drizzle are common. Showers can come and go several times a day.
• Wind: Wind and wet clothing can make a chilly day feel colder, so rain protection matters as much as warmth.
• Snow: Snow is possible but rarely settles in central London.
• Daylight: Days are short, and it gets dark by late afternoon.

Check the Met Office forecast for London a few days before you travel and adjust your layers to match.

How Do Londoners Dress in Winter?

London winter style is practical and understated. Most people dress for a walking city, then add one or two polished pieces.

Common pieces you will see:

• Knee-length or mid-thigh coats in camel, black or navy
• Dark jeans or straight trousers
• Cable-knit jumpers and roll-necks
• Ankle boots, Chelsea boots or clean trainers
• Crossbody bags or small backpacks

Jeans are fine for museums, markets and most restaurants. Many people dress up a little for afternoon tea or a smarter dinner, often by swapping a chunky knit for a finer one.

A neutral palette makes outfits easy to mix and match: black, navy, grey, cream and camel. Add colour with a scarf, hat or bag in burgundy, forest green or mustard. For more ideas, see our guide to European winter outfits.

How Should You Layer for London in December?

You will move between cold streets and heated shops, museums and trains all day. Layering lets you adjust without changing your whole outfit.

• Base layer: a thin thermal top or comfortable long-sleeved top.
• Mid-layer: a jumper or cardigan.
• Outer layer: a coat that provides suitable warmth and weather protection.

Use these three layers as a starting point, then adjust for the forecast and your plans. Thermal layers are optional. They are most useful if you feel the cold, or if you will spend long periods outdoors. Indoors, take off your coat or jumper to stay comfortable.

What Should a London Winter Capsule Wardrobe Include?

A winter capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that work well together. Each piece should match most of the others, so you can create several outfits from very little.

Here is an example capsule for a 5 to 7 day trip:

Category	Casual traveller	Dressier traveller
Coat	1 insulated waterproof coat (optional: fleece or quilted liner)	1 warm wool coat, plus a compact umbrella (optional: quilted liner)
Knitwear	2 to 3 jumpers or cardigans	2 to 3 knits, including one finer knit for evenings
Tops	2 to 3 long-sleeved tops or thin thermal tops	2 to 3 long-sleeved tops or blouses
Bottoms	2 to 3 pairs of jeans or trousers	1 pair of jeans, 1 to 2 pairs of smart trousers (optional: dress or skirt with tights)
Footwear	Waterproof walking boots (optional: trainers)	Waterproof walking boots (optional: smart ankle boots)
Accessories	Scarf, hat, gloves, compact umbrella	Scarf, hat, gloves, compact umbrella

These pieces cover most sightseeing days and relaxed evenings without overpacking.

What Tops and Jumpers Should You Wear in London in Winter?

Tops and knitwear do most of the work in a London winter outfit.

• Tops: 2 to 3 long-sleeved tops or thin thermal tops. Merino and other breathable fabrics stay comfortable when you move between cold and warm places.
• Knitwear: 2 to 3 jumpers or cardigans in wool, wool blends or cashmere. Wear a sweater or cardigan over your base layer for extra warmth.
• Evening option: one finer knit or blouse for dinner, afternoon tea or the theatre.

Choose pieces that fit comfortably under your coat. Very bulky knits can feel too warm on a busy Underground train.

Can You Wear Jeans, Trousers or Dresses in London in December?

• Jeans: 1 to 2 pairs of dark jeans work for most days.
• Trousers: 1 pair of wool-blend or ponte trousers looks smarter and feels warmer than lightweight fabrics.
• Dress or skirt (optional): pair it with opaque or fleece-lined tights and ankle boots.

On very cold days, thin thermal leggings under jeans or trousers add warmth without much bulk.

What Is the Best Coat for London in Winter?

Start with one main winter coat. Most travellers do not need more than one for a short trip.

• Insulated waterproof coat: convenient if you will spend long periods outdoors, such as walking tours or Christmas markets.
• Warm wool coat: works well for city trips. Pair it with a compact umbrella or a packable rain jacket for wet days.

Water-resistant and waterproof are different levels of protection. A water-resistant coat handles light drizzle, while a waterproof coat is better for steady rain. Check the label before you buy.

Choose a comfortable fit with room for a jumper underneath. A hood or high collar is useful on windy days. A second jacket, fleece or quilted liner is optional.

What Are the Best Shoes for London in Winter?

You will probably walk a lot in London, often on wet pavements. Choose comfortable, broken-in walking footwear with good grip.

• Main pair: waterproof or water-resistant ankle boots or walking shoes with a grippy sole. Waterproof footwear is especially useful for long days out in wet weather.
• Second pair (optional): trainers for drier days, or comfortable smart ankle boots for evenings.

Leather and tall boots are not automatically waterproof, so check the product's waterproof specification. Pack warm socks, and avoid shoes with smooth, slippery soles.

Which Winter Accessories Do You Need in London?

A scarf, hat and gloves are useful, especially for long periods outdoors.

• Scarf: a warm knit scarf adds warmth and an easy pop of colour.
• Hat: a hat that covers your ears helps you stay comfortable on cold, windy days.
• Gloves: touchscreen-friendly gloves let you use maps and pay contactless without taking them off.
• Umbrella: a compact, wind-resistant umbrella fits easily in a day bag.

Hand warmers, ear warmers and a spare pair of gloves are optional extras for evening events or if you feel the cold.

What Is the Best Bag to Carry in London?

December is one of London's busiest months. Crowded Underground stations, Oxford Street and the Christmas markets are places where pickpockets work, especially when you are juggling gloves, an umbrella and your phone. Read our guide on how to avoid pickpockets in Europe for more tips.

A crossbody bag worn in front of you, over your coat, keeps your essentials close and easy to reach. Look for zips that close securely and a strap long enough to wear over winter layers. Not sure what to look for? Here is how to choose an anti-theft bag.

We designed La Trotteuse, our anti-theft crossbody bag for women, for days like these. It has lockable zips, a slash-resistant strap and lining, RFID-blocking pockets for your cards and passport, and water-resistant vegan leather that handles London drizzle. It looks like a handbag, so it works from a museum morning to an evening at the theatre. It is also why we call it the best bag for sightseeing in Europe.

 

What Should You Wear to Christmas Markets, Museums and the Theatre?

Your core wardrobe stays the same. A few small changes help you feel comfortable for different plans.

Activity	What to wear
Daytime sightseeing	Weather-resistant coat, walking boots, jeans or trousers, long-sleeved top and jumper, crossbody bag
Christmas markets, Winter Wonderland, ice rinks	Add a thermal layer, warm socks, a scarf, a hat and gloves, since you will stand outdoors for longer
Museums and galleries	Layers you can take off indoors, with your coat over your arm or in the cloakroom
Afternoon tea or a nice dinner	Finer knit or blouse, smart trousers or a dress with tights, comfortable smart ankle boots
Theatre	Smart casual is usually fine. Check the venue for any dress code

 

Here is how three days might look:

Day	Outfit	Plans
Day 1	Thermal top + crew-neck jumper + dark jeans + waterproof coat + walking boots + scarf and hat	Sightseeing and markets
Day 2	Long-sleeved top + roll-neck + wool trousers + coat + boots	Museums and a pub dinner
Day 3	Long-sleeved dress + warm tights + comfortable ankle boots + coat	West End show or afternoon tea

These outfits mix and match easily, so a few pieces can stretch across a whole week.

 

 

How Do You Pack Light for London in Winter?

• Use packing cubes to organise your clothes, and roll or fold items according to the fabric and available space.
• Wear your coat and bulkiest boots on the plane to save space.
• Stick to one colour palette so every top works with every bottom.
• Check the forecast before you pack, and leave a little room for anything you buy.

For a full item-by-item checklist, see what to pack for London in winter.

What Should You Pack for a Week in London in December?

Adapt this checklist to your style and plans. It assumes you can wash a few items during your stay.

Tops and layers

• 2 to 3 long-sleeved tops or thin thermal tops
• 2 to 3 T-shirts or blouses
• 2 to 3 jumpers or cardigans

Bottoms

• 1 to 2 pairs of dark jeans
• 1 pair of wool-blend or smart trousers
• Optional: 1 dress or skirt with opaque tights

Outerwear

• 1 main winter coat
• Optional: a fleece, quilted liner or packable rain jacket

Footwear

• 1 pair of comfortable waterproof or water-resistant boots with grip
• Optional: trainers or smart ankle boots

Underwear, socks and sleepwear

• Underwear for each day between washes
• Socks for each day between washes (3 to 4 pairs if you plan to do laundry)
• 1 to 2 sets of sleepwear

Accessories

• 1 warm scarf
• 1 hat that covers your ears
• 1 pair of gloves
• 1 compact umbrella
• 1 crossbody day bag

Want more ideas for your trip? Explore our Christmas packing list for Europe and sign up for updates to receive our latest travel packing and outfit guides by email.

Bon voyage!
Arielle

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear in London in December?

Wear a long-sleeved top, a warm jumper and a weather-resistant winter coat. Add comfortable waterproof or water-resistant boots, a scarf, a hat, gloves and a compact umbrella.

Is December in London very cold?

December is chilly rather than extremely cold. Daytime highs average around 8–9°C (46–48°F), and nights are colder, sometimes near freezing. Wind and rain can make it feel colder.

Do I need a waterproof coat in London in December?

A waterproof coat is helpful, especially for long days outdoors. A warm wool coat also works for city trips if you carry a compact umbrella or a packable rain jacket.

Are trainers OK in London in December?

Yes, on dry days. Choose trainers with good grip, and keep waterproof or water-resistant boots for rainy days and long walks.

Can I wear dresses in London in December?

Yes. Choose a thicker or long-sleeved dress, and pair it with opaque or fleece-lined tights, ankle boots and a warm coat.

Do I need thermal layers for London in December?

Not always. Thin thermal tops are useful if you feel the cold or will spend long periods outdoors. Indoors, take off your coat or jumper to cool down, since a thermal top worn underneath is less convenient to remove.

Do I need to do laundry on a week-long trip to London?

Not necessarily. If you pack underwear and socks for each day, you can skip laundry. To pack lighter, plan one wash midweek and bring 3 to 4 pairs of socks.

About the Author

Arielle has travelled 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.