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What to Pack for London, England

Layer up, stay dry, and walk in comfort through one of the world's greatest cities

Updated April 13, 2026 · 4 seasons covered

Quick answer

Pack for London with a compact windproof umbrella (locals call it a brolly) and versatile layers that handle 15 to 25°F swings between the heated Tube and cool streets. Temperatures range from 35 to 48°F in winter up to 55 to 75°F in summer, with light rain possible any day. Bring waterproof walking shoes (you will hit 15,000 to 25,000 steps daily), a Type G adapter, smart-casual clothing for pubs and theaters, and a contactless bank card for the Tube and buses.

London is a city where the weather changes fast and often. You might start the morning under grey skies, see sunshine by lunch, and get caught in a rain shower on the way to dinner. Layers and rain gear are your best friends no matter what time of year you visit. The key is packing versatile pieces that work together so you can adapt quickly without overpacking.

London is a walking city. You will cover serious ground exploring neighborhoods from Westminster to Camden, Shoreditch to South Bank. Comfortable, broken-in shoes are non-negotiable. The Tube and buses are easy to navigate with a contactless bank card or Oyster card, but you will still average 15,000 to 25,000 steps on a typical sightseeing day.

The dress code in London leans smart casual. Pubs, restaurants, and theaters generally expect you to look put-together, but jeans and clean trainers are fine in most places. You will need a Type G power adapter for UK outlets, and it is worth noting that London tap water is safe to drink, so bring a reusable bottle to save money and reduce waste.

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Temperature: 45-62°F°F Mild but unpredictable. Expect a mix of sunshine, clouds, and rain showers throughout the day. Mornings and evenings are cool, with warmer afternoons by May. Cherry blossoms bloom in parks across the city. Wind can make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

👕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 will walk 8 to 12 miles per 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 will 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 do not fit UK outlets)
Portable charger / power bank (10,000+ mAh) (GPS navigation 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 navigation in the rain)
Quick-dry travel towel (Handy for drying off after surprise showers)

Temperature: 55-75°F°F The warmest and driest season, with long daylight hours (sunrise before 5 AM, sunset after 9 PM). Most days are pleasant in the mid-60s to low 70s, but heat waves can push temperatures above 85°F. Air conditioning is uncommon in older buildings, shops, and on some Tube lines. Rain showers still happen, though less frequently than other seasons.

👕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, pubs, 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°F Temperatures 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. Autumn foliage in Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath is beautiful 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. Rain, puddles, and wet leaves are constant.)
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°F Cold, grey, and damp with short 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. Rain is frequent and often a steady drizzle rather than heavy downpours. The holiday season brings festive lights, Christmas markets, and indoor attractions that make winter visits magical despite the weather.

👕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 are crucial.)

Nice to Have

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

👟Footwear

Essentials

Insulated waterproof boots (Warm, waterproof, and 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

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

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 will not 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).

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

Yes. London can have rain showers in any month, including July and August. Summer showers tend to be brief but can come without warning. A compact, windproof umbrella that fits in your day bag is worth its weight in gold year-round.

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 will 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 do not 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 same fare. Contactless payments are capped daily and weekly, so you automatically get the best rate. If you prefer a dedicated card, Oyster cards are available at Tube stations.

What shoes are best for walking around London?

Comfortable, broken-in shoes with good support are essential. You will walk 8 to 12 miles per day on hard pavement, cobblestones, and park paths. Waterproof or water-resistant shoes are strongly recommended since rain can start at any time. Avoid brand-new shoes, heels, and thin-soled fashion shoes for 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 voltage difference can damage US appliances. Skip formal evening wear unless you have specific reservations that require it. Do not bring excessive cash since London is nearly cashless and card payments are accepted almost everywhere, even at market stalls.

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