What to wear in London in winter and not get frostbite? Actually, London’s winters are nowhere near as bad as they’re made out to be. While this is the coldest time of year, the city is quite sheltered from the harsher elements that impact the UK.
Winters in London aren’t freezing cold or snowy but they are frosty and prone to damp or windy conditions.
It shouldn’t feel too bad during December – there’s something about all the festive markets, window installations, and Christmas lights that bear the brunt of the cold.
Once they vanish, January may feel bleak at times but you’ll often wake up to glorious blue skies (plus epic sales if you feel like some retail therapy).
Provided that you’re bundled up appropriately, the tail end of winter is lovely for a stroll in one of the city’s green parks in between museums and galleries. Plus, wintery London is perfect for a cozy romantic UK getaway with your other half.
But how to dress in London? This post will help you figure out what to wear in London in December, January, and February.
How to Dress in London in Winter
London is home to almost 9 million permanent residents and has a wonderfully diverse population. You will spot people wearing all kinds of clothing and fashion in London throughout the year. As such, you can pretty much dress as you would back home (although if you’re traveling from a hot climate, winter in London may come as a shock!).
Another point is that you can still expect to tackle your London itinerary predominately on foot. Therefore, you’ll need to dress warmly but be mindful of getting quite hot once you’re on the move. The London Underground is unbearably warm at times so you’ll want a coat you can easily slip off for longer rides.
The fashion in London is more casual and eclectic compared to other European capitals such as Paris and Rome. Nobody will bat an eye if you wear jeans and sneakers at a restaurant or in the theater. On the other hand, you can always seize the opportunity to dress up if that’s your preferred style.
The only time you will have to dress more formally is if you are dining at a fancier restaurant or going to an upmarket bar. If you are spending New Year’s Eve in London and going to a party, do check in advance if there is a specific dress code.
Particularly when thinking about what to wear in London in December, you’ll encounter lots of work parties in restaurants and bars. These groups might be dressed to the nines or sporting novelty Christmas jumpers – anything goes in the average London watering hole.
Snow does occasionally happen in London, so be prepared with your London packing list!
What’s the Weather Like in London in Winter?
Winter in London refers to December, January, and February although it starts to get gradually colder from mid-November. Temperatures reach highs of 9/10 °C (48/50°F) over this period and can occasionally drop below zero overnight, resulting in frosty mornings.
While winter isn’t the rainiest time of year, showers and heavy downpours can strike at any time during these months. Sometimes it can rain all day and other days can just feel damp and drizzly so it’s wise to have an umbrella on your London winter packing list.
Snow is unlikely in central London. If you do encounter a flurry, the chances of it settling are slim. However, the UK on the whole has unpredictable weather so you can’t rule it out.
It’s also worth noting that snow can see the entire UK transport system almost grind to a halt. As an island nation, the UK is impacted by ferocious storms usually in summer and autumn/fall. These rarely strike in winter but it is a possibility, especially in February. These storms also impact local and national transport as well as airports.
Once the clocks change at the end of October, London experiences reduced daylight hours with sunsets around 5 p.m. The shortest day of the year occurs right before Christmas when the sun rises around 8 a.m. and sets just before 4 p.m. These dark evenings can make London feel colder than it actually is.
Despite the cooler temperatures, London is far nicer to visit in winter than in summer. You just need to pay attention to what to wear in London in winter.
What to Wear in London in Winter
When deciding what to pack for London in winter, you’ll need to consider what activities are on your agenda. There is a wide variety of things to do in London in winter both indoors and outside.
Pack a warm wool jacket and plenty of layers.
1. Wool Blend Coat or Cozy Parka
Choosing a durable, warm, and water-resistant coat is the starting point for what to wear in London in winter!
Do avoid a coat that’s extremely chunky and heavy as you’ll want to remove it while riding the Tube or exploring a museum. The other trick is to choose a coat that is quite loose-fitting so that you can layer up without feeling claustrophobic.
Anything made from wool gets a vote for the best coats for a London winter packing list.
A good wool blend such as this A-line coat will insulate you and protect your lower body from the cold. If you’re planning on wearing skirts and dresses, this long-line wool coat will be even better.
These coats will work well if you have an itinerary based around cultural attractions and restaurants. As wool is water-resistant but not fully waterproof, you’ll need to chuck an umbrella onto your London winter packing list.
A parka is also a suitable option. These tend to be the best coats for London in winter if you intend on spending a lot of time outside. Barbour’s waterproof waxed parka is lined with the brand’s trademark tartan and rounded off with a snuggly faux-fur hood. A spread of zipped and buttoned pockets plus hand warmer pouches justifies the splurge.
As well as being stylish enough for the streets of London, this coat is perfect if you’re heading out beyond the capital. It’ll see you through a day trip to Bath, a weekend in the Lake District, and even an adventurous itinerary in the Scottish Highlands.
A final alternative, this Canada Goose parka has down insulation and ribbed cuffs to buffer you from wind and cold. It’s also water-resistant, hooded, and super lightweight.
2. Hat, Mittens, and Scarf
The classic winter accessories are essential for what to wear in London in December – ‘tis the season of the German market!
Convertible mittens are far more suitable for London as you’ll be constantly in and out of your phone checking maps, pulling up reservations, and snapping the sights. Especially during December and January, you’ll appreciate a chunky knitted beanie – pom pom optional.
Wrap a soft scarf around your neck and you’re set for anything the weather throws at you.
Christmas in London is a wonderful time of year.
3. Waterproof Boots
A typical London itinerary will see you getting around on foot as much as possible. Choosing comfy footwear is of utmost importance, especially if you have your eye on some of the more unusual things to do in London.
Any boots by Dr. Martens and Sperry are ideal for what to wear in London in winter. These brands are known for their sturdiness and durability – and I can vouch for the comfort of Sr. Martens boots for a whole day on your feet. They’ll see you through museums, park walks, and evening activities while being faithful towards streetwise fashion in London.
4. High-quality Socks
Adding some woolen socks to your London winter packing list will make a world of difference when you pull on your boots. Merino wool socks will keep you warm and cozy without that clingy dampness that comes with thin cotton socks.
5. Jeans or Warm Trousers
Your favorite pair of jeans is fine when packing for London in winter – you’ll get tons of wear out of them by day and night.
The only downside to jeans is that if you do get caught in a rainstorm, they’ll just cling to your knees and thighs. In that case, it’s wise to bring one pair of jeans and then at least one other pair of trousers subject to how many dresses and skirts you bring.
I am a personal fan of stylish wool trousers in the wintertime. You can opt for something slim-leg like these or a more wide-leg version that you can wear a pair of tights or long johns underneath for extra warmth.
Just adopt the British ritual of cross-referencing the weather forecast each morning on the news, radio, and your phone app!
Public transportation in the UK can come to a complete halt if there is snow and ice.
6. Skirts/Dresses and Thick Tights
Wearing skirts and dresses with tights is often a lot more comfortable when making decisions about how to dress in London. Merino wool tights can make you feel warmer than jeans and tend to regulate better when you’re switching from being inside and outdoors, walking, and on public transport. Just note that these may need to be hand-washed – or by machine on a cool setting in a laundry bag.
You really can get away with just about any style in London: rah-rah minis, A-line skirts, denim pinafore dresses, and slouchy sweatshirt dresses all work. Just make sure you choose materials that are breathable.
7. Knitwear
When packing for London in winter, choose a couple of knitted sweaters in different styles that you can mix and match with trousers and skirts. Layering is handy, so you could also consider long-sleeved tops and vests with cardigans and light sweaters.
Providing you have a decent coat and accessories, one chunky knitted jumper is all you need. Wearing very thick sweaters with a big coat will just put you at risk of overheating; you’ll actually prefer thinner layers perhaps with a base layer underneath on a colder day.
One of the best things about traveling in the UK, in general, is that there are scores of charity shops where you can pick up a spare jumper for a couple of pounds while supporting a good cause!
Enjoy walking all over London, just bundle up!
8. Thermal Top/Base Layer
It might sound a little extreme but if you are especially worried about what to wear in London in winter for the cold, just pack a base layer.
This will trap the heat better and not leave you feeling overly swaddled. Head-to-toe long johns aren’t necessary for London but a moisture-wicking, lightweight thermal top that you can wear underneath a sweater or dress will keep you feeling snug and regulate your body better.
9. Warm Jumper Dress
The jumper dress is the Holy Grail of what to wear in London in December. These are great because you can wear them from the museum straight to the pub, a comedy night, or one of the epic restaurants in East London. They also work well for afternoon tea at a hotel.
Depending on how much space you have in your bag, consider packing a cute mini sweater dress and an oversized sweater dress that you can throw over a base layer. If you want to make a quick edit, you can throw on different accessories or make-up in the evening.
Winter in London is one of the best times of year to visit.
10. Lightweight Rucksack
You’ll need to select a bag roomy enough to store your winter accessories when packing for London in winter. A backpack is always far more suited to travel as it spares you from lugging all the weight on one side of your body. Herschel and Fjällräven make bags ideal for a day of exploring London as they’re lightweight yet have space aplenty.
It’s handy to carry a smaller bag for the evenings. A crossbody handbag will be sufficient for your essentials and is easy to keep out of sight of roving pickpockets while in crowded Underground stations and bars.
If you prefer not to cart two bags on vacation, a small leather backpack will sail you through day and night in London.
What to Pack for London in Winter
On top of what to wear in London in winter, there are a couple of accessories that will make your trip all the more comfortable. Add the following to your London winter packing list.
11. Reusable Water Bottle
It’s safe to drink tap water in London. Reduce plastic waste by packing a reusable water bottle. This double-insulated stainless steel bottle will keep your water cold and is a practical size to tote around in your day bag. There are usually drinking fountains at museums and other attractions while serving staff are usually happy to refill bottles in restaurants and cafes.
Fashion around London is so varied, feel free to express yourself however you’d like!
12. Windproof Umbrella
London is prone to strong winds, storms, and the cursed “sideways” rain unique to this region of Europe. Keep yourself and your London outfits dry with a windproof umbrella. This one is purpose-designed for what to pack for London in winter as it shrinks down into a compact size.
13. Moisturizer and Lip Balm
The cold can play havoc with your skin in London so you’ll want to include a hydro-boosting moisturizer in your London winter packing list. This one has SPF protection which might sound crazy but you’ll need it to block out UVA/UVB rays while you’re posing in front of Tower Bridge.
Any lip balm by Burt’s Bees will keep your lips nice and soft – plus the scents are lovely during the cold months.
14. Travel card holder
As you will no doubt rely on the Tube and bus for getting around London, you’ll need to pick up an Oyster card (or use a contactless card). “Card clash” can happen when you tap in by slapping your whole wallet on the reader. Basically, it can charge any card with a chip. It’s also possible to accidentally tap in using one card and out with another.
Avoid getting charged double by keeping your Oyster card or whatever contactless credit card you’re using separately in a travel wallet. You can keep this in an easily accessible pocket in your coat or bag. All the best coats for a London winter getaway will have a pouch where you can stash your Oyster card safely.