What to pack for London in spring? This is one of the best seasons to travel to London but choosing what to wear can be a challenge!
The weather is warming up which means you can spend more time outdoors. March, April, and May in London are also primed for pop-up events and springtime festivals – especially later in the season.
The main thing to know about spring in London is that the weather is fickle. These three months bring a fusion of different weather patterns. In particular, April in London is changeable and hard to predict. It’s the same sort of approach as when you’re packing for London in October.
This guide to what to pack for spring in London will help you plan for all conditions.
What’s the Weather Like in London in Spring?
Spring in London runs from early March through late May. Temperatures gradually increase during these months and the weather patterns can be erratic – and are becoming even more unpredictable over recent years.
March sees an average temperature range of 6-11°C (43-52°F). It’s still pretty cool and rain is common, varying from heavier showers to drizzle. It can be radiantly sunny on some days.
April in London cranks it up a notch to a daily average of 8-15°C (46-59°F). Evenings remain chilly and the “April shower” phenomenon means rain can strike with little warning. As with March, the sun ebbs and flows, and some days are cloudy.
May settles into average temperatures of 11-18°C (52-64°F). This is a more stable month so you can probably risk going out without a jacket although it can draw nippy at times and rain can threaten. The longer daylight hours are a huge perk.
To help you figure out what to wear in London in spring each day, you’ll need to adopt the British morning regime:
- Step one: Wake up and wonder about what the weather is doing.
- Step two: Check the weather forecast on your phone.
- Step three: Open the curtains and see what the weather is doing.
And, never forget the golden rule: never leave home without a brolly! This is crucial for any London packing list for spring.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must-pack whatever time of year you’re visiting London. You’re going to get a LOT of steps in!
Spring in London: What to Wear Tips
Dress like yourself: London’s fashion sense is very eclectic. You can wear all the usual clothes you’d wear back home, whether that’s casual or dressy. Just be sure to dress for comfort and the weather.
Layered clothing: Whatever you choose to pack, focus on layers. Vests and t-shirts under easily removed cardigans and sweaters are key. If you want a London spring packing list based on skirts and dresses, pack tights and leggings so you can work with the weather.
Monitor the forecast: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and check it right before departure. If there has been a change, you can make last-minute changes to your packing list.
Be waterproof-ready: Rain can strike any day during spring! In terms of what to wear in London in April, waterproof garments are a must. But you will also need to plan for wet weather in March and May.
What to Wear for London in Spring
Here is the lowdown on exactly what to pack for London in spring.
1. Medium-duty or lightweight jacket
Your choice of coat will depend on the month you visit. During March, you’ll appreciate a thicker option such as a leather jacket or perhaps even a medium-length trench coat. From April onwards, you can consider a lighter option such as a denim jacket.
This water-resistant raincoat bridges the gap between these two months in early spring. It’s not too thick but it’s substantial enough to deal with March’s low temperatures and April’s unpredictability.
In terms of what to wear in London in May, you may not need to wear a jacket during the day. However, you will at night so you should again consider something portable such as a bomber jacket.
2. Comfortable footwear
You’ll need a comfy pair of flat boots or sneakers for daywear and exploration. A typical itinerary in London has a lot of walking!
It’s a good idea to choose something waterproof – such as Chelsea boots or water-resistant sneakers. These two options have nice thick soles too for added comfort. Plus, they’ll go with all kinds of outfits.
After spending a whole day on your feet, you’ll probably want to have a change for the evening. It’s always a good idea to pack two pairs of footwear for London.
Boots and sneakers work well for March. Sneakers and a lighter option are best for what to wear in London in April and May. These should be something practical that you can wear for walking, such as waterproof loafers (for April) or espadrilles (for May). You’ll probably not need sandals at this time of year.
Heels are not especially typical in London and most people wear sneakers when out and about at night. However, if your daytime sneakers are more sporty, it’s wise to take a smarter pair for the evening.
3. Light scarf
You shouldn’t really need to pack knitwear for spring in London. However, a scarf made from a lighter material is wise to have for chilly spells and cooler evenings.
Available in multiple patterns and styles, this pashmina works well for spring and fall travel. If you take something oversized and aren’t too precious about grass stains, it also works as a picnic blanket.
If the forecast looks cold in March, you may want to throw in a hat and a pair of gloves as well.
You will perhaps see a few sunny days on a spring trip to London, but you should prepare for wet and grey.
4. Good pair of jeans
In terms of what to pack for London in spring, jeans (or a similar style of trousers) are a staple. You will need a warm pair for March that is comfortable for day wear. Jeans are also perfect for what to wear in London at night in all seasons. Londoners love their denim!
Pack the jeans you feel most comfortable wearing. Bear in mind that baggy jeans often fall victim to puddles in London. A casual pair of boyfriend jeans are suitable for what to wear in London in May as they coordinate well with vests and all types of footwear.
5. Skirts and dresses
Skirts and dresses are ideal for what to pack for London in spring. They regulate temperatures better than jeans as you dip in and out of museums and other attractions.
Shirt dresses keep things casual and work well with tights and boots in March or barelegged as the weather warms up. They also transition well from day to night for most activities.
At least one colorful sun dress is recommended for May if you’re a fan of skirts and dresses. Alternatively, a couple of flowing skirts will fare well in this warmer month.
If you’re not keen on dresses, a jumpsuit is a fun alternative for the warmer weather. Otherwise, you can pack a lighter pair of trousers to wear in place of jeans.
6. Variety of t-shirts and tops
When deciding what to pack for London in spring, you will need a few different options for tops. Remember – spring is all about the layers.
Take a selection of vests, tanks, and t-shirts as a base. These can be plain cotton tops that work with anything plus a couple of statement pieces for more personality during the day or to wear at night.
Ultimately, your selection should reflect what kinds of trousers and skirts you are packing. Just ensure that they are also tailored around the weather forecast for your travel dates.
If you are traveling to London in March, you will need a couple of warmer sweaters. Don’t pack the kinds of clothes you’d wear in London in winter. Unless temperatures are set to plummet, a cashmere crewneck or similar will suffice.
7. Evening clothes
Another important component of what to wear in London in spring is connected to your evening plans. London is a casual city for the most part which means you can often wear the same clothes or just change your top. You can travel light by using jewelry to spruce up your daytime outfits.
Of course, if you have plans to go to the theater or dine at fancier restaurants, you’ll want something a bit dressier. Pack a smarter dress or equivalent to suit your style: you really can get away with anything in London.
Depending on how late in the spring your trip is will determine whether you should still pack a few winter essentials, but in May and early June you’ll get much warmer evenings than in March when winter conditions are still likely.
What to Pack for London in Spring
In addition to figuring out what to wear in London in March, April, and May, you’ll need to make a bit of space for these travel essentials.
8. Umbrella
An umbrella is a must for what to pack for London in spring! You could buy one in the city easily enough but it’s helpful to have one in case you arrive in an April flurry.
As well as the rain, London is prone to extremely strong winds and storms. This windproof travel-sized umbrella is the best option. It has a double-vented canopy and sturdy fiberglass-covered frame, which should prevent you from getting drenched or being blown across the English Channel.
9. Reusable water bottle
Tap water is safe to drink in London and it’s easy to find water fountains out and about. Furthermore, you can ask staff at restaurants to refill your bottle.
Because it’s so easy to refill a bottle, you only need to pick a small bottle for your London spring packing list.
This BPA-free stainless steel bottle comes in three sizes, with the smallest being 12 ounces and the largest being 25 ounces. It keeps liquids ice cold or hot.
10. Small day bag and evening option
Bring a bag that’s large enough to carry your daily essentials around without being cumbersome. The handbag you usually use back gome will suffice, or, you can take spring as a sign to treat yourself to a new travel bag.
This mini rucksack in soft leather is the right sort of size to carry around London. It won’t get in the way on the Underground or need to be checked at museums. It’ll fit your necessities without the risk of overpacking and the phone pocket is a major bonus. The snap closure adds another layer of security.
This bag is just about small enough for evening use. However, you might feel more comfortable with a smaller bag for a night of bar hopping or catching a show.
Squeeze a little crossbody bag onto your London packing list for spring in case you plan an evening out. Choose one large enough for just your phone, wallet, and hotel key.
Using the Underground to get around is a quick and affordable way to explore London and a great way to stay dry between sites on a rainy spring day.
11. Lip balm and sun protection
The variable weather can play havoc with your skin in London so you’ll need a protective lip balm and some additional sun protection for your face.
A daily moisturizer with SPF will suffice for March and April in London when there’s not so much sunshine.
If you’re traveling in May, pack a high-factor facial sunscreen. This will avoid skin damage while picnicking in parks and walking along the Thames.
12. Credit card shield
Many attractions in London are cash-less nowadays and card terminals tend to be contactless. Therefore, it’s wise to slip an RFID blocking card into your wallet. These protect against cyber scams as well as accidental contactless payments.
13. Sun hat
A sun hat should go on your London packing list for spring in May. This is when the sun starts to heat up and you’ll feel the burn on your scalp if you sit outdoors too much – that applies to beer gardens as well as parks.
Something like a fedora works well at this time of year. It’s more practical for a city destination and feels chic enough to wear to a rooftop cocktail bar.
If you’re planning on doing some of the more unusual things to do in London during your trip – such as kayaking or visiting an urban farm – a baseball cap will work. You just need something to protect you against those sunny spells.