Complete Packing List for London in Winter

What is the weather like in London and the UK in winter?

If you are expecting snow you may be disappointed as it is not as common as many American movies set in the UK would suggest (as seen in Bridget Jones or The Holiday).

Although there are on average 23.7 days of snow or sleet a year it rarely settles. (Source metoffice.gov.uk) Inevitably snow is most likely on higher ground or in Scotland where temperatures are cooler.

If snow does fall (and settle) it is more likely in January or February however you never know so it pays to be prepared just in case!

During the winter months of December, January and February temperatures dip and frost is common on the ground first thing in the morning.

The best weather during these months is typified by cold, crisp, dry days with blue skies. However wet and windy conditions are also common and the weather can change rapidly. If the forecast is good make sure to get out and about and make the most of it!

The days are short too and by the end of December (the shortest day is on the 21st of December) there can be as little as 8 hours of daylight. If you are heading north daylight hours are reduced further with for example Inverness having only 6 1/2 hours of sunlight on the shortest day. 

Listen to our podcast about visiting London in December for practical tips and information about what to expect during the festive season.

• Money

I have a travel wallet that I use when I am overseas. It contains all the essential items I need and I leave everything else at home. I highly recommend taking some cash and one or two credit cards to use during your holiday. 

I also make a currency converter card to take with me whenever I travel which ensures I am able to work out immediately what the cost of anything is in my own currency.

I use an RFID-blocking wallet to ensure that my cards can not be scanned by thieves. I also always take some of my theft-proof bags with me when I travel.

After an unpleasant experience with pickpockets in Paris, I do not take any chances with my belongings. On that occasion, it was my theft-proof bag that prevented the loss of my cash and valuables. I have a backpack, day bag, crossbody bag and even a mini theft-proof bag that I use when I travel.

Read more in my essential guide to pickpocket-proof bags and my post about the best mini theft-proof bags on the market. 

Read – How Should I Bring Money to the UK? A Complete Guide to Cash & Cards

• Portable Wifi or an international SIM

If you do not want to depend on finding free WiFi connections when you are travelling in the UK you have a number of alternative options. You can buy or rent a portable Wifi device or purchase an international SIM to use in the UK. 

I find that staying connected is vital (especially when using public transport or driving in the UK) and would recommend that you don’t depend on or expect free WiFi in the UK.

Trains and some buses do have free WiFi but do ensure that you have a VPN set up on your phone to ensure privacy when accessing public networks.

• Insurance

Please do not forget to sort out insurance for your UK vacation. I never travel without insurance.

Although I have been lucky and have never had to use it I include the cost of travel insurance in my budget and consider it essential. You just never know when you may need it.

READ MORE – Essential travel tips for first-time visitors to London

Clothing

When putting together your packing list consider taking items that you can mix and match. I would recommend sticking to darker or more neutral colours. You will find that most Brits wear black/neutral clothes and accessorise with brighter colours. 

I would also recommend packing clothes that you can layer. It can be very hot in department stores/shops and on the underground so ensure that you have layers you can remove easily. I prefer to wear a warm coat with long-sleeved cotton tops or a vest top plus a polo neck underneath. 

It can also be very wet in the winter in the UK with an average of 13 days of rain or snow across the country in December so a waterproof jacket of some kind is vital.

What to add to your packing list for London in winter

Below is a list of the essential items I would definitely pack for your UK winter adventure. A stylish raincoat will keep you warm and dry whatever the UK weather throws at you!

Perfect to layer I always take a few long sleeve tees with me. These are perfect for under a coat and will keep you warm without being too bulky.

Thermal clothing is perfect to layer under jeans and long-sleeved tees on particularly cold days, I would recommend wearing these if you are spending the day walking in the countryside.

These are perfect to wear with thick tights (pantyhose) and long boots and are both stylish and practical.

A good pair of waterproof boots are essential. Ensure they are comfortable before you travel as you will probably be doing quite a bit of walking during your trip.

 Don’t forget to include the following items

• 2/3 pairs of trousers/jeans
• Underwear/bras
• Pyjamas
• Accessories – earrings/necklaces etc