THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR WINTER IN LONDON
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This post is all about what to pack for a trip to London and the rest of the UK
If you’re travelling to the UK in winter you may be wondering what you need to pack. This is the ultimate London packing list for you if you’re planning a trip to London this winter. You’re going to find everything you need to pack in to your suitcase or backpack to take with you to the capital of England.
I will give you my top packing tips and an essential packing list for the UK to make sure you have what you need to keep you warm and cosy during your visit to London in winter.
As a Brit who has spent alot of time in London in the winter especially around Christmas time let me tell it it is cold and wet so you need to make sure you pack accordingly.
In this post you will find out everything you need to pack for your trip as well as what not to pack as it may be a waste of space in your bag. I have learned to be quite a minimal packer over the years and to only pack what I need and avoid overpacking.
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This post is all about what you should pack to visit London in the winter including a free printable packing list.
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN LONDON IN THE WINTER?
As a Brit I can tell you that the weather in London in winter can be pretty miserable. If you are expecting clear blue skies and a beautiful covering of snow you will probably be disappointed as it is not that common.
There are 23.7 days of snow or sleet a year on average yet it’s often little flurries and rarely settles on the ground. Snow is more common further north and up in the highlands of Scotland or in the Peak District in Yorkshire.
The most likely time to get snowfall is January and February. The thing with the Great British weather is it’s very unpredictable so it pays to be prepared for snow, wind, rain and even a bit of sunshine in the winter.
Temperatures: Average daytime temperatures range from 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Night time temperatures can occasionally dip to freezing, but heavy frosts are rare.
Rain: London is known for its frequent light rain or drizzle in the winter months, so expect overcast skies and damp conditions. Snow is uncommon, but not unheard of - if it does snow, it’s usually light and doesn't last long.
Wind: Winds can be chilly, especially near the River Thames, so it's good to have a warm coat and scarf.
Overall, the weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to layer up and be prepared for wet and cold conditions! You may get lucky and experience some beautiful cold, crisp dry London winter days with blue skies but you’re also likely to experience wet and windy conditions.
Remember the weather can change rapidly even during the space of a day so if the forecast is good make sure to get out and about and make the most of it!
The days are pretty short too with the shortest day of the year being 21st December. There is as little as 7-8 hours of daylight from around 8am - 3/4pm.
LUGGAGE FOR LONDON
With some places it’s easy to recommend either a backpack or a suitcase but with the UK you could really go with either depending on personal preference.
If you’re a lover of a backpack (me too!) they will work perfectly in London and could be a good choice if you’re covering a lot of ground. You can just throw them on your back and off you go. I’d recommend a good size backpack that you can fit your things in and a small day bag that you can use when you’re sightseeing and out for the day.
Let’s take a look at some good backpacks first.
I’m a big fan of clam shell opening backpacks as I find them easier to use but here are a few different options: both clam shell and top loading backpacks.
Click on each image for more information on each backpack.
My personal favourite and the one I’ve been using for over 7 years of travel is the Osprey Fairview 40l as it’s the right size for my stuff and it’s a clam shell opening. They also do an Osprey Fairview 70l if you’re a bit more of a heavier packer than myself. (I tend to pack pretty light so a 40 litre works just great for me).
If you’re someone who worries alot about the security of your items I highly recommend getting a Pacsafe backpack for the added security details such as loackable zippers and anti puncture fabric.
The Knack Bags for a really good option if you travel with your laptop as they have a specific space for storing your tech and they are expandable for 75% more capacity when needed.
If backpacks aren’t for you and you’d rather wheel your luggage over carrying it here are a few of my recommendations for suitcases.
Once you’ve sorted out you’re luggage it’s time to sort of clothes, toiletries, tech and random bits and pieces you’re going to want for a trip to London.
Top 3 hotels in London
Raddison Blu Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating 8.3
OneFam Notting Hill Hostel ⭐️⭐️ Rating 8.5
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Let’s take a look at things you may need to go along with your main bag.
You’ll want to take a rain cover for your backpack to make sure you keep your belongings dry. The Great British weather is not at all predictable. It can rain any day, any time of year These LAMA rain covers come in a variety of colours with a reflective strip on them. They fold down really small so when you’re not using it you can just store it in a little pocket on your backpack.
Unfortunately, as with most places in the world, pickpocketing does happen in London particulary in tourist areas. There have been numerous incidents of people having the straps on their bags cut so it isn’t recommended to carry a shoulder or crossbody bag however if you do like that style of bag this anti theft small bag from Travelon is a great choice. It’s pretty small so only big enough for a few things such as your phone, money and passport.
Some people love them and some people hate them. I’m definitely a packing cube fan. I like the organisation it gives me so I‘m not having to search through all of my bag for something, I just have to search through a smaller packing cube.
I like this set as they come in a few different sizes so I can do underwear in a smaller one, pants in a bigger one etc.
Other packing cubes I recommend
If you’d rather go for compression packing cubes these come in a variety of colours and sizes and are really affordable.
These large packing cubes come in a set of 4 and are good if you want the same size packing cubes. You can get them in small medium, large and slim.
TSA Approved Luggage Locks with Flexible Cable
Luggage locks are inexpensive and worth having to keep anything going missing from your checked-in luggage while in transit. If you’re going in and out of the USA, you’ll need TSA-approved luggage locks. If you’re using hostels at all during your travels it’s always a good idea to travel with a spare paddlock for lockers. The locks above are the ones I’ve used for years and they’ve stood the test of time.
I always travel with a hidden money belt/travel wallet. They can be hidden underneath your clothes and keeps you’re most valuable items like your phone, passport and money hidden from view and on your person. The one above has a water resistant zipper, a cam lock metal slider and an adjustable strap.
Other hidden money belts I recommend
This travel clip pouch is perfect if you’re after something a little smaller. It’s a tiny pouch that clips on the inside of your waist band that just about fits your cash card and some money in. I’ve used this travelling in many places of the world and loved it.
This bra wallet is a really handy piece of kit that’s perfect for ladies. It secures around the middle of your bra or anywhere else on your person that you can clip something on for a discreet place to keep your valuables.
ESSENTIALS FOR LONDON
Passport
Ensure that you have at least 6 months remaining on your passport from your departure date.
Visa
Check before you travel the visa requirements for the UK depending on your nationality.
The UK is NOT part of the Schengen Visa zone so if you are planning to travel to mainland Europe or the Republic of Ireland from the UK also check your visa requirements.
If you are a national of Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand visitor visas are issued on arrival in the Schengen Zone for 90 days.
I use iVisa to check if I need a visa when visiting a country.
Tickets and documents
Make sure you have all your tickets and documents stored safely on your phone. I also recommend keeping copies of all tickets and documentation with you in plastic wallets as having paper copies can be good in an emergency or incase anything happens to your phone.
Money
As I previously mentioned I recommend taking a money belt to store your cash in when travelling in London. I would say to take a little bit of cash with you and one or two credit/debit cards that you can use during your holiday.
Portable Wifi or an international SIM
It’s important to research if you can use your SIM without racking up extortionate charges when you’re visiting London.
If you can’t use your SIM you should make sure you get yourself an international SIM. I recommend a SMARTY SIM as you get a month for a really cheap price and unlimited data.
Staying connected is so important when you’re travelling. Trains, buses, the Tube and restaurants will often have WiFi but it’s not good to have to rely on them. If you do connect to public WiFi make sure you set up a VPN on your phone to ensure your privacy and to protect your data.
Insurance
Do not forget to sort out insurance for your UK travels. I never travel without insurance as you never know what might happen. I’ve only had to use my insurance one or twice when my passport or my phone has been stolen but it’s always better to have it for peace of mind. You just never know when you may need it. I always use Hey Mondo for my travel insurance.
WHAT TO WEAR IN LONDON
Yes it can be grey, cold and wet, in fact in probably will be grey, cold and wet for at least some of your winter visit to London but winter, in particular late November and December is magical in London with all the Christmas lights and festive things you can take part in.
When organising the clothes you want to take on your winter trip to London it’s a good idea to create a kind of capsule wardrobe where all your items can mix and match with each other.
You are going to need to pack some warm, cozy layers for a winter visit to London. It will almost certainly be cold in London but it can be hot in the shops and on the Tube so it’s a good idea to have layers so you can remove them if needed.
Instead of shoes I’d pack some comfortable boots for all the walking around London you’re going to do. Boots that are waterproof and warm are the perfect choice.
Generally around London you can’t go wrong with big jumpers with jeans or leggings and dresses with thick tights and cardigans. You ‘re also going to need a smart, warm jacket and hat, gloves and scarf.
A waterproof jacket is essential for any downpour you may encounter whilst out exploring.
Jeans are good for the evening and will keep you warm especially if you put a pair of leggings underneath to really layer up. They may not be the best choice on the wet and rainy days though. I’d recommend two pairs if you have the space - a blue pair and a black pair so you have options.
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One of two pairs of neutral coloured leggings are an excellent idea for a winter trip to London. They can be worn with a dress or a chunky, long jumper. As well as leggings, if you’re packing dresses it’s a good idea to pack a few pairs of tights to wear with them. Make sure you pack thick tights otherwise your legs will get cold in the British winter temperatures.
You are definitely going to need some chunky jumpers and cardigans for a winter trip to London. This over size chunky jumper comes in various colours and is great with jeans or leggings. This is a great casual jumper that will work perfectly during the day.
Long sleeved tees
These waterproof knee high boots are perfect for the winter in London. They have a cosy faux fur lining to keep your toes warm in the cold London winter temperatures.
You’re definatly going to need a warm coat or jacket when your in London for the winter, particularly if you’re out and about at night. You should try and pack something that’s warm and waterproof as it’s likely it will be cold and they’ll be at least some rain during your time in London in the winter.
Hat, gloves and scarf
I’d suggest packing hat, gloves and scarf for a winter trip to London, especially if you’re planning on being out in the evening. The sun goes down and it’s dark in London by around 4pm in the winter and then it gets pretty chilly. If you’re in London at Christmas time going out and seeing Christmas lights or Hyde Park Winter Wonderland then you’ll want some extra items to keep you warm.
This hat is nice and cozy and comes in a range of colours.
These gloves are good as they have a little flap that allows you to have free fingers so you can operate your phone without having to take your gloves fully off.
If you want ot grab yourself a set including a hat, gloves and scarf this set is a great option. Or maybe you like infinity scarves, this one is a great one in a neutral colour.
A lightweight, breathable raincoat is a must in England in the winter as there’s a high chance of rain so packing a raincoat is definitely worthwhile. This raincoat from Regatta is breathable and packable so when you’re not using it you can pack it away. It comes in a range of different colours so you are sure to find one to your taste.
TOILETRIES FOR LONDON
Washbags with hooks are great for use in hostels, as you can hang up your wash bag when you’re in the shower and not leave it on the floor to get wet and dirty. A light and thin wash bag is also essential for keeping the weight in your backpack down. If you are someone who travels with a lot of toiletries I recommend this wash bag as it’s on the large size.
If, like me, you’re a more lightweight traveller you could get away with this smaller washbag and save some space in your bag for something else.
Mini Silicone Bottles
If you are going hand luggage only and want to take smaller bottles of your moisturiser/toner or any other toiletry these mini silicone bottles are perfect. As they are 100ml you are allowed to go through airport security with them. Decanting your bigger bottles in to these at home before you leave can be a great way to save some money as minitures can often be quite expensive.
Transparent Liquids Bag
If you’re taking liquids in your hand luggage you’re going to need a transparent bag to go through security. This set of three is perfect and will allow you to travel with any liquids you have. They are doing away with having to put liquids through security separately but as I write this it’s still in full force so you will need some of these bags.
Shampoo and Conditioner bars
I always go for shampoo and conditioner bars when I’m travelling to cut down on the plastic I’m using and to try and save some space. It took me a while to get used to using bars and I feel they’ve progressed so much in quality over the last few years. I’ve tried many over the years and the Ethique ones are my favourite. They are a little pricey but they last for ages. If you try the Ethique and you don’t like them I’d encourage you to try a different brand as they’re all slightly different and some work really well on my hair and others I just don’t like and you might be the same.
Some other brands that may work for you
Faith in Nature : their shampoo bars are pretty good and come in a range of smells.
Eco Warrior : I just love the smell of their orange and ginger shampoo bar.
WILD refillable deodrant
I love my WILD deodrant! I got it for my birthday years ago and I’ve used nothing else since. When I’m travelling I love that I can take little refillables if I need to although I hardly ever have to as they last for so long. They do so many different fragrance too.
FIRST AID ITEMS FOR LONDON
Hopefully when you’re travelling you won’t need any medical items but it’s always best to be safe rather than sorry. I always travel with a mini first aid kit and several other items that come in useful.
Travel first aid kit
You can, of course, curate your own first aid kit but if you don’t want to go to that trouble this mini first aid kit has all the essentials. Before you leave, take a good look through it so you know what you have, take out anything you don’t think you’ll need and add any extras you want to take more of such as extra plasters or medication.
HANDY THINGS TO PACK FOR LONDON
This is only necessary if you’re staying for a long time and you’re going to be doing laundry whilst you’re in London. If you’re only there for a short time (a week or so) I wouldn’t bother with this item. Unless you like to put your dirty stuff in something separate after you’ve worn it. I personally do like to do this so I always pack a wash bag like this one to put my dirty clothes in.
If you are going to hand wash any of your clothes in London you’ll going to need to take some travel wash with you. This Dr Backmann travel wash is the best one out there and will do the job of keeping your clothes clean.
Depending on the type of accomodation you’re staying in will depend on if you need to take a towel with you to London. If you’re staying in hostels in London taking a towel with you as they may or may not provide one for your showers.
I love these from Dock & Bay. They fold up to be pretty small and are 3x faster at drying than normal towels which is always handy when you’re on the road.
Travel cutlery
I use my travel cutlery all the time when I’m travelling. I like that it means I don’t have to use single use plastic anywhere and I find having a set just really handy. Maybe it’s something you wouldn’t use every day like myself but as they’re so lightweight I think they’re a worthwhile item to pack in your bag.
There’s so many different cutlery sets on the market to choose from and I’ve probably tried them all over the years! If you don’t like the look of the one above some other great options include:
this nifty device that combines a spoon on one side, fork and knife on the other.
this CrocTool device is similar to the WildPeak one but made of metal with the added benefit of having a peeler and a bottle opener on. It’s slightly more expensive buy worth it if you’d use the other tools on it.
HeroClip Carabiner
Carabiners are a must for any backpacking trip! These HEROCLIP ones come in 4 different sizes with the medium ones being able to carry 60lbs so they’re pretty strong. I always just have a few clipped to the outside of my backpack and at some point during a trip they come in useful for something or other.
Personal safety alarms are a really good idea to travel with, particularly if you’re a solo traveller. This one is compact and easily fits in my day bag. It also has a bright flashing LED light and a very loud alarm when activated.
Lifestraw Go Water Bottle
The tap water is perfectly drinkable in the UK. I’m English and drink filtered tap water constantly but I do recommend taking a Lifestraw Water Bottle. This will filter the tap water and makes it taste a little better. You don’t want to constantly be buying bottles of water, for the benefit of both the environment and for your wallet. It comes with a handy clip so you can attach it to your day bag too.
Digital luggage scale
Travelling with a digital luggage scale is a really good idea especially if you’re taking hand luggage with weight limitations. You can avoid paying unexpected baggage fees by using an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance.
TECHNOLOGY FOR LONDON
Smart Phone
Taking your smart phone to London is a must for many reasons. These days none of us go far without our phone. It’s great for keeping in touch with friends and family, finding information about activities or hotels and snapping photos from our travels. Personally, I’m an Apple girl so my iPhone goes everywhere with me but obviously take your smart phone of choice.
Kindle
Taking a Kindle is a great idea if you love to read. Sometimes it’s great to hold an actual book but it makes the most sense to save on space and weight when travelling by investing in a Kindle and getting a Kindle Unlimited plan. A benefit to this plan for travellers is that most of the Lonely Planet Travel Guides are available to read for free on the plan.
Lightweight Laptop
I don’t always travel with my laptop but if I’ll be doing any vlogging or blog work whilst I’m somewhere I’ll take my MacBook Air with me. It’s lightweight, fits in my bag easy and perfect for travelling.
External Hard Drive
I always travel with an external hard drive as I’ve lost so many photos and videos in the past. Carrying a SSD hard drive with me means I can transfer my photos and videos off my camera and phone and (hopefully) not lose them.
Camera
I used to travel with the big Canon DSLR which I loved and captured some amazing photos with so if you want a big camera I recommend this one. I did switch to this smaller camera which I now use for vlogging my travels and I much prefer the more discreet camera and not having to lug around anything too heavy.
Power Bank
My phone battery gets a hammering when I’m travelling: from snapping photos and videos all day to using maps to navigate around a strange area I’m using it alot so if you’re like me you’ll want to carry a power bank to ensure you don’t lose charge half way through the day. I’ve recently converted to this one and I really love that it’s powerful enough to give me 8 full charges of my phone and it has multiple ports so if I’m travelling with a friend that needs some extra juice I can give them some.
Travel Adapter
If you’re travelling with lots of things that only need a USB connection I’d recommend a universal travel adapter with multiple USB and just one actually plug like this one.
If you have lots of actual plugs you want to plug in like me (I often have my Mac and two camera chargers) I’d recommend something like this extension cable that has 3 plugs and 6 USB ports. You can then just take a small travel adapter and you’re good to go.
More Information About London
LONDON ITINERARY: In our article The Perfect 2 Days in London you’ll find a detailed itinerary for exploring London. If you only have one day in London you can find out the most important things to fit into your day in this 1 Day London Itinerary.
LONDON TRAVEL ADVICE: Here are the important things to know if it will be your first time in London. Included in this article are all my best hints and tips for visiting London for the first time. The Best 49 Things to do in London article will help you plan your London itinerary. If you’re wondering what foods you should try when in London read this Best British Foods You Have to Try.
WHERE TO STAY: If you’re unsure on the different areas in London and where would be best to stay make sure you read this Best Places to Stay in London article.
PACKING FOR LONDON: If you’re wondering what you should pack when visiting London read this Packing for London and the Rest of the UK Guide.
LONDON AT CHRISTMAS: For an overview of the best things to do in London at Christmas here are 15 things to do in London at Christmas. I also have guides to the best Christmas lights, best London Christmas window displays and best Christmas markets in London. Learn how to put it all together in this great London Christmas Itinerary.
More Information for your Trip to the UK
If you’re struggling to decide other places to visit in the UK read Best Cities to Visit in the UK
I also have many other UK city guides and which you can read by clicking on the links.
ENGLAND: How to visit Liverpool from London, visit best beaches near Liverpool and find out the best things to do in Liverpool, must sees in Manchester, make the most of your time in Brighton. Visit the Roman city of Chester or head to the stunning Lake District.
SCOTLAND: Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh
WALES: Llangollen
Read all of my articles about England in the United Kingdom Travel Guide.
LONDON ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to London? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans in the Kingdom.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to London using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for London and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from Stanstead Airport, Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in London on Booking.com
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in London on Viator or Get Your Guide.
LONDON GUIDEBOOK : Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet Guidebook for London for a good read and to help you plan your trip.
VIDEOS FROM LONDON
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