What to Pack For London in Winter: Stay Warm Without Losing Style 🧤

Planning a trip to London this winter? Packing for London in winter is a fine art. The weather changes every five minutes, the rain doesn’t always show up on the forecast, and somehow you’ll need to walk five miles a day and look halfway decent for afternoon tea. The good news? With the right layers and a little planning, you can stay warm, dry, and cute – all at once.

So here’s everything you need to know about what to pack for London in winter, with practical tips on staying warm, dry, and still feeling like yourself.

I’m Hazel, a London-loving travel blogger who’s made all the mistakes so you don’t have to. I’ve frozen on Tower Bridge in the wrong jacket, soaked suede boots in Soho, and sweated through thermal tights on the Tube. Let’s get your winter packing list sorted.

Start with a Proper Coat 🧥

This is what everyone will see, so make it count.

You’ll want a coat that’s warm and waterproof (or at least water-resistant). A wool coat is lovely for dry days and dinners out, but if you plan to do a lot of walking or sightseeing, go for a padded jacket with a hood or a belted trench with room for layers underneath.

Faux fur coats absolutely have a place in London winter, especially for dry, cold days when you’re walking between cafés, shops, and tube stops. They’re warm, stylish, and very at home in the city. Just keep an eye on the forecast – if rain is likely, you’ll want to switch to something water-resistant instead.

Tip: Londoners love a black coat – but camel, forest green or rust will stand out nicely in grey photos.

Shoes You Can Walk Miles In 👟👢

London is a walking city. Even if you plan to use public transport, you’ll rack up steps without trying.

You want shoes that are:

• Comfortable straight away.
• Waterproof or at least water-resistant.
• Grippy enough for wet pavements.

Ankle boots with a sturdy sole are ideal, as are stylish trainers if they’re weatherproof. Fashion boots with smooth soles tend to regretfully reveal their flaws somewhere between Soho and Covent Garden.

Look for something like waterproof ankle boots with good grip, rather than fashion boots made for dry pavements only.

If in doubt, prioritise comfort over looks. Your feet will thank you by day two.

Layers Make Life Easier 🧣

London weather loves a plot twist. Cold mornings, milder afternoons, then damp evenings once the sun disappears.

The trick is flexible layering:

• Long-sleeve tops.
• Light knitwear.
• A thin thermal base layer for colder days.

Layers mean you can adapt as you move between chilly streets, heated cafés, museums, and tube platforms that feel oddly tropical by comparison.

Scarves: Practical and Stylish 🧣

Scarves do a lot of heavy lifting in London winter outfits. They add warmth without bulk and instantly make an outfit feel intentional.

A medium-to-large scarf works best – something like this that can be wrapped once or twice, tucked into your coat, or loosened indoors without overheating.

It’s one of the easiest ways to stay warm while still feeling put-together.

Hats: Optional, But Handy 🧢

Unlike Edinburgh, hats in London are more situational than essential. You might not need one every day, but you’ll be glad of it on colder mornings, windy bridges, or late-night walks home.

A simple merino beanie or wool hat that fits comfortably under your hood is perfect. Nothing too tight, nothing purely decorative.

Gloves You Can Use Your Phone With 🧤

Cold hands and Google Maps don’t mix well.

Touchscreen gloves are useful in London winter, especially if you’re:

• Navigating on your phone.
• Taking photos.
• Hopping on and off buses.

Mittens look cosy but quickly become annoying if you’re constantly pulling them off.

A Crossbody Bag You Can Wear All Day 🎒

When you’re bundled up in layers, you want a bag that’s easy to manage.

A small crossbody bag:

• Keeps your hands free.
• Sits comfortably over coats.
• Is easy to access on public transport.

Zipped closures are practical for busy areas, and a lightweight foldaway tote is handy for shopping, markets, or unexpected finds.

Don’t Forget the Rain Layer ☔

London rain isn’t dramatic, but it is persistent.

If your coat isn’t waterproof, bring:

• A compact umbrella.
• Or a lightweight rain layer you can throw on.

A hood often wins over an umbrella on crowded pavements, where umbrellas tend to poke strangers in the eye.