Visiting London during December is a special time, as Christmas decorations adorn the city spreading festive joy. December is also the beginning of winter in the UK, so cold weather, rain, and sometimes snow can be expected.
As a seasoned Londoner, I will guide you through what to expect from the weather in London during December, including what to pack for a London trip.
Helpful Links:
🎟️ Best Things to Do in London | Tickets
🎡 London Eye Entry Ticket | Must-Do
All of these links open in a new tab. They are incredibly useful for your London trip in December.
I am a local, and with my advice on what to wear in London, you will be well-prepared for your winter city break.
💡 Please note that this London outfit guide is huge and covers everything in detail. Make sure to check out every section, including my personal experiences at the end:
- December Weather Overview
- Essential Clothing Items
- Outfit and Packing Guide
- Outfits From Early to Late December
- Personal Experiences and Tips
Jacket Quick Tip | Essential!
- Thermal insulation design: Made of 50D matte long-fiber glossy fabric, paired with a fluffy large fur collar and a...
- Stay warm and stylish this winter with our TDYPCI down jacket. This cozy puffer jacket is perfect for women...
- Warm Winter Coat:Stay warm and stylish this winter season with our women's warm winter puffer coat.Designed to...
A warm winter coat is essential in December. More jacket advice and other outfit tips later!
Weather Overview
December marks the start of winter, and the weather will drop slightly compared to the previous month. However, if you’re hoping for a white Christmas, thick snow doesn’t usually fall until January.
December is cold, with temperatures dropping to under 10°C (50°F). There will be frosty, rainy days and also dry periods. As the month progresses, the weather will get progressively colder as it approaches Christmas and New Year. On average, December has 10 rainy days. Snow is typically light.
Despite this, there is something comforting and exciting about wrapping up in jumpers, coats, scarves, and gloves and walking around the Christmas markets of London with a hot cup of cocoa with your friends and family.
The average high temperatures during December usually reach 9°C (48°F) and lows of around 5°C (41°F). There can be variations in the average high temperatures, however, depending on the time of the month you go:
- Early December: 10°C (50°F)
- Mid-December: 9°C (48°F)
- Late December: 6°C (43°F)
Rain
The chance of rain gradually increases throughout the month, from 30% at the start of December to 32% towards the end. It is likely that at some point during your trip, you will experience some rainfall, so it is recommended that you take waterproofs and plan for some indoor activities if you don’t like being outdoors in the rain.
Colder Times
In December, you will need to be wrapped up for most of the day, especially in the mornings. They can get frosty, and temperatures can get very low. Wearing hats and scarves in the morning will be needed with a thick coat, and then in the afternoon, you may be able to take off the accessories.
Typical daily temperature progression during a day in mid-December:
- Early Morning: 5°C (41°F)
- Morning: 9°C (48°F)
- Afternoon: 10°C (50°F)
- Evening: 6°C (43°F)
Tip: If you get cold easily, walking around this busy city and going underground to use the trains will raise your body temperature.
Chances of Snow
Snow can fall during December however it is usually only light snow for a couple of days, and it doesn’t usually stick. The last big snowfall recorded in London during December was in 1999.
December weather visitor reports:
- “Shorter days and cold, wet weather. But if you’re planning to visit near Christmas, the stores will be dressed for Christmas, and there are many lights and Christmas trees.”\
- “In December, it might be cold, or it might be unseasonably warm. Wear layers and if you feel cold, spend most of your time in museums and other indoor places.”
Packing and Outfit Tips | Overview
December in London can be chilly so pack lots of warm layers that are easy to adjust. It might be cold outside but public transport can get very warm, especially during rush hour. If you get cold easily, pack thermals and layer up with a T-shirt, jumper, coat, and scarf.
Although the temperatures in December dip, it is still not freezing, and you will feel warm dressed in your winter layers so you may feel warmer throughout the day. This is the ideal time to walk around the Christmas markets, absorbing all the aromas and browsing the stalls. Often, it is not extremely cold, so you will be able to relax and spend enough time outside.
If you get warm throughout the day, wear a long-sleeve t-shirt, coat, and a hat so you can take off the jacket.
💡 It is important to bring enough layers or thermals to keep you warm throughout your visit in December.
A raincoat might also be another idea, along with a woolly hat and a scarf. It can be fairly mild but also damp.
Visitor opinion: Layers are the way to go. You should be warm and toasty with a base layer of a cotton long-sleeve top, then a thicker wool jumper. For walking outdoors, add a windproof and waterproof long jacket.
Styles: Typical outfits you will see Londoners wearing during December are jeans, boots, and jumpers. You can make it more stylish by choosing a colourful winter coat or wearing boots with interesting features. The main priority for dressing for London’s December weather is comfort and warmth, however, you can add your own flair with printed scarves or stylish headwear such as berets or chunky knitted hats.
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Even though it is winter, many Londoners make the most of the festive period and enjoy dressing up to go out in the evenings. Sequins, sparkle, velvet, and festive colours such as red, green, burgundy, and interesting prints are all welcomed in London.
It is the perfect place to express your unique style. However, just make sure to bring warm tights or layer up with thermals under those festive outfits.
Bag Tip
For going out, bring a purse or small bag. For longer city explorations during the day, we always use a larger bag for water, wallet, phone, and hand sanitizer. Tip: London is one of the world’s hot spots where tourists are getting pickpocketed! That’s why we highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our two tips above!).
Packing list
- T-shirts/ long-sleeve tops
- Sweaters/jumpers
- Long-sleeve Shirts
- Thick coat
- Rainproof jacket
- Jeans/trousers
- Socks
- Trainers/walking boots
- Long-sleeve dresses
- Umbrella
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf
- Thermals
- Hand sanitiser
- Antibacterial wipes
- Tissues
- UK travel adapter (3 pin plug)
Essential Clothing Items
Warm Coat
- Thermal insulation design: Made of 50D matte long-fiber glossy fabric, paired with a fluffy large fur collar and a...
- Stay warm and stylish this winter with our TDYPCI down jacket. This cozy puffer jacket is perfect for women...
With average temperatures in London expected to be 9°C (48°F) in December, a warm coat is essential. December can be wet with rain showers common in the capital, so choose a waterproof coat, potentially with a hood to protect from the rain and the wind.
Long black puffer coats with hoods are popular in London in winter. Puffer coats are warm and a longer-length style will shield you from wet weather, whereas a shorter style is ideal for hopping on and off public transport.
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As the temperatures are not freezing in December, you can wear a warm long-sleeved T-shirt or light jumper and still be warm with a puffer coat over the top.
Another stylish coat option to wear in London during winter is a wool coat. Wool coats are warm yet stylish, ideal for early winter. Wool pea coats or wool trench coats are stylish options for the city which keep you warm and toasty during a December trip in London.
Jeans
- Womens Winter Jeans Thermal Pants Warm Cloth Wear : Thick Velvet Lining Makes This Jeggings Cozy Thermal in Chilly...
- WARM AND COMFY FLEECE LINED: KDF Fleece lined jeans are made of high-quality denim fabric and ultra-soft fleece...
Jeans are a London essential and offer multiple outfit variations. If you are looking for a smart casual appearance during your trip to London a dark straight leg jean is ideal for December.
You don’t need to worry too much about the dress code when exploring London as jeans are accepted at restaurants, museums, theatres and many attractions. The exception would be nightclubs or high-end establishments such as The Ritz which do not permit entry wearing jeans.
Trousers
- Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex, Not thin see through material, High quality fabric, soft, breathable and...
- Designed for daily casual or dressy work
Trousers of every style can be found in London and offer a smarter, more chic look over jeans. Smart tailored trousers in dark colours are perfect for a more formal environment such as a night at the theatre or dinner under the Christmas lights.
Paired with boots for men and a heel for women, a smart pair of straight-leg trousers are ideal for keeping warm on a night out in London.
Leggings
- FLEECE LINING INTERIOR - With Buttery Soft Fleece Interior, Our Heat-Tech Warm Leggings for Winter Will Fit You...
- 【Fleece Lining Interior】With a super soft thermal thick fleece interior, GAYHAY women’s Leggings for cold...
Leggings are a popular choice for women during the winter months, worn in dark hues without logos or graphics to maintain a chic yet casual look.
Women (and children) often wear black leggings with large jumpers and long coats for a warm yet comfortable style. Leather effect or coated leggings are also popular during winter in London.
Sportswear
- Unparalleled Comfort: Elevate your loungewear game with BottomLine’s womens sweatpants. Crafted with your...
- Thermal But Not Bulky: CAMPSNAIL sherpa lined joggers feature a thick fleece interior to trap heat, feel like...
The vibe in London is relaxed, however, Londoners make an effort to look put together, especially in winter.
Sportswear such as baggy sweatpants or clothes with lots of sports logos is not often seen in the city. Instead, keep the sportswear for relaxing back at your hotel and wear jeans or trousers for exploring London.
Sneakers
- Cloud-Like Comfort: Weighing just 11.26 oz per shoe, OUTJET women's hiking shoes feel like walking on clouds...
- Waterproof Protection:Made with waterproof materials, these shoes help keep your feet dry during rainy days or...
Sneakers are a popular day-to-day footwear choice in London. However, as winter creeps in, so does the wet weather.
💡 If you plan to wear trainers, you will need to find a water-resistant pair with a thick sole to survive the many puddles that appear in December. See our tips above.
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Smart dress sneakers are an ideal footwear choice in London as they will be suitable to wear during the day to walk around in and to wear out in the evening.
💡Many places in London are very casual on dress code with casual footwear and jeans accepted in most restaurants and theatres. However, in certain settings, a more formal dress code is the norm. Nightclubs, bars and high-end restaurants will often deny entry if you are wearing trainers, jeans or sportswear.
Check the dress code before travelling to ensure you have the right attire for the occasion or venue.
Boots
- 【Anti-slip & Water-resistant】Womens combat boots are made of superior anti-slip outsole, the pattern design of...
- Material: Fashion suede upper and waterproof leather upper, these 2 different materials to meet your various needs...
Throughout winter you will mostly see Londoners wearing boots. A good pair of dark boots that are water-resistant will be ideal for day and night. Ensure that your main footwear choice is comfortable and warm as you will likely do plenty of walking.
For daywear, it is common to see walking boot style shoes as London is such a walkable city. Dr Martens is also a popular boot style in the city. However, you will need to bring a smart pair of shoes if you plan to go out in the evening.
For evening wear, women can wear smart boots with a heel to restaurants, theatres and nightclubs, whereas men can wear a smarter boot style like a brogue boot or Chelsea boot.
Shirts
- Soft Fabric: Crafted from a lightweight chiffon material, this dressy casual blouse feels breathable and flowy...
- Premium Comfort: Crafted from high-elasticity quality material, this long sleeve sweater top offers exceptional...
Londoners have a very modern yet relaxed way of dressing. Formal shirts are usually worn in the financial district of London or to go out during the evening to somewhere smart like the theatre or a restaurant.
However, casual flannel or brushed cotton shirts are great options for men to keep warm. A cosy button-up shirt can be worn over a T-shirt and under a jacket for a more put-together appearance.
Sweaters
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As a Londoner, I love winter as the cooler temperatures mean it’s officially sweater weather. Sweaters, or jumpers as the British call them, are an essential winter clothing item. It can be chilly in the capital during December and layering up with comfy sweaters is the ideal way to stay warm.
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Oversized knit sweaters, thick cardigans or hoodies look great layers under jackets, paired with either jeans or leggings. Sweaters are also the perfect way to inject a sense of personality into your winter wardrobe.
Bright colours, prints and cosy fabrics will add individuality to your outfit, brightening up the winter gloom. Or you can keep things classic with neutral tones for a sophisticated look that will lead you effortlessly into the evening while keeping you toasty.
T-shirts
- Soft & Lightweight Fabric – GAYHAY long sleeve shirts for women are made from cloud-soft fabric that’s lighter...
- All-Day Comfort for Every Chapter of Your Day:Crafted from a soft, stretchy blend of 82% Polyester, 12% Rayon, and...
When packing for a trip T-shirts will always be an essential item in your travel wardrobe. Packing a selection of T-shirts to create a warm base for your London winter outfits will ensure you are prepared for anything the British weather throws at you.
Pack both short-sleeved and long-sleeved T-shirts so you can adjust how warm you want to be depending on the weather that day. A high-neck T-shirt will help you stay warm without needing a scarf whereas a thermal T-shirt will keep you warm if you plan to be outside all day sightseeing.
Dresses and Skirts
- Size Guide: US SIZE, Small=(US 4-6), Medium=(US 8-10), Large=(US 12-14), X-Large=(US 16-18), XX-Large=US 20. This...
- Size: US SIZE, Small=(US 4-6), Medium=(US 8-10), Large=(US 12-14), X-Large=(US 16-18). The women's mini sweater...
If you love wearing dresses and skirts then don’t worry, you can still wear them in London during winter. For a winter trip to London, choose dresses and skirts in thick warm materials, with longer lengths.
As long as you are warm you can wear dresses and skirts of any length during winter in London and shorter styles can be worn with thick tights to stay warm. Wearing a long-sleeved dress paired with flat leather boots and warm tights creates a modern yet stylish outfit that can be layered under cardigans and long coats.
A well-fitted dress paired with tights and heels is also a sophisticated choice for an evening out and many Londoners will sacrifice feeling a little colder in the evening to look good. However, a smart long wool coat will also look just as smart over a dress and will keep you warm.
💡Many restaurants and venues have cloakrooms for coats and umbrellas so you can wrap up warm and still look great when you reach your destination.
Umbrella
No products found.
During December the chance of rain increases to 30% per day. Therefore a good quality umbrella is an essential travel item for a trip to London. To make things easier choose a small, yet sturdy design that you can easily carry in your bag or ready for any sudden rain showers.
Cold Weather Accessories
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With rain and the rare chance of snow during December, it is wise to bring cold-weather accessories to keep you warm during your London trip.
- Scarves. A warm wool scarf will keep you warm and add a stylish touch to your winter outfits. Choose a colour to either complement or contrast with your winter coat.
- Hats. Londoners love a hat during winter. Knitted pom pom hats, or flat caps for men are a popular choice in the city. Plain beanies are the most versatile options for men, women and children and often people match the colour of their hat to their scarf.
- Gloves. As the frosty weather begins in December it is a good idea to have a pair of gloves with you. This is especially the case if you plan to do any outdoor activities such as ice skating, sightseeing or walking.
Nightwear
Don’t forget to pack your pyjamas and some cosy socks to stay warm at night in your hotel. London hotel rooms usually all have central heating which will be on during December, however, it can still get cold at night so come prepared with some cosy nightwear options.
Outfits From Early to Late December
A trip to London during December can be magical as the city transforms with Christmas lights and plenty of outdoor festive fun. Pack plenty of warm clothes, shoes and accessories to ensure you get the most out of your trip to London.
However just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style. This detailed outfit guide will tell you everything you need to pack for a fun-filled vacation to London in December.
Early to Mid-December
During early to mid-December the weather is cold but it has yet to get frosty. Average temperatures are around 10°C (50°F) and rain showers are expected in December, so rain-proof clothing, shoes and umbrellas are necessities.
For women, a stylish outfit option for early December starts with a comfortable pair of leggings or fitted jeans. Leather-effect leggings also look great and provide comfort and warmth. Add to this outfit a cozy jumper, a warm jacket, flat leather boots, and a cashmere wool hat, and you will be ready for the early-December weather.
For a stylish look, you can coordinate your outfit tones to complement each other. Wearing one colour in different hues or a combination of similar neutral-toned colours will look very put together even if your clothing is casual.
Alternatively, you could wear bold, bright colors together for a unique yet cozy outfit. This could include jewel tones, bold patterns, or a brightly colored hat or bag.
For men, a well-fitting pair of dark jeans will form the base of your outfit. Add to this a cosy Aran-style sweater and flat lace-up waterproof boots.
- Fabric: Made of polyester and wool, soft and comfortable, it can keep you warm all days
- Please check the "Size Chart" Carefully before ordering. Our size chart consists of two parts: the Body size chart...
Depending on your style you could wear a wool coat for a sophisticated and smart appearance or a short puffa jacket for a more casual modern style. A knitted wool hat will keep you warm outside if you plan to do lots of walking and a chic backpack will ensure you have an umbrella close to hand.
Mid to Late December
Mid to late December sees the weather get colder with frosty mornings and sometimes a light drift of snow now and then. You can continue to wear similar outfits from early December with the adjustment of wearing a warmer coat.
Mid to late December is when you will need thicker layers to ensure your base layers, such as T-shirts, tights, and trousers, are warm and suitable for cold weather.
Essential: Scarf
- Winter Scarf: Adopting a brushing process by hands and more densely knitted, anti-pilling, durable and deformable...
- Crafted from a premium viscose blend, this shawl scarf boasts a buttery-soft texture and medium-weight construction...
Bring insulated gloves, warm scarves, and cozy hats as the winter winds pick up in late December, and you will feel the chill when you are outside.
Rain showers are expected throughout December, so ensure you have an umbrella and a water-resistant coat. Puffer jackets are more suitable for late December as they provide warmth and insulation.
Children can wear similar styles to adults with leggings or jeans as a base and warm jumpers or fleeces layered over T-shirts. Waterproof, warm boots that can withstand puddle splashes are essential for children. Children also feel the cold more than adults so make sure they have plenty of warm layers on and bring gloves and a hat, even in early December.
💡Although the weather outside will be cold in London during December, the tube can be very warm. Many people use the London Underground system to navigate London which makes it warm. Be prepared to take off a layer when the tube is busy and carry a bag to hold hats, scarves and gloves while you are underground.
Personal Experiences and Tips
As a Londoner, December is an exciting time with ice rinks and Christmas markets popping up across the city. It’s a great time to see the capital and there is an exciting merry vibe to London.
One of my favourite activities in London during December is seeing the Christmas lights and the elaborate Christmas window displays at Fortnum and Mason, and Selfridges.
During early December I wear thick jumpers or hooded sweaters with a light waterproof jacket. The weather can be mild in early December so I don’t get the thick coats out until the temperatures drop. I use the London Underground to get around, and it can be very warm if you are wearing too many thick layers.
To ensure I am ready for wet weather I wear flat leather boots all winter long. During the day I either wear Dr Marten lace-up leather boots or Sorel sneaker boots which are both comfortable water-proof options. However, to go out in the evening for a special occasion I wear smarter leather boots with a small heel.
When the weather starts to get cooler in December I wear a thick puffer jacket during the day with jeans or leggings. Puffer jackets are great as they are windproof, warm and resist the rain. If I am going somewhere smart and it’s very cold I wrap up in a stylish long camel coat with a cosy scarf, cashmere woolly hat and insulated gloves for added warmth, and of course I always carry an umbrella.