Arriving in London at the beginning of fall is a great time to explore this vibrant city. The weather is cooler than in summer, yet still warm, making it ideal for exploring the many wonderful sights and landmarks of London.
As a Londoner, being prepared for the changeable British weather is crucial, especially during the fall months as temperatures get cooler. In early September, the weather can be warm and almost summer-like with plenty of daylight hours.
However, by the time you move into October, daily temperatures will have cooled down considerably, and by November, you will be ready to wrap up warm.
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Layering is key to staying comfortable in London during the fall months. With microclimates and windy spells blowing through the city, you can easily find yourself warm one moment and cold the next. Essential layering tips later!
Do we walk everywhere? As a fellow Londoner I can confirm that walking is usually quicker than getting the underground or a bus, so bringing a comfortable pair of shoes with you is a necessity. More about that later.
In this article, we will give you the best outfit advice for visiting London in the fall months. From what to expect from the weather to what to pack to wear during September, October, and November in London.
With helpful tips about what is stylish in London and how to navigate the tricky British weather, we will tell you everything you need to enjoy a wonderful trip during the fall in the exciting city of London.
💡 Tip: Find our detailed monthly clothing tips at the end of the article.
Monthly Overviews
Fall in London is a beautiful time to see the city. The leaves on the trees are turning gold and it is the beginning of the cozy season. London has a happy buzz as the summer crowds die down and Londoners return to the city following their August vacations.
September temps (average highs):
- Early September: 21°C (70°F)
- Mid-September: 19°C (66°F)
- Late September: 17°C (63°F)
October temps (average highs):
- Early October: 17°C (63°F)
- Mid-October: 15°C (59°F)
- Late October: 13°C (55°F)
November temps (average highs):
- Early November: 13°C (55°F)
- Mid-November: 12°C (54°F)
- Late November: 10°C (50°F)
In early fall, you can enjoy the last of the summer temperatures with warm sunny days, making it perfect weather to sightsee. October brings rainy days, which are ideal for exploring historic museums and November’s chilly days bring a craving for hearty roast dinners in cheery pubs.
September is a changeable month, with warm summer-like weather during the first two weeks, and cooler days towards the end of the month. Pack light layers and be prepared for both sun and spots of rain during this month.
October is true fall weather with falling leaves and cool breezes. It can still be warm but it is best to wear light knitwear or cardigans with a light jacket. The sun still makes its appearance but the temperatures are cool so dress in jeans with comfortable waterproof shoes. October can be very changeable so make sure to bring a waterproof jacket and be prepared for puddles.
November is the coldest of the fall months and also the wettest. It is not cold enough for snow. However, the temperatures are considerably colder than in September and October, so bring a warm coat.
Headwear such as knitted hats and light scarves are also great essentials however it can get warm on public transport. A good umbrella or coat with a hood is essential if you plan to explore London in November.
Autumn Basic Packing List
To ensure that you are well-prepared for a trip to London during fall, use the packing list below a guide and don’t forget to check Amazon for the best clothing deals:
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- Light layers such as short sleeve t-shirts
- Light knitwear or cardigans (September and October)
- Thick knitwear or cardigans (November)
- Jeans or dark leggings
- Mid-length to long dresses with tights
- Waterproof jacket
- Denim or Leather jacket (September and October)
- Warm padded coat (November)
- Comfortable leather boots
- Boot socks
- Trendy sneakers
- Across body bag
- Backpack
- Sturdy umbrella
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light knitted hat (November)
Essential Clothing Items
These items are essential for looking stylish and feeling comfortable while visiting London during fall.
Comfortable Jeans
Jeans are a staple in London as they are both classic and versatile. If you are visiting in September, consider a looser, light wash in blue or navy, which can easily be paired with t-shirts for a laid-back look or dressed up with a shirt for the evening.
In October and November, consider darker jeans in navy or black, especially if you are wearing them with black leather boots.
Dresses with Tights
If you prefer to wear dresses rather than jeans or trousers then make sure to pack plenty of tights. Dresses worn without tights in London during the fall are perfectly fine in September, however, during October and November, you will feel the chill.
Leather Jacket
A classic dark leather jacket is a stylish option for London that offers warmth during the chilly fall months. Choose a classic style that can easily be worn with jeans or a dress. If you are not a fan of real leather, vegan options look just as great, and both offer a stylish option for fall in London.
Check Fall Leather Jackets on Amazon
Leather Boots
Fall in London is notoriously wet with frequent rain showers. So, a good pair of black leather boots will keep you dry and comfortable. London is a city where it’s easier and quicker to walk from place to place so a sturdy pair of waterproof boots are essential.
Raincoat
London is a very rainy city so a raincoat in fall is another great essential. You can make this your main coat by choosing a stylish raincoat or or or pick a raincoat that can pack into your bag for those sudden downpours.
Check Fall Rain Coats on Amazon
Across-Body Bag
Bring a small bag with an across-body strap, big enough to fit your essentials. The bag should be big enough to hold your phone, wallet or purse, keys (or hotel keycard), sunglasses, and hand sanitizer.
The across-body strap will allow you to position the bag on the front of your body allowing it to be whiting vision and prevent bag snatches and pickpockets.
It is also useful to have all your essentials within easy reach so you can quickly grab your card for public transport or your camera or phone to take photos. Carry any larger items in an additional backpack – see below.
Check Across Body Bags on Amazon
Anti-Theft Bag
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:
Backpack
Bring an additional backpack to carry any snacks, umbrellas, and your water bottle. Do not carry valuables in a backpack as they can be targets for pickpockets and wear your bag on both shoulders to avoid bag snatchers. It is also good to have a backpack to carry any purchases you make as most stores charge a small fee for plastic carrier bags.
Umbrella
You will need a sturdy umbrella during Fall in London. The city is known to have sudden rain showers and it can also be quite windy. Bring a strong umbrella that is compact or can fit in your backpack to avoid being caught out in the rain.
Monthly Outfit Guides
In England, each autumn month from September to November presents its own unique sartorial demands, making it essential to dress appropriately as the season progresses.
While September might still hold onto the last whispers of summer warmth, by November, one can truly feel the crisp embrace of winter, necessitating a thoughtful wardrobe transition month by month.
Dive into deeper the detailed clothing tips for each month:
September
💡 Read our complete London September Outfit Guide here
Average High Temps
- Early September: 21°C (70°F)
- Mid-September: 19°C (66°F)
- Late September: 17°C (63°F)
We recommend that you pack different outfits for the daytime and the evening. Layer up in the morning with a T-shirt or long-sleeve top and a jacket. Towards the afternoon, you can usually lose the jacket and enjoy the warmer weather.
During September in London t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses with a light jacket will usually suffice in the daytime. In the evenings, you will need to wear trousers, sweaters, and a thicker jacket if you are going to be outdoors.
💡 The weather can sometimes be unpredictable in September, so be prepared for rain one day and sunshine the next!
Typical London attire for September would consist of a jacket, such as a denim or leather jacket, layered over a t-shirt or dress. The style in London is quite laid back and comfortable during the day.
As Londoners often walk everywhere, flat comfortable shoes are key to navigating the city. In fall, the typical style of footwear is usually a pair of classic leather boots or trendy sneakers.
Jeans are often worn around London during the day and are often dressed up for going out at night in September. However, if the weather is set to be sunny, expect Londoners to be making the most of the heat with simple dresses, and relaxed t-shirts paired with long shorts.
Packing list:
- T-shirts
- Light Sweaters/jumpers
- Shirts
- Light jacket
- Rainproof jacket
- Skirts/Shorts
- Jeans
- Socks
- Trainers
- Short-sleeve dresses
- Long-sleeve dresses
- Umbrella
- Suncream
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Hat / baseball cap
- Sunglasses
- Hand sanitiser
- Antibacterial wipes
- Tissues
- UK travel adapter (3 pin plug)
October
💡 Read our complete London October Outfit Guide here
Average High Temps:
- Early October: 17°C (63°F)
- Mid-October: 15°C (59°F)
- Late October: 13°C (55°F)
In October, you pack for layering in London. In the morning wear a t-shirt with a jumper and a light jacket, but take a raincoat or umbrella with you. In the afternoon, you can usually lose the jacket and enjoy the warmer temperature.
Throughout October in London, wearing t-shirts, trousers, and long dresses with a jacket will usually suffice in the daytime. For the evenings, you will need to pack sweaters and a thicker jacket.
Despite the chances of cooler temperatures, London can still be enjoyable if you pack for different types of weather.
In early October, on warm days, you will likely see Londoners walking around in t-shirts and jeans, likely carrying their jacket, paired with trainers or boots. Leather boots are considered stylish and versatile in London and perfect for pounding the streets, rain or shine
Even with warm days forecast by October, you will need a jacket in London. If you are traveling on the underground, bear in mind it can get very warm when it is busy so bring a jacket you can easily slip off. A jacket that is waterproof yet lightweight is a great item to bring with you.
A classic trench coat or a leather jacket are popular options for Londoners during October.
Towards the end of October Londoners will have started to transition to winter wear with darker jeans, thicker jackets, and waterproof leather boots. Invest in a good umbrella to bring with you as it can also get windy in London and flimsy umbrellas will be deemed useless in the windy rain.
💡 In recent years, October here in London isn’t as cold as it used to be. A lot of people now can wear T-shirts throughout October with a jacket. There are mild days where a long sleeve plus a jacket would be too warm.
Whether it is sunshine or rain, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to do across the city, so you can still have a fun time if you remember to take your rainproofs and sunglasses with you!
Packing list:
- T-shirts
- Sweaters/jumpers
- Shirts
- Warm jacket and light jacket
- Rainproof jacket
- Jeans/trousers
- Socks
- Trainers/walking boots
- Long-sleeve dresses
- Tights
- Umbrella
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Hat / baseball cap
- Sunglasses
- Hand sanitiser
- Antibacterial wipes
- Tissues
- UK travel adapter (3 pin plug)
November
💡 Read our complete London November Outfit Guide here
Average High Temps:
- Early November: 13°C (55°F)
- Mid-November: 12°C (54°F)
- Late November: 10°C (50°F)
As November can experience cool temperatures, rain as well as sunnier days, it is important to pack for all kinds of weather. Wearing a long-sleeve shirt, jeans, and jacket in the daytime will keep you warm, and pack a hat or scarf in your backpack in case you get colder in the evening.
During November in London, wearing t-shirts, long-sleeve tops, trousers, long dresses with tights, and a thick jacket will be ideal for most of the day. The weather will be cold and wet, so wear layers and be prepared for rainfall with an umbrella or a waterproof coat.
Our coat recommendations for the typical wet and cold days in November:
However, there can be surprising dry days where the sun will come out, but this won’t increase the temperature too much, so you still need to wear appropriate clothing.
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.
Layering in London throughout November is essential. Wear base layers, a thick jumper, and a coat. Even though it is the end of fall, it can be quite cold during the day, so a wool or padded coat will keep you warm and dry.
A knitted hat (known as a beanie in London) will keep you warm and your head protected from the wind and light showers.
Dark jeans, leggings or tights if you are wearing a dress are the usual London attire during November. If the weather is particularly rainy, you may see some Londoners in Wellington boots. However, a more practical option for visitors is waterproof leather boots that are comfortable to walk in.
💡 Visitor opinion: Layers are a good idea in November. Pack jumpers, cardigans, and waterproof jackets to wear on top of a long-sleeved top. I recommend thick socks worn with comfortable shoes because you will be doing plenty of walking in London.
Packing list:
- T-shirts/ long-sleeve tops
- Sweaters/jumpers
- Shirts
- Thick jacket
- Rainproof jacket
- Jeans/trousers
- Socks
- Trainers/walking boots
- Long-sleeve dresses
- Umbrella
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf
- Hand sanitiser
- Antibacterial wipes
- Tissues
- UK travel adapter (3 pin plug)