London July Outfits

A vacation to London during July is a fantastic time to visit this bustling capital as the weather heats up and temperatures soar. July is the hottest month of the year in the UK, with 16 hours of daylight and temperatures sometimes reaching 30°C (86°F).

💡 Visiting earlier or later? Read our

• Outfit Guide for London in June
• Outfit Guide for London August

This article includes

• July Weather and Outfits Overview
• Essential Clothing Items
• Detailed Outfit and Packing Guide
• Dress Codes in London
• 5 Must-Do Activities in July

The summer season is in full swing during July in London with plenty of exciting outdoor activities taking place across the city.

The summer season is in full swing during July in London with plenty of exciting outdoor activities taking place across the city.

SHOP NOW: Trendy Summer Outfits for London on Amazon

July is a great time to visit London to enjoy the summer buzz and the hot summer temperatures.

💡 The weather can get very hot, so it’s important to wear the right clothes to stay cool, especially on public transport. Scroll down for your complete outfit and packing guide!

In this informative guide, we will share with you what to expect from the weather in London during July, with tips on what to wear to enjoy the summer heat.

Must-Do in July | London Eye Fast Track Tickets

London Eye’s capsules are air-conditioned but keep in mind that these are glass pods that can still get warm inside on very hot days in July. So, please dress accordingly. More outfit tips later! 💡

Tip: Do yourself a favor and get fast-track tickets as the waiting time in the queue can be up to 45 minutes or sometimes even longer! (the tickets purchased via the widget above are also fast-track ones!)

July Overview

Average high temperatures:

• Early July: 18°C (64°F)
• Mid-July: 19°C (66°F)
• Late July: 20°C (68°F)

During July the temperatures increase, and London becomes very hot. July is the hottest month of the year in the UK, with 16 hours of sunny daylight, soaring temperatures, and plenty of blue skies.

💡 Come prepared for the hot summer holiday heat with sunhats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Clothing should be light with breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton to endure the sweltering temperatures you will face on the London Underground.

For London, July weather is hot and humid, and comfort is key while navigating the city. Make sure you pack breathable and comfortable clothing and footwear, flat sandals are a great option, and plenty of breezy clothing items.

Although the weather can get steamy, London is a great city to visit during July as a happy summer atmosphere descends on the city. Festivals in parks take place across London, ice cream vans are found on every corner and the city is full of life as tourists and locals enjoy the city together.

Essential Clothing Items for July

Jackets

Temperatures in London can reach above 25°C (77°F) in July, with cooler temperatures in the evening only dropping to 18°C (64°F). Light rain showers can be expected during the summer months

However, the rain showers during this month are usually short-lived here.

A light jacket, such as a blazer or a denim jacket, may be needed during the mornings and evenings in early July. It depends on the temperature fluctuation and your personal preference.

I usually suggest packing one light jacket!

Umbrella?

Do you need an umbrella in July? London isn’t too rainy during this month, and you should be able to miss the short-lived showers by quickly entering a shop, for example.

Depending on the weather forecast, I have a compact umbrella in my bag when in the city.

Shoes

Summer in London can get hot and humid, yet you still want to be comfortable walking around the city. Consider bringing the following footwear with you on your London trip:

Sneakers

Comfortable and versatile sneakers are a popular choice during summer in London. Choose a pair that is trendy and easy to wear. A white canvas pair will match most summer attire, or choose a bright and colorful pair of sneakers to add an interesting element to your travel outfits.

Sandals

Sandals are commonly worn throughout London and are a great option for keeping feet cool in the summer heat. Choose a pair you can easily walk around in a color that compliments your travel wear.

Smart Shoes

If you are planning to go out in the evening, ensure to bring a smart pair of shoes. A smart leather shoe or a dress sneaker is perfect for men dressing up to go out. At the same time, women could wear heeled shoes, smart sandals or a smart flat to head out into London during the evening.

Pants/Jeans

I always recommend bringing a pair of jeans for your July visit. Opt for the wide-leg option or slim-fit jeans with lightweight denim in a lighter wash.

We suggest also packing some chinos, linen trousers, or cotton pants.

Dresses

For women, a light summer dress is an essential item to pack for a trip to London during summer. Dresses offer a versatile outfit option as you can bring multiple options for day and night.

For a casual daytime, look pair a colorful dress with trainers, and then for the evening switch up your look with a sophisticated dress with a dressy sandal or pair of heels.

Short-Sleeved T-Shirts

Ensure that you pack plenty of short-sleeved T-shirts for a trip to London in the summer months. T-shirts make a casual outfit paired with jeans or shorts for a relaxed daytime look, keeping you cool while exploring London.

Shirts

A shirt is a versatile travel item for summer in London. Choose shirts in cotton or linen fabrics to keep you cool. Short-sleeved shirts are perfect for a relaxed daytime look, whereas a tailored long-sleeved shirt will be ideal for a night out in summer without a jacket.

*Certain venues such as the Ritz require a specific dress code, which includes a suit jacket. If you plan to visit a fine dining restaurant you may want to wear a smart outfit to ensure entry. Check dress code requirements when you are packing for your trip.

Shorts

When temperatures soar in London, many people opt to wear shorts to keep them cool.

Shorts are great for men and women and are a great relaxed daytime look for walking around London and taking a trip on the London Eye.

Light Coverups

A coverup such as a cardigan, or a light sweater is a good item to pack for cooler mornings and late evenings. [If you opted for the light jacket we mentioned above, a light sweater or similar clothing might not be necessary]

A light cover-up will also help you to avoid sunburn during the day if the sun is intense so choose an item that you can easily carry in a bag to put on when needed.

Sunwear

Temperatures in London can reach well above 25°C (77°F) during July so ensure you are prepared by packing

• sunhat
• sunglasses
• sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt
• water bottle to stay hydrated.

Detailed Outfit Guide for July

Average high temperature:

• Early July: 18°C (64°F)
• Mid-July: 19°C (66°F)
• Late July: 20°C (68°F)

Temperature progression on a typical day:

• Morning: 15°C (59°F)
• Afternoon: 21°C (69°F)
• Evening: 18°C (64°F)

The temperatures in London during July begin to get hotter with July being the hottest month of the year in the city.

Temperatures rise above 20°C with heatwaves experienced in previous years and temperatures soaring above 30°C. On the whole, the weather is very warm and it’s a lovely time to be in the city.

Blue skies can be expected and light breezes waft across the city. On the hottest days, it can feel very humid so many people cool down by heading to local parks, especially those with water features where children can play.#

During a heatwave in London, people wear clothes that make them feel comfortable. Women can be seen in either long breezy dresses, in cotton or linen fabrics or shorts and t-shirts, whereas men commonly wear shorts and t-shirts when the weather is the hottest in the city.

Sneakers or sandals that are comfortable are a practical choice enduring summer in London. Choose a pair that matches your outfits, which you can easily walk in.

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You don’t have to worry about dress codes too much in London if you are dining out during the day. Casual restaurants, galleries and museums are happy to welcome guests wearing sneakers and sandals with only fine dining venues expecting a specific dress code.

💡 It is worth noting that not every building has air conditioning in London and only a few underground lines have air conditioning. It is advisable to wear breathable clothing in light fabrics and to always carry a bottle of water with you when exploring the city.

Many Londoners also carry an electric mini-fan to help keep them cool when using public transport.

Rain/Storms: With the hot weather the air pressure increases in the city which can then lead to thunderstorms. Thankfully they are only occasional and are short-lived with the warm weather drying up the city soon after.

Packing list:

• Sunglasses
• Baseball cap or other sunhat
• Short sleeve T-shirts
• Linen or cotton shirts
• Light cardigan
• Light jacket
• Jeans
• Shorts
• Sneakers
• Sandals
• Smart shoes/ heels for evening wear
• Dresses for day and night
• Small umbrella
• Backpack
• Crossbody bag
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen

Dress Codes in London

In London, you won’t find many places with a tight dress code. Even in places of worship, the dress rules aren’t as tight as in other parts of Europe. But it’s still a good idea to dress modestly in these spots to show respect.

Eating Out

The main spots where dress codes matter in London are at high-end and Michelin Starred restaurants. Many of these spots ask for smart casual wear. So, it’s smart to look at our dinner wear guide for London, and also check the dress code of the restaurant you’re going to.

Afternoon and High Teas

• When it comes to afternoon teas or high teas in London, dress codes do exist.
• Always check our guide on what to wear to afternoon tea in London for specific dress rules and great outfit ideas for any season.

Theatre Attire

A lot of folks wonder about what to wear to a theatre in London. While dressing up is common, it’s not a must. You’ll see people in both dressy and casual clothes at the theatre. So, you can relax about your outfit when planning a theatre night.

Extra Tips and Examples

Smart Casual Explained

• For Men: Think of button-up shirts, smart trousers, or dark jeans with a blazer.
• For Women: A nice blouse with trousers or a chic dress can be perfect.

Where to Research

• Restaurants: Their websites or social media pages often post dress code information.
• Cultural Spots: For museums, galleries, and churches, casual wear is usually fine, but avoid anything too revealing out of respect.

Conclusion

In London, the dress code scene is quite relaxed compared to other cities. However, it’s always best to do a bit of research before you go somewhere new, especially for fancy dinners or special events like afternoon tea.

Dressing modestly in religious or formal settings is also a sign of respect. Remember, London is a diverse and vibrant city, so feeling comfortable and confident in what you wear is key.

5 Amazing Things to Do in July

Please try to do at least one of the following activities in July. Number 5 is our absolute favorite.

1. River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly

• Location: Westminster Pier, London
• Price: £32 per person
• Personal Rating: 5/5

Sipping on bubbly, enjoying delicious canapés, and being serenaded by a live musician while gliding along the River Thames was magical. Seeing London’s landmarks beautifully illuminated in the evening made the experience even more special.

Why June? Not too busy and already pleasant in terms of temperature.

Helpful Tip: As it can get chilly on the river, it’s a good idea to bring along a light jacket or wrap, even in the summer.

2. Have Dinner in the Clouds at Duck and Waffle

• Location: 110 Bishopsgate 40th Floor, Heron Tower, London
• Price Range: $$
• Personal Rating: 5/5

Once we found the building, we whizzed up to the 40th Floor in a glass lift, which isn’t for the faint-hearted. The food was amazing and the entire restaurant had a chilled and relaxed feel. Of course, the views over London were spectacular which made the meal even more enjoyable.

The views across London are the most romantic at sunset.

Helpful Tip: Booking for the restaurant opens exactly two months ahead of time. So you have to be organized to get a table.

3. Take a romantic aerial walk above the famous O2 Building

• Location: The O2, North Greenwich, London
• Price Range: $
• Personal Rating: 4/5

Why Is It Great for Couples?

It was so much fun walking over the roof of the O2. Our guide was so lovely and told us so much about the London skyline, made us feel safe, and even took a few photos for us. It was an amazing experience to do as a couple.

This is a great summertime activity in June, and depending on what you want to see, you can choose a daytime or a twilight walk.

Helpful Tip: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You will be wearing a harness so ladies should avoid wearing a dress. Even if the weather is warm, take a light jacket as the rooftop can get chilly.

4. Stroll Through the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

• Location: Richmond, London
• Price: £17.50 per adult
• Personal Rating: 4.5/5

The diversity of the gardens was astounding, from the Palm House filled with exotic rainforest plants to the Japanese Garden which was tranquil and serene. It was the perfect place for a peaceful day out.

June is awesome as the gardens are in full bloom.

Helpful Tip: Don’t forget to check out the Treetop Walkway for a unique perspective of the gardens from 18 meters high.

5. Visit the Borough Market

• Location: Southwark, London
• Price: Free
• Personal Rating: 4.5/5

The bustling atmosphere and the wide variety of delicious food and drink on offer made for a fun day out.

June is perfect because of the pleasant temps.

Tip: The market is less crowded in the morning on weekdays.