Arriving in London during Fall is a great time to see the city. The hot temperatures of summer have cooled to a comfortable level and there is a fresh feel to the air.
Visiting earlier or later?
October is a great time to visit London. There are fewer crowds and mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the many excellent things to see and do in the city. Walking through London’s streets during Fall is a delight as the leaves change color and the city transitions to the cozy season.
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💡 If you are wondering what to pack for a trip to London in the Fall, this helpful outfit and packing guide written by a Londoner will explain everything you need to know before you go.
This article covers:
- October Quick Facts
- October Weather Overview
- Essential Clothing Items
- Outfit and Packing Guide
- Personal Experiences and Tips 💡
- Is October a Good Month to Visit London?
With advice on how to prepare for London’s changeable weather, you will be ready to jump into exploring London’s fantastic sights from the moment you land.
🎟️ Best Activities in London:
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October Quick Facts
- Attractions/Shows: All attractions are open throughout October, and you will find there are lots of Halloween-themed shows and experiences available.
- Accommodation: The first few weeks of October will be cheaper than the last week due to the school holidays.
- Clothing/Outfits: Temperatures in October are generally mild, so t-shirts, trousers, sweaters, and long dresses will be ideal, but do prepare for potential rainfall with a rainproof jacket or umbrella. 💡 Read more after the weather overview.
Weather
The weather throughout October can be very mixed. There will be days of rainfall; however, the temperatures will still be in the double digits, and there can be dry, crisp and sunny days.
In London, days are mild in October and can feel colder in the evenings. The weather is mostly cool, with highs of around 13°C (55°F) and potential lows of 8°C (46°F), but the temperature rarely falls below 10°C (50°F).
The average high temperature can also vary depending on the time of the month you go. The start of October is usually slightly warmer than the end of the month:
- Early October: 17°C (63°F)
- Mid-October: 15°C (59°F)
- Late October: 13°C (55°F)
Rain
If you are visiting London in October, it is likely you will see rainfall.
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The forecasts predict there is a 34% chance throughout the month of October, and typical rainfall reaches an average of 52mm, so remember to bring a waterproof jacket, a light raincoat, or an umbrella.
Colder Times
Throughout October, you will need to prepare for colder mornings and evenings as temperatures could go as low as 7°C(45°F).
Typical daily temperature progression during a day in mid-October:
- Early Morning: 9°C (48°F)
- Morning: 13°C (55°F)
- Afternoon: 16°C (61°F)
- Evening: 12°C (54°F)
Chances of Snow
The chance of experiencing snowfall during October in London is very low. There was unexpected snow in 2008 during October. However, this was the first October snowfall since 1934.
October weather visitor reports:
- “While it can rain at any time during October, it is usually only light drizzle or short showers. Longer and heavy rain is rare throughout the month.”
- “You could have sunshine for your entire stay in October, or it could rain. Showery weather is more likely instead of many days of heavy rain in a row.”
- “Dress in layers and bring a rainproof jacket & shoes with you. The Autumn colors in London Parks in mid and late October are wonderful. Bring your camera!”
Packing and Outfit Tips | What to Wear
In October, we recommend that you pack clothing you can layer for a trip to London. In the morning wear a t-shirt with a sweater, cardigan or hoodie and a light jacket, but take a raincoat or umbrella with you. Towards the afternoon, you can usually lose the jacket and enjoy the warmer temperature.
Throughout October in London t-shirts, and trousers, or long dresses with a jacket will usually suffice in the daytime. During the evenings, you will need to wear sweaters and a warmer jacket.
Despite the chances of cooler temperatures, London can still be enjoyable if you pack for different types of weather.
💡 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 rain proofs 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
- Umbrella
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Hat/baseball cap
- Sunglasses
- Hand sanitiser
- Antibacterial wipes
- Tissues
- UK travel adapter (3 pin plug)
Essential Clothing Items
Jackets
- COMFORTABLE RAIN JACKET: The Columbia Women’s Switchback III Waterproof Rain Jacket is a lightweight waterproof...
- WATERPROOF& WINDPROOF RAINCOAT: This hooded rain jacket is made of super waterproof material, it's lightweight ,...
- Material: 98% Polyster, 2% Rayon
The weather in London during October can range from mild temperatures to sudden rain downpours, to combat this packing a raincoat is essential for autumn travel.
If you are traveling in early October bring a light jacket and a pack-away raincoat that fits easily into a backpack so you’re ready for any surprise rain. If you arrive in London between mid to late October bring a warmer raincoat to keep away any chilly wind and protect you from the wetter weather.
Two jackets you should bring in early October:
- A light jacket: A versatile jacket such as a lightweight bomber jacket, or a light trench coat.
- Light raincoat: A raincoat you can pack away into your backpack is ideal for early October.
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Jackets you will need for mid to late October:
- A warm raincoat: As the weather gets colder and wetter a smart raincoat with a hood will be the best jacket to bring on an October trip to London.
Shoes
- This lace up look features GUESS logo hardware on the side with the hottest fashion colors of the season mixed and...
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- Women's casual sneakers with a clean look
Sneakers, or trainers as the British refer to them, are widely popular in London and offer comfort and versatility. If you prefer wearing sneakers, bring a few options for your trip to London.
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A comfortable pair of trainers is essential if you plan on walking around London’s famous attractions during the day. Whereas smart dress sneakers will be suitable for going out in the evening.
💡 Nightclubs in London do not permit sneakers (trainers), so if you plan to go clubbing, bring smart shoes.
Boots are a versatile option to wear in London, and as the temperatures drop you will see men, women and children wearing boots in the city. A pair of dark waterproof leather-style boots are ideal for surviving any wet or cold weather and for going out during the evening.
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Smart shoes. Generally, London has a laid-back style so you will be fine wearing trainers or boots during the day. However, if you enjoy dressing up in the evening a smart pair of leather shoes or heels will look great. If you wish to go clubbing while in London men will need smart shoes, and women can wear smart flats or heels.
Trousers
- SPECIFICATIONS. Inseam: Short = 31", Medium = 33", Long = 35". Rise: 9.5". Bottom Leg Opening: 23". 5 pockets....
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- STYLE - Perfect skinny jean with high rise that sits at nautral waistline, five usable pockets and belt loops on a...
London has a laid-back attitude towards fashion, with more and more people dressing for comfort.
Jeans are an essential outfit item in London as they are versatile and easy to style. Wide-leg jeans have gained popularity; however, whatever style you are comfortable wearing will be accepted in London.
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Darker wash jeans are more acceptable for evening wear and can be paired with trainers during the day and smart boots in the evening. Many restaurants and theaters allow people to wear jeans in London, however, it’s good to check dress codes before you go.
Chinos are another great trouser option for London as they are easy to style and look smart when paired with a shirt for going out at night.
Cargo pants are also very popular in London, especially for men, and are a common daywear option that is comfortable and warm, ideal for October when the weather is cooler.
Shirts
- International Women's Day Shirt Smart Girls Rule Shirt makes a great gift for the empowered female in your life....
- The pajamas you've been dreaming of, this women's night shirt has an oversized, relaxed fit so you can move freely...
Smart shirts are typically worn in London during the evening or if you are going to an upmarket restaurant or venue that has a smart dress code. Relaxed short-sleeve shirts are great for daytime wear in early October when the weather is sunny.
If you typically wear shirts then you will not look out of place wearing a button-up shirt in London
Sweaters
- Great Features: UNIQUE OUTSIDE SEAM DESIGN, crewneck long sleeve sweater, tunic tops for leggings, side split...
- CLASSIC FIT: Close but comfortable fit with easy movement.
As the weather cools down in October sweaters become an essential item to wear in London. A medium knit sweater, cardigan or cozy hoodie is perfect for cooler days, when it may be too warm for a jacket but too cold for just a T-shirt.
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Sweaters are also essential to tackle the colder evening temperatures and are a much-needed clothing item in London during October. If you find the weather colder than expected, having a good sweater to wear under jackets will provide an extra layer of warmth.
T-Shirts
- Material:The 3 packs basic tops shirts is made of 35% rayon+60%polyester+5 %spandex
- HANES SPORT – Performance. Style. Comfort. Hanes Sport apparel builds on our comfort heritage with innovative...
T-shirts are an essential part of your travel wardrobe for a trip to London in October.
During October you will need to bring a selection of short-sleeve, and long-sleeve T-shirts so you are prepared for all the temperatures that October will throw at you.
This can include chiller days when you may need to layer short and long-sleeved T-shirts together or wear them under a sweater or jacket.
Dresses and Skirts
- Size Guide: S=US 4-6, M=US 8-10, L=US 12-14, XL=US 16-18. Please check the size chart carefully before buying!...
- Size Guide: Small=US 4-6, Medium=US 8-10, Large=US 12-14, X-Large=US 16.
- 【Long Floral Dress & Lined】 Adorned with a charming floral print, this midi dress showcases a vibrant and...
For women, dresses or skirts paired with boots or trainers create a great mid-fall outfit for exploring London and can be dressed up or down for daywear and going out in the evening.
During October dresses and skirts are great for sunny days when the temperatures are warmer. You can also layer sweaters and jackets over dresses or pair them with skirts, allowing you to adjust your outfits depending on the weather.
Umbrella
- THE STRONGEST, WINDPROOF & BEAUTIFUL, LIGHTWEIGHT UMBRELLA: Tired of getting soaked in the rain due to a broken or...
- High-Quality Travel Umbrella: Our black umbrella for rain is crafted with premium materials, ensuring excellent...
A trusty travel umbrella is an essential item to bring to London. Choose a sturdy design as it can get windy in the city, and make sure it is compact enough to fit into your day bag to prepare for any sudden rain showers.
Cold Weather Accessories
The temperatures during October in London are gradually changing, with warmer temperatures during October every year. However, cold temperatures are still common and you should pack some cold-weather accessories in case the weather is cold during your trip.
- Scarves. A light scarf will help to keep you warm when the wind is cold, and will provide an additional warm layer which can be kept in your bag should you need it.
- Hats: Bring a baseball hat for early October to keep the warm autumn sun off your face.
- Knit hats: A light-knitted hat will keep you warm during windy days in the city or can be more convenient than an umbrella during very light rain.
Detailed Outfit Guide | From Early to Late October
The weather in London, during autumn, can be quite unpredictable with warm sunny days and pouring rain experienced during the month. To ensure you enjoy your trip to London you need to be prepared for all types of weather, although it rarely snows in October.
Check the weather forecast before your trip so you know what to expect but here is a detailed outfit guide from a Londoner.
Early October
The beginning of October is much like September and the temperatures are often mild. Daily temperatures in October are around 17°C (63°F) with a light breeze. It can feel even warmer in the more built-up areas of the city, where buildings shelter you from the wind.
- Material: quilted jackets for women are made of high-quality materials that are soft and comfy to wear. the...
- [Material]: The bomber jacket is made of lightweight, high-quality fabric. It is a very basic solid color coat
- WATERPROOF& WINDPROOF RAINCOAT: This hooded rain jacket is made of super waterproof material, it's lightweight ,...
Most Londoners wear jeans during autumn so a good pair of jeans with a T-shirt, trainers and a light jacket will keep you feeling comfortable during the day.
Alternatively, women can wear a long dress with a cardigan and a light jacket over the top. To combat the rain that London is known for, carry a compact umbrella or bring a foldable raincoat in your bag when you go out.
Mid-October
Mid-October sees cooler temperatures with the daily average temps dropping to 15°C (59°F). Mornings can be particularly cold in mid-October so bring plenty of layers and sweaters for when it is cold.
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- Inseam of the womens jeans: 31.1". This pair of jeans has high waisted design which can visually elongate the legs,...
- Feature:These stretchy jeans for women /distressed jeans for women/women's boyfriend jeans features high waisted,...
A typical daytime outfit in London consists of trousers, such as jeans or cargo pants, with a warm sweater or hoodie and a lightweight rainproof jacket. Women can still wear dresses and skirts however you will want to bring a light pair of tights for the chillier temperatures.
As the wetter weather creeps in, footwear in the city transitions from sneakers to boots. A good pair of waterproof boots that are comfortable to walk in will keep you warm and dry during October. If your boots are smart enough you will also be able to wear them in the evening with smarter trousers, skirts or dresses.
Later October
Late October sees the temperatures drop with more rain and colder daily temperatures. There may still be plenty of sunny days, however despite the sun it will feel cold with stronger breezes. Expect temperatures of around 13°C (55°F) with an increase in rain showers.
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- [Size]: The rain coat is casual fit and big enough, runs big for petite women, and pick one size down if you are...
- Material: 100% polyester out-layer fabric, 5000mmH2O waterproof function enough to keep you dry and protected in...
A warm and rainproof fall jacket is essential for late October along with cozy sweaters, jeans and warm winter boots.
Evening Outfits
Evening wear in October depends on where you are going. Most places in London are happy for you to wear relaxed outfits including jeans. However, bars and nightclubs in London have a strict policy of no trainers or sportswear and you will be refused entry if you do not look the part.
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- Distressed boyfriend jeans can add a trendy and edgy element to your outfit. They are typically loose-fitting with...
- Note: The size of this pair of jeans is larger than the normal size, please choose a small size or refer to the...
Darker jeans, a smart shirt or a smart plain T-shirt with a smart jacket are good options for men and women. Women can also wear dresses and skirts, however you may want to bring dressier options for evening wear.
Personal Experiences and Tips
As someone who has lived in London for over 20 years, October is a great time to visit the city. During October the city has a cozy atmosphere with leaves falling and people enjoying seasonal warm drinks from coffee shops.
Londoners in particular are fond of their sweaters, and October is the perfect time to showcase your stylish fall outfits before it gets too cold.
Trench coats and long mac raincoats are popular in London paired with stylish trainers or leather boots. Women often wear skirts and dresses in October, accessories with tights to keep warm on chilly days.
If you are coming early in October bring some light outfit options such as short-sleeved t-shirts and floral dresses in anticipation of the warmer temperatures. However, still pack plenty of layers to cover up with if it gets cold. Whereas mid to late October sees colder weather which requires a warmer jacket and those cozy warm sweaters.
Of course, it is no doubt going to rain in October and the month is known for its sudden downpours which will soak you if you don’t have the right clothes. Raincoats, waterproof shoes and a trusty umbrella are must-pack items for October in London.
Although the rain can be disappointing it surely doesn’t stop Londoners and with some careful planning, you will still have an amazing time in London during October.
Is October a Good Month to Visit London?
October is a very good time to visit London. The first three weeks of October are outside of the peak season, so you will find that London feels quieter, and it is easier to get into the popular attractions. The weather is milder than in the previous months.
Although there can be rainfall and cooler temperatures, there are days when the sun will be out, which creates a fresh feeling.
With Halloween falling in October, you will find that London is geared up and ready to celebrate the holiday. Stores will be decorated and sell spooky merchandise. Bars and restaurants will have Halloween-themed menu items. The London Eye will even be lit up for a week at the end of the month in orange and green to mark the occasion.
It is important to note that the last week of October is also a national school holiday, so London will be considerably busier than at the start of the month.
💡 We highly recommend making reservations/bookings for the popular tours in London in advance! Of course, you are free to attempt purchasing a ticket at a later time.