London Spring Outfit Guide

Visiting London during spring is a great time to see the city, as it shrugs off the gloom of winter with bursts of sunshine and warmer temperatures. However, the UK is known for its changeable weather so it can be challenging packing for a London trip during spring.

March sees the beginning of spring in London, with the first spring flowers shooting up across many of the city’s wondrous parks.

By April, the temperatures are milder with longer daytime hours, although rain showers are expected.

By May, the weather is warm, with temperatures reaching 18C.

SHOP NOW: Rain Jackets on Amazon – Essential for London

The spring months are an ideal time to visit to avoid the big summer crowds while enjoying a variety of activities as London bursts into action with fantastic springtime events and festivals taking place throughout the city.

As a Londoner, I love seeing how the city comes back to life after winter with a whole host of exciting activities taking place in the capital.

💡 This article is long! Make sure to scroll down the section with tips for essential clothing items, packing tips for spring, and our monthly outfit tips (March, April, and May) at the end of the article.

If you are visiting the city in spring, let me share with you my local knowledge of this vibrant city, which includes springtime weather insights and advice on what to wear. This informative guide will have you prepared for everything from chilly March temperatures to sunny spells in May.

Spring Outfit and Packing Overview

Spring sees warmer temperatures and the sun’s return, which is ideal for tourists looking to explore the city. However, spring also welcomes rain showers, especially during March and April, so be prepared for sudden downpours.

Thankfully, rain showers are usually short-lived, so if you get caught out, take a moment for a coffee shop break and wait out the rain.

Umbrella Tip:

London during spring can be chilly during March and early April so you will still need to layer your clothing, however, you can shed the thick winter hats, scarves, and coats. A warm yet waterproof jacket and comfortable footwear are essential for exploring London during March.

A versatile all-weather sneaker or leather ankle boots will ensure you are stylish and prepared for the weather.

The weather in spring can differ greatly between March, April and May. A sweater or two is vital for early spring, as is an umbrella, whereas late spring is warm enough to wear short sleeves, and long sundresses with jackets.

March

As March sees the transition from winter to spring, the weather is very changeable with a variety of weather conditions expected. Early March temperatures in London are cold, with average lows expected to be around 8°C (46°F). You will need layers and a cozy sweater is needed under your coat or jacket.

Living in London, I see a variety of styles depending on where you go and what you do; however, the city has a casual vibe.

💡 Everyday clothing in March includes well-fitted jeans, leather ankle boots or sneakers, and a warm coat.

Be prepared for rain showers in March, with a compact umbrella in your bag. In the past years, London has also experienced snow during early March, although snowfall is usually light. E

nsure you have durable footwear if visiting during early March and choose outfits to prepare you for late winter weather.

April

April weather is warmer than March, with more sunshine hours and less cloud cover. When the sun does shine, it brings a happy atmosphere to the city with people taking walks around London’s famous parks, such as Hyde Park and Regents Park.

The temperatures increase to a more comfortable average of 14°C (57°F) in April, making it a great time to explore London. However, despite the warmer air, the weather conditions can still vary, with rain one moment followed by sun the next.

Lighten up your wardrobe with easy-to-modify layers, a rainproof jacket, and footwear that can take a splash or two. As a Londoner, the best advice I can give for April is to be prepared for any weather.

If you are using the London Underground, take note that it can get quite warm on the trains, especially during rush hour. So build your outfits with versatility in mind, with easy-to-undo hoodies or cardigans, light underlayers, and a light yet warm jacket.

May

Comparing the weather between March and May in London is like comparing day and night. The temperatures in May are considerably warmer and the sun shines brightly. You should still expect rain during May, however, rainfall decreases to a 21% chance and average temperatures are around 16°C (60°F).

The city of London is full of life during May as the warmer weather attracts more tourism to the city. There is a happy buzz, and higher temperatures mean lighter layers. A t-shirt, shirt or blouse paired with jeans and sneakers is a safe yet laid-back outfit for London in May.

On warmer days during May, dresses without tights for women and relaxed shorts for men are ideal for enjoying the sunny temperatures.

Spring Essential Clothing Items | Packing List

London is a stylish city, and as the weather warms up, you will want to shed those thick winter layers for lighter, more versatile clothing. Choose neutral colours for your essential items, such as jackets, bags, and shoes, and then introduce fun pops of color in the form of tops and accessories. Below is a great guide for what to pack for a London trip during spring.

Jacket/Coat

Until mid-March, the weather is still cold, with temperatures getting warmer towards the end of the month. Ensure you stay cozy in a shorter style coat such as a puffer jacket.

In April, a trench coat is a versatile item of clothing that is ideal for this month. A timeless trench coat will pair well with any outfit, ensuring you look stylish during the moderate spring temperatures.

In May, a light jacket is the best choice.

Embrace a spring color palette

The months of spring bring a flurry of fantastic color with flowers blooming all over the city. Embrace the sunnier weather by adding some jesty spring colors to your wardrobe. Inject your wardrobe with pastel colors, spring florals, and bold prints on blouses, shirts and dresses.

Knitwear

As the temperatures in spring fluctuate, you will need a sweater. Choose a sweater or cardigan you can layer over t-shirts and under jackets to keep you warm, especially during the cooler evening temperatures.

Some days you won’t need a jacket and a sweater alone is perfect, other days you might need them both to keep away the chilly breeze.

Dresses

For women, a tea dress or a mid-length dress is a great item to pack for spring in London, especially a dress with a pretty floral pattern. This classic item of clothing can be dressed up or down and is ideal for the warmer spring months.

Jeans

A good pair of jeans is essential at any time of the year, however, you can play with the style of jeans now that it’s spring. Ankle-length jeans in a lighter wash are ideal for London spring weather and look great paired with a relaxed t-shirt and sneakers for a casual day of sightseeing.

For the evening you can switch to darker wash jeans for a smarter look if you are going out to a nice restaurant or bar in the city.

Sneakers

The weather is warming up so you can start to transition out of heavy winter boots to items such as trendy sneakers. Sneakers, or trainers as they are referred to in London, are a popular choice in London and are perfect for keeping feet comfortable while exploring the city.

A bright white pair is great for spring and will go well with jeans (and dresses). However, rain showers are expected so make sure you have trainers that can withstand a splash or two.

Leather Ankle Boots

During the day you will need comfortable and waterproof footwear, however, for eveningwear a smart leather ankle boot is ideal.

The temperatures can drop at night during spring, as cold as 9°C (48°F) in the evenings during March, so leather ankle boots are perfect for evening attire whether you are going to a nice restaurant or an evening at the theater.

Compact Umbrella

A good compact umbrella is essential in London. Choose one that is sturdy and can easily fit in your bag because you are sure to need it during spring.

Lightweight Backpack

It is common to carry a small rucksack with you around London, to hold all your essentials. A small backpack is ideal for your water bottle, umbrella and any snacks you’ll need for a day out. A rucksack will also be handy for any small gifts you might buy on your travels around the capital.

It’s good to know that most stores in England charge a small fee for carrier bags. So a rucksack will help you avoid extra costs and unnecessary plastic.

💡 Buildings such as museums, theaters and galleries will also ask to look inside large bags such as rucksacks upon entry. However, don’t worry this is only done as a safety precaution for entry to the venue.

Crossbody Bag

Keep valuables such as wallets, phones, passports and keys safe in a bag with a strap that crosses your body. Your valuables will be kept where you can see them and reach them easily. London is a large bustling city, and although it is safe for tourists, like other cities bag thieves are known to operate, especially in the busier central London areas.

Monthly Outfit/Packing Tips

March

Average high temperature:

• Early March: 10°C (50°F)
• Mid-March: 11°C (52°F)
• Late March: 13°C (55°F)

Temperature progression on a typical day:

• Morning: 8°C (46°F)
• Afternoon: 11°C (52°F)
• Evening: 9°C (48°F)

Puffer Jacket [March Essential]

The weather is still cold in early March, with temperatures getting warmer towards the middle of the month. Ensure you stay cozy in a shorter style coat such as a puffer jacket. Choose a waterproof light puffer jacket with a shorter length to avoid overheating on London public transport.

Go for a bright color to stand out or a darker shade for a smarter look. London fashion is versatile and expressive so embrace a puffer style that represents your style.

Outfit Advice

March can still be cold so pack plenty of layers for a vacation in London during early spring. The weather is changeable with rain expected so a warm jacket, such as a puffer jacket is ideal. The average chance of experiencing rain during March is 43% so prepare for wet weather with waterproof outerwear. 

Londoners are practical yet stylish, so you will likely see them in a smart yet warm coat with a light sweater and jeans during March. Colorful outerwear is a great way to stay warm and stylish in the city, especially as the weather gets warmer. 

London is a great city to navigate on foot, so you need to make sure your footwear is comfortable. Leather ankle boots that are comfortable or sneakers are ideal for spring temperatures and trekking around London’s winding streets. 

Going out in the evening? London is quite a laid-back city so dark jeans or a mid-length dress with ankle boots is ideal for an evening out during March. Dress it up with a smart wool sweater or cardigan under your coat,  to keep away the chilly March evening air. 

Packing list:

• Long sleeve T-shirts
• Warm wool sweaters/jumpers
• Shirts or blouses
• A lightweight puffer jacket 
• Jeans (take a couple of jeans, both a daywear pair and a darker evening wear pair)
• Colorful sneakers
• Stylish leather boots
• Long-sleeve midi-dress
• Tights and warm socks 
• A light knitted hat 
• Umbrella
• Backpack 

 

April

Average high temperature:

• Early April: 13°C (55°F)
• Mid-April: 14°C (57°F)
• Late April: 16°C (61°F)

Temperature progression on a typical day:

• Morning: 9°C (48°F)
• Afternoon: 14°C (57°F)
• Evening: 12°C (53°F)

Trench coat [April Essential]

The trench coat is a versatile item of clothing that is ideal for April in London. A timeless trench coat will pair well with any outfit ensuring you look stylish during the moderate spring temperatures.

A trench coat ensures you are protected from sudden downpours yet the lighter fabric won’t make you too hot when hopping on and off the Underground. 

Raincoat/Rain Jacket [April Essential]

April in London is notoriously a rainy month, and although rain showers are usually short, they can be frequent. If you are already bringing a trench coat and an umbrella, then you shouldn’t need a raincoat. If you prefer a rain jacket, choose a classic style with a pop of color.

Outfit Advice

April sees temperatures getting warmer and 13.5 hours of daylight expected, an extra hour compared to March. However, the weather in London during April is highly changeable so be prepared for showers as well as sun.

The term ‘April Showers’ is well used in British culture and refers to the common wet weather expected during April. During April in London the 43mm of rain is expected to fall over 16 days of the month, this is an increase on the rainfall in March which has an expectation of 35mm of rain across the month. 

Early April can be a little cold with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F), so pack plenty of layers and a light sweater to wear under jackets. During April London springs into bloom so work some playful colors into your wardrobe and some classic spring prints such as florals or stripes. 

As April progresses, the weather warms up, and more sunny days are expected. Prepare for the bright spring light with a trendy pair of sunglasses and a baseball cap to protect your eyes. Enjoy the Easter and spring activities around the city and take advantage of the warmer air by people watching at one of the many fantastic cafes around London. 

Late April is warm, with an average temperature of around 16°C (60°F), making it ideal for lightening up your layers. A good quality t-shirt paired with a light jacket and jeans is an easy outfit for exploring London. However, the capital is known for its fashionable districts and open-minded attitude towards fashion, making it the ideal destination to express yourself as the temperatures increase. 

For women a casual dress, with a bright springtime print, paired with leather ankle boots and a light jacket is a great choice for embracing the April weather in London.

At the same time, men can keep it casual with jeans or cargo trousers matched with a relaxed shirt or t-shirt and a jacket. 

Unfortunately dark clouds are known to quickly roll in during April so be prepared with a rain jacket and an umbrella. It’s not quite time to bring out the sandals either so make sure your footwear is comfortable and waterproof. 

Packing list:

• Sunglasses
• Baseball cap
• Long and short sleeve T-shirts
• Light sweaters/jumpers
• Shirts or blouses
• A rainproof jacket or a trench coat
• Jeans 
• Sneakers
• Leather ankle boots 
• Floral dress
• Umbrella
• Backpack 
• Crossbody bag 

May 

Average high temperature:

• Early May: 16°C (61°F)
• Mid-May: 17°C (62°F)
• Late May: 19°C (66°F)

Temperature progression on a typical day:

• Morning: 12°C (53°F)
• Afternoon: 17°C (62°F)
• Evening: 15°C (59°F)

Light Jacket | Light Rain Jacket [May Essential]

The weather is considerably warmer than in previous months, however, it can still be a little chilly. A jacket such as a denim jacket or a lightweight raincoat is ideal for exploring London’s tourist sights and will go with jeans and a T-shirt for a relaxed London outfit during May.

💡 Although rain is less common in May compared to previous month, we highly suggest a light rain jacket.

For evenings out you will need a jacket as the temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F) so choose a smart tailored style such as a light blazer. 

Outfit Advice

The weather in May is comfortable with an extra hour of daylight and plenty of warm days to expect. Average temperatures during May are around 17°C (62°F) making it a great time to wander around London, visiting the famous landmarks of the city and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere that the warmer weather brings. 

Early May can be cool, with sudden rain showers as we move away from April, so come prepared with clothing that you can layer and an umbrella. During May in London the chance of rain decreases in comparison to April with an average of 37mm of rain expected to fall over the course of the month.

However despite this, in previous years I have experienced blue skies, scattered clouds and sunny spells, with only short-lived rain showers.

So if you are visiting London in May bring lighter items such as a printed dress for women and lightweight trousers for men, as well as a light-weight rainproof jacket. This will ensure you are prepared for the fluctuating weather conditions that Britain is well known for. 

Mid-May sees the temperatures increase and with bright bursts of sunshine heating up London. Jackets are not always needed on warmer days and t-shirt weather begins. Londoners can be seen wearing casual outfits such as light colored jeans, short sleeve t-shirts and white sneakers.

For women shorter dresses paired with trainers and a denim jacket are a great late-May London outfit, whereas men can wear lightweight utility trousers or cotton chinos.

As late May begins, the weather is warm, with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F). Weather conditions are mild with some cloud cover and daylight hours reaching 16 hours per day. Hot spells can be expected towards the end of May, which is great for spending the day exploring London’s parks and attractions. 

Packing list:

• Sunglasses
• Baseball cap
• Short sleeve T-shirts
• Lightweight sweaters or cardigans
• Shirts and/or blouses
• A denim jacket, or light rainproof jacket 
• Smart jacket for evenings out
• Jeans 
• Light trousers such as cargos or chinos 
• Sneakers
• Floral dresses
• Umbrella
• Backpack 
• Crossbody bag 

Travel essentials for visiting London:

• Hand sanitizer
• Antibacterial wipes
• Tissues
• UK travel adapter (3-pin plug)
• Reusable water bottle 
• Compact camera 

My Personal Activity Tips

One of my favorite places to see the arrival of spring is at the famous Kew Gardens which has many beautiful springtime workshops during March. During Easter, the city is buzzing with fantastic festive events that delight adults and children alike, such as the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace or fun-filled Easter wreath-making classes. As the temperatures warm up, May sees a flurry of activities springing up across London, with the Foodie Festival at Syon Park and the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show filling the city with fragrant blooms.