London Summer Outfits | Packing Guide

The bustling city of London is a popular summer vacation destination with many excellent cultural sights and attractions to enjoy.

💡 This complete guide was written by a local!

During summer, the weather is warm with temperatures comfortably in the mid to late 20s (Celsius) throughout the summer months.

However, British weather has a habit of fluctuating, so knowing what to pack for a trip to London can be challenging.

During summer, the weather is fairly stable, with warm temperatures expected between June and August. Although heatwaves are becoming more frequent in the UK with temperatures in 2023 spearing above 30 C and thunderstorms peppering the summer season.

💡 Overall, the weather in London during summer is beautiful with plenty of daylight hours, and warm weather makes it ideal for a spot of sightseeing.

London is a vibrant city and during summer there are a wide variety of exciting activities taking place across the city. Summer is Wimbledon season in London, with the tennis championships taking place in early July.

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Things to do: Several summer music festivals also take place across the city during summer with the British Summer Time festival taking place in Hyde Park during weekends in July. The iconic Buckingham Palace also opens its doors to its illustrious staterooms between July and September, which are usually closed to the public at any other time of the year.

In this informative guide, a Londoner shares their local expertise about what to wear in London during summer. With the help of this travel packing list, you will be prepared for the sunny weather for your trip to London during summer.

Summer in London: Outfit Summary

Summer in London is a wonderful time to visit this vibrant and lively capital city. From alfresco dining to open-air festivals, London is buzzing with life as the city’s temperatures heat up.

During June the weather is warm and comfortable with some chilly mornings. Average temperatures reach 17°C (62°F) which is ideal if you are looking to walk around London experiencing the city’s many fantastic attractions.

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June is a great time to visit London as the temperatures are moderate and the crowds are slightly smaller than during the school holiday months of July and August. Outside attractions such as the Tower of London and the London Eye are great to visit during June when the weather is not too hot.

Light clothing is needed for June, with a cardigan or light jacket on hand to keep away any chilly breezes. Jeans with a T-shirt is a typical outfit seen throughout London, which can be personalized with accessories to make it unique. Sneakers are excellent footwear for June, especially if you have lots of sightseeing planned.

July and August see a rise in warm weather with average daily temperatures reaching 19°C (66°F), across both months. However, over the last few years, London has experienced heat waves during July and August, with temperatures reaching over 40°C (104°F), although the severely hot temperatures tend to only last a few days.

Essential: Summer Hat

To combat the hot temperatures, choose clothing in breathable light fabrics to ensure you don’t overheat during the peak summer months.

💡 Sunwear such as a baseball cap, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen are essentials as the city can get incredibly hot in July and August, with hot temperatures even extending into September.

Essential Clothing Items for Summer

Jackets

Temperatures in London during summer can reach 19°C (66°F) in July with cooler temperatures in the evening only dropping to 15°C (59°F). Light rain showers can be expected during the summer months however they are usually short-lived.

A light jacket, such as a blazer or a denim jacket, may be needed during the mornings and evenings in early June. Whereas July and August are warm enough to not need a jacket.

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.

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.

Good to know: 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 June mornings and late evenings. 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 up to 19°C so ensure you are prepared by packing a sunhat and sunglasses. Make sure also to pack sun cream to avoid getting sunburnt.

Monthly Overviews

💡 Make sure to read our detailed monthly outfit tips after this overview.

 

June

The weather in June is lovely and warm with average daily temperatures rising to 16°C (60°F), as the summer months begin. It is a great time for a London summer vacation as the weather is warm but not yet unbearably hot, making it perfect for walking around the city and visiting outdoor attractions.

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Although the weather has heated up, mornings and evenings can still be a little chilly so prepare for this with a cotton sweater or a light jacket.

💡 Occasional rain showers are also common during June, however they usually do not last long and are very light.

June is a lovely time of the year to visit London as the weather is warm yet the city is not overcrowded by children on their school holidays. If you are planning to visit London’s tourist spots, June is ideal to avoid the larger crowds.

July

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.

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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 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 into 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.

August

Early August sees the weather very similar to July. Hot temperatures are expected well into the evening and there are plenty of daylight hours. However as August progresses there is often a drop in the temperatures with average temperatures dropping to 17°C (62°F) later in the month.

Despite the lower temperatures, August is still a hot month in London. T-shirts, shorts or dresses for women are the clothing of choice during August to keep cool in the high heat. August can also be a quieter month, with fewer tourists than July.

If you are looking to visit London during the summer months, mid to late August is a great time to come to avoid some of the busyness of the city, although London is generally busy all year round.

Detailed Monthly Outfit Guides

Find our insider tips from our local for each summer month below. We also included links to even more detailed monthly guides:

JUNE

Average high temperature:

• Early June: 16°C (60°F)
• Mid-June: 17°C (62°F)
• Late June: 19°C (66°F)

Temperature progression on a typical day:

• Morning: 11°C (52°F)
• Afternoon: 18°C (64°F)
• Evening: 15°C (59°F)

During June London’s weather is mostly sunny and pleasant with about 16 daylight hours, making it a great time to visit the capital. The skies are blue with some cloud cover experienced throughout the month and occasional rain showers, although they are very light during June.

💡 Pack an umbrella just in case, although you will likely not need it.

Temperatures are warm during June and the school holidays have yet to begin so crowds will be smaller during July and August. June is a fantastic month to visit London, with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and evenings.

In early June temperatures are comfortable enough to wear a single layer under a lightweight jacket. A great travel outfit for London during June would include a T-shirt, jeans and trainers, or a dress with trainers for women.

A light jacket, such as a denim jacket or a blazer, is ideal for feeling comfortable during chilly mornings.

Light Jacket Tips

Mid to late June sees the temperatures increase to 19°C (66°F) and you will be perfectly comfortable walking around without a jacket. There can sometimes be a light breeze in the city, although if you are in central London, using public transport, you likely won’t feel it.

💡 Mid to late June is a great time to enjoy early summer weather before it gets too hot in London.

For women, a dress with sandals and trainers is a versatile outfit that will keep you cool and comfortable. Shorts and or jeans with a short-sleeved t-shirt are also great unisex choices for cooler days in London and are the perfect attire for wandering around London’s fantastic attractions and events.

• Sunglasses
• Baseball cap or sunhat
• Short sleeve T-shirts
• Smart shirts for evening wear
• Light cardigan
• Light jacket
• Jeans
• Sneakers
• Sandals
• Smart shoes/ heels for evening wear
• Dresses for day and night
• Umbrella
• Backpack
• Crossbody bag

More tips: London in June: Complete Outfit Guide

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.

Essential: Shorts

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. 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.

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

More tips: London in July: Complete Outfit Guide

AUGUST

Average high temperature:

• Early August: 19°C (66°F)
• Mid-August: 18°C (64°F)
• Late August: 17°C (62°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 August tend to be similar to July with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F) during the day. London is still very hot during the first half of August with high temperatures and around 15 hours of sunshine every day. Towards the end of August, the weather starts to cool down as the UK starts to transition into Autumn, however, warm temperatures should be expected making August an amazing time to have a London vacation.

In terms of clothing, you should prepare for hot temperatures with a light breeze. Shorts and t-shirts are great travel outfits for August to explore the city during the day.

Women can still enjoy wearing dresses, and sandals are still worn by men, women, and children throughout London.

Tips: Summer Dress

August has a quiet atmosphere compared to the other summer months, as many Londoners choose to holiday during this month. However August is still a popular month for tourists so queues at popular attractions should be expected.

To avoid this, plan to visit London’s most famous tourist spots such as the London Eye and the Tower of London as early as possible and then spend the day relaxing in one of London’s spectacular parks. Park life is a popular London pastime with people flocking to Hyde Park, Battersea Park and Regents Park to while away a sunny afternoon with a picnic.

To ensure you are comfortable during August pack trainers, light shirts, shorts, and long dresses so you can breeze about the city prepared for the hot summer air.

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

More tips: London in August: Complete Outfit Guide