This winter outfit guide was written by Becki, our London resident. It includes packing tips for each month and the activities.
Make sure to check out the ‘things to do’ list for each winter month.
December
December marks the start of winter, and the weather will drop slightly compared to the previous month. However, if you’re hoping for a white Christmas, thick snow doesn’t usually fall until January.
December is cold, with temperatures dropping below 10°C (50°F). Expect frosty, rainy days and also dry periods. The average daily temperatures during December usually reach 9°C (48°F) with expected lows of 5°C (41°F). There can be variations in the average high temperatures, however, depending on the time of the month you go:
Average daily temperatures in December:
- Early December: 10°C (50°F)
- Mid-December: 9°C (48°F)
- Late December: 6°C (43°F)
What to pack:
December in London can be chilly, so pack lots of warm layers that are easy to adjust. If you get cold easily, pack thermals and layer up with a T-shirt, jumper, coat, and scarf. It might be cold outside, but public transport can get warm during rush hour.
Although the temperatures in December dip, it is still not freezing, it’s not extremely cold, so you will be able to spend time outside sightseeing in London.
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Typical outfits in London during December include jeans, boots, and jumpers worn with a puffer jacket or a smart wool coat. For a stylish winter look, choose a colorful coat and add patterns and prints to your accessories.
Londoner tip: The main priority for dressing for London’s December weather is comfort and warmth. Despite the winter cold, Londoners dress up for the festive period, with sequins, sparkle, and festive colors.
With average temperatures in London expected to be 9°C (48°F) in December, a warm coat is essential. December experiences common rain showers, so choose a waterproof coat that will keep you cozy and dry.
Long black puffer coats with hoods are a popular style in London during winter. Wool coats are also a great choice for a smarter look that is warm yet stylish, ideal for early winter.
Packing list for December in London:
- Long-sleeved t-shirts and tops
- Long dresses or skirts
- Cozy sweaters or cardigans
- Warm dark jeans
- Thermal leggings
- Warm winter jacket
- Rainproof leather boots/ Rainproof sneakers
- Umbrella
- Knitted hat, scarf, and gloves
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Hand sanitiser
- UK travel adapter (3-pin plug)
💡 More tips in our full guide: London December Outfits & Packing
Things to do:
- Christmas lights: The displays on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and in Covent Garden light up the whole city centre. A free and festive thing to do on a cold evening, best seen after dark.
- Christmas markets: Markets pop up all over the city, like the Southbank Centre Winter Market by the river. Grab a mulled wine and some German food to warm up. Most run until early January.
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: London’s biggest festive fair, with rides, a Christmas market, food stalls, and a big ice rink. It usually runs from mid-November to early January. Free to walk around, tickets needed for rides.
- Ice skating: Outdoor rinks open at pretty spots like Somerset House, Canary Wharf, and Hampton Court Palace, running from autumn through to January. Book a slot ahead.
- London Eye: The glass capsules are fully enclosed and heated, so you can see the whole city from up high while staying warm. A good pick on a cold or rainy day.
- Museums: A warm indoor day out at the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, or the V&A. Most are free, and some hold lunchtime Christmas carol concerts in December.
- Christmas at Kew: An after-dark light trail through Kew Gardens with sculptures, lights, and seasonal stalls. It’s ticketed and timed, so book ahead for weekends.
- Festive theatre: December is the season for pantomimes, A Christmas Carol, and The Nutcracker ballet in the West End. A warm evening out. Book early as shows sell out.
- Christmas afternoon tea: Many hotels and tearooms do a festive version with mince pies and seasonal treats. A cosy way to get out of the cold. Book ahead.
- New Year’s Eve fireworks: On 31 December, a big fireworks show lights up the Thames around the London Eye at midnight. The best viewing spots are ticketed, so plan ahead.
January
The weather in January is cold, with daily temperatures around 8°C (46°F) or below. You’ll experience a mix of frosty mornings, rainy days, and occasional dry spells as London experiences some of its coldest weather.
The average high temperatures during January typically reach 8°C (46°F), with lows around 3°C (37°F). However, these can fluctuate slightly depending on when you visit during the month.
Average daily temperatures in January:
- Early January: 8°C (46°F)
- Mid-January: 7°C (45°F)
- Late January: 6°C (43°F)
What to pack:
January in London is chilly, so pack plenty of warm layers. Plan to bring thermal tops, long-sleeved t-shirts, and cozy sweaters. A good-quality winter coat is an essential, preferably windproof and water-resistant, as January can also be wet.
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If you plan to spend time outside sightseeing in London, a thick winter coat and insulated boots are essential clothing items. Everyone from adults to children wears padded coats in January to protect themselves from the cold and the rain.
A stylish January day outfit includes jeans, leather boots, a cozy sweater, and a warm winter coat. A soft knitted hat and a scarf will keep any cold wind away while you explore the capital.
To stay warm in January, I wear an insulated, waterproof winter coat. My go-to is a black puffer coat with a hood, which keeps me dry during unexpected rainstorms. It’s a good idea to bring at least two footwear options.
A sturdy, warm pair of boots that can handle cold, icy weather and a comfortable pair of waterproof sneakers for when the weather is mild.
Packing list for January in London:
- Thermal base layers/vests
- Long-sleeve T-shirts
- Sweaters/jumpers
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Jeans/trousers
- Thick rainproof coat
- Warm socks and or thermal tights
- Waterproof trainers
- Comfortable ankle boots
- Long-sleeve dresses
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf
- Umbrella
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Hand sanitiser
- UK travel adapter (3-pin plug)
💡 More tips in our full guide: London January Outfits & Packing
Things to do:
- New Year’s Day Parade: On 1 January, a big parade with marching bands and floats runs through central London from Piccadilly to Parliament Square. Come early for a good spot.
- January sales: The shops on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and at Westfield have their biggest sales of the year. The first week has the best deals, and it’s a good indoor thing to do on a cold day.
- London Eye: The glass capsules are fully enclosed and heated, so you can see the whole city from up high while staying warm. A good winter choice when it’s cold outside.
- Museums: January is a great month for the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the National Gallery. They are warm, mostly free, and much quieter than in summer.
- Winter ice skating: A few outdoor rinks stay open into early January, like Somerset House and the Natural History Museum. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
- Warm up with afternoon tea: A classic London thing to do when it’s cold. Many hotels and tearooms serve it all day, and it’s a cosy way to get out of the rain.
- West End show: January is a quieter month for theatre, so tickets are easier to get and often cheaper. A warm evening indoors.
- London International Mime Festival: A festival of visual and physical theatre at indoor venues like the Barbican. Popular shows sell out, so book a few weeks ahead.
- Chinatown before Chinese New Year: In late January, Chinatown fills with red lanterns and decorations ahead of the Lunar New Year, which falls between late January and mid-February. A nice free thing to see.
- Burns Night: Around 25 January, Scottish restaurants and pubs hold Burns suppers with haggis, whisky, and music. A warm indoor evening. Book a table ahead.
February
As a Londoner who has lived through plenty of Feburaries in the city, I know firsthand how unpredictable the weather can be during this time of year.
February is cold, with temperatures generally remaining below 9°C (48°F). Visitors will encounter a combination of frosty mornings, drizzly days, and the occasional dry spell.
The average high temperatures during February typically reach 9°C (48°F), with lows around 3°C (37°F). These temperatures can vary slightly throughout the month:
Average daily temperatures in February:
- Early February: 8°C (46°F)
- Mid-February: 9°C (48°F)
- Late February: 10°C (50°F)
What to pack:
The chilly weather from the month before continues through to February, with unpredictable weather highs and lows. Winter layers are still needed throughout the month, and a warm coat and waterproof shoes are essential clothing items to tackle the cold.
The weather in mid to late February is much the same as January, with cold temperatures and sunnier days. Pack plenty of layers, including thermal T-shirts, warm trousers, and cozy sweaters.
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Expect to see Londoners bundled up with stylish layers, coordinating outerwear, and sturdy boots. Utility fashion is popular during winter in London, and comfort is key when the temperatures are cold.
Rain is common in February, so waterproof boots and a waterproof winter coat are essential clothing items for London. Don’t forget to pack your warm hats, scarves, and gloves to protect yourself from the chilly weather. The sun may shine in February, yet the temperatures remain icy and cold.
When it comes to going out in the evening, Londoners dress in a practical yet stylish way. Smart flat boots that are chic yet weatherproof are worn with jeans and skirts. Coats are toasty and warm yet well-fitted to create a put-together appearance.
Londoner tip: Many places in London are very casual on dress code, with sneakers and jeans accepted in most restaurants and theatres. However, a more formal dress code is the norm in certain settings. Nightclubs, bars, and some high-end restaurants do not permit trainers, jeans, or sportswear. Check the dress code before travelling to ensure you have the right attire for the occasion or venue.
Packing list for February in London:
- Thermal base layers/vests
- Long-sleeve T-shirts
- Sweaters/jumpers
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Jeans/trousers
- Insulated raincoat / waterproof puffer jacket
- Warm socks and or thermal tights
- Waterproof trainers
- Comfortable ankle boots
- Long-sleeve dresses
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf
- Umbrella
- Backpack or shoulder bag
- Hand sanitiser
- UK travel adapter (3-pin plug)
💡 More tips in our full guide: London February Outfits & Packing
Things to do:
- Chinese New Year: London holds the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside Asia. The date falls between late January and mid-February. Expect a big parade, lion and dragon dances, and food stalls around Trafalgar Square and Chinatown. It’s free.
- Pancake Day races: On Shrove Tuesday (the date moves each year, usually in February), teams race while flipping pancakes at spots like Leadenhall Market and Greenwich Market. Fun and free to watch.
- Kew Gardens Orchid Festival: This yearly festival fills the warm Princess of Wales glasshouse with thousands of colourful orchids and flower sculptures. It runs from February into March. A bright escape from the cold.
- London Eye: The glass capsules are fully enclosed and heated, so you get the whole city view while staying warm. A good choice on a grey February day.
- Museums: February is still low season, so the British Museum, Tate Modern, and the V&A are warm and much quieter than in summer. Most are free.
- Valentine’s Day: Around 14 February, London is full of romantic things to do, from cosy dinners to special afternoon teas. Book restaurants early as they fill up fast.
- BAFTA film season: The British film awards bring an awards-season buzz to the city in February, with themed screenings and nominee showings around town.
- West End show: A warm evening indoors, with tickets still easier to get than in the busy summer months.
- Afternoon tea: Still a great cold-weather treat, and many places do a special version around Valentine’s Day. A cosy way to get out of the rain.