What to Pack for Summer in London
If you’re visiting London in the summer months, packing can be a bit tricky given the indecisive weather. This year will be my fourth summer in London, and my two major tips are to have lots of layers on hand and always be prepared for rain. Heatwaves in London can be particularly tough because there’s not much air conditioning throughout the city, so you’ll need to stay cool even when indoors. On the other hand, when rain or clouds settle in the temperature can drop significantly.
Here is a packing checklist to help you choose what to bring for a summer trip to London.
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London Summer Packing List
Clothing
Cardigan/Sweater: An easy comfortable layer to throw on if you get cold, but light enough to wrap around your waist or store in a bag when it’s warm.
Short sleeve t-shirts: I’d recommend breathable fabrics for warm days that can also be layered under sweaters when it’s chillier.
Shorts: Make sure they’re comfortable enough to walk in, I’d opt for looser fits over jean shorts.
Linen pants: Flowy pants that can be dressed up or down, so you can wear them throughout the day.
Jeans: I’d recommend at least one pair of jeans in case the weather gets chillier or if you like to dress them up for dinners or outings.
Dressier items that can be layered: A dress or skirt that is lovely on its own, but could be paired with another layer to create multiple outfits. There are lots of places in London that call for more formal attire, but if you’re short on luggage space, make sure whatever you pack can be repurposed.
Light jacket (preferably waterproof): My go-to jacket for the summer in London is an oversized denim jacket, but if you have a light trench coat or windbreaker that’s even better to keep you dry. Also having lots of pockets always comes in handy when travelling!
Comfortable walking shoes: London is a very walkable city, so making sure your shoes will be comfortable after a long day is really important. Any kind of light sneaker will be great!
Dressier shoes that can withstand the rain: Again, if you’re planning on going anywhere that requires more formal attire, make sure your clothes can be used in other outfits. For shoes, I would recommend something like a Waterproof Chelsea Boot that could be dressed up or down.
Secure, waterproof bag: When you’re spending all day exploring London, it’s important to keep all your belongings safe and dry. The only major security concern when visiting the city is phone snatchers, so having somewhere to safely store your phone is ideal. I personally use the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag to keep all my belongings close to my body and easily accessible. It’s also water-repellant so I don’t have to worry if I get caught in a storm.
Reusable bag - The UK charges extra for all plastic bags when shopping so having a reusable bag is always helpful. I love the Baggu Reusable Bags because they have a little pouch to keep them compact and easy to throw into other bags. Not only are they practical for carrying things, but they’re also useful for waterproofing. I often use a reusable bag to sit on in parks when the grass is damp or to wrap up books or anything I don’t want to get wet if it starts raining.
Extras
Converters: The UK uses a unique power outlet, so if you’re traveling internationally you’ll likely need a power converter. A Universal Power Converter will come in handy, especially if you’re combining your visit to the UK with European travel. *I should note that these converters do not work for heated appliances like hair dryers/straighteners/curlers - so it’s best to rely on what’s available at your hotel or even purchase appliances while you’re there.
Portable Chargers: Using your phone for maps and photos will quickly drain your battery and it’s sometimes tricky to find outlets in cafes and restaurants.
I hope this checklist helps make packing and preparing for your trip a bit easier. If you need any additional help planning your trip to London, I offer personalized itineraries and recommendation maps here!
