What to Pack for Winter in London
Winter is a magical time to explore London; however, you should definitely expect cold, rainy days and frosty temperatures. Packing accordingly is the best way to stay warm and cozy as you explore the city.
Here is my checklist for packing for a wintry London getaway!
*includes affiliate links
Clothing:
Warm base layers: For the coldest days, a merino wool base layer will help you stay warm, especially if you’re spending long periods outside. Wool is also temperature regulating, so it won’t be too stuffy if you’re hopping onto a packed Tube or bus. I’d recommend this long-sleeve top and leggings from Quince.
Cozy knitwear: I highly recommend chunky knitwear over a base layer, so you can bundle up when needed or remove layers once you’re inside. Again, wool is ideal, like this sweater from L.L. Bean.
Waterproof jacket: Staying dry is always important, but especially in colder temperatures. This is the warmest waterproof jacket I have, which has been a staple for London winters.
Hat, gloves, and scarf: Some winter days really require bundling up, and anything that will protect your ears and hands from the cold is essential!
Tights: If you’re planning to wear any skirts or dresses, a good pair of tights is a must! I love these fleece-lined ones that give the illusion of sheer tights.
Cozy pajamas: A lot of buildings in the UK can get quite cold in the evening, so warm, cozy lounging clothes are a must. If you want to indulge in super comfy pjs, Piglet in Bed is the ultimate brand for sleepwear.
Waterproof shoes: Any kind of water-resistant shoes that are comfortable to walk in will be great. I’m partial to an insulated Chelsea boot or lace-up dock boots that you can wear with chunky wool socks.
Warm socks: Uniqlo has great basics, and their socks are super comfortable and warm.
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. This mag-safe power bank is super helpful for keeping your bags free from tangled power cables.
Umbrella: Rainstorms can come out of nowhere, so plan to carry an umbrella at all times.
Skincare
Moisturizer: You’ll likely spend a lot of time indoors with heating from radiators. My skin is pretty sensitive to this dry heat, so I would highly recommend a good moisturizer, hand cream, and lip balm.
If you’re looking for high-quality travel-size skincare, I recently picked up this Caudalie Travel Essentials Kit, and it was so nice to have while traveling. It includes samples of the moisturizer, hand cream, shower gel, and foaming cleanser.
