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Planning a trip to London in December and wondering what to wear? I’ve got you covered!
I absolutely love visiting London in December. It’s such a magical time of the year and let me tell you one thing, there aren’t many countries that celebrate Christmas as well as England does!
London turns into a winter wonderland in December and it’s truly such a great time to visit. From twinkling Christmas lights and festive markets to ice skating rinks and cozy pubs, the holiday season in London is enchanting.
Also, if you are a Harry Potter fan, you can visit Hogwarts at Christmas and it’s sensational!
That having been said, December is still winter, so that means you should expect cold weather, occasional rain, and shorter daylight hours.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to pack for your December trip to London, along with some insider tips to help you embrace the festive spirit while staying warm and comfortable.
What is the Weather Like in London in December?
London in December is cold, with temperatures typically ranging from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
Rain is common (but honestly, that’s something I could say for every month when it comes to England), and you should be prepared for overcast skies, drizzle, and possibly some fog.
The damp air can make it feel even colder, so layering and waterproof items are essential.
Despite the chill, December is one of the most beautiful times to visit London. The city’s Christmas decorations, from Oxford Street’s famous lights to the giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, add a festive charm to your visit that you can’t get at any other time.
Essential Packing List for London in December
You can find below my ultimate packing list for London in December. Please bear in mind that the most important thing is to use layers. It can be very cold in London at that time of the year and layers will keep you warm.
Equally, some winters are kinder than others and there are certain places where you can be quite warm (certain tube lines for example) so wearing layers will be ideal to deal with all kinds of temperatures.
Clothing
- Warm Winter Coat: A well-insulated, waterproof coat is essential for staying warm during chilly days. A long wool-blend coat or a puffer jacket with a hood is also a great option. Make sure you choose your coat carefully because it will really make or break your trip.
- Knit Sweaters: These are the best to keep you warm and you can wear several layers underneath if needed. Opt for neutral colours as it will be easier to pair with trousers or a skirt.
- Turtleneck Sweaters: Since London can be quite windy, a turtle neck will keep your neck warm and protected.
- A hoodie: Not as classy as a knit sweater but still very useful and you can use the hood as an extra layer.
- Woolen Dresses: Paired with warm tights, these are perfect if you want a classier look while staying warm and practical.
- Winter skirt: Again you’ll need to wear the skirt with tights but it will look very nice with a knit sweater.
- Long-Sleeve Tops
- Tank tops: They can be used as an extra layer
- Trousers and Jeans
- Cardigans
- Christmas Jumpers: Brits love their Christmas jumpers, and wearing one is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. While you can pack your own, you might want to buy one in London as a festive souvenir.
- Pyjamas
- Underwear
- Socks
PRO TIP: Remember that you will be spending a lot of time outside so you need to use layers to keep you warm and make sure you have a good coat.
While this is not Norway, it still feels cold, especially when it’s humid, so having a good winter coat will really help.
Footwear
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: You will be walking a lot in London and while there aren’t as many cobblestones as in other European cities, you will probably cover more ground than anywhere else (London is huge!). Make sure you wear comfortable sneakers, ideally waterproof.
- Ankle Boots: Flat leather or waterproof ankle boots are both practical and fashionable.
- Flat Leather Knee-High Boots: These will keep you extra warm and look very nice with a skirt or dress.
Accessories
- Small Umbrella: This is a must in Britain.
- Scarf
- Beanie or Hat
- Mittens
- Jewellery:
Electronics
- Phone & Charger
- Power Bank
- Camera
- International Adapter: The UK uses type G outlets.
Paperwork
- Passport & Copies
- Travel Insurance Documents
- Hotel Reservation & Itinerary
- Bank Card + Travel Money Card: Consider a card like Revolut or Wise to avoid high currency exchange fees.
Things Not to Wear in London in December
- Shorts: December is far too cold for shorts.
- Heels: Unless you’re attending a specific holiday event, avoid heels. London’s cobblestone streets and the long walks required to see all the sights are better suited for flats or boots.
- Light, Non-Waterproof Shoes: With frequent rain, non-waterproof shoes can leave your feet cold and wet.
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