Packing List for London in the Spring

Heading to London in the spring and wondering what to pack? You’re in the right place! I used to live in London and have been back numerous times. Spring weather in London can be unpredictable – one minute it’s sunny, the next you’re opening your umbrella. But with the right London packing list, you can stay comfortable and stylish – all without overpacking.

women sitting at London restaurant under green foliage canopy — My friends and me enjoying a spring trip to London.

Last spring, my two friends and I spent an unforgettable week in London in mid-April. Despite our best efforts, we still found ourselves saying, “I wish I had packed this…” or “Did I really need that?” Now, we’ve compiled the ultimate spring London packing list – what to bring and what to leave behind.

London Temperatures in the Spring

Spring in London (March through May) is a mix of crisp mornings, occasional sunshine, and frequent drizzles, so packing smart is key. Temperatures can range from the mid-30s to low 60s°F, and rain is always a possibility. There was some form of rain 5 out of the 7 days we were in London in April, so be sure to check the forecast as you’re packing for your London trip to get a better idea of what to expect.

cloudy skies over London's Kyoto Garden — Cloudy skies hanging over Kyoto Garden

Keep in mind, if you’re an early riser, you’ll often step out into very chilly temperatures to start the day. We found ourselves bundling up in the morning and staying that way for most of the day – sometimes shedding a layer in the afternoon, but not always.

While I was tempted to pack a light, flowy spring dress to stroll through Notting Hill and take cute photos under blossoming magnolia trees, I’m glad I didn’t waste the suitcase space. There was never a time warm enough to wear it. Instead, you can see me (pictured below) posing by the cute colors of Notting Hill wearing jeans and a sweater. I even have a base layer on under my pants, and I only shed my jacket for the picture then quickly put it back on… it was COLD! With London spring weather being so fickle, it’s best to be prepared for anything.

woman standing by light blue garage door between blossoming plants — Looks like a mild spring day, but don’t be fooled… I have an extra warm layer on under my pants!

What to Wear in London

For Sightseeing

double decker bus in London — Chilly, but sunny walk to the Tube

London is a walkable city with many outdoor attractions. Even if you take the Tube, you’ll be walking to and from the station. So, you’ll be outside a lot! That’s why it’s so important to bring a good jacket. A longer, waterproof one with a hood is ideal. A trench coat is always a good option as you’ll blend right in with London’s classic British style. But don’t stress too much about fitting in—London fashion is really a mix of everything. There were days when my jacket was on the entire day as we toured castles, churches, and museums. My friends and I joked that it didn’t matter what we were wearing underneath as no one even saw it.

three women at a London flea market in the spring — We love exploring the London markets!

We all agree the number one key to dressing for London in the spring is layering. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons mild, and evenings brisk, so having a mix of short sleeves, long sleeves, and a cozy sweater will keep you comfortable. Some days, you might even appreciate an extra layer under your pants!

Speaking of pants – jeans or dark slacks are a great choice as they’re versatile enough for sightseeing during the day (especially in the rain) and going out at night.

What to Wear to Dinner in London

three women at dinner in London — Enjoying dinner in London

What you wear to dinner in London really depends on where you’re going, but the good news is that London’s dining scene is usually relaxed when it comes to dress codes. Most restaurants, even nice ones, don’t require anything too fancy, so there’s no need to pack formal wear unless you’re dining somewhere particularly upscale.

A stylish blouse with dark jeans or pants works well for most places, and jewelry can dress it up a bit. Comfortable shoes are a must since you’ll likely be walking or taking the Tube. If you’re heading to a trendy cocktail bar or a Michelin-starred restaurant, a dress or a more polished outfit wouldn’t be out of place, but in general, Londoners embrace a mix of styles, so wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable.

What to Wear to the Theater in London

West End London theater in Spring — Mamma Mia!

I always try to catch a show while in London. It’s one of my favorite things to do. And unlike some cities where theater nights call for formal attire, London has a much more relaxed approach.

You’ll see people in everything from jeans and sneakers to dresses and heels, so there’s no pressure to go all out. That said, if you enjoy dressing up for a night out, a chic yet comfortable outfit – like dark jeans or pants paired with a stylish top and a nice jacket – strikes the perfect balance. You can accessorize with statement jewelry, or a light scarf to keep you warm and elevate your outfit.

And since many West End theaters have narrow rows and plenty of stairs, comfortable shoes, again, are key. Whether you go casual or a little dressy, you’ll fit right in as there’s no strict dress code.

Shoes to Wear in London in the Spring

woman sitting in chair — These shoes were so comfortable and perfect for the cold, wet London spring.

When it comes to what shoes to wear in London in the spring, comfort is everything. The last thing you want is sore feet as you stroll through museums, explore historic streets, and navigate the Tube. Since spring weather in London is often rainy and chilly, waterproof or water-resistant shoes are a smart choice. Stylish sneakers, Chelsea boots, or even comfortable flats if they have good support, are all great options. I brought all three but never wore the flats since it was too chilly and at least a chance of drizzle every day.

I’ll admit, I wanted to wear cuter shoes than I packed, but after miles of walking each day, I was beyond grateful for my comfy footwear. If you do bring dressier shoes for evenings out, make sure they’re broken in and still practical for London’s uneven sidewalks and cobblestone streets. Your feet will thank you!

Accessories to Bring

Accessories can make all the difference in staying comfortable during your spring trip to London! Even though it’s spring, chilly mornings and breezy evenings mean you’ll be glad to have a light scarf, and on colder days, even a winter hat and gloves can come in handy.

three women standing on Tower Bridge in London in the spring — London lit up at night

My friends and I had a great time walking over Tower Bridge taking pictures of it all lit up at night. I was especially grateful for my winter hat and gloves to keep me warm. They’re small, easy to pack, and can make a big difference when the temperatures drop.

As for an umbrella, it’s practically a London essential. I opted for a small travel-size umbrella that fit in my purse, but I was also happy to have my hooded jacket which worked as well.

women holding umbrellas because of the drizzly spring weather in London — My black umbrella folded up so small and fit into my small purse.

My friends and I brought crossbody purses with a zipper, which kept our belongings safe while navigating the city. And our sunglasses came in handy a couple times when the sun made a welcome appearance.

sunny day in London in the spring women wearing sunglasses — Thankful for the sunshine!

These little extras won’t take up much space in your bag, but they’ll help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable while exploring the city!

Other Important Packing Essentials

Beyond clothing, there are a few must-have travel essentials that will make your London trip smoother. For payments, a contactless credit card or mobile payment (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) is the easiest way to pay for everything, especially the Tube.

Don’t forget a UK power adapter to keep your devices charged, as the plugs are different from those in the U.S. or Europe. The UK uses Type G plugs (check if you need a voltage converter too).

And of course, whether you bring a camera or just use your smartphone, you’ll want to capture all the amazing sights – London is photogenic in any weather. Just be sure to pack a portable charger so you don’t run out of battery while out exploring like I almost did!

Windsor Castle just outside London in the spring — Windsor Castle – gorgeous despite the clouds

These little essentials will make your London adventure much easier and more enjoyable!

Here’s a packing list to follow. Gauge how many of each item to bring based on the length of your trip – but remember, you can always re-wear clothes and launder onsite if necessary. Resist the urge to overpack since the clothes you wear underneath your jacket might not even get seen all that much.