Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames in London

United Kingdom · Destination guide

London, United Kingdom

Best seasonMay–Oct

CurrencyPound sterling (GBP)

Plug typesG · 230 VCheck adapter →

Time zoneEurope/London (UTC+1)

Emergency number999 or 112

Destination guide

A first look at London

Give London two connected days rather than a string of distant attractions: Westminster and the South Bank first, then the Tower area. This plan leaves room for meals, queues and an indoor alternative.

Explore our London guides

The Palace of Westminster and Elizabeth Tower beside the Thames in London

A first weekend in London without crossing the city all day

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London

A Greenwich day: maritime museums, riverside streets and the park

The London Eye and buildings along London's South Bank

A South Bank walk from Westminster to Tate Modern

Weather guide

Weather in London

London has mild summers and cool winters, with rain possible throughout the year. Use removable layers and check the forecast before choosing your outerwear.

14–18°C

Milder days with cooler evenings

October · representative month, not a forecast

Evenings: 7–11°C
Rain: Showers possible; carry compact rain protection
Daylight: Earlier sunsets through the month

See weather details →

What this means for packing

Bring autumn layers and shoes with grip for damp pavements and fallen leaves in London. Keep a compact umbrella or rain jacket in your day bag, even if the morning starts out bright.

Choosing a season

The best-season badge suggests months for general sightseeing, using the typical daytime temperatures and rainfall in our monthly guides. Beach holidays, festivals, winter sports and northern lights trips may suit different dates.

Climate methodology

Broad planning ranges, rounded to about 2 degrees Celsius either side of the historical mean daily maximum and minimum for October. WMO / national weather service lists London normals for 1981-2010: maximum 15.5°C and minimum 8.8°C. These averages are not forecast limits; individual days and city neighbourhoods vary. Check the forecast for your dates. This older baseline may differ from current conditions.

Reviewed 2026-10-07

WMO / national weather service: London monthly climate normals

About the climate in London

London has mild summers and cool winters, with rain possible throughout the year. Use removable layers and check the forecast before choosing your outerwear.

Packing guide

What to wear in London in December.

An example packing list for London in December

Use this as a starting point and choose what suits your plans. Packtricia tailors your list and quantities to your trip length, weather and preferences.

Clothing

Underwear
Bras (if worn)
Socks
Sleepwear
Long-sleeved tops
Trousers
Light sweater or cardigan
Warm jacket
Hooded waterproof jacket
Water-resistant walking shoes
Scarf

Toiletries

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash or soap
Deodorant
Skincare products
Sunscreen
Hairbrush or comb
Shaving supplies (if used)
Menstrual products (if needed)
Contact lens solution (if used)

Essentials

Passport or accepted travel ID
Travel tickets and booking confirmations
Wallet and payment cards
Phone
Charging cable and charger
Travel adapter (if needed)
Medication (if needed)
Glasses or contact lenses (if used)
Refillable water bottle
Day bag
Power bank
Compact umbrella

Monthly weather and packing notes

December's short daylight and chilly evenings favour a warm coat, gloves and closed shoes. Plan an outfit that stays comfortable while standing outside.

Daytime: 6–10°C
Evenings: 1–5°C
Rain: Showers possible; carry compact rain protection
Daylight: Short days around the winter solstice
Packing style: Warm layers + a weather-resistant jacket

Broad planning ranges, rounded to about 2 degrees Celsius either side of the historical mean daily maximum and minimum for December. WMO / national weather service lists London normals for 1981-2010: maximum 8.4°C and minimum 3.4°C. These averages are not forecast limits; individual days and city neighbourhoods vary. Check the forecast for your dates. This older baseline may differ from current conditions.

Outfit ideas for your outings

A December evening walk

Long-sleeved tops and a removable sweater
Comfortable long trousers
Broken-in water-resistant walking shoes
Warm socks for time outdoors after dark

A wetter sightseeing day

Long-sleeved tops and a removable sweater
Comfortable long trousers
Broken-in water-resistant walking shoes
Compact rain jacket or umbrella

Indoor stops and evening plans

Comfortable shirt or knit
Long trousers
Walking shoes
Removable outer layer for heated transport

What to leave behind

Summer-only outfits: bring enough warmth for early starts, evening walks and exposed routes.
Unworn stiff shoes: test your walking footwear before the trip, especially if your plans involve long outdoor days.

Reviewed 2026-10-07

WMO / national weather service: London monthly climate normals

Transport guide

Getting around London

We recommend Citymapper for comparing London routes, with TfL Go alongside it for official arrivals, disruption information and step-free planning. Keep fare payment separate from either route planner, and check the full journey when changing between operators.

Citymapper — independent route planner
Download Citymapper and select your city for public-transport directions. Tickets remain separate.
TfL Go — official London app
Get live network information, route planning and step-free options.

Check the operator’s current service notices and ticket instructions before travelling.

Practical essentials

Language and calling code

Language: English
Calling code: +44

Useful essentials for London

Comfortable closed walking shoes
Light waterproof shell or compact umbrella
Layers for changing temperatures
Small day bag
Reusable water bottle
Type G adapter if your plugs differ

Do you need a visa?

Check travel-document and visa requirements for your passport, destination and transit stops.

Check your requirements on TravelDoc

Use the checker as a starting point, then confirm requirements with the relevant government or embassy before travelling.

Stay connected

Mobile data for your trip. Check what your current plan includes for roaming. If you need another option for maps, messages and booking details, compare NXTL eSIM coverage and rates. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, and check coverage for every stop. Download important maps and confirmations for offline use too.

Photo: Phil Evenden / Pexels

A first look at London