What to pack and dress while visiting the United Kingdom is a common concern for anyone planning a vacation there. Preparation is essential before embarking on an excursion in the United Kingdom, which experiences four distinct seasons and a wide range of weather conditions. Here we have prepared a guide for what to bring to the UK no matter what season you’re going in.
What to pack for a trip to the UK in winter
• Warm, Layered Clothes
Warm clothing is the most crucial consideration when packing for a winter visit in the UK. You’ll want to plan ahead for the cold weather, as the average low is 0°C and the high is 7°C. With trousers, long-sleeved shirts, woollen sweaters or down jackets, and a winter coat over the top, you’ll be ready for all weather conditions.
Wearing thermals as your first layer is an option if you are easily chilled. Wear layers that you can readily remove if the weather becomes too hot while you’re on the subway or shopping at a mall in London.
• Warm Accessories
Keep your hands warm with mittens, scarves, thermal socks, and beanie hats. Wearing gloves with touch pads and a winter hat with ear flaps will allow you to use your smartphone while being warm.
• Shoes
Invest in a pair of walking shoes or boots that are both waterproof and comfy. You don’t want to spend the whole day trudging around in muddy shoes.
What to pack for a trip to the UK in summer
• Versatile Clothing
In the summer, the UK experiences temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C on average, but don’t be shocked if they surge much higher and the media declares a heat wave. If you’re visiting London during the summer, bring light clothing like shorts, tees, and dresses. Never leave home without a waterproof coat, a cardigan, and long underwear since you never know when the weather may change.
• Swimwear
On a summer vacation, don’t forget to pack some swimming trunks to take advantage of the nicer weather in the UK.
• Shoes
Summer trips to the UK need a pair of sandals as well as a pair of comfy (ideally waterproof) shoes for walking.
• Insect Repellent
Insect repellent is a must-have in the UK during the summer months, when the bugs are out in full force.
What to Pack for a Trip to the UK in Spring and Autumn
• Layered Clothing
In spring and fall, temperatures often range from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius, so you’ll want to be prepared for everything from hot, sunny days to cool, wet ones. This is best accomplished via the use of many layers. Think about what you’ll wear under your clothes. Think about what you’ll wear under your clothes. Mix and match your clothes so that you can easily remove layers if the weather heats up and put them back on if it cools down.
• Shoes
If the weather seems promising, don’t forget to pack a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes, as well as a pair of sandals.
Essentials to Pack in Every Season in the UK
• Layers
Regardless of the season, layering is the name of the game in the UK. Remember that you’ll need a waterproof coat no matter the season. Depending on the time of year, they may be warmer or heavier, but that’s about it.
Wearing torn jeans or flip flops is a no-no in London’s famed Harrods department store, which is known for its high-end goods.
• Windproof Travel Umbrella
Most of the year in the United Kingdom, it pours down rain. There was rain in 2019 on 164 of those days. It may rain at any time of the year, from light showers to heavy rain and snow. We suggest bringing a windproof, travel-sized umbrella with you so that you aren’t caught off guard by sudden downpours. When it rains, you may still “stay cool and carry on” as the natives do.
• Sun Protection
Even in the dead of winter, you’ll want to use sunscreen. In spite of the fact that there may be little sunlight, there is an abundance of glare and damaging UV rays may still be extremely intense. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential year-round protection for your skin.
• Reusable Water Bottle
Bring your own water bottle to help limit the amount of plastic being used. You can quickly refill your water bottle everywhere you go in the UK since tap water is safe to drink. Your wallet and the environment will both thank you for not buying bottled water.
• Day Bag
A backpack, fanny pack, or cross-body bag is a great way to keep your hands free and carry all of your things, like a water bottle and sunscreen, an umbrella, and souvenirs.
• Pound sterling
The pound sterling is the official currency of the United Kingdom. While ATMs and credit card facilities are widely available, it’s always a good idea to carry some local currency with you.
• Camera and Extra Memory Cards
Every season in the UK is picture-perfect, so you’ll want to snap a ton of images to remember your great experience. If you have a digital camera or smartphone that needs a waterproof cover, don’t forget to pack additional memory cards and chargers!
• UK Travel Adaptor
Plug type G is used in the United Kingdom. In the UK, 230V supply voltage and 50Hz are used, and three rectangular pins are arranged in a triangle arrangement.
Miscellaneous
When visiting the United Kingdom, you’ll obviously require a few things including your passport.
• A visa and evidence of money for your stay in the UK may be required, as well, depending on your country of origin.
• You may get an idea of what paperwork you might require by visiting the UK government website here. We also recommend having a paper copy of your hotel’s address on hand, since you may need it to fill out an immigration form when you arrive.
• Don’t forget to include all of your technological device’s cords in your paperwork. Traveling in London and the United Kingdom is unlikely to need the purchase of a towel unless you are staying in hostels or cheap hotels that charge for extras such as towels.
• We suggest that you pack a travel umbrella or poncho, since rain may fall at any moment in London and the United Kingdom. Many businesses in London sell them as well.
• We also suggest the Streetwise Map in London, which is a useful tool for navigating the city. Both Rick Steves and Lonely Planet have excellent guidebooks for London, and we strongly suggest a hard copy.
