If you're coming from somewhere like Iowa, London in February probably isn't going to scare you temperature-wise. It's not Iowa-in-February cold, but that damp London weather has a way of getting into your bones and making it feel colder than the temperature would have you believe. The key is warm layers and waterproof outerwear—without overpacking. You can handle chilly temperatures, but being cold and wet is an entirely different story.
This isn't my entire packing list, but these are the must-haves—the things I wore, used or took with me pretty much every day while I was in London.
- A waterproof 3-in-1 coat — Waterproof is key. London in February can be cold and damp, and there's nothing worse than spending the day sightseeing in a soaking-wet coat. I like a 3-in-1 because you can add or remove layers depending on the weather.
- Umbrella — It's London. Just bring one.
- Gloves and a warm hat — You'll be outside a lot, and these don't take up much room.
- 2–3 scarves — They're warm, easy to pack and can make the same coat you've worn for five days look a little different.
- Sweaters that layer easily — Think thinner, warm sweaters rather than several bulky ones that take up half your suitcase.
- Jeans or thermal-lined pants — Regular jeans are fine on milder days, but warmer pants are nice when it's especially cold or windy.
- Merino wool socks — Wool socks are worth packing, and I prefer merino wool. They're warm without being overly bulky and are especially nice when you're walking around all day.
- Wellies—we call them waterproof shoes/boots in the USA— Cold feet are bad. Cold, wet feet are worse.
- UK plug adapter and/or voltage converter — Know what your electronics need before you leave. An adapter changes the plug; it doesn't change the voltage. Not sure whether you need an adapter or a converter? I learned the difference the hard way. Read my adapter vs. converter guide before you plug anything in.
- Portable charger — Between taking photos, using maps and looking things up throughout the day, your phone battery can disappear quickly. I have an old portable charger but this is the one currently on my wish list.
- Charging cords and extra batteries — Don't forget the obvious stuff! Bring the charging cords you need for your phone, camera, portable charger and anything else you're taking, plus extra camera batteries if you use them.
- Crossbody bag — This is my go-to for sightseeing. It keeps my phone, wallet and other essentials close, leaves my hands free for taking photos, and is much easier to carry around all day than a larger bag.
- Lip balm/ChapStick — Keep one in your crossbody bag. Between the cold, wind and being outside all day, I used mine constantly. This is one of those little things that's easy to forget until you really wish you had it.
- Packable shopping bag — I didn't carry one of these in London because Kim LOVES bags and loves buying them when we travel, so somehow we always ended up with one. If you're not traveling with your own personal bag collector, pack a small foldable one. It takes up almost no room and you'll be glad you have it.
What About Dressing Up?
If you're someone who enjoys fancy restaurants or you're planning a night at the theatre, pack something that can work for that—a nice pair of pants and a warm top, or a dress with thermal tights underneath, but here's my rule: don't pack for the person you think you might become on vacation.
If you don't go to fancy restaurants or dress up for evenings at home, chances are you aren't suddenly going to start doing it in London. Unless you have a specific restaurant, theatre performance or other event already planned, you probably don't need the "just in case" outfit. Packing light is more valuable than having an outfit for every possible scenario. If something comes up and you absolutely must have something nicer to wear, there's always shopping. Buying something in London that you can't find back home isn't exactly the worst travel problem to have. At least then the extra thing in your suitcase comes home with a story.
The biggest thing is to dress in layers. You may be cold walking around outside and then five minutes later you're on the Tube or inside a pub peeling half of those layers off.
Coming from Iowa, I wasn't worried about surviving a London winter. I definitely learned not to underestimate that damp cold, though. Pack the layers. Pack the waterproof coat. Leave a little room in the suitcase for something you find in London.
Been There. Bundled up. Loved That.