Wondering what to wear in London in the spring. I’ve got you covered.
Packing for London in spring can feel like solving a delightful puzzle.
I’ve learned this firsthand after many visits to the city.
Balancing practicality and style with the unpredictable U.K. weather can be a challenge.
The weather In London swings from crisp mornings to sunny afternoons and sudden showers, so preparation is key.
With tips from my Londoner friends and personal experience, I’ll guide you through the essentials of what to wear in London in the spring.
If this is your first time In London, here are some tips for you.
London Weather in Spring
Spring in London can only be described as “expect a bit of everything.”
It is not unusual to feel like you have experienced every season in one day, especially in March.
However the days start to get longer, and the city bursts into life with cherry blossoms and vibrant greenery.
March Weather in London
March remains chilly, with average temperatures between 4°C (39°F) and 12°C (54°F).
Mornings are often frosty, and rain showers are common.
A warm coat and waterproof boots are essential.
April Weather in London
April brings milder days with temperatures ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 15°C (59°F).
While sunshine becomes more frequent, so do sudden rain showers.
A light trench coat or waterproof jacket is your best friend.
May Weather in London
May feels like a reward for enduring the chillier months.
Temperatures climb from 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64°F), making lighter layers more practical.
Evenings can still be cool, so a cardigan or blazer is a must.
So, let’s move on to what to wear in London in the spring.
What to Wear in London in March
Clothing Recommendations
In March, layers are your secret weapon.
Opt for thin sweaters, thermal tops, and long-sleeved shirts under a waterproof trench coat.
Stick to darker tones for practicality, these can handle London’s drizzle without looking worse for wear.
Prepare for every weather in March, it could be sunny when you go out in the morning and snowy by midday.
Make sure you have enough layers to be warm but also to take off should there be a sudden warm spell.
London Outfits for March
Black Boots, Dark Jeans, Turtleneck Sweater.
For a day sightseeing like exploring the Tower of London, I recommend black waterproof ankle boots paired with dark skinny jeans, or jeans of your choice, and a soft grey turtleneck sweater.
Put another layer under the sweater if the weather is particularly cold.
Add a beige trench coat for warmth and style, and don’t forget a compact crossbody bag with space for an umbrella.
Chelsea Boots, Leggings, Tunic Top
If you’re heading to Borough Market, Chelsea boots, black leggings, and a long-sleeved tunic top work perfectly.
A black wool coat adds a timeless touch and will keep you warm, while a colorful scarf brightens the look. Make sure to bring an ambarella along.
Here is my 5-day London itinerary if you need some suggestions.
What to Wear in London in April
Clothing Recommendations
April is also all about layers. Lightweight jackets, versatile cardigans, and long-sleeved tops are your go-to.
Comfortable walking shoes, such as white sneakers, are a must for exploring.
Make sure to bring a lightproof rain jacket along with you as April can get very rainy.
London Outfits for April
White Sneakers, Light Denim Jeans, Cardigan
If you are spending some time at the parks like Hyde Park white sneakers with light-wash denim jeans and a white button-down blouse will work well.
Top it off with a pastel cardigan and a lightweight scarf for warmth and style. Add sunglasses for those sunnier moments.
Black Loafers, Midi Skirt, Denim Blouse
For a cultural day at the British Museum, pair black loafers with a midi skirt and a denim or heavyweight blouse.
Complete the look with a leather jacket and a compact tote bag for essentials.
What to Wear in London in May
Clothing Recommendations
May brings opportunities for spring fashion. Cropped trousers, dresses, and skirts in lighter fabrics and brighter colors are great choices.
However, always keep a sweater or light jacket handy for cooler evenings.
Again make sure you have an umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket.
I also love to take large scarves as they can double up as somewhere to sit in the parks.
London Outfits for May
Loafers, Cropped Trousers, Breton Shirt
For a shopping day on Oxford Street, wear comfortable loafers or oxfords with cropped trousers and a Breton Shirt.
A tailored blazer adds sophistication and a denim jacket makes the outfit more casual.
A structured handbag or a large tote ties the look together.
Converse, Midi Dress, Denim Jacket.
Planning a day trip to Windsor Castle? Go for Converse trainers with a midi dress.
Add a denim jacket for a casual yet polished vibe, and accessorize with a straw crossbody bag.
Here are some things to do in Windsor if you are visiting.
Dressing for Specific Spring Activities in London
High Tea at The Ritz
Midi Dress, Low Heels, Light Shawl
For an elegant afternoon tea experience, choose a midi dress paired with low heels.
Add a light shawl for extra warmth, and carry a small handbag to keep it chic and practical.
Exploring Covent Garden
Comfortable Flats, Wide-Leg Trousers, Casual Blouse.
For a relaxed day browsing shops and enjoying street performances, opt for comfortable flats with wide-leg trousers and a casual blouse.
A cropped cardigan or jacket can complete the look.
Theatre Night in the West End
Black Ankle Boots, Tailored Trousers, Blazer
Dress up for a theatre outing with black ankle boots and tailored trousers.
Add a sleek blazer and a statement necklace to elevate the outfit for an evening show.
Here is what to wear in London in the spring to transition easily from day to night.
Dinner in Mayfair
Heels, Pencil Skirt, Silk Blouse
For an upscale dining experience, wear heels with a pencil skirt and a silk blouse.
Add a structured blazer for an extra touch of sophistication.
Taking Spring Outfits from Day to Night
Spring outfits in London often need to transition seamlessly from day adventures to evening activities. Here’s how to adapt your look for a variety of occasions:
Jeans and Blazer Combo
For a daytime stroll through London’s markets, pair dark jeans with comfortable loafers and a casual blouse.
As evening approaches, swap the loafers for black ankle boots, add a tailored blazer, and accessorize with statement earrings to transform the look for a nice dinner or a theatre night.
Floral Dress with Layers
Start your day with a floral midi dress and white sneakers while exploring Hyde Park for a casual and comfortable vibe.
For the evening, switch to low heels, add a cropped cardigan or a fitted leather jacket, and trade your daytime tote for a sleek clutch to create a chic dinner-ready outfit.
Casual to Chic with Accessories
Begin your day in Covent Garden with wide-leg trousers, a simple blouse, and flats.
As the day transitions to night, elevate the look by swapping flats for block heels, adding a bold necklace or scarf, and incorporating a structured blazer for a polished finish.
Lightweight Wrap Dress
Wear a midi dress and sneakers or Converse for a day trip to Windsor Castle.
As the evening sets in, layer with a denim jacket, switch to ankle boots, and accessorize with a statement belt to enhance the outfit’s sophistication.
Practical to Glamorous Layers
For a day spent sightseeing, wear black leggings, a tunic top, and Chelsea boots.
Add a longline tailored coat and swap your scarf for a chunky gold necklace to transition into the night.
This simple upgrade takes the outfit from practical to glamorous.
What To Wear In London In The Spring: Packing List
Here are some tips on how to pack lightly when traveling to Europe.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for when exploring.
And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would also work well for you.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
Not all beaches are created equally and these quick dry slip-on Aqua shoes will come in handy!
These men’s quick dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.
If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Final Tips for What To Wear In London In The Spring
- Focus on Layers: Pack lightweight sweaters, long-sleeved tops, and cardigans to adapt to changing temperatures. The more layers the better in my opinion.
- Comfortable Shoes: Bring comfortable waterproof boots or sneakers for March and April, and loafers, flat shoes, or sneakers/Converse for May.
- Compact Umbrella: London’s rain showers are unpredictable. A small, sturdy umbrella is essential.
- Stick to a Color Palette: Stick to a similar colored palette this way you can mix and match easier I always stick to neutral colors and add color with scarves and accessories. Sticking to a palette will make more functional clothes.
- Waterproof Jacket: Even in May, a waterproof layer is a lifesaver.
- Accessories: Sunglasses(yes, sometimes it shines), a lightweight scarf, and a crossbody bag are practical and stylish.
- Travel-Friendly Fabrics: Opt for wrinkle-resistant clothing that stays fresh throughout the day.
- Packing Cubes: Use compression packing cubes to organize outfits by category, making it easier to access specific items during your trip.
- Must-Have Gadgets: A compact power adapter, reusable water bottle, and portable charger can make your travel experience smoother. And don’t forget a travel adaptor.
Dressing in London in Spring
I find packing for London is all about striking the balance between comfort, practicality, and chic.
Think comfortable and practical first preparing for its unpredictable weather and add the finishing touches with accessories.
I personally also love a brightly colored long coat as it can elevate any outfit.
Make sure to take versatile pieces like trench coats and lightweight scarves.
Londoners are very good at mixing comfort and style and an oversized blazer can elevate any outfit and a leather jacket or sneakers can make something look more casual.
Dressing for London in spring doesn’t have to be stressful.
With the right wardrobe, you can stay comfortable and stylish while enjoying the city’s many charms.
Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks or catching up with friends at a cozy café, you’ll be ready for whatever the day brings.
I hope this article has answered the question ‘what to wear in London in the spring’ and I wish you a wonderful vacation.