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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

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 November.

An example packing list for London in November

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
  • T-shirts or lightweight shirts
  • Trousers
  • Light sweater or cardigan
  • Hooded waterproof jacket
  • Water-resistant walking shoes
  • Scarf
  • Smart outfit (if your plans need it)

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

November in London is cool and often wet. Pack a sweater, a waterproof outer layer and comfortable shoes that handle puddles. Removable layers are useful when moving between damp streets and heated buildings.

Daytime
8–12°C
Evenings
4–8°C
Rain
Frequent showers
Daylight
Short days; plan outdoor walks early
Packing style
Layers + waterproof outerwear

Broad planning ranges around typical conditions, not forecast limits or precise statistical intervals. Cold spells, heatwaves and individual days can fall outside them. Daylight changes across the month; check the forecast for your dates.

Outfit ideas for your outings

Mild afternoon

  • T-shirt
  • Sweater
  • Light waterproof jacket
  • Trousers
  • Walking shoes

Colder morning

  • Base layer
  • Warm sweater
  • Insulated jacket with rain protection
  • Closed shoes

Rainy day

  • Layered top
  • Waterproof shell
  • Water-resistant shoes
  • Compact umbrella

What to leave behind

  • Several heavy coats: one outer layer with a sweater is easier to carry.
  • Beach footwear as your main walking shoes: wet pavements need more coverage.

Reviewed 2026-10-07

Met Office: London-area climate averages

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.

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.

Things to do in London

Find a guided walk or an attraction visit to fit around your plans in London.

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