What to Wear in London in December: 4 Outfits for Rain and 3°C

Last updated: November 2026

Quick answer: London in December averages 3°C (37°F) at night and 9°C (48°F) by day, with rain on about 11 days of the month and the sun setting as early as 3:51 PM. Dress for damp cold rather than deep freeze: a merino or thermal base layer, a knit you can take off indoors, a water-resistant coat that covers your hips, waterproof boots with a grippy sole, and a hat, scarf and gloves for evenings out.

London in December is not brutally cold, but it is damp, windy by the river and dark by mid-afternoon, and you spend the day moving between chilly streets and very warm shops, museums and Tube carriages. The trick is not one heavy coat. It is a few thin layers you can peel off, a top layer that shrugs off drizzle, and shoes that stay dry. Below is what the weather actually does, then four outfits for the four kinds of day most visitors have, from wet sightseeing to a night at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

London weather in December: what to expect

December is cool, grey and wet, but usually above freezing. Climates to Travel gives 1991 to 2020 averages for Heathrow of 3.1°C (37.6°F) at night and 8.8°C (47.8°F) by day, with 55 mm of rain spread over about 11 days and only around 55 hours of sunshine for the whole month.

Daylight is the other thing to plan around. According to Sunrisesunset.io, London's earliest sunset in 2026 is on Saturday 12 December at 3:51 PM, and the shortest day, 21 December, has just 7 hours 49 minutes of daylight. Practically, that means:

• Most of your evening plans happen in the dark, so the "evening" outfit starts around 4 PM, not 7 PM.
• The air feels colder than the number. Damp air and wind along the Thames make 8°C feel sharper than a dry 8°C.
• Rain is light but frequent. It is more often drizzle than downpour, which is why a hood or compact umbrella beats a heavy waterproof.

The layering formula for a damp city

A three-layer system works in town just as it does on a hillside, with one city tweak: every layer should be easy to take off. The British Mountaineering Council's layering guide explains the logic: a base layer that moves sweat away from your skin, a mid layer that traps warm air, and an outer shell that blocks wind and rain. It also warns against cotton next to the skin, because it holds moisture, and notes that fleece keeps much of its warmth when damp, while down loses its insulation when soaked.

For a London day, that translates to:

• Base: a thin merino or synthetic thermal top. It keeps you warm on the walk and does not leave you clammy on a hot Tube. Our guide to merino versus synthetic base layers explains which suits you.
• Mid: a jumper, cardigan or fleece you can carry or tie on when you go inside.
• Outer: a coat that covers your hips and resists drizzle, ideally with a hood. A wool coat with a compact umbrella works for city days; a down puffer is warmest on dry, cold nights, but keep it out of heavy rain.
• Extremities: a hat, scarf and gloves weigh almost nothing and do more for comfort after dark than a thicker coat.

What to wear in London in December: 4 outfits

1. Sightseeing in the rain

A hooded, water-resistant parka or trench that reaches mid-thigh, a merino jumper over a thermal top, wool-blend or thermal-lined trousers, waterproof leather boots with a rubber lug sole and a beanie. Add a crossbody bag so both hands are free for an umbrella or a map.

Why this works: a longer coat keeps your seat and upper legs dry when you sit on a wet bench or wait at a bus stop, and a hood means you are not juggling an umbrella in crowds. Rubber lug soles grip wet paving stones and cobbles far better than smooth fashion soles.

Skip: suede shoes, canvas trainers and jeans on their own on a wet day. Denim soaks up water and takes hours to dry; if you love jeans, wear a thermal legging underneath.

2. A night at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

A long puffer or your warmest coat, a knit beanie, a wool scarf, gloves, a thermal layer under trousers or a skirt with warm tights, and waterproof boots with real grip. The official Winter Wonderland site lists the 2026 season as Thursday 19 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, closed on Christmas Day, with most days running 10 AM to 10 PM and entry booked in one-hour arrival slots.

Why this works: you are outside for hours, mostly standing in queues, on grass paths that turn muddy in December rain. Standing still is when the cold gets in, so this is the one night to wear your heaviest layers. If you plan to skate, gloves protect your hands if you fall, and a coat that stops at the hip moves more freely than a long one.

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For more on dressing for outdoor festive markets, see our Christmas market outfit guide.

3. Museums, shops and the Tube

A fine merino jumper over a cotton shirt or tee, straight trousers or jeans, comfortable leather trainers or boots, and a packable down jacket or light coat you can fold over your arm. Galleries, department stores and Tube carriages are heated, so on an indoor day the goal is to stay comfortable when you are inside for hours, not to survive the walk between doors.

Why this works: a packable jacket squashes into a tote or cloakroom bag, and a thin knit looks finished on its own once the coat is off. Comfortable shoes matter more than anything else here: a big museum day can mean many hours on hard floors.

4. Theatre and dinner in the West End

A knit midi dress with opaque tights and heeled ankle boots, or a fine roll-neck with wool trousers and leather boots, under a smart wool overcoat. A dark knit and a good coat look right for dinner and a show without feeling overdressed, and both handle the wet walk between them.

Why this works: knitwear is warm without bulk, so you are comfortable in a seat for two and a half hours, and a wool overcoat looks polished over anything. Choose leather or rubber-soled boots rather than suede, since you will almost certainly cross a wet street.

London December packing list

• 2 or 3 thin thermal or merino base layers
• 2 jumpers or cardigans in colours that go with everything you pack
• 1 water-resistant coat with a hood, or a wool coat plus a compact umbrella
• 1 packable down jacket for dry, cold nights and layering
• Trousers in wool or a blend, plus thermal leggings to wear under jeans
• 1 knit dress or smart trousers and roll-neck for evenings
• Waterproof boots with a grippy sole, and one pair of comfortable trainers
• Hat, scarf and touchscreen gloves
• A crossbody bag and a foldable tote for layers you take off

FAQ

What should I wear in London in December?
Layers you can remove: a merino or thermal base, a jumper, and a water-resistant coat that covers your hips, with waterproof boots, a hat, scarf and gloves. Average temperatures run from about 3°C at night to 9°C by day, with frequent light rain.

Does it snow in London in December?
Snow is uncommon. Heathrow's 1991 to 2020 averages show a December low of 3.1°C, above freezing, and rain is far more likely than snow, so pack for wet rather than for snow.

Do I need a heavy winter coat for London in December?
Not usually. A mid-weight coat over layers is enough for most days, because temperatures stay above freezing on average. Bring your warmest coat if you plan long outdoor evenings, such as Winter Wonderland or a Christmas market.

Can I wear jeans in London in December?
Yes, on dry days. On wet days denim soaks up rain and stays cold, so wear thermal leggings underneath or switch to wool-blend trousers.

What shoes are best for London in winter?
Waterproof leather or rubber boots with a grippy lug sole for walking and sightseeing, plus comfortable trainers for indoor days. Avoid suede and smooth leather soles on wet pavements.

Plan every London day before you fly

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