What to Pack for London in January

As months go, January is perhaps one of the ones that doesn’t come to mind when you think about planning a London trip. Most people – and most pics on social media – show London in the summer with blue skies and warm weather. However, people visit London all year round, and you might be considering a trip to London in January… in which case you need to know what to pack!

I’ve been to London in January – in addition to living there, I took a chilly trip the year after I moved back across the pond. January, like most of the winter in London, requires special items you might not need in other seasons – and might forget to pack!

To help you put together the smartest London January packing list possible, I’ll first start out by sharing a bit about the daylight hours and weather during January in London. Then I’ll include a list of items to pack for a seven-day London trip. Ready to bundle up and explore the world’s greatest city

Looking for my suggestions about the top events and things to do in London in January? Click here!

January Sunrise & Sunset Times in London

Knowing how long days are is a piece of information that’ll allow you to better organize your itinerary and see how many activities you confit in a day. 

As a city in the northern hemisphere, London is in the middle of winter during January, which means short days and long nights – but each day is longer than the one before, such that there’s an extra hour of daylight at the end of January compared with the beginning of the month.

Below you’ll find a chart of sunrise and sunset times in London in January:

If seeing a sunrise or sunset during your London visit sounds like an activity you’d like to include in your itinerary, be sure to check my guides on the best places to see the sunrise and the best places to view the sunset.

London January Weather & Temperature

January normally is the coldest month of the year. Don’t worry, though. It’s not like the weather and temperature won’t let you explore and enjoy the city. 

On average, the London temperature in January varies between 47°F (8°C) as the high to 37°F (3°C) as the low. However, there’s one thing that can make you miserable if you don’t bring adequate clothes: the wind. January is not only the coldest month but also the windiest, which means you need to layer up to stay warm.

Last but not least, snow is not unheard of in January. Don’t panic, though. It only snows about 2-3 days throughout the month and typically doesn’t add up to more than 1-2 inches in a single day. Moreover, London in the snow is actually magical!

What to Pack for London in January

Yes, London is cold and windy and (potentially) snowy in January. But it’s nothing you can’t face without the right clothing. Knowing what clothes to wear in London in January is crucial to ensure you can explore the city comfortably – and avoid spending money on warm clothes. 

When planning what to pack for London in January, I suggest you pack layers to keep you warm. Here are some suggestions for a week-long London trip as the new year kicks off:  

• Pack two sets of long-sleeve, natural fiber shirts as base layers; I love Unbound Merino’s tops which are super warm and also odor-reducing so you won’t need to worry about washing them during your trip.
• Bring a sweater and a hoodie, as well as a raincoat – I love this Pendleton slicker which is totally waterproof. 
• Don’t forget to bring a beanie and a scarf to beat the wind and keep your head warm. 
• Pack a pair of trousers and two pairs of jeans. 
• Bring your rain boots to keep your feet dry; you might also want an umbrella if the forecast calls for lots of rain. 
• Bring a pair of comfortable shoes. London is a walkable city, and you’ll spend lots of time walking around. 
• If you plan to go to a restaurant or an afternoon tea, put a fancy outfit together and bring it to London. 

Have any other questions about what to pack for London in January, or how to prepare for the colder months in the greatest city on earth? Let me know in the comments below!