What to Pack for London in February

If you’ve mentioned to friends or family that you’re planning a trip to London in February, they might give you a look – or even say – something along the lines of why would you want to visit London in February?! And let’s be honest: if you (or they) don’t know much about London, it’s easy to see why that’s the response. Isn’t it just rainy and cold all month long? Who wants to visit London in that?

Well, savvy traveler, I don’t know your exact reason for planning a trip to London in the second month of the year, but I do know you’re not alone – one of my first trips back to London after moving home across the pond was in February. I took advantage of cheap airfare, fewer crowds, and the knowledge that February is actually not that rainy (one of the less rainy months, in fact!) to have a great trip – and you can do the same.

However, there is one important consideration for visiting in the winter, and that’s what to pack for London in February. While it might not be rainy (or it might!), it will certainly be chillier to visit London in February than in, say, June. Or July. Or August. You get the idea. Knowing what to pack for your February London trip is essential, and I’m here to help, based on my experience doing the same.

Below you’ll find three important sections: information about the length of days in London, so you can plan your trip and pack your bags according to shorter days and slightly longer nights than the summer months; a brief overview of weather and temperatures – informed by those short days, naturally –; and a list of what I recommend you pack for your February trip to London. Ready to dive in and get this part of your trip prep sorted?

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

February Sunrise & Sunset Times in London

Getting a sense of how long days are in February will help you to better organize your itinerary and see how many activities you can fit in a day. 

February is still winter in London, meaning days will be on the shorter side during your trip. The good news is that days are dramatically longer toward the end of the month – there are almost two more hours of daylight at the end of February than at the beginning.

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

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 February Weather & Temperature

While it’s not the coldest, February is a chilly month in London. On average, the London temperature in February tends to be between 37°F (3°C) and 46°F (8°). The average low temperature is in the upper 30s to near 40°F (3-5°C) although you can expect overnight temperatures to dip down to the lower 30s F (0° to -1° C) or less. 

The average high temperature hovers in the mid-40s F (7-8°C) early in February, warming to the upper 40s to near 50°F (9-10°C) by the end of the month. 

Luckily, February isn’t a rainy month with only 8 days of rain throughout the month; it’s even possible to get a bit of late-season snow if the temps drop enough. As you might expect though, February is quite overcast; about 66% of the month remains cloudy.

What to Pack for London in February

Bringing the right clothes can make or break a trip, which is why I’ve included a detailed guide on what clothes to wear in London in February; you can also refer to my complete London winter packing list for additional advice.

When planning what to pack for London in February, I suggest you pack layers, so you can adjust your outfit according to the outside temperature. 

• 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 as your mid and outer layers. I love this Pendleton slicker which is totally waterproof and can stand up to even the most drizzly London day.
• 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 for each 5-7 days of your trip.
• While I said February isn’t super rainy, London weather is quite unpredictable and fast-changing – so it’s best to be prepared anyway. Bringing an umbrella and your rain boots to keep your feet dry are both good ideas.
• Bring a pair of comfortable shoes for dry days. London is a walkable city, and you’ll spend lots of time walking around. Additionally, you may want a pair of dry shoes to change into at your hotel for walking around or running down to the lobby. (Also, don’t forget socks – an essential layer for dry, warm feet!)
• If you plan to go to a higher-end restaurant or an afternoon tea, put a fancy outfit together and bring it to London; you could pack it into your day pack on that day instead of wearing it all day if the weather is inclement.

Have any other questions about what to pack for London in February, what’s essential, and what to leave home? Let me know in the comments below!