Planning a summer trip to the UK? If you need help deciding what to wear and what to leave behind, then this post has you covered. You’ll find all of the essential packing tips you need for summer travel in the UK.
UK Seasons
When is Summer in the UK anyway? This is how it breaks down:
- Summer: June, July, August
- Autumn: September, October, November
- Winter: December, January, February
- Spring: March, April, May
Heading here during a different season? Find the best packing list for your trip: Spring, Autumn or Winter
What To Expect From Summer in the UK
Weather can be unpredictable in the UK any time of the year, but you’re most likely to find sunny and warm days during the summer.
Rain still comes along, which is why you’ll find a whole section on rain gear down below. Thankfully, this doesn’t often mean full days of rain. It’s very normal to have a high chance for rain in the forecast, but then find it only actually rains for an hour in the morning before the sun comes out. It’s smart to be prepared, just in case you get caught in a surprise shower.
Keep in mind that UK school breaks are shorter than in the US. August is peak summer travel season when you’ll find the biggest crowds. Visiting in June brings a good chance for sunshine but slightly lower crowd levels.
In recent years, the UK has had some serious summer heat waves. If you’re coming from a warmer climate, the news coverage of a UK heatwave can seem overdramatic. Remember that this country is not built for heat. Many buildings are not air conditioned, and a trip on the London Tube can feel like a journey to Hades when the temperature soars. Always check the forecast before you take off and adjust your wardrobe accordingly.
Planning to visit Scotland? I don’t blame you. It’s a gorgeous time of year to head north. Keep in mind that the midges (tiny biting flies) also love summer in Scotland. Insect repellent is a must to keep them at bay.
Top 5 Must-Have Items to Pack for a Summer Trip to the UK
- Lightweight raincoat. A trench style will never go out of style. However, do opt for a coat with a hood. Especially in busy cities like London, it can be a lot easier to flip up a hood than to battle with an umbrella through the crowds. Since summer is the height of tourist season, crowds should be expected in any popular areas.
- Compact umbrella. This is the backup to the raincoat. You want something small enough to slip in your day bag, but sturdy enough to keep you dry without flipping inside out.
- Comfortable flats and sneakers. You can absolutely wear sneakers here. Converse, Veja, and Adidas are all over London in the summer. Swap to cute flats for your evening out. Leave the heels at home, or at least opt for a wedge or chunky heel. Your feet will thank you.
- Summer sweater. Growing up in Texas, I thought the idea of a summer sweater was a joke. However, cool evenings are very normal here, and you’ll get some gray cool days even in the summer. A cardigan works great, or even a lightweight scarf if you don’t want a full layer. When my daughter was young I always brought a scarf when traveling because it doubled as a stroller shade, baby blanket, or impromptu play activity.
- Sunglasses. I know I led with all the rain doom and gloom, but sometimes it is bright and sunny in the UK! Keep a pair stashed in your bag for when the clouds magically part.
Packing Hacks
I love a packing hack. These are a few favorites for travel throughout the year.
- Wear your heaviest items to the airport
- Check for laundry services at your lodging so you can pack less clothing
- Consider compression packing cubes if you’re tight on space
- Soft-side luggage is lighter, meaning more usable packing space in checked bags
- Stash a designated laundry bag to separate dirty and clean clothes
- Check for bag storage near your departing train station to make one last day of sightseeing hassle-free. I use Radical Storage to stash my luggage easily at locations all over London.
UK Travel Luggage
I bring my Delsey Carry-On along for all of my travels. It meets airline requirements for carry-on luggage, includes a TSA lock, and is expandable to fit your souvenirs on the return trip. The internal dividers are also really smart and the front opening section makes it easy to remove items for airport security.
The hard case can handle a lot. I’ve had mine for years and it’s still going strong. Spinner wheels make it easy to bring along on London streets or across airports. During busy summer months, having everything with you instead of checking bags can help make your travel run smoothly.
If you plan to check a larger bag, I recommend a soft-sided bag like this SwissGear Sion Roller Luggage. Most airlines have weight limits for checked bags and hard-sided bags start off heavier. Choosing a soft-sided bag like this will ensure you can actually use the space without paying surprise overweight luggage fees or doing the last minute shuffle between bags at check-in.
Packing Cubes
Compression packing cubes are great for finding extra space in your luggage. Packing cubes are also really helpful for separating your clothing items so they’re easier to find. When my daughter was younger I relied on packing cubes to separate her clothing from mine in the same suitcase. When she needed her pajamas, I didn’t have to dig through my stuff to find them.
Day Bag
Keep your necessities at hand while you’re out exploring each day. I don’t think that a theft-resistant bag is needed so long as you practice common sense. Instead, choose something like this Frye bag. It hits all of my requirements for a day bag:
- Classic style that will pair with most outfits
- Good size without being bulky
- Zip close to keep things secure
- Leather and good construction so it can handle daily use
- Crossbody strap and short strap to make grabbing and carrying the bag easy
For something a bit more casual with good space, I love a sling bag. Easy to carry like a backpack if you prefer, but you can still swing it in front of you in a crowd.
Capsule Wardrobe
Pack clothes that travel well and work together. The easiest way to do this is to lay out your items and pare back things that wouldn’t match with the rest of the wardrobe easily. For example, I have a pair of red flats that I adore. When I’m packing mostly neutral clothing, they come along for a pop of color and easy dress up option. When I’m already including lots of colorful clothing, though, the shoes tend to clash and don’t make sense to pack.
Dresses
Dresses make it easy to feel comfortable and stylish day or night. In the summertime, they’re a great choice to stay cool. Add a cardigan or light raincoat if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
This dress comes in a range of colors and patterns, and it has pockets! You can also find it in maxi-length or with spaghetti straps.
Casual Knits
These are the layers that make it easy to deal with the UK’s variable summer weather. When it’s coolest, you can throw a cardigan or scarf over your lightweight dress or top, then add your raincoat to stay dry and warm. When the sun shines and temps rise, these easy layers are still easy to stash away in your bag.
This cardigan looks great layered over shirts or dresses and is light enough to roll into your day bag when the day warms up.
I also love to bring a summer scarf. That one is available in many colors and patterns, and even has a mild insect repellent built in.
Trainers (Sneakers)
When you visit the UK, chances are you’re going to do a lot of walking. Most cities are easy to get around with public transport and your own two feet. For this reason, you want to have some comfortable sneakers as an option. Don’t worry about standing out as a tourist – trainers are a favorite of even the most fashionable London locals.
Veja trainers are by far the most popular fashion sneaker I see around London.
For a less pricey option, you can’t beat Converse for classic casual style.
If you can’t stand the idea of sneakers, or if you’re leaning into your dark academia phase, you can’t go wrong with a classic Oxford to blend comfort and style.
Flats and Sandals
When you’re ready to dress things up, a cute pair of flats or sandals is all you need. Leave your heels at home – trust me. They aren’t necessary and no one wants sore feet or a broken ankle on holiday.
These flats from Lucky are comfy and can work for daytime city wanders or evenings out.
Available in several colors, these strappy sandals are dressy without the pain.
Boots
In the summer you are much less likely to need boots. However, if you plan to spend a lot of time hiking our out in the country, these are your best bets.
Wellies are not a requirement for a UK trip if you’re just taking a city break. If you are planning time in the countryside or simply love the aesthetic, go with these from Joules. Multiple patterns available.
If you’re planning a hiking tour in the UK, these are the same boots I wear for all of my UK walking. Waterproof and comfortable, these will last for years.
Rain Gear
It rarely rains as much as people expect it to, but it does rain. A simple raincoat and travel umbrella will keep you dry when unexpected showers pass through.
This hooded raincoat from Eddie Bauer will keep you dry when summer showers loom.
A travel umbrella like this one will fit easily in your bag when you don’t need it, but stand up to wind gusts and rain when you do.
Reusable Water Bottle
Summer gets hot. Stay hydrated and reduce your plastic waste with a reusable water bottle. This Thermoflask is my favorite and travels with me regularly.
Water fountains are easy to find in cities. Check out London’s Refill initiative that highlights over 4000 drinking water stations across the city.
Useful Any Time of Year
Jewelry Case
I usually limit the amount of jewelry I travel with just to keep things simple. An organizer is a life saver to keep the items you do bring from turning into a tangled mess. I love the flat profile of this jewelry organizer that will fit easily into your purse or carry-on luggage.
Toiletries
Any liquids in your carry-on need to be travel sized. This kit makes it easy to bring many different types of product in one bag and includes useful tools for filling and cleaning the containers.
Electronics
Electric outlets in the UK are higher voltage than the US and require a different plug. Travel at any time of year with this multi-country adapter.
Ready to get packing?
I hope this list helps you sort through what to bring along on your next visit to the UK! This is an absolutely gorgeous time of year here, and you’re in for a lovely visit.