Wondering what to wear in London in September? In this guide we will tell you how to pack for London in September for sightseeing, the weather, dinner and more.
Important Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!
Weather in London in September
Although summer is drawing to a close in September, you will still find that the temperatures are still relatively warm in this month.
But what sort of temperatures can you expect in London in September?
How hot is London in September?
Although not the hottest month in London September is still pleasant to visit. Generally speaking you can expect the temperatures to have an average high of 19C/66F and average lows of 13C / 55F.
And of course the later in the month you travel the cooler it will be.
Generally speaking however you can stick to your summer capsule wardrobe in early September but you will want to add more layers as the month moves on.
And if your visit covers two months be sure to check out our other London monthly guides. The weather does change in London month to month, and you never known when there are some special events that do require at alteration to the dress code.
Is it rainy in London in September?
London can be rainy whatever month you visit. In September, you have a 51% chance of a sunny day (aka 15 days of rain) which means there is a strong likelihood that you are going to see rain.
Therefore you need to consider bringing some items that are waterproof with you, and you will certainly want to pack an umbrella too.
How do Locals Dress in London In September
There are two things that all Londoners like myself know. Firstly, you can get rain at any time of year and secondly on a hot day the underground can becoming stiflingly hot.
Therefore you will find that many of the locals will still dress in their summer clothes but with added layers, and they will also have umbrellas in their bags too.
Note: if you are traveling to other cities and regions in the UK be sure to check out our other monthly guides:
- What to wear in the Cotswolds
- What to wear in Cornwall
- What to wear in Oxford
London Dress Codes to be Aware of
Contrary to popular belief, not many places in London actually have strict dress codes. The four main places you may be worrried about a dress code are:
- religious settings
- London theatre shows
- fine dining restaurants and
- at afternoon tea.
And the truth is that some of these places do have dress codes and some do not.
London Church Dress Codes
Unlike churches in Italy and Spain, not many churches in London have dress codes. St Pauls Cathedral and Westminster Abbey for instance.
However we do recommend you being modest in these places out of respect even if there isn’t a specific dress code that is enforced.
London Theatre Dress Code
Another place that people worry about dress code in London is in the theatre. While some people do dress up to go to London theatre shows, you will also see many people casually dressed especially at matinees.
London Restaurant Dress Codes
The truth is that some of the higher end and Michelin Starred restaurants in London will have dress codes.
Some of these have a smart casual dress code so it is worth checking out our what to wear to dinner in London guide as well as your chosen restaurant to check you comply.
Afternoon tea is also a place where you can expect dress codes to be enforced where one is stipulated. For a full guide on what to wear to afternoon tea in London for specific location dress codes as well as outfit inspiration for every season.
Considerations for London September Packing List
Before we get onto the exact items to pack for London in September, it is worth pointing our some key considerations such as:
Natural Fabrics
Cottons, linens and silks are all natural fabrics. Natural fabrics opposed to man made fabrics cope better in hotter temperatures. You will be cooler and will sweat less in natural fabrics so we recommend packing these types of fabrics if you are visiting during the summer months.
Waterproof Items
As you can expect rain at least 50% of the time in London in September it is worth having a lightweight waterproof jacket with you or at least an umbrella.
What to wear in London in September
Best Shoes for London in September
Sneakers
Sneakers are my number one shoe for London due to the amount of walking you will be doing. Both locals and tourist will wear sneakers in London so they won’t mark you as a tourist and are definitely the most comfortable shoe.
Also you don’t need to worry about the type of sneaker you need to wear as you will see all sorts of styles from bright white, sports trainers to more fashion sneakers. My advice is to wear whatever is your most comfortable pair for walking.
Please note that some of the more upscale restaurants will not allow sneakers / trainers so do check your restaurant dress code. Also it is common for nightclubs in London to say no sneakers.
If you want to know what to wear in London at night check out this post.
Sandals
Sandals are great for London in September as it hasn’t yet become boot weather. They are suitable for more upscale restaurants and if you pick a pair with good arch support are good for walking in the heat.
Also it is worth mentioning that stilettos are definitely on my what not to wear in London list because they are a hazard on escalators and cobbles. Click here to shop sandals for London.
NOte: even though London can be rainy in September you won’t need wellies in the city.
What to wear in London in September for women
Skirts and dresses
And due to the range of styles and fashion you tend to see in London you can choose the style and length you feel most comfy in.
Skirts and dresses also work for day and night in London and can be easily dressed up or down to meet dress code requirements.
Trousers
If skirts and dresses aren’t your thing then trousers are a great choice. Depending on the time of month you are traveling will depend on the type of trousers that are best.
In early September I recommend packing looser fitting linen and cotton trousers instead. And towards the end of September jeans are fine.
Jacket
Coats are not required in London in the summer. However a jacket is always a good idea.
Any style of jacket will do but you can never go wrong with a denim jackets in London. However as London is quite rainy a waterproof trench is another good pick especially as the month progresses. Click here to shop jackets.
Blouse
Loose blouses are perfect for London in the summer for both sightseeing and going out to dinner. They can be dressed up or down for night and day, and work in almost all venues that you will be visiting. Click here to shop blouses.
T Shirt
I don’t think I ever visit London without a t shirt on the packing list. As September is still pretty warm short sleeve t shirts tend to be the best options.
Tanks are also suitable as there are no London dress codes that they are against.
Also as London is so multicultural you will find that you will see all sort of styles so feel free to wear the style you are most comfortable in. Click here to shop t shirts.
Pashmina
I don’t think any of my European packing lists don’t have a pashmina on. For me they are the numebr one travel accessory. It can act as a scarf to dress or a a more casual outfit but is a useful extra layer on cooler nights and days.
PJs or Nightie
Lightweight pyjamas and nighties are an essential for anywhere in England as September is still warm and not all accommodation will have air conditioning.
Sunglasses
The sun can be bright in London so I definitely wouldn’t go in September without a pair of shades that offers good UV protection.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying.
Top Tip: We recommend packing sneaker socks and some odour eaters if you have room in your case just in case your feet do get sweaty when wearing sneakers to sightsee around the city. There is nothing worse than stinky and sweaty shoes.
What to Wear in London in September Packing List for Men
For men visiting London in September we recommend adding the following items to your packing list:
- A Mixture of long and short sleeve t shirts for day time and night are perfect for September. Polo shirts are also good in London.
- Shirts – mix of long and short sleeves is perfect for this time of year.
- Sunglasses
- Trousers – we recommend selecting natural fabrics such as cottons and linen. Jeans can be too hot for the day however can be good for evenings in July.
- Blazer / Linen Jacket – perfect for smarter restaurants in London where you may need a jacket such as high end afternoon teas.
- Sneakers
- Smarter Pair of Shoes for dinner
- Pjs
- Underwear
What to Pack for London in September (Non Clothing)
Now you know the clothes you should bring to London what else should you pack for visiting this amazing city in September?
We recommend packing the below of London in September:
- Compact Umbrella – essential for any month in London but especially September as there is around 15 days of rain in September.
- Sunscreen
- Aloe Vera / Aftersun
- Camera
- Charging Equipment
- Battery Pack
- Travel Adaptor for European plug sockets.
- Crossbody bag – anti theft type.
Note: If you have room in your suitcase then you can bring toiletries with you. However toiletries are very easy to buy in London in supermarkets such as Tescos and Sainsburys of which there are many express versions across the city or the beauty chains such as Superdrug and Boots. For this reason we would leaving the toiletries at home and buying them on arrival to save on space in your suitcase.
For more info on packing light for London check out our guides on using the 5 4 3 2 1 packing technique or using the sudoku packing method.
What to wear in London in September FAQs
Do I need coat in London in September?
Given the weather in London in September you shouldn’t need a coat. However you can get cooler days and even cooler evenings. Also given the rain a waterproof but lighter jacket such as a waterproof trench coat is a good addition to your packing list.
Do you need a raincoat for London in September?
A lightweight waterproof jacket is a great choice for London in Septmber as you get rain 15 days of the month
Do I need swimwear in London in September?
You will only need to bring swimwear to London in September if any of the following applies to your and the rest of your vacation itinerary:
- you are staying at a London hotel with a pool (there aren’t that many) – our favourite one that does have a pool is One Aldwych. The pool plays music when you swim underwater. Check before travel if your hotel has this amenity and if it is open at time of travel
- you plan on visiting a lido in London to go outdoor swimming – my favorite one is at Hampstead Heath.
- you are traveling to another place in the UK or abroad where you have access to the pool or are going to the coast such as Brighton, Bournemouth or Cornwall.
If none of these things apply to you then you should be safe to leave the swimwear at home.
Do you have any questions about what to wear in London in September that we haven’t answered here? Then pop us a comment below and we will do our best to answer them.