Reading, England, United Kingdom: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Reading, England, United Kingdom? If you're planning to go to Reading, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Reading, England, United Kingdom

Based on the climate and weather in Reading, England, United Kingdom, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Reading, England, United Kingdom

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Reading, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Reading, England, United Kingdom by month

January

January in Reading is brisk and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

In February, Reading is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Reading, with several of the days of the month having rain. In February, humidity reaches as high as 80%. There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you visit Reading during March, you will probably see that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. There is frost occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in this region is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Reading is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to get the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you are traveling to Reading in July, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to find the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

In August, Reading is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Reading, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you go to Reading in September, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the right kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Reading can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average. There is frost sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

In December, Reading is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Reading, with several of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 80%. There is frost regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Reading. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are going to go to the stunning Reading Minster, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Reading Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Reading, England, United Kingdom

Reading, a bustling town located just 40 miles west of London, is well known for its beauty and diversity. Reading has something for everyone: from historic relics to vibrant modern culture, exquisite shopping malls to enchanting green spaces. There are some top tourist attractions that one should not miss while visiting Reading.

Reading Abbey Ruins

The Reading Abbey Ruins is an iconic historic site that attracts tourists from all over the world. The Abbey was established in the 12th century and was once one of Europe's largest monasteries. The ruins have lived through many significant events in the history of England, including the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII. Today, the site contains impressive ruins of the once mighty abbey, which are complemented by a park-like setting with well-manicured greenspaces.

The Oracle Shopping Centre

Reading's premier shopping centre, The Oracle, is strategically located by the River Kennett, offering excellent shopping and leisure facilities. The shopping centre boasts an extensive range of high street fashion retailers, restaurants, and cafes to satisfy both gourmets and shopaholics. You will undoubtedly get carried away and want to explore the numerous shops and stalls available in the facility.

Forbury Gardens

A vital green space in the middle of Reading, Forbury Gardens is a tranquil haven in the town centre, offering visitors a stunning place to unwind and relax. The park, showcasing manicured gardens, pretty flower beds, well-kept lawn spaces, a bandstand, and striking monuments and statues, is perfect for strolling, picnics, or simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Reading.

Reading Museum

The Reading Museum is a brilliant attraction for anyone looking to explore Reading's past and learn about its rich history. The Museum showcases a collection of artefacts covering various topics, from the town's origins to life during the Industrial Revolution, and everything in between. The Museum further houses an extensive collection of art, costumes, and artefacts, making it an excellent family outing venue.

Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin

Unmistakable as one of Reading’s oldest and most picturesque buildings, Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin, is a striking attraction. The church, which dates back to the 11th century, exhibits the beauty of medieval architecture, giving visitors a glimpse into the bygone era’s religious practices. While inside the building, you get to marvel at its intricate designs, solemn beauty, and tranquil atmosphere.

Conclusion

Reading is a town that has something for everyone, and despite its size, it still boasts an impressive range of activities to please any age or interest. From its iconic ruins and historic architecture to trendy shopping centres and tranquil gardens, it is a destination not to be missed while visiting England.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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