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August weather in UK & Ireland - what to wear?

Posted by: SanDiegoSue on Jul 9, 09 at 08:10 PM Posted in: Europe Tagged: Ireland , United Kingdom Jump to last reply Flag this topic

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Perhaps this is a boring old question, but any help is appreciated. I've been told to take and wear "layers" for my August trip to Ireland, Scotland and England this year. But, does anyone have more specific suggestions? Is it short sleeve and shorts weather? Long sleeves and don't forget the sweater? Will England soar into the 80s or 90s plus humidity, while we chill in 50-degree Scotland highlands and Edinburgh in the evening for the Tattoo performance???
Thanks
Sue

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nytraveler on Jul 9, 09 at 08:24 PM

Scotland and Ireland very rarely if ever have shorts weather. England can be a little warmer - esp along the south coast - but temps in the 90's are very rare.

For layers I would assume short sleeves, long sleeves, light sweaters and a light waterproof jacket. And don;t forget waterproof walking shoes and a sturdy folding umbrella.

Part of what you will wear is what weather you're used to - and we don;t know that. (A niece of my beau's from Florida spent her junior year in Scotland and said she was never warm the entire time she was there - indoors or out.)
janisj on Jul 9, 09 at 08:40 PM

layers layers layers -- and definitely have waterproof something in case for the Tattoo. You might have lovely weather (though cool at night) but it could just as easily be pouring down. Sitting in those grandstands in floaty summer things would be really uncomfortable.

I've been to the Tattoo w/ just a windbreaker and it was fine. But another time in gloves/scarf/turtleneck, cardigan, fleece vest, and raincoat and FROZE.

Sure - it can be warm enough for shorts in the England/Scotland/Ireland - but the odds are not that great. And the ones you see inn shorts live there and can go home and change when the weather turns. IMO take light weight slacks and leave the shorts home.
LAwoman on Jul 9, 09 at 08:56 PM

We were in Edinburgh last August and it was cool and rainy almost every day. We wore coats and sweaters the entire time, it never got anything close to warm. It poured continuously throughout the Tattoo. Everyone put on rain ponchos, there wasn't an umbrella in the house, I believe it would have been frowned upon as obscuring the view.

Of course you could have an entirely different experience, just thought I'd mention it. It's a beautiful city.
SanDiegoSue on Jul 10, 09 at 01:29 AM

Thanks so much for the replies. That helps a lot.
Sue
helen_belsize on Jul 10, 09 at 08:16 AM

Even if it is quite warm in the day it can turn cold in the evening, remember when you are watching an outdoor event you are not moving, they often hire out blankets, which gives you an idea of the chill. A fine day with no clouds means a very chilly evening with no cloud to hold the warmth in.
Cholmondley_Warner on Jul 10, 09 at 08:26 AM

There is a reason the British have a reputation for endlessly talking about the weather - we do. It's a source of fascination to us because it's always changing.

So weather in Agust - worst case: 50s and lots and lots of rain.

Best case: 80s and sunny.

It's also quite possible you will experience both. Welcome to our North Atlantic island warmed by the Gulf Stream. Anything can happen.

The only real thing is to bring a waterproof you would be happy to wear all day.
amelie on Jul 10, 09 at 09:09 AM

"I've been to the Tattoo w/ just a windbreaker and it was fine. But another time in gloves/scarf/turtleneck, cardigan, fleece vest, and raincoat and FROZE."
janisj

wow. I will have to add gloves and scarf to the list. Are we allowed to bring a blanket to the Tattoo?

tahl on Jul 10, 09 at 09:16 AM

I haven't been in the UK in August lately, but it were me packing, I would err toward more long-sleeved cotton tops (suitable if need be for pushing / rolling sleeves up and leaving untucked for coolness) and fewer short-sleeved tops.

As far as a waterproof top, I recommend one that rolls or folds up very small (mine is from LLBean), so it's not in the way as you take it on and off throughout the day. I've heard "partly sunny with periods of rain" described as the national motto.