FromAtlanta

I wanted to try something new and visit London (and a lot of England) in mid-May. Now I read a website that says September is the best time to go.

All I know is that I never want to go in March again. Sure, I still had a great time, but I had to pack much more clothes (bulky sweaters etc.)and it was COLD, WET, and WINDY. (I usually LOVE cooler weather - but it was too cold)

I would think either mid May or September would be very nice.

What should I do?

ben_haines_london

I think you should come in May. Days are longer then, plants are greener, and the country feels cleaner and newer.

Welcome to England.

Ben Haines

WillTravel

I thought London was wonderful in September. I had no need for a jacket in a 10-day stay, except on the Thames River cruise. (But I am cold-blooded.)

m_kingdom2

My dear, the weather here is very unpredictable. It can still be cold in May and September, and rain is almost guaranteed!

I'm curious as to what you achieve with lighter packing. If you still need to have luggage checked into the hold, who cares how much it weighs?

janis

Both are wonderful and both have advantages/disadvantages.

May will have cheaper airfares(sometime a LOT cheaper), slightly longer days and spring flowers.

Sept will have late summer/fall flowers and ofthen warmer temps.

But the weather is never guaranteed no matter what month you travel.

June is my fav month in the UK and May and Sept are tied for my second favorite.

Just pick.

obxgirl

I agree with janis. Either time will be great and rain is a likelihood no matter when you visit. If I had to choose, I'd probably opt for longer days, spring flowers and cheaper airfares. But really, just pick one and don't obsess.

socialworker

Maybe it was a fluke or a strange alignment of the planets, but in "98 we had 10 straight days in May in the UK w/o a drop of rain. I would always choose May--if I had a choice--b/c of that experience. We went to London, Salisbury and Cornwall and it was not only rain-free but sunny as well. When we asked the locals if such weather was unusual, they told us that if weather like that *is* going to happen, it often happens in May. The point about the long days is a good one too--much longer than that time in the US b/c of being so far north.

bettyk

I agree with Mr. Haines. Our last 2 visits to London have been in May and we were blessed with great weather both times. It doesn't get dark until close to 10 PM and the gardens are lovely that time of year.

Daisy54

Do you have specific places/sites you want to visit on your trip to London? If so their open dates may be a factor. Both Buckingham Palace and Clarence House are only open limited dates in late summer and if they are on your must-see list, then Sept. would be a better choice. (I beleive I read here that Clarence House is already sold out for 2004 but I suggest you verify that with them if you're interested in visiting it.)

Marilyn

Just to confirm how flukey the weather can be, in May 2003 we had 17 straight days of chilly, rainy, LOUSY weather in England. Before that trip I would have said May, but now I'd try September.

wojazz3

Well, this May I had 15 straight days without a drop of rain, but in Ireland last May it was miserable. I like May because more is in bloom.

As far as packing light, it's a great idea if you are going to be moving around a lot. You don't want to lug heavy suitcases up narrow flights of stairs in B&Bs.

Bill

FromAtlanta

Thank you for the good advice. My question really wasn't weather related ... my fault for adding that side note about my past experience. (It was just on my mind) - Believe me, I know how unpredictable London weather can be (my first time there was during "the biggest heat wave in 20 yrs." ) ... For me personally, I enjoy cool weather and don't mind rain. (It usually doesn't rain that hard ... it is just when it is really windy where you run into problems. My umbrella actually blew up in Endinburgh! Ha!Ha! )

m_kingdom2, I know it wouldn't matter to you about packing. I understand you are the upper class and can afford butler service etc. - It is a little different for me. I travel with one big backback (not those HUGE ones like you see in the pictures) - I can't take too much because I travel alone and I have fibromyalgia. I'm stuck carrying them myself (especially when I pack up and go from city to city) whether I am physically able to do it or not ... so for me, it DOES make a difference if my clothes weigh more.

Anyway, May was my original choice - I quess there is no reason to change it. I appreciate the help.

Carmen

May is SOONER

Carmen

Unless you meant next month?!

crefloors

I have been there during both months. First trip was the second week in Sept. It was quite comfortable the day we landed and actually never did get very cold. I live in the desert so I think I am more aware of the humidity so it may seem warmer somehow. Anyway all I vere needed was a light jacket but I DID need my umbrella. We had rain off and on at various time. Was there two years ago the last week in May. It was in the mid to high 60's and I really liked that. Was perfect for me. Again, we did need the umbrellas off and on. Just take clothes you can layer if needed..the stores are quite over heated for the most part.

FromAtlanta

LOL! Carmen! No, meant 2005 - I have already been planning this trip for what seems like FOREVER and STILL have 7 months to go! I don't think I could (sanely) make it to September!

Merseyheart

FromAtlanta, you've been to England before, so you know that no matter what month it is, you'll still pack as if it might rain. Because it might. But hey, May *is* sooner, as someone else noted! Why make yourself wait too long? I've been to England three times in the month of May (once I spent my birthday there, and it rained miserably, but hey, I was in England). Just go for it!

Carmen

FromAtlanta, I'm going in March for a 13th birthday surprise for my daughter (more fun for ME than a Karaoke sleepover!). It may be cold, windy and rainy, but since we're from Oregon, we won't even notice. We don't even carry umbrellas, as the rain rolls off like water on a duck I hope you have a fabulous time...whenever you decide to go!

flanneruk

We do gardens - probably - better than anywhere else in the world. And we do gardens in May better than at any other time of the year, except possibly June.

Outside London, there's something to be said for the countryside in early autumn. But London's really not at its best then.

There's one absolutely infallible rule on this board. On the rare occasions Ben Haines expresses an opinion - as opposed to presenting you with options - trust him.

And on May, he's totally right.

Forget weather. It's so unpredictable, it's pointless planning round it.

ben_haines_london

For flanneruk. Thank you, but what if there are options ? Am I to cut them out, or readers to ignore me at that point ? As you have noticed, I deliberately set out to find options. I am sad when our visitors come here to tread the known tracks and see the set sights.

Ben Haines