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Is there any "best" time to visit London?

Is there any "best" time to visit London?

Old Dec 30th, 2001, 02:45 PM
  #1  
Uni
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Is there any "best" time to visit London?

We are planning a trip to London next year and because we're taking our daughter with us, (she's an adult) we'd like it to be special for her. Is there a best time, or for that matter, a "worst" time to go? Thanks so much!
 
Old Dec 30th, 2001, 02:54 PM
  #2  
chris
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I would suggest though others may disagree to not go during the months of June through the end of August. It's the height of the tourist season with far too many Americans (like myself hee hee) and other European vacationers are crowding the streets & tourist destinations. Prices to fly are much higher too. I've been going during early May the past few years and have found it much more enjoyable. End of summer will be less crowded too if that's what you're looking for. Have a terrific vacation!
 
Old Dec 30th, 2001, 03:01 PM
  #3  
John G
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Well, of course, Phylis, it is much better to go to London from May-October because the weather is much better. It is not very pleasant walking around London in the cold and damp. Plus, in the warmer months the parks will be green and full of pretty flowers. I have to say that January is probably the WORST month to go to London because everything closes up for the holidays. This can also be true in August, of course, because many go on holiday.
 
Old Dec 30th, 2001, 06:46 PM
  #4  
traveller
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I've been in London in September, December, and March, and think it was a shame to be there when it was too cold to enjoy the lovely parks! Late September is just a litte rainy, very nice and not too crowded.
 
Old Dec 31st, 2001, 12:37 AM
  #5  
andrew
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London weather is so unpredictable that it is very difficult to give a best time but I have some sympathy with Chris, if you avoid the major tourist visiting months of July and August you would be doing yourself a favour. I would probably go for June or September, it's still warm (about 70F) and you avoid the worst crowds.

Hope you enjoy the planning of your trip
Andrew
 
Old Dec 31st, 2001, 01:04 AM
  #6  
Kim
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Living in London as I do, my favourite time of year is toward the end of May - there's still a 'spring' feel in the air but it's starting to get warmer. Flowers and leaves are out and the days are often bright. And there aren't any school holidays to worry about so it's a little bit quieter.
 
Old Dec 31st, 2001, 03:06 AM
  #7  
sylvia
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I go to London every year in early October. Most of the tourists have gone and the Christmas shoppers have not yet descended.
I'm not so bothered about parks because I go for the theatre, opera etc.
 
Old Dec 31st, 2001, 07:17 AM
  #8  
annie
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ditto for October. The weather though unpredictable is bearable. The crowds thin and it is easier to get into atrractions like museums. Have fun!
 
Old Dec 31st, 2001, 09:47 AM
  #9  
janis
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Every month has it's pros/cons - I have been in London in every month. For a first time visitor the best time are May/June or Sept/early October. June is not yet high season since UK and European Kids are still in school. Airfares are much lower in June than they are mid-July/mid-Sept.

For gardens, possible warm weather, open-air theatre, etc late May and June would probably be my recommendation. But Sept is sometimes a little drier than May.
 

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