I'm planning a 30 day vacation in England in 2004. I'm trying to decide whether to go for the month of April or the month of September. Of biggest concern is the weather. A chart I've looked at showed that there is a lot more rain in Sept. than April but is considerably colder in April. Is that accurate? I think I trust experienced travelers' advise most. One other concern is number of tourists....I would prefer fewer of course.

Actually, long-term statistics show that September is just as dry as April (if there is any such thing as a dry month in London). Unfortunately, Mother Nature has no regard for statistics where London weather is concerned. One thing is most likely, and that is the temperature will be warmer in September. As for number of tourists, I don't know what the official tourism agency for London would say; but it would seem logical that there might be more tourists in September. However, London is a place where you find tourists all year round, so don't count on going at any time and being alone in the city. Good luck.

Wayne,

I hate to be picky, but nowhere in Nolwood's post does he mention London, yet every reference you have made is to London. There is a lot more to England than London you know!

Anyway, having got that off my chest - in answer to the OP, I'm afraid that as a lifelong resident of England, there is no simple answer. April is traditionally thought of as a rainy month (April showers?), but we've just had the driest April in umpty-odd years, with temperatures reaching around 25 degrees so tradition doesn't necessarily count for much.

Both months have different things going for them. In April the spring flowers are starting to bloom and everything seems fresh, but in September the weather is (usually!) milder and there are no Bank Holiday crowds to worry about. If I had to make a choice, I think I would be slightly more inclined towards September. Snow is not unheard of in April, but I can't ever remember it snowing in September!

Thanks Wayne and Zenos for your quick response. Since England has just experienced a very dry April I'm thinking maybe the chart I saw was just considering the past 12 months. I

I'll be a tourist there in September!

One thing I noticed is that the 'rain' in England is much lighter and mistier than I'm used to. I lived in South Florida most of my life, so for me a rainstorm means 3 inches of rain in an hour, 60 mph winds, and hurricanes! When I got rained on in England, Scotland, and Ireland, it was all soft, misty rain, which I easily ignored.

That may not be true all the time, or in areas I wasn't in, but it was definitely true when I was there! I looked at the highest monthly rainfall averages for London... 2.2 inches in August. We get 2.2 inches on one summer afternoon in Miami!

I was a 'tourist' in Florida when it rained. And boy does it rain - I nearly got swept away with the dolphins in Seaworld. The difference I think is the temperature and humidity. Its COLD here when it rains!

Where are you going in England Nolwood? North or South England? 'Traditionally' the South is a few degrees warmer.

PS I was praying for rain in New Orleans last week!! PHEW!! I would have danced naked in the streets if it had! Us English are not really used to the humidity

Hi,

I am a central Florida native, and I am heading to England on the 27th of May. I plan to visit Scotland, London, and time permitting France. The big problem is logistics at this point, but since my husband will have been there for over a week by my arrival date, he can get more information on that front. I do not even own a proper rain coat, since that is not an issue here. What type should I purchase (full, jacket length, etc.), and also what is not as likely to make me stick out like the proverbial sore thumb? I have heard that a decent rain coat and a good umbrella is absolutely essential equipment in the UK. Thanks for any input.

florida_dee,

You probably already know this, but you shouldn't refer to Edinburgh as part of England. The way your post was worded might get a rise from some Scots.

I have visited Britain several times in May/June. Most of the time I have had really beautiful weather. Occasional storms, but seldom all day rain (not that it can't happen). I would suggest taking the smallest umbrella you can find and just an ordinary waterproof jacket. Just enough to get you inside if you're caught in a sudden shower. If it does rain all day there's no point being outdoors much anyway.

Good shoes are more important, since a morning shower may create mud even if the rest of the day is sunny.