May or September
 

I have decided that Christmas time is not the time to visit London. is may or september a better time to visit?

Thanks

I've actually been in London during both months, altho it was a very long time ago when I was there in Sept. However, were in London in May 2002 and May 2004. Both times, the weather was actually very good and the flowers were lovely. The days are longer in May also.

May gets my vote.

May is usually wet and rainy, by September time the rain has gone, less touristy, hotels are probably cheaper so September is the perfect time to visit - I live there by the way.

I vote May. I've been in September and it was packed and still quite warm with no a/c. Check the hotel rates and the airfare for the two different months.

I haven't had the experience that hotels are cheaper in September.
Days are longer in May, but as for weather, there are averages but no guarantees.

If you have personal reasons for not going at Xmas time, that's fine, but except for short days I've enjoyed my winter trips as well.

September is generally when the "season begins," if I remember correctly--the opera season opens, the ballet, the theaters...more going on in general.

If it was me I would choose according to which month has the cheaper air fare. If money is not a consideration then September is my choice. I agree with m kingdom2 I think often the weather is a little better in September but no guarantees.

Whatever month you choose best wishes for a lovely holiday with your dad, husband and children.

Sandy

The weather both times can be expected to be good. In May the days are distinctly longer and tourists fewer on the ground - so you may get more of a feel for the real city.

On the other hand, for London particularly there are some advantages in September - espeically the chance to tour inside Buckinghan Plalace - which can be done only when the queen is on vac in Scotland (Sept/Oct).

I like Sept, but it can be very warm.

Our last two (for pleasure)trips to London have been in May and September. I liked the better weather and longer days of May. And if you enjoy gardens, May is a beautiful time. I think they are probably the two best months to go so you will enjoy whichever you decide.

We spent ten days in London this May. The weather was fabulous and we did not encounter crowds. The gardens everywhere were spectacular.

Autumn has the wonderful colours, sounds and texture of the last leaves of summer starting to turn yellow, crimson, and ochre gently blowing off of the trees, crisp underfoot - London is much more enchanting at this time of year.

May - in the midst of Spring has long days, the weather can be very good, but like any time in the UK, there is no guarantee. People are also warming up to - looking forward to the summer - a positive 'air', IMHO.

By September the city seems to be already looking towards Christmas.

There are also fewer visitors in May.

September would be my second choice of month though.