I did do a search for previous posts regarding weather in the UK, specifically London & Edinburgh. The reactions seem to be mixed.

My sister in law is trying to convince me to go in June instead of November. That would be June 05 instead of November 04.

I guess my question is: Is the weather that bad that time of year? Will my pictures be terrible?

I would hate to wait an additional seven months for this vacation but would it be worth the wait? Sheila???

Not only should June be much warmer but the days will be long - sunset after 9.30pm rather than 4.00pm in November. Us Brits tend to be a bit brighter too towards the summer...

Plus the outdoors will be much more attractive in June - flowers in bloom etc as opposed to dreary gray not much. If you want to do only indoor things in cities (museums, theater etc) November is fine other wise I would take June.

definitly June. and go to all the parks, i think the roses will be at their best.

I wouldn't come in November. It will be cold and miserable and will get dark very early.
In June, the days will be long, the flowers will be out and there won't be too many tourists.

Just as a counterbalance - I was in London last January, and had a great time. It was cold, but so what?

I have great pictures at Tower of London, Windsor Castle, and Hampton Court Palace that have no people in them - try getting those in the summer!

But, I usually travel off-season - I prefer less crowds, personally.

Karen

Karen

Definitely June. Not only will the days be much longer, allowing you to do more, but all the interesting sites will be open. Quite a lot of the privately owned homes, etc.are closed from October to April. The temperature will be higher in June, although who knows how much!

Certainly go in June, but why not June 2004 ?

I've been to the UK in both the winter and the summer, and enjoyed both. However, June has the definite edge! The gardens will be in full bloom, and since that one of England's and Scotland's best features, it's worth the wait to enjoy. Plus, travelling is easier in the warm months. Less packing because you won't need to bring heavy sweaters and coats. There will be more tourists, of course, but nothing like the crush you see in July and August. It's pleasant all around.

I lived in the UK for 5 years and have traveled there in just about every month - any month is great. But for a FIRST trip, and especially if you want to spend any time out in the countryside, it is much, MUCH better in June. Many country attractions close in the off season so some of the castles/stately homes will not be open in Nov. Your photos will be fine whenever you go - but you will see a lot more in June.

The weather can be wonderful, OK, or horrible in either month - but especially in Scotland June cannot be beat. It will be light until after 10:30 at night and those long days really extend your sightseeing possibilities. Sure, the castles close at 6PM - but the glorious countryside is "open all hours". I have photos of my dogs chasing a frisby on the beach up in far NW Scotland taken with available light at 11 PM.

The gardens will be glorious and full of flowers in June; They will be gentle and more subdued in Nov.

I've been there at both times of year.
June is warmer, prettier, there are gardens in bloom, days are longer, hours of admission are longer, lines are longer

November is colder, rainier, days are shorter, lines are shorter, Xmas decorations may be up at the end of the month. The primary advantage of November? It's cheaper (hotels and air fare.)

I was in London this Nov. 5 and had been there at that date for the last several years. It is not a good time to go. The weather is very iffy and worst of all...there is a good chance the kids will be out of school for half-term break (which is why I go then). The museums and other tourist attractions are much more crowded than when the kids are in school. If you go in June the kids are in school until the end of the month and often thru the first or even the second week of July. Plus the weather will be much better and the flowers are fantastic. Good for the good weather.

You could have a great holiday in Britan in November.

but to even CONSIDER comparing that with June...you must be barking. June is wonderful; November merely OK.

It would not be worth the wat. COME IN JUNE

Hi memejw,

Just thought I'd post another vote for the June camp - believe us, it's a no brainer!

In June you can see the Epsom Derby, go to Royal Ascot. Take in the Queen's birthday parade or the practices for it.

No contest. June. And you'll be there before the huge crowds of tourists hit.

Thanks everyone for the suggestion. I have to admit thats not really what I wanted to hear. But I will try to have patience if it means we will have a much better trip.
In the meantime, I guess I will spend my time getting to know more about the cities that are nearby...New Orleans, Baton Rouge, etc.

...and by next June the dollar may have improved