What to wear late May in England/Paris
 

Taking a 10 day vacation in England/Paris as a family of 4. Use to 80 degree temps at home. Any ideas on clothing/shoes for late May, early June? Sandles OK? Heard tourists don't wears sneakers...any truth to that? Lightweight coats needed? Thanks for your help. REALLY looking forward to this 1st trip to Europe but can't afford to pack too much. We'll constantly be on the go.

You could have a heatwave, with 30 celsius temperatures, or it could rain with 12 celsius. It is more likely to be warm than cold at the end of May.

Sandals and sneakers are fine. Everyone wears these, especially for sightseeing/lots of walking.

Lightweight rain coat highly recommended, as well as small umbrella/rain hat.

Hi Gloland:

Layers, layers, layers! You never know what the weather will be like.

We were in London and Paris in 1999 and 2001 and both times had several days of warm, beautiful weather. Last Sept., we had HOT weather (as well as a few days of cold).

If I know I'm going to be out all day I may wear - comfortable pants, a t-shirt, jersey cardigan (than can easily wrap around my waist), sandal-type shoes and I'll bring lightweight socks (to wear with sandals - no fashion statement, but I'd rather be warm than uncomfortable) and scarf as well as sling my leather jacket through my purse strap. This way I'm prepared for almost any weather - and the weather can turn than fast!

If you'd like to read our journals about our trips (which include the places you're going), go to:
www.davidandcarol.com

Have a great trip!
Carol

In addition to following the advice above, you should check a long range weather forecast for England and Paris right before you pack. No doubt you will have something of everything over a period of 10 days but I have found the forecasts to be helpful.

Layers as suggested by Clerhman sound fine I would risk leaving the leather coat at home (too bulky). In recent years I've started taking fewer things and either paying to have them cleaned or finding a laundry and washing a load. It's just so much nicer and worth the few dollars than to carry so many extra clothes along. One nice warm sweater or fleece should be enough, especially if you can wear it with more than one outfit.

Shorts are really not cool most places, but sneakers are ok. In fact I just took an Italian customer to dinner last night and although all day he had been dressed in designer suit & shoes, when we went casual, he wore sneakers!

Oh by the way, I prefer sandals and they too will be fine.

Thank you, all! This site is just wonderful. Never imagined such quick & helpful responses. It really helps to hear from recent travellers. Looking SO forward to this trip and posting our travels upon return.