We’re starting to plan a one week stay in London for the 2015 summer. We have two time periods which will work with everyone’s schedule, jobs, or school. They are within the last two weeks of June or the first two weeks of August. In terms of weather, crowds, or places being open, are both time periods about the same? Since it is summer, and temperatures can be unpredictable, should we definitely be looking for places to stay that have air conditioning? There are five of us, DS, DIL, GS age 12, plus DH and me. Any thoughts?

so far as the weather is concerned, both or neither could be warm and sunny or cold and wet - we have had both sorts of weather during june and August in the last few years.

it is probable that the crowds in June would be less than those in August as the british school holidays [plus many in Europe] take place then.

Unless there is somewhere special you particularly want to see and would want to check that it was open, i think that you can assume that everything will be open more or less all of the time.

Aircon might be desirable but most of us have managed to survive without it. That said, if you are used to it, don't let me put you off.

"if you are used to it, don't let me put you off."

And can afford it....

that went without saying, thursdaysd. the sort of hotel that americans tend to go for often have a/c anyway. A better choice for a family can be an apartment, and they rarely do.

If it was me I'd definitely go for the June dates. The majority of school children break up for the summer holidays mid July and this makes a big difference to crowds.
There is a half term holiday at the very end of May, but the children will be back at school by June.
I don't know what your itinerary is, but I think that parks and gardens are lovelier in June too.

good point about the gardens, Morgana.

June - absolutely.

London is crowded year round. But UK and most European schools don't let out for summer break til July so June gets a lot less families.

The days are longer - nearly 3 more hours of daylight in late June than in late August. Though granted, part of that extra sunlight is very early in the AM so maybe not 'useable' for sightseeing. Sunset in June is afar 9:30PM and in August - about 7:30.

Weather -- don't involve that in your calculation since no one knows one way or the other.

" the sort of hotel that americans tend to go for often have a/c anyway."

Depends on the American, I would think. I stay in student residences and B&Bs, but I was born in England, even if I haven't lived there for decades. A lot of people using Rick Steves' books probably end up in B&Bs, too. But I just checked the County Hall hotels, often recommended here, and while I didn't expect the Premier Inn to have AC (it doesn't), the Marriott doesn't seem to have it either (or at least doesn't think it worth mentioning).

Definitely June, if you have a choice. I was there in June and early August this year; both were warm, but June has less tourists than August.

We don't have AC in London, and have never needed it. But it depends where you stay. In a top floor flat it gets much hotter. Depends on the building too.

Thanks! I do love the extras hours of daylight and gardens more likely to be in bloom in June, facts. So I think I’ll try to steer everyone to the late June time slot. And, who doesn’t like fewer crowds. I didn’t realize there would be such a big difference, but it does make sense, and I’m glad it was pointed out.

About the A/C, I guess I am used to it since I live in the US in SC in the south, and our summers here are very, very hot and humid. Will street noise be much of a factor if the windows are open? The only other time I was in London it was fifteen years ago and was winter. This will be a very different experience.

I’m not sure what type of place we’ll stay in yet. That’s where I’ll turn my attention to next. Thanks everyone!

I live in NC, so I am used to AC too! (Couldn't live here without it....) There has been only one time I have wanted AC in London, a very hot July in 2006 (headlines in the evening papers about danger of dropping dead in the Underground!), and then I could have managed with an open window and a fan, if I had had the sense to go up the street and buy the fan. Street noise could be a problem if you're facing a road.

Would second the recommendation for an apartment.

I had AC in London this July and appreciated it. Streets are noisy and keeping the windows closed was a plus. Also, there is a clamminess that sets in when sunshine and downpours alternate all day which happens in this part of the world, even when the temps are moderate.

Also, if you are still in early planning stages you could save some money by splitting your time between London and someplace else. London is pricy, and it seems most people end up there a week and then take expensive all day bus tours into the countryside. Renting a car and staying in the countryside and driving to those attractions could save a lot of money and make for a better overall experience.

Also, I second June as less crowded.

If you stay someplace like this you wouldn't have ANY street noise - since there are no <i>streets</i>

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~hamlet_uk/

<<London is pricy, and it seems most people end up there a week and then take expensive all day bus tours into the countryside. Renting a car and staying in the countryside and driving to those attractions could save a lot of money and make for a better overall experience.>>

What nonsense. No place in Europe is easier to daytrip from without "expensive bus tours" than London. More of Tom-MN's London bashing.

To the OP: Stay in London, get an apartment. Completely daft to stay in the country and then take trips TO London. If you have two weeks, spend a week in "the country" and putter about. But if the kids are still in the single digits, I wouldn't change abodes constantly. Use the hub-and-spoke principle.

And understand that it doesn't get close to the temps you are used to in the summer. You're talking about people who think 80 degrees is hot and who get heatstroke if they exert themselves in the high 60s (three words: 2009 London Marathon).

tom_mm has a pretty jaded view of London (long story but mainly because his interaction w/ Fodors got off to a bad start and he ended up missing some good advice that would have helped save them a lot of money)

I remember a very hot and humid August; so June would be my choice.

Some central parts of London are surprisingly quiet in the evening. It really depends on where you are.

tom_mn advises everyone to get out of London as it is so expensive. Hotels and other lodgings are expensive, as real estate is expensive; but this is true of many large cities. But many museums are free in London. If you do some research, London doesn't have to be expensive.

With your party, I would definitely go for a flat. There are lots of options.

To clarify . . . >>his interaction w/ Fodors <u>re this trip</u> got off to a bad start<<

Thanks. We will stay in London for the week, so I will look into all lodging-- apts, B&Bs and hotels. Apts would no doubt be the least expensive, and could have laundry breakfast/cooking options, though I really don’t want to do either/any while on vacation. Hotels would afford us the privacy and the peacefulness of our own place at the end of the day, which is nice. B&Bs would allow us this too, plus a breakfast together, without preparation or fuss at the start of our day (seems friendly somehow) But it’s too early to choose one over the other.

We plan on doing the usual tourist items—museums, monuments, landmarks, cathedrals, probably a couple of tours, maybe a theatrical or musical performance, and a short train day trip or two to places close by. When I get a short list of lodging options in order, I'd love some opinions, recommendations, and suggestions. Plenty to keep us busy in London. Looking forward to it all!