Hmm … Last year we really didn’t have much of a summer! But the year before that it was getting up to 90 Fahrenheit in July … I’d suggest trousers and short-sleeved tops, and bring a light jacket that can withstand some rain, and a hat or umbrella just in case. It really depends on where you’re from and what you consider ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ ... I’m from Colorado and I personally don’t think it ever really gets terribly warm here – but for me ‘warm’ is shorts and a tank top!

Enjoy your trip!

If you can, bring layers of clothing. You really just can’t call the weather in the UK.

There’s no such thing as typical weather in London. It can go from pissing down with rain to bright, sunny and warm within hours.

Having said that, the weather has been tending towards being warmer and drier over the last few years.

Your best bet would be to wait until within a few days of your visit and ask as again then. We’ll have a better idea at that point :)

Well it should be summertime and warm, but who knows what will happen.

“Four seasons in one day.”

Layer up, take a lightweight rain jacket. Saying that, it might be 30c/90f heatwave in london…

Pack for all occasions but dont overpack. Expect to get sunburnt and expect to get wet.

I agree with all the above. In theory temps should be in the 70’s BUT always the risk of a downpour. I’d pack summer clothes but also a couple of warm layers and a light rain jacket. Hopefully you wont need them.

Chilly and wet !!!!!

When I compare it to life in Ireland, London seems tropical

Then again, I don’t own a pair of shorts, as I would have no use for it

eamon

Relying on english weather is a bit unpredictable. One moment it can be hot and sunny, then the next it can rain and drery. To be safe i would bring a mixture of clothes, some for if its hot ans some for if its cold,as english weather is hard to predict. But in my opinion, it would probably be cold. Though you can’t prdic the weather for summer as its quite a while away.

I am going there in the begining of June and I would probably just take normal clothes. Probably nothin for cold weather. Well cold, I’m from Iceland and i may not have the same definition of cold as you in Texas.
But mostly normal to clothes for hot weather and definetly something if it rains, thats a must.
Hope you enjoy your stay there =)

Hopefully it will be warm and sunny but can rain any time. If you’re lucky then summer city clothes are great (shorts, t-shirts, sunglasses) but if it’s miserable then you will need some kind of sweatshirt and waterproof or umbrella. Best have both options covered. Also bear in mind it’s a city so depending on what you’ll be doing and what you are into it’s worth packing stuff that looks good rather than just being practical!

Have fun :)

I have never been to England in the Winter 2 times and the summer once in 99 – that was August and there was only one day of rain…so I guess i lucked out. I would bring some shorts, but it dosen’t get real hot like in some other areas for summer, but make sure to bring a jacket and jeans/pants as well. Hope you have a great time there. :)

The photo is from November 2005.

Hello FlyGirl

I used to live in London. The weather can be pretty unpredictable! Take layers – t-shirts, sweaters, a light coat – then you’ll be prepared for anything! A waterproof coat with hood (eg a mac) is essential, of course, and/or an umbrella. Plus comfortable shoes of course – you’ll probably be walking a lot.

Be aware that some posh shops have a ‘dress code’ – you won’t be allowed in if you’re wearing a vest top (t-shirts OK) or carrying a backpack. Harrods used to do this but I think they’re more relaxed now.

Churches are not as strict as in other parts of the world (you don’t have to cover shoulders and knees) but obviously being respectful helps!

Have a great trip!

I was in London in August and September and the weather was lovely. I wore a Tshirt or tank top almost every day! But, I did pack a couple sweaters for the days when it was rainy. Have a good trip! I love London. :)

Look www.weatherchannel.com because the weather in london is very variable. In summer there is a periods of raining and a periods of hot.

Have fun :)

Summers havent changed much in 12 years, though last year was great. Global warming, etc. who knows?! Life is great!!!

For me, Pachey probably says it most concisely (though a lot of people have been pretty helpful so far)...

Sum:

Consider the weather you’re used to …
Layers…
Rain protection…
Comfortable shoes…

I experienced a rare day of warm cloudless bliss in October, so I think you can expect just about anything. ;)

Ah London weather. :) The layers concept is really your safest bet. Since you are going clothes shopping (a MUST for EVERY trip!) go for a common color scheme. That way you can mix and match and bring fewer outer layers. I usually do not get cold and my first trip to London was in May. EVERYone said bring a coat and wear layers etc. I never got cold (I am “naturally insulated” and can tolerate cold better than most folks it seems) and finally minimized the layers and have since switched to a short-sleeve knit top and a button up (left open) long-sleeve shirt over it. If the weather seemed threatening, I carried my black, hooded rain jacket with no insulation. It packs easily and is light enough to tie to my waist (oh, I used to have a waist and I remember where it was, and that is where I tie the jacket heehee) or even tie to my purse strap.

The overshirt usually serves for more than one day’s wear so that saves space in my luggage. I usually bring both warm and light PJ’s since we have stayed at some places where they turned off the heat by 3 am and others where it was tough to get it comfortable, and went from hot to cold all night as we experimented with the radiator.

Definitely go layers. You know your own tolerance for temperature ranges. Buy outfits in which you feel comfortable at all levels of layering (no, not topless! If you feel comfortable topless there are other countries you can visit)

Now, go buy an insane amount of new clothes to celebrate that you are GOING TO LONDON!!!! WOOOOHOOOO!! and then only bring half of them with you ;)

Yep, everyone’s right – you’ll need a variety of clothes for unpredictable weather. The UK and most of its European neighbors tend to alternate rapidly between cold gray drizzle vs. clear and pleasant. Summer offers the best odds of a nice day, and you’ll notice the airfare is more expensive, too.

If you have it, the best thing to bring is money. Then you can buy whatever you forgot! But this is hardly the cheapest way to find a jacket, because… it’s London. It’s the second most expensive city in the world (behind Tokyo).

http://money.cnn.com/2004/06/11/pf/costofliving/?cnn=yes

I would pack a couple of t-shirts. Keep in mind that many places in London don’t have any air-conditioning, so if it’s hot it can be REALLY hot just because of that.

Yep, I would also go with the layer suggestions and, if you color coordinate your travelling wardrobe first, you’ll need less items overall.

Throw in a pair of warm socks too. That’s what gets to me most when I feel cold.

I was born in the UK and have lived in London, but now I live in the Canary Islands, which are also sub-tropical. So I have a pretty clear idea of what London feels like compared to what we would call normal. Almost any weather you might find in London is likely to seem chilly to you, unless it is a heatwave.

And, anything can happen! :)

I’d say bring 2 pairs of pants, some shorts, tshirts, 2 long sleeved shirts, sweatshirt, a jacket (water resistant), poncho if you are so inclined (I don’t mind water myself so jacket was fine), and an umbrella… pref a mini one that is easy to store & go.

Most of the time I was in London it wasn’t that chilly, I felt fine in pants and a tshirt with my jacket during the day. At night, however, I usually needed either a sweatshirt or a long sleeved tee. Definately bring some rain gear though, because it is almost inevitable that it will rain in london on your vacation. It rained only 1 day for my trip, but I’m still very glad I had my jacket & umbrella ;)

Like people have been saying, the most important thing to do is pack expecting anything. It’ll probably be cooler than much of the US, but expect warm weather. I’d pack mostly summer clothes—t-shirts, tank tops.

However, bring sweatshirts, sweaters or something with a hood in case it does get cool or rainy. You can always wear a sweatshirt over a tank top, and it may be rainy in the morning and warm in the afternoon or vice versa.

I was there in November, and expected it to rain every day. In fact, it was very pleasant, a little warmer than it would be in the States, and though it was grey most days, we only got real rain once.

I agree with sunrise – layers are key. Id bring a few skirts and tshirts, but definitely make sure you have some jeans and long sleeved shirts and sweatshirts, as well. As long as you have a decent sized backpack, you should be able to fit an extra layer or two in there and walk around with it in case it gets hot or cold all of a sudden. Oh, and definitely bring a light rain jacket (think poncho) with you at all times.

Don’t do that crazy girlie-girl !!
You don’t deserve this name if you buy clothie-clothes BEFORE you go !
Camden and Portobello markets, to mention the main ones, will provide top fashion 2d hand stuff you can’t imagine, your friendlie-girly-friends won’t survive their jealousy to see you so unique and trendy, I swear.