What Time of Year Would Be Best To Visit England?

[kittykat]

I'm planning on going there next year. Most likely just north of Liverpool and would love to go when the weather is decent. Minimal rain and warm, like at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Any suggestions?

[tigger]

Yes, that's easy. If you are hoping for minimal rain and temperatures of at least 70 degrees F then don't come to England! I'm afraid our climate isn't that predictable (I wish it was!). Yes, some years the summer is lovely.... but mostly you have to put up with quite a lot of rain. Some years we have a lovely Spring/early summer in April/May (when I say lovely I mean the sun comes out and it gets a bit warm) and then maybe a bit of an Indian late Summer in September/October... Our "REAL" summer is supposed to be between July-September... but I don't think our weather realises that! However, England isn't really about the weather it's about the lush landscape, the people, the history and the amazing wildlife. Personally I think any time of the year is lovely in England but my favourite is probably the Spring early summer (April/May) when everything is bursting in to life. Hope this helps. Jane

PS if you go South (Devon/Cornwall/Dorset) it's a bit warmer than up the other side of Liverpool - but we are only talking a few degrees...

[foxy mars]

I'm doing my coast to coast walk in May and always a settled month, September and October are good settled months. The east side of the U.K. is normally drier than west. The further north you go, the cooler it gets, than the north can get some decent weather than south, swings and roundabouts.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by kittykat

I'm planning on going there next year. Most likely just north of Liverpool and would love to go when the weather is decent. Minimal rain and warm, like at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Any suggestions?

Hmm, North West England - the Sun slurps up water from the Atlantic and the prevailing wind dumps it all as rain on that part of the country!

We were told at school that the reason that cotton mills were built in the region, was that the high humidity reduced breakage of the fibres.

Basically you take your chances with the British weather, like all us natives have had to do for thousands of years - that's why it's a favourite topic of discussion!

Jim

[svenrufus]

Originally Posted by tigger

Personally I think any time of the year is lovely in England

Agreed - and actually sometimes the stunning landscapes in the UK improve when you see them in 'adverse' weather. The Lake District, The Western Isles, the Moors in the South West - all of them are wonderfully dramatic landscapes which with 'a bit of weather' come to life in a whole new way.

I think it was Billy Connolly that said 'There's no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing'. How very true. Whenever you come, whatever the weather does, enjoy it for what it is.

[kittykat]

Thanks all. It is the history and countryside that is making me want to go there now. I live in the Pacific NW and get the unpredictability of weather. I guess I'll just have to tough it out! But this info has maybe made me choose to go more towards the London area. I really just wanted to get a cottage out in a kind of secluded area to enjoy nature. But close enough to see some art museums, some of the older architecture of the area, and for sure some soccer...football. Sorry

So let me get this straight. The southeast in general could possibly be a little dryer, and a little warmer? And May sounds like it could be a decent month?

[Meta menardi]

First, we don't have a climate, we have weather (can't predict it). Second, there is no day that you can't go out and have a walk.

I am prejudiced, but I would say that your first thoughts about North West are probably right. You can cover the Lakes, the Dales, the North York Moors and the Derbyshire country, and still be able to visit the Museums and Art Galleries of Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, all in a day each. Traffic is not too bad, as well.

Lancaster, York, Wales, depends how much you want to drive.

[Tursiops2]

Originally Posted by kittykat

So let me get this straight. The southeast in general could possibly be a little dryer, and a little warmer?

There's really not much in it - the south-east can be quite cold in spring. I wouldn't want to put you off the south-east, coming from that part of the country as I do, but most of it is basically London's commuter belt, and the countryside tends to be a bit urbanised and manicured for my taste (other opinions are available ).

If you want to see the best of the English countryside in spring, then my suggestion is head for the south-west. The Devon/Somerset/Dorset area will be glorious in May; you've a reasonable chance of good weather (it's usually the warmest part of the country at that season); there's plenty of history, and major cultural centres at Bristol and Exeter. There are also plenty of holiday cottages in the area. Exmoor National Park perhaps?

T2

[Pippa]

Hi KK


Forget the weather because when you get here that's all we talk about Why ?,because it is so unpredictable.Anytime between May and September may or may not be wonderful but be brave, it will be worth it.

If you do come Northumberland is beautiful and so worth a visit despite the weather.

[ChrisJB]

No contest, the first week in May. Utterly divine.

Regards, Chris