What is the likelihood of needing air conditioning in late March early April in London? The weather app indicates an average temperature of 55 degrees (13 c) Is there any risk in booking a hotel without air at that time of year? We had a terrible experience in Paris a few years ago with unusual heat, but that was early June. Looking for a charming hotel run by locals, not a chain.
You can see the record highs by month for various weather stations around London here. The hottest it's ever been at any of them at any time in April is 84.4° F.
Barbara, that would be terribly, terribly unlikely. However, to satisfy yourself, you can easily look at actual, day-by-day historical temperatures in London for early April on the website timeanddate.com. I've linked to April 2019 to get you started. I suggest going back at least five years. I think you'll find that even if it gets fairly warm in the middle of the day (which would be rare at that time of year), the temperature really drops in the evening, so you should have no trouble sleeping.
Thank you so much
It would probably be better to concentrate on the ones that say that they will still have their heating on.
I was thinking exactly that, Marco! The damp chill can get into your bones. Pre-Climate Change, that used to be my concern when I went to London in June.
Barbara, you did make me chukle!!!
yes, look for one with heating ,the chances of you needing aircon at that time of year is as close to zero as you are going to get.
With the exception of this year, I am typically in England between mid March and mid April. I have never, ever needed air-conditioning and I love a cool room. Fresh air from your open windows will keep your room cool quite nicely.
You're more likely to experience snow in March than heat requiring AC. Last April was unseasonaly warm but very pleasant and absolutely no requirement for AC. I wouldn't pay it a second thought.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful answers to what I am sure sounded like a silly question! I appreciate your assurances and also the tip to make sure that there is heat!! I really appreciate this travel community! Thanks
Is there any risk in booking a hotel without air at that time of year?
That would be really unlucky.
Barbara, I don't think anyone thought your question was silly! Much better to ask. If you lived in the South you'd have your AC on long before then and if you hadn't traveled to England before you'd not know.
You didn't ask but I'd make sure you have a waterproof jacket with a hood. I'd also pack some light gloves - glove liner weight. I was in Paris at that time last year and was comfortable in a puffy vest and long sleeves but the locals were still wearing their winter wool coats and scarves. Paris and London do have different weather flows but it's what I'd take to London as well!
Barbara,
Not a silly question, I wish more people would ask about the weather when preparing for a trip as it can have a big impact on someone's vacation. I am originally from the UK and go back every year. The last time I ventured to England in March (2018) I found it to be much colder than I expected. It wasn't necessarily any colder by temperature, but its the dampness that can make it feel different. For March, I would plan on clothing that perhaps is Fall weather fashion here. You don't need heavy winter clothing, but long-sleeves, a light winter jacket and perhaps a liner/body warmer and sock/boots. I know the experience of being in Europe in a heatwave - it is miserable without air conditioning. But trust me, England is cold in March.
Margaret
Thank you all! Greatly appreciate the info.