Hi there! My husband travels to London several times a year for work and I was thinking of tagging along with him in late March. I know it rains quite a bit there and the days will be shorter. Would you suggest waiting until summer to visit or will the weather be okay in late March? We're also planning a side trip to Madrid to visit our friends. Thanks for your advice in advance!
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2600 posts
on any given hour, on any given day, no one knows what the weather will be like months from now
You might have lovely spring days or a washout summer - it's all part of the fun
the clocks go forward on 27 March 2016 so you'll get the benefit of longer daylight in the evenings
if you're just staying in London then everything will be open and life continues regardless of the weather
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
And meanwhile you can check out weather records for the month of March at wunderground.com
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, CA
55 posts
Thanks for the responses! Sounds like London in late March should be just fine. The only place outside of London that we will visit will be Stonehenge, which is on my bucket list. I know it's just a bunch of rocks but I've always wanted to see them in person. Plus, I assume airfares will be cheaper in March vs. June or July. Thanks again!
Posted by
London, England.
662 posts
Late March can be lovely... I can also not be... Much like every other day of the year in London... Pot luck.
Posted by
2599 posts
On average, March is the driest month of the year in London.
http://www.holiday-weather.com/london/averages/
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Easter is the last weekend in March next year, so the two weeks around it will be school holidays for most children in Britain. As a result, many tourist attractions may be more crowded than in term time. This may affect air fares as well.
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
359 posts
Every single time I've been to London it's been in the 50s and 60s and sunny, except for one day of rain and one or two overcast days. I have no idea why people worry at all about London weather. It's obviously a perfect paradise of sun and mild temperatures.
Seriously though - I've had very very good luck with London weather. But it really is all about the luck of the draw. London is a great city to be outdoors in and also has a gazillion amazing indoor activities.
Plan for cool (not cold) weather and have options planned out for indoor activities in case it does rain. A waterproof shell will serve to better for rain than an umbrella and will be welcome if it's windy. Worst case scenario, IMO, is that you're colder than you expected and forced to buy a souvenir fleece.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, CA
55 posts
Thanks for the additional information and tips! It's spring break for my kids here in California as well, which is why I'm taking the opportunity to travel while they are out of school. (Leaving the kids with grandparents.) I did a quick search for airfares on Kayak and airfares are still much lower in late March compared to June and July. I'll be sightseeing on my own during the day as my husband will be working. I'll be sure to plan indoor activities as well and bring rain gear just in case. Thanks again! Can't wait!!