Rainy days in London

Well, it's been many years since I was there in late September (1996) but I did not let the rain deter me from getting out and about. I had a lightweight raincoat I wore (basically the same thing I wear at home) and a small umbrella in case it rained hard. I walked all over the place.

Keep in mind that forecasts are inconsistent, so I would play it by ear and stay as flexible as possible. Leave the museums for the days when it's raining harder and save the outdoor activities for the drier days.

forecasts this far out are notoriously unreliable. Yes, we are finally getting a little rain which we desperately need, but not heavy rain. We had thunder here last night but only got 11 mm in my rain gauge.

I've just looked at the BBC London weather for next week https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2643743 - a very good source, usually a day out accurate to a few minutes, but nobody is reliable 5 days out or more - and I see a 30 percent chance of light rain, so that's 70 percent not on Monday, light rain showers and sun with a lower chance of precipitation on Tuesday, same as Monday on Wednesday with lower percent chance. None of that would stop me going out with just an umbrella. We're not talking all day heavy rain here. The rest of the week looks dry. Even on the wetter days, look at when the percentages are higher - for next week it is overnight and early morning and dinnertime.

Check closer to the time.

Don’t bother with an umbrella unless it’s a Fulton see-through (the kind the queen carries) which would be my last choice because it is not compact and all other umbrellas are capable of blowing inside out, even if the manufacturer says it won’t.
Instead, buy a waterproof poncho that you can wear over your daypack and purse and make sure it has a hood. If you wear glasses you may want a waterproof hat with a brim. Eddie Bauer has a nice one.
Waterproof shoes and socks are also highly recommended. Once your feet get moist that’s when blisters begin. Assume you’ll do a lot of walking and carry blister bandaids. Once you feel friction, stop somewhere and cover the area with a bandaid.

My daughter is there now, and I was sad a week ago for her with the super rainy forecast. I see that the little bit of rain might have come at night and hasn't affected their trip at all. The photos sent back are all showing lovely weather.

Marypat, just an FYI, moleskin is much better for blisters. I carry it with me everyday when I travel. I precut a few pieces and put in my change purse.

It rained several days when we were there years ago. I remember wearing a light weight rain jacket with a hood, and I wore my hiking boots (we had previously in the trip hiked in the Cotswolds). The boots were great on the slick, uneven surfaces. We walked quite a bit; remember, it doesn't usually rain all day, and it might not be a heavy rain. Enjoy anything indoors otherwise, particularly a stop for coffee or tea and to watch people.

Marypat, just an FYI, moleskin is much better for blisters.

Good to know, thank you Barbara. I learn something everytime I'm wrong, now I have to remember it.

Hi - I’ve heard the virtues of moleskin being extolled here, but personally I’ve never used it. I also carry a small chunk of sheep’s wool fished off a fence during a walk for blister padding but I’ve never used that either (may be an old wife’s tale anyway). No, for blister protection we always head into our nearest ‘Boots’ (the Chemist) or large supermarket and pick up a pack of Compeed, the go-to for British hiking types.

Although, it must be said that blister prevention is many times better than cure and that any sore or ‘hot spots’ should be treated immediately and with extreme prejudice!

London is a very walkable city, just wear good socks and shoes, even if the weather is a little unkind. Enjoy!

Ian

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions, no rain can keep us from exploring but want to be well prepared.

OP what do you do and how do you prepare for rainy days at home? Washington DC averages 43 inches of rain a year while with approximately 115 days of precipitation, while London averages 24-28 inches a year with 150 days of precipitation.

Vap, We are not tourists here in DC, so stay put when it rains! But wouldnt want to do that during our vacation.

Covered markets like Spitalfields or Borough are ideal for rainy weather.

Agree about meandering about Spitafields and Borough markets. You could also visit Harrod’s Food Hall, Mercato Mayfair or simply walk around Selfridges ( its huge!) Could also visit Leadenhall Market, the last glass covered market in London. If Harry Potter fans look for the opening to the Leaky Cauldron.

Besides popping into a pub why not enjoy a movie. See whats on at the Prince Charles or any of the Oden complexes.

As far as apparel a rain coat works. In November I take a mid cafe light weight Ex Offico rain coat.
Believe Walmart has a cheap easy to pack unisex rain ponchos.

Non touristy gems:
Alexander Fleming Museum ( there is a charge )
St Dunstans in East garden
The Crystal Park dinosaurs
Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park

Speaking of Richmond Park ( Richmond is lovely) 30 minute tube ride from Victoria Station or 20 minute SW train from Waterloo. Can walk the high street from the station ( s ) to the Thames River path.
If lucky you’ll get to see the herd of fallow deer in Richmond Park.

Other pleasant non touristy spots….
Ealing High Street, Highgate Wood Park, Syon House and Gardens, Fulham House, Wetlands Center, Mudchute Farm, Chiswick House and Gardens, Cinema Museum, Murals of Shoreditch,
Royal Exchange, Little Venice.

Great, I didnt realize the markets are partially covered.

Well, a rainy icon in the weather forecast does not mean it will rain all day.
We recently returned from a 2 weeks travel through southern England and following web-site helped a lot to schedule activities for the few rainy days we experienced.
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/maps-and-charts/rainfall-radar-forecast-map#
The short-term forecast was very good.

Yes I understand it doesnt mean it will rain all the day. Nevertheless I would like to be prepared so that we can quickly swap activities when it does rain.