Packing Help for Ireland and UK - Late May and Early June

It's almost impossible to advise as the Weather here is so unpredictable. Today for example on the South Coast it could have passed for mid July, glorious sunshine, mid 20's and perfect for an al fresco dinner. This time next week could be a complete contrast.

You're unlikely to need waterproof boots. I don't even own a pair of waterproof boots other than a pair of wellies!

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Just read the news and it's been the hottest April day since 1949.

I'm doing a couple of Rick Steves' tours starting in Mid-May, ending mid-June so will be traveling to London, Southern England and Scotland. I am taking the same things I took last Fall to France and UK and last April/May to France. I've got 4-5 SS Land's End Tee shirts, 1 Merino wool SS Tee with 2 Lands End Cardigans. This year I am also taking a 1/2 zip wick away long sleeve pullover. I'll wear jeans, take another pair and probably take a pr of crop pants. (Not a dress person) I always take a waterproof rain layer. The rain layer is from Cabelas but any good brand will do. I'll just layer everything if it's cool, peel layers if it is hot!

Last year on my April/May trip at the last minute I removed a long sleeve shirt from my suitcase to save some weight and regretted it later as I was cold for a few days in Paris. I've got that in the mix this time no matter what the weather forecasts say. Traveling for a month I feel comfortable with what they are predicting a few days out but NOT 30 days out so I will cover bases for warm and cool.

I just go with Altra athletic shoes because my feet are awful. I'm not taking waterproof shoes but this time I am taking 2 pr of Altras in case one gets wet, I'll have an alternate while they dry. I'm not a sandal person. I'm debating about taking a pr of Bobs - knockoff Toms, lol but I don't think they will make the travel team! I'm not sure it will be ~that~ hot for your feet but I don't know how hot the waterproof ones are. Would you wear the Toms or sandals just at night or can you walk long distances in them? I Walk a lot when traveling so I need for everything to work for distance. The Bobs I can about walk across the street in, hahaha!

Here is thread I posted last year from Paris.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/capsule-wardrobe-paris-and-western-france-april-may

We were in Ireland during July and I never wore sandals. It was warm but not so warm my feet were sweating. I wore sneakers with no show socks.

The year we went to Ireland/Scotland/London in Late June/July, the weather was wet as can be in the former two and quite warm in the latter. It had been lovely the month before. What is your breakdown of time spent in each location? I'd learn your wardrobe towards that. Making the decision between the sandals and the Toms, distance first and then fashion. A pair of leggings can look fashionable under a dress and also be a layer of warmth under pants on a cold day. A warm scarf is my best friend and I think was in almost every picture I have of that trip.

Pack shorts and trousers. T-shirts and rain jackets. In Britain it could be wet in the morning and then 25c in the afternoon. Pack for all eventualities.

For me it's better to wear shoes when travelling. It will prevent any harm to your feet.

You may have all four seasons in one day!!! We were in Ireland for two weeks in June and there was never a day warm enough for shorts but we dealt with very little rain. If you are a dress person, maybe consider leggings and long tops and always, always be prepared for rain!

Multiple weeks in the UK May-June: Expect days of tee-shirt and shorts weather and expect days of maelstrom wind and rain and everything in between. Possible morning frost mid-May but probably no sleet/snow days in May or June.

If you are doing hill walking, waterproof boots and rain pants and spare dry socks in your waterproof pack. We don't do umbrellas (high winds).

Hello -

We will be in Ireland and Scotland over the same time period as you. I am packing basically what I packed on our trip to England two years ago at the same time. I do sort of what is called the "capsule" packing method. I stick with one color theme and then pack layers. I also use the compression packing cubes. We also will be traveling with carryon sized luggage albeit will likely check them. OK, what I packed last time and it was perfect and all fit into my carryon sized bag as well as a backpack. My base color was black and grey with teal blue as my accent color on that trip.

My packing list - all fit into my Eagle Creek Tarmac 22" bag as well as my Pacsafe backpack.

(2) pairs pants - blue denim jeans - today maybe the skinny jeans that can also be rolled to an ankle length. Grey Prana pants that fit like jeans but don't look like jeans and can be dressed up a bit. You could opt for more of a nylon type hiking pant in black that can be dressed up.
(1) Skirt - I brought a black Patagonia travel skirt - ExOfficio has a nice one as well - check REI.
(1) shorts - if you get hot and prefer to wear shorts in warmer weather they do not take up much space. I brought a pair of Kuhl cropped pants that roll up just above the knee.
(5) light weight short sleeved travel t's - base layer and worn alone if warm - a mix of black, grey and the accent color. I avoid cotton and go for the Smartwool 150 weight light wool which is comfortable in all weather, or Ibex albeit they are now out of business. Prana, Patagonia also carry good choices. REI brand as well.
(1) long sleeve travel T - same description as above.
(1) Polar fleece type - I broght a Kuhl teal pullover on the last trip
(1)shawl style very lightweight travel cardigan in grey - can dress up the jeans or wear with the skirt over a T
(1)Nylon 3/4 sleeve button up shirt - can wear over a T with the skirt, or with pants, or shorts - extra layer.
(1) vest - polar fleece, or my favorite - Patagonia Nanopuff. I had grey on last trip, Oxblood on this upcoming trip
(1) good rain jacket - I prefer the longer style - REI has a great trench style that is just to upper thigh.
(1) light hiking shoes - can use running shoes as well which can duel purpose for running or working our if you're so inclined.
(1) pair of comfortable walkable dressier shoes - I prefer a mary jane type that can be worn with the jeans, slacks or skirt - There are many choices. Last trip I wore the Merrill Maryjanes and walked miles in them.
(1)scarf to dress up, add warmth, color - find one that ties it all together.
(7) pairs of underwear
(2) bras
(1) running bra
(1) very light cropped running tights
(1)running tank but also wore one of my base layers
(1) very lightweight pullover for running.
(1)LLBean medium toiletry bag with very small amounts of my essentials
(1)small makeup bag - Sophora is a good source for travel size cosemetics
(1)decent size carryon backpack - last trip I used a Pacsafe and kept all of my make up, vitamins, rain jacket, polar fleece, camera with me in that.
(1)PacSafe purse.

If all your stuff coordinates in color you can eliminate as needed and just wash more. Everything should pretty much go with everything so you can grab and go and layer as necessary.

Have a great trip!!!

Rhonda