May or September '09 to Great Britain?

Katherine, I have traveled to the UK in August, late September and just last month --- as in May.

I think you will enjoy either time.......just take rain gear in May.

I always opt for fall but that's just a personal preference. In fact I am looking at doing the Christmas Florence trip this year.

I don't think you can go wrong either way. I think you will miss the European Holidays on either side.

Perhaps a little more variability in the weather in May but you will get very long days and the beauty of spring.

It might be a bit warmer in September and slightly drier.

I am going to Ireland in September. I have been to the UK in August and May/June. If you go in May, late May would be better . . . leave around 24th. Always take a rain jacket.

I've traveled to the UK in September many times. It's a great time to be there. Schools are opening and the sites are still open. Don't forget your rain gear. Don't let rain ever stop you though! It will likely change in short time.

Pam

There are two bank holidays in May (first and last Mondays) and none in September so that would be a couple less days of closures and reduced transport schedules. During my two years here I've found that both months are similar weather-wise.

We went to the UK in early May and loved it. We had one day of slight rain, but beautiful weather otherwise. It seemed to us that the tourist load in early May was still pretty light, which was great.

We just took the 7 day London tour the second week of June, and the weather was lovely every day...sprinkled on us a bit at Windsor, but cleared up and never another day of rain. It was generally cool with blue skies...I would think May would be similar or even a bit cooler.

I've traveled to Britain in both May and September. My vote is for May -- more daylight hours.