weather and dress questions for London

I always think shorts are inappropriate in major European cities unless you are a teenage. But you will see a lot of shorts on other tourists. I would long pants but it is my personal preference to look a touch better than the average tourist. London theater is very casual. Knit shirt with collar and nice pants is fine.

Click here for a site that will summarize the last 10 to 15 years of weather in London, for that period in August. Just input London and a suitable time span, such as Aug 14 to 25.

For theater I wear neat slacks. Dont need a blazer or jacket, although its going to be cool when the theater is over, so at least a sweater for comfort. I dont wear jeans to theater (or generally after dark in London)- but thats how i feel comfortable

Bring both shorts and long trousers: the westher forecast for the next couple of weeks is mixed and low-confidence. There is no need to dress specifically for the London theatres nowadays. You certainly don't need a jacket.

We just returned from 2.5 weeks in the UK and had temperatures in the 60s and low 70s the entire time. My daughter brought a pair of shorts and never once wore them. You will see all manner of dress at the theatre. I would have loved to dress up, but we were traveling with only carry on luggage so settled for nice casual and were not out of place. The #1 suggestion I would make to you is to purchase a good pair of waterproof shoes (like Keen or Merrill). They were the best investment I could have made! Also, you might want to think about getting a pair of the synthetic "travel" pants they sell at outdoors stores. They can be dressed up or down, take up no room in a suitcase, and dry super fast. We got caught in one downpour and I was dry in no time, while my family members jeans took a day to dry out.

I'm an hour south of London now. We arrived on the 3rd to hot temps around 85 f, but it's since dropped into the low 70's for a high. I definitely did not bring enough long pants or jackets. I'd bring at least two pairs of long pants and at least one lined jacket.

Frank gave you great information, follow his advise and you won't go wrong.

You will see few, if any, people wearing shorts unless you are in the privacy of a back yard. You will be fine at everything you mentioned in lightweight casual clothes, including the theater. Folks don't dress up for the theater unless they're going some someplace after. And, remember, the seats are intended for people who are 4'10".

I went to opera and theatre in a long-sleeved shirt and chinos. No one seemed to think I was out of line in any way. Perhaps this is just me, but I don't like wearing shorts in Europe. It just seems too different from what the native wear

I wouldn't go with shorts in London, casual pants are fine. Also keep a rain shell close. Even on "nice" days you're likely to get soaked if you're not prepared. You can live without a blazer unless you have a business meeting.

If you are going to see Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, then there is a dress code - lots of pink feathers, glitter, high heels (especially if you are a man). I was sorry I didn't see the show when I was in London, after seeing lots of folks on the tube and bus going to see it - just for the audience.

Some of the London theatres are not air-conditioned and can get very hot.

The weather in London is currently cool, by USA standards. Yesterday was about 72 degrees in the day with clouds/strong breezes. The weather looks like it will stay cool for the next week or so. I haven't worn shorts since August 3rd or 4th.

I know I have just had bad luck,, but in four visits to London,, three of which were either in July or August it has always been cool and rainy,, the one trip I took in March it was downright cold and sleeting,, so my opinion is never underestimate the need for long pants and sweater and rainshell, you can always take a layer off, but if you are cold and wet its not fun. I personally am not much for shorts for a city vacation( they are great for places like Hawaii etc) I find a skirt is just as cool and comfy.