Scotland/Ireland/England Trip

[Eujeankilt]

My wife and I are going to celebrate our 50th birthdays (her's this year and mine next year) with a three week trip to the British Isles. I've always wanted to see Scotland. We're in the formative stages now, getting started on the planning.

The best times for us are in the spring or fall (she directs a child care/private school and can't get away summer or winter). Which season would offer the best promise of good weather. I realize predicting weather is a risky business, but usually which season, spring or fall, has the best weather?
I'd like to purchase the flight before the prices go through the roof.

Thanks in advance,

Dale

[davedove]

I can't say anything about the weather as I don't live there. However, as far as daylight hours, you want to go as close to June 21 as you can manage, as that is the longest day. So I'm thinking maybe May would be a good month for that reason. Most people in the States don't think about it, but the British Isles are significantly farther north than we are.

[Rob]

Most people in the States don't think about it, but the British Isles are significantly farther north than we are.

This is true, but Britain benefits from the warm Gulfstream, so it tends to be a lot warmer than areas in North America at the same latitude. The weather can be quite good in May/June and in September, but daylight hours are longer in May/June, and if Scotland is on your itinerary, you are less likely to be plagued by (biting) midges then, than you are in September.

Rob

[Graham]

Hope your plans go well, sounds a great birthday present.
I have some piccies online of the UK, it may help. Link is below.

I would the weather cannot be guaranteed no matter when you go, just take good clothing and enjoy what comes.

I love Scotland even in the rain and cold.

[davedove]

This is all great information for when I finally get around to making my trip to Scotland. I've been to the London area before, but that's it.

[Graham]

The saying that the best part of Scotland is the Highlands and the Islands is SO true.

[millar]

I have been to the Isles in both times and they are equally as good. The nice thing about the springtime is that the school groups just don't seem to be as active in the museums. And you usually don't have to worry about frosts, That being said the last time I was in the North of England above Manchester it was late april for about ten days and we had snow,rain, and sunny summery weather. As Dave said the days will be short in either case. Remember to figure that into your travel days. If you arrive somewhere around 4 pm you may not have too much light left.

[Rob]

As Dave said the days will be short in either case. Remember to figure that into your travel days. If you arrive somewhere around 4 pm you may not have too much light left.

Millar,

I don't know where you get that idea from. If Dale comes to Britain in May/June, it doesn't start to get dark until well after 9 pm.

Rob

[Freelander Sporrano]

This is a good place to get some ideas. I just love this site for it's pictures too
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/

[highlander_Daz]

DONT bank on good weather it WILL rain at some point, its a gamble when you come, at this moment it should be cold but its very warm so freak weather conditions are the norm here.

Make sure you visit Blackpool the "las vegas of the North" youll meet more Scots there than in Scotland!! however they will most likely be intoxicated