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Who in the world wants to be in London in February?
I had to laugh when I looked at the London Heathrow Airport February Weather Forecast for the month of February 2016. Check it out...
Yikes! You may not have counted, but I did... out of the 29 days in February, there are only 6 that have sunshine, and that's just a little sun peeking out from behind the clouds! In London, that sun icon doesn't mean a whole lot. With England being a maritime climate (it's extremely influenced by the oceans that surround it), the weather is quite unpredictable and changes frequently throughout the day. Translated? - even on those days with sun peeking out from behind the clouds, there will probably be a shower or two at some point.
You may or may not have also noticed that the temperature is pretty consistently in the 30's and 40's, with 5 days out of 29 sneaking up into the lower 50's. Do cold temps combined with lots of chilly rain sound miserable? That might depend on where you hail from, but for this Carolina girl, let's just say it's not exactly my picture of heaven on earth.
Oh and it's blustery. And humid! The average humidity in London in February ranges between 76 and 89 percent. That means pretty much every day in London in February is a bad hair day! Not so good for me, since I don't have the best hair to begin with.
Cold, damp, rainy, blustery and humid. So, who would want to be in London in February? Well, it's funny... but we do! Our daughter, Cait and her family moved to London six years ago and we've visited them twice a year ever since. London has become a second home to us and, despite the miserable weather, we've learned to love this amazing city of 8 million, no matter what the time of year!
Shortly after Cait moved to the UK, she learned a valuable lesson that she shared with us. She had a neighbor who was from Scotland. One day she was commenting (okay, maybe grumbling!) about the unpleasant weather, as it was February when they moved to London. The Scotsman had an immediate response, probably one that he had repeated repetitiously over the years. With a crisp accent, he looked straight at her and said, "Never bad weather, only bad clothing".
That simple, yet wise statement has helped us a lot. The lesson was, when spending time in London (actually, anywhere), make sure to be equipped with the proper clothing and accessories. These days, we don't worry much about being stylish - instead we sport good quality, dependable raincoats with hoods, heavy-duty umbrellas, layers of clothing and waterproof boots. It's so true, if you have the right clothing, the damp and cold don't seem so bad.
We just returned home on Wednesday after spending several weeks in London and France with the family. This time around we decided to bundle up and have some fun documenting some of the wonderful aspects of London in February. Honestly, we didn't have to look far to find beauty, charm and vibrant new life springing up all over the place. Scott lugged his camera around most everywhere we went and recorded our discoveries...
One of the first things we were surprised to realize was that, despite the cold winds and gloomy skies, spring is beginning to arrive in beautiful little bursts all over the city!
Probably because of the gray, gloomy weather, Londoners have a great appreciation of color and beauty. It seems that, around every corner in this bustling city, there's a charming little flower shop. Each morning the proprietors carry out their most vibrant hued specimens to entice and cheer the pedestrians that pass by.
And I'm always amazed at the way things grow out of every little nook and cranny in England. I'm quite certain that a green thumb comes along with the British birthright. You find the most beautiful potted plants, window boxes and hanging baskets everywhere you go.
We ventured out into the city one evening for dinner. London at night is gorgeous, fun and exciting - no matter what time of the year it is!
Public transportation in London is clean, dependable, reasonably priced and very efficient. Not having to fight the traffic is wonderful, especially when the cold, damp winds blow. We navigate from one end of London to the other on the Tube (the underground transportation system) and the quintessential double decker buses.
Oh, and if the sun decides to shine, there are rows of shiny red and black bicycles all over the city. The bikes can be rented for next to nothing. On a pretty day, the racks are always empty!
The River Thames snakes its way through London and is one of our favorite parts of the city. You find people of all ages walking, running, strolling and biking along it's footpaths and over it's ancient bridges. And there are always the sturdy, stalwart ones who brave the elements in boats of all sizes!
Who Wants to be in London in February? As you can see, there are lots of wonderful reasons to spend time in London this time of year. But for us, it's this crazy, sweet, funny, fun little herd of four, who, along with their mum and dad, make it a wonderful place to visit. Without them it would just be another big metropolis!
Denise says
Wow! I'm in AWE over all of the photos. I'm speechless. Simply breathtaking. 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Oh, what a sweet comment Denise! Thanks!
Adina says
You make me miss London so much. We lived there for only one year but it was probably the best year of my life. And I really thought spring always comes sooner in England, there were snow drops and daffodils everywhere so much sooner than in Germany.
Chris Scheuer says
I think that's so true Adina! Probably a benefit of the moisture (the same moisture that turns my hair into a mess -ugh!)
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
You've definitely convinced me and as someone who lives in a cold climate, I totally get the importance of dressing properly for the weather 😉 Such lovely photos. Kudos to Scott!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Jennifer! I recall, when we lived up in Wisconsin, complaining a lot instead of dressing properly and enjoying the season more! Of course, winter weather lasted a lot longer up there too!
Cindy Hartling says
Beautiful pictures!! Does Scott sells them? I'd be interested in a few prints
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Cindy! We're working on that this spring. He literally has tens of thousands of pics, from travel to nature to food.
Vanessa says
Lovely photos. Your grandchildren are adorable! May I ask, is the dog a golden doodle, or a labradoodle? Sweet!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Vanessa! Yes, Crocket is a golden doodle.
Blue says
Lovely pictures and blog post. Thank you for sharing! We had the blessing to visit in July 2008. We were heading out on a cruise. I chose a hotel out of the city as I wanted to meet everydayers. We talked with a Postie, we chatted with a pub owner, we visited the Tower. All in all, I was enthralled, my one night in England was not enough to be sure but it made such a wonderful impression on me to last my whole life. If I could , I'd visit for a month. I know I still would only feel like it was an overnighter, but your pictures say it all --so worth it♡
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for your encouraging comments! We have been back and forth so many times, I can't count - yet each time we discover a new part of the UK or a new part of London that we've never seen, and we're amazed and enthralled once again.
Sharon miller/Goff says
I have never been to London, but it is quite pretty I enjoyed all the pretty flowers too. Thank you for sharing with us!
Chris Scheuer says
You're so welcome Sharon! Thanks for coming with us on this trip!
Beverly Hudson says
Such a journey of beautiful photos! I feel like I'm riding along with you, enchanted as you point out all the various places with their sights, sounds and smells ! Thank you so much for sharing! Your grandchildren and grand pup are adorable! What joy, what blessing!
Chris Scheuer says
Oh, that's so sweet Beverly! Thank you, we really want our readers to feel like they're a big part of the whole experience, and we keep that in mind as we're traveling.
Monique says
Beauty shots each and everyone..from your four beautiful blooms and their doggie to the real blooms.
I am a flower lover..how gorgeous each and every one in your reportage!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Monique! There are probably another 500-600 shots that Scott took that I didn't use! Just not enough room on the blog!
Maureen says
Next time you go,you should go with me. I've been to London quite a few times in my life and it's rained ONCE.. Nobody believes me but I have the photos. 🙂
I'd go to London any time of the year.
Chris Scheuer says
That sounds so much like our first 3 or 4 visits, Maureen. We had remarkable weather so much that, our daughter Cait started to think we were bringing it in our suitcases!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
What a wonderful adventure Chris. Scott has a great eye for the color and peaks of springtime in London. So happy you had another wonderful visit 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
A big "Thanks!" from Scott, he truly loves doing creative stuff!
Susan says
I've always wished I could have a garden like they have in England! What beautiful bursts of colorful blossoms and buds! Even the bus and bikes look so pretty! Your grandchildren are adorable and well worth having London weather clothes 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
We are pretty well equipped, clothes-wise after six years of visits Susan. And there is something amazing about English soil - I wish I knew what it was, but they can grow just about anything, anywhere!
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says
Oh, I loved this post, Chris! I'm from Vancouver Island where the weather is quite similar and I agree, it's all about the right clothing.
London is such a fabulous city and the people so welcoming. Your grandchildren are adorable! I was smiling from beginning to end of this lovely post 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Comments like yours make our day, Robyn. Thanks so much for traveling along!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I do I do!!! You guys have a charmed life, and Scott, you are an artist! (You are too Chris) Love this series and love following along on all your wonderful travels <3
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Sue! And Scott says, "My head may explode with such nice comments!"
Janet Fruechtl says
Love reading your posts from London and France. What a blessing to be able to spend such precious time with your grandchildren, Cait and her husband. Thank you for sharing all the beautiful photos!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for virtually traveling with us Janet! We are still recalling cute stories and adventures from the two and a half weeks over there!
cl says
Oops. wherever.
cl says
Lovely! Adorable grandkids!
On a side note we were in Germany in the fall and I always like to see what other people wear where ever we go. I felt very out of sorts as everyone was sporting hats in the cool air and I had a hood!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks CL! It seems like almost anything is acceptable "clothes-wise" these days, no matter where you go!
Maureen R says
Loved the beautiful photos!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Maureen! So glad you enjoyed them!
Vicki Bensinger says
I've only been to London one time and enjoyed it but would love to return someday. Your photos and stories make it very inviting.
Regardless of weather I'd go to London or anyplace else if my children were there. Nothing would stop me, unless of course they didn't want me there. Hopefully. That would never happen.
Chris Scheuer says
I bet you're a great "mum" Vicki! With all your culinary creativity!
Norma-Jean says
Beautiful photos, especially all the flowers. Great for a winter weary midwesterner!
Chris Scheuer says
We're not too far from spring Norma-Jean! It's coming!
Madonna says
A wonderful post Chris and you have certainly reigned sunshine on a great city. The grands are certainly growing.
Scott, you may be tired of reading this, but great photos. You could easily get a job in tourism. 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Scott gives you a big virtual hug and "Thanks!"!
Charlotte Moore says
Amazed at the flowers in Feb. So pretty!! You do have a very good reason to be in London any time of year. HA!!
Chris Scheuer says
You're exactly right Charlotte!
Danielle says
I love your London posts too and I live here! Wonderful photos that are testament to your words, so true that if you make the effort to rug up with layers (peeling off quickly when you go inside anywhere) and get outside, there are little gems of colour to be found all over!
Chris Scheuer says
There really are Danielle, you just have to look a little and you'll find so much color and beauty!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Beautiful photos, Chris! Those spring booms are lovely!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Laura! It's getting Scott psyched up about doing our backyard gardens rehab!
Betty says
love reading your London posts as my son and family have lived there since 1989 - I go once or twice a year to visit - always at Christmas and yes have been there in February - even at Christmas there are flowers blooming - forsythia in December! love your gorgeous photos of the city and of the darling grandchildren!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Betty! Then you know what we mean when we say London has beauty and vibrancy any time of the year! Even in the doldrums of late winter!