weather in london in may

London Experiences a Blend of Sunny Spells and Showers in May

The weather in London in May provides a mild and mixed weather experience. This month is often considered the beginning of spring in the UK and typically brings some warm, sunny days along with occasional showers. During May, the city is filled with blooming flowers and mild weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Visitors to London can expect a mix of sunny spells and cloud cover, with a moderate chance of rain. Overall, May is a pleasant time to visit with mild temperatures and a mix of weather conditions, visiting this great city’s historical monuments and walking around the streets.

Disclaimer — We may earn a commission if you book via certain links on the website. No extra cost to you.

Greenwich Park. Weather in London in May.

Greenwich Park London

a short summary of what to find on this page

Weather in london in may statistics

Average Temperature: Highest 18.4°C (65.1°F) | Lowest 9.1°C (48.4°F)
Average Daily Temperature: 12.7°C (54.9°F)
Total Hours of Sunshine: 213
Average Daily Hours of Daylight: 15.6
Rainfall: Depth 45.9mm (1.81") | Days: 8
Humidity: 73%
Days of Air Frost: 0
UV Index: 4

temperatures from other cities around the world in may

New York City, NY, USA: 16°C (60.8°F)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): 31.8°C (89.2°F)
Paris, France: 14.3°C (57.7°F)
Los Angeles, California, USA: 18.2°C (64.7°F)
Tokyo, Japan: 18.2°C (64.7°F)
Rome, Italy: 17.9°C (64.2°F)

is May a great time to come to london?

May is considered a great time to visit London as the weather starts to get warmer and the city comes to life with various outdoor events and activities. The famous Chelsea Flower Show takes place in May, and it is also the month when many parks and gardens start to bloom. Additionally, there are several cultural and musical events taking place, making it a lively and vibrant time to visit. Why not find out for yourself what to do in London in May?

Tower of London and Tower Bridge

what should i bring on my holiday?

For packing or wearing for the weather in London in May, it is important to keep in mind the weather which can vary and be quite unpredictable. The best way to prepare is to pack or wear layers.

Comfortable walking shoes - It is important to wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking a lot.
Umbrella - Rain still occurs in May, despite it being mild.
Lightweight trousers or skirts - These are ideal in changing weather conditions.
Sunglasses, Hat and Sunscreen - Since we are coming closer to summer, the sun starts getting stronger.
Rain and Light Winter Jacket - Though summer is approaching for London weather they are essential. Prepare yourself for unpredictable weather by packing a light jacket or coat.
Soft Cotton Scarf - To keep you warm when the weather turns cold from summery hot.

It is always useful to check the local weather forecast to have an idea of the exact weather conditions on the days you will be in London.

May 2026 Events at-a-glance

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Saturday 2nd May-Sunday 6th September 2026 • Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre • Outdoor theatre season with rotating productions in the park (various performances).

Early May Bank Holiday (May Day Bank Holiday)

Monday 4th May 2026 • Citywide • Early May Bank Holiday long-weekend energy across London from parks to day trips and extra buzz.

RHS Malvern Spring Festival (Malvern)

Thursday 7th-Sunday 10th May 2026 • Three Counties Showground (Malvern) • Major spring flower festival with show gardens, plant shopping, and seasonal displays

London Craft Week

Monday 11th-Sunday 17th May 2026 • Multiple venues (London) • Citywide craft week with exhibitions, studio events, workshops, and maker-led experiences.

The London Coffee Festival (Shoreditch / Brick Lane)

Thursday 14th–Sunday 17th May 2026 • The Truman Brewery (Brick Lane) • Coffee festival with tastings, demos, latte art, and big food-and-drink vibes

Emirates FA Cup Final (Wembley Stadium)

Saturday 16th May 2026 • Wembley Stadium • FA Cup Final day with huge match atmosphere and full city sports buzz.

Chelsea Flower Show (RHS Chelsea)

Tuesday 19th–Saturday 23rd May 2026 • Royal Hospital Chelsea • World-famous flower show with headline gardens, floral design, and peak spring London vibes.

Chelsea in Bloom (free floral festival)

Monday 18th–Sunday 24th May 2026 • Chelsea (Sloane Square / King’s Road area) • Free floral street festival with shopfront displays and a walkable photo trail.

Belgravia in Bloom (free floral trail)

Monday 18th–Sunday 24th May 2026 • Belgravia (Elizabeth Street / Eccleston Yards area) • Free floral trail with elegant streets, displays, and a calmer spring stroll

Fieldday (Brockwell Park)

Saturday 23rd May 2026 • Brockwell Park (South London) • One-day electronic music festival with outdoor stages and big summer crowd energy.

Premier League final day (season finale)

Sunday 24th May 2026 • London stadiums (fixtures vary) • Premier League final day with simultaneous kick-offs and strong pub/sports bar atmosphere

Spring Bank Holiday + May Half-Term Week

Monday 25th May 2026 (bank holiday) + Monday 25th–Friday 29th May 2026 (half-term) • Citywide • Spring bank holiday and half-term week with family-friendly plans and busy attractions.

Premier League Darts (Finals Night, The O2)

Thursday 28th May 2026 • The O2 (North Greenwich) • Premier League Darts Finals Night with arena entertainment, walk-ons, and a loud crowd atmosphere.

Eid on the Square (Trafalgar Square) (The Mayor of London)

Saturday 30th May 2026 • Trafalgar Square • Free family-friendly Eid celebration with live programme, culture, and food stalls in central London.
https://www.london.gov.uk/events/eid-square-2026

Trooping the Colour Rehearsal (Major General’s Review)

Saturday 30th May 2026 • Horse Guards Parade (Whitehall) • Trooping rehearsal with marching bands, ceremonial pageantry, and easier viewing than the main day.

Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final 2026 (Wembley Stadium)

Sunday 31st May 2026 • Wembley Stadium • Women’s FA Cup Final with a big Wembley occasion feel and strong matchday atmosphere.

Explore further events in May in London 2026

Explore more London hotel guides

Hotels near major stations: Paddington Station | Kings Cross & St. Pancras | Victoria Station | London Bridge Station | Liverpool Street Station

Hotels for events and special trips: Wimbledon Stadium | ExCeL London | Wembley Stadium | O2 Arena | Winter Wonderland

More ways to stay in London: Luxury Hotels | Marriott Hotels | Christmas Hotels

Piccadilly Circus

first-time visitor travel questions

Every visitor has questions about travelling to a new destination. We have put together the most popular questions and dedicated guides for each.

hints in london for may

To help you plan your trip more effectively, the following are points on the weather in London in May that you may find useful in preparing for your trip.

As this month continues to warm up it will be more pleasant. it makes for an ideal period for visiting this historical city.
The average rainfall increases further than the previous month of April to 45.9mm (1.81") spread on an average of 8 days.
Rain could fall for 15 days of the month, but only six or eight of them will be wet.
The overall number of hours of sunshine in May is around 207.5 which averages 6.7 hours per day. The number varies according to the cloud density.
The typical daily temperature may fluctuate between 18.1°C (65.1°F) and 9.1°C (48.4°F). The temperature keeps increasing steadily to approximately 3.0°C (37.4°F) higher than April.
During the month, the average wind speed is approximately 18 kph (11.2 mph or Force 3).
On 1st May, the sunrise will occur at 05:33 and the sunset will occur at 20:23, while on 31st May, the sunrise and sunset will occur at 04:50 and 21:06.

best tours from london england

Leicester Square

suggested tours from london in may

London is a city rich in history and culture, making it a popular tourist destination all year round. No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone in this exciting city.

Magical London: harry potter guided walking tour

Join a guide for a Harry Potter interactive tour of central London. Either take a London Underground trip or a boat trip. Your guide will be armed with weird and wonderful trivia all along the way.

Book your magical tour now

british Museum Guided tour

Take a 1.5-hour guided walk through history to learn more about the stories behind some of the iconic artefacts housed in the British Museum. You can explore the collections' treasures and learn more about the history, art, and culture of mankind.

Buy your British Museum tickets

The Shard Entry Ticket

Observe London from 800 feet above the ground for a breathtaking 360-degree view. Make your way to The Shard's 72nd floor to see the most famous London sights while the streets of London disappear below you.

You can take the opportunity to book your tickets here.

Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms Entrance Ticket

Visit Her Majesty the Queen's official residence, arguably London's most iconic attraction. Take a multimedia tour of the Buckingham Palace Royal State Rooms, where visiting dignitaries are welcomed by monarchs. Insider insight into Buckingham Palace's internal preparations.

Get Your Buckingham Palace Tickets

With its mix of sunshine and mild temperatures, May is an ideal time to visit London and make the most of this exciting city.

While you're here, why not look at the weather for April or June or simply a general overview of the weather in London, which can help you plan your vacation better?

Want To Share This Page On Pinterest? Pin It Here!

Photo sources & resources

Greenwich Park - Photo by Rob Keating on Unsplash

other articles in london to read about

London Weather In December | Cold, Frost & Christmas
The London weather in December guide provides all the information about what to wear, weather conditions, things to do, tours and events.
What Currency Does London Use? Everything You Need To Know
What currency does London use? A detailed guide about the currency used in London UK from the latest exchange rates to tips on using cash, cards, and contactless apps.
Your Ultimate Guide to London for the First Time: Best Tips & Tricks
Ready to explore London for the first time? Our comprehensive guide offers insider tips and answers to your questions about navigating the city like a local.
London Weather in November | A Beginning To The Cold Weather
The London weather in November is the start to the cold season. Find out what to bring with you, what to do and also tips about the weather for November.
London Weather in September | The Guide To Visiting London
The London weather in September is the start of the autumn season. Find out all you need to know about the weather conditions, what to pack and things to do.
London Weather in February | Temperatures and Highlights
The London weather in February is a mix of cold and wet conditions. Find out what to wear, pack and also some events and tours you could enjoy while on holiday.
Where Is London In UK? Exploring The Geographical Location
Delve into the geographical significance of where is London in UK. Understand the city's size, people of London and frequently asked questions most people ask.
Weather In London In June | Temperatures, Hints & Events
The weather in London in June is mild and cool going into the summer seasonal weather. Check out this guide on what to wear, hint and also events for June.
What's The Time in London UK: An In-Depth Guide for Travellers
Discover essential information about the time in London UK. Plan your trip with insights on time changes, seasonal variations, and tips for travellers.
Weather in London in January | What To Pack, Tips & Things To Do
The weather in London in January is cold and gloomy. A great time to visit this magnificent city. Find out what to wear, pack, things to do and events to enjoy.
London Weather in October | A Useful Guide Of What To Expect
The London weather in October is typically the wettest month. See our tips to get to know what the weather conditions are like, what to wear, and what to do.
Weather In London In July | The Ultimate Summer Weather Guide
The weather in London in July is amongst one of the hottest months of the year. Check out this guide on how to plan your holiday for the summer weather in July.
Weather In London In March | What To Wear & Things To Do
Get ready for variable weather in London in March! A guide about London in March including what to wear, weather conditions and things to do.
Weather In London In April | A Guide To Your Spring Holiday
What is the weather in London in April like? Imagine strolling through blooming parks and gardens. Check out our guide of suggestions to the weather in April.
Weather In London For August | Your Ultimate Holiday Guide
The weather in London for August is generally pleasant, making it a great time to visit. Check out this guide in preparation for your holiday in London.
What To Pack For London | Clothing Essentials for Every Season
Discover what to pack for London during all four seasons with our in-depth guide. From clothing to accessories, we've got you covered for any weather or adventure!
Best Weather In London - Live Forecast & Weather Tips
Learn about the weather in London to prepare for your vacation. Get the latest weather forecast, weather seasons, and month-by-month climate conditions.
Is London Worth Visiting? | Reasons + Tips Why You Should Visit
Is London worth visiting? Find out why you should visit, what you should consider as a first-time traveller, and where to stay all in our guide.

want to share what you read? share below

Facebook Pinterest Reddit X WhatsApp Tumblr

Benjamin and Albert Magro, frequent London travellers from Malta

We're Benjamin and Albert, frequent London travellers from Malta, sharing first-hand tips from 7 visits across the city. We help you use London transport, find shows, food, shopping, classic sights, and lesser-known areas through simple, practical guidance on the London Info Guide. You can also follow our wider Travel Info Guide community on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, plus London Info Guide on Pinterest. Our goal is to make London easier to understand before you arrive.