United Kingdom London Weather in May — Climate Guide
May in London is Very Good
London Weather in May — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 17° / 9°
- Rainfall
- 45mm · 8 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, London in May averages a high of 17°C and low of 9°C with 45mm of rain over about 8 days. Light jacket, jeans or chinos, optional sweater for evenings. Sunglasses become useful. Umbrella still in the bag.
May is Very Good for London.
London's first sweet spot — long daylight (5am-9pm), mild temps, parks at peak. Two bank holiday Mondays (first and last Monday) push hotel prices up. Chelsea Flower Show is the cultural event — Royal Hospital Chelsea hosts the world's most prestigious garden show. May 1 marks the start of outdoor pub gardens being properly busy.
Travel score
Year's #1 spring + Chelsea Flower Show + Bank Holiday
May Weather at a Glance
May averages 63°F / 17°C highs and 48°F / 9°C lows — year's most comfortable spring. 10 rainy days, 45mm. Humidity 70% + 6 hours of sunshine. Spring flowers peak — Kew Gardens first week of May. Chelsea Flower Show (3rd week of May, world's largest garden show).
May Travel Advice
Long sleeves + cardigan + walking shoes. May 1 + last Monday of May 'Bank Holiday' (public holiday, 3-day weekend). Chelsea Flower Show (3rd week of May, 5 days, Royal Hospital Chelsea) signature. Coronation Day (May 6, King Charles' coronation anniversary, tourist surge).
Flying In from Overseas
Korean Children's Day + Buddha's Day + spring season #1 — Asia-London $980-1,540 round-trip. Late May (post-holiday) value.
May Pricing Trends
Peak entry — Covent Garden 3-star $245-420/night. Chelsea Flower Show 1-week hotels surge.
London May Weather Stats
Avg High
17°C
Avg Low
9°C
Rainy Days
8
45mm total
Sunshine
6.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
68%
Mild
UV Index
5
Moderate
Wind
14 km/h
Gusts 26
Sea Temp
12°C
Avg water temp
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
May Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
19 μg/m³
PM10
28 μg/m³
Status
Moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
16°C
Nighttime
7°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
14 km/h
Max gust 26 km/h
Activities Recommended for May
May Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long daylight (16+ hours)
- Parks at peak
- Outdoor dining season opens
- Day trips to Cotswolds practical
Cons
- Hotel prices climb 40-60% from April
- Bank holiday crowds
- Chelsea Flower Show drives accommodation premium
May Events & Festivals
- Chelsea Flower Show (late May)
- FA Cup Final (mid-May)
- Hampton Court Palace Festival
London in May — Full Picture
London's first sweet spot — long daylight (5am-9pm), mild temps, parks at peak. Two bank holiday Mondays (first and last Monday) push hotel prices up. Chelsea Flower Show is the cultural event — Royal Hospital Chelsea hosts the world's most prestigious garden show. May 1 marks the start of outdoor pub gardens being properly busy.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Light jacket, jeans or chinos, optional sweater for evenings. Sunglasses become useful. Umbrella still in the bag.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
Current14°C
6.3°C
8.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
21.7°C
13.3°C
6.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
15°C
8°C
9.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
8.3°C
2.3°C
10.3/mo
London Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8° | 2° | 11d·55mm | 1.5h | 80% | 1 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 9° | 2° | 9d·40mm | 2h | 78% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 11° | 4° | 9d·40mm | 3.5h | 73% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 14° | 6° | 9d·45mm | 5h | 70% | 4 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 17° | 9° | 8d·45mm | 6.5h | 68% | 5 | Busy | Peak | |
| June (Best) | 20° | 12° | 7d·45mm | 7h | 65% | 6 | Busy | Peak |
| July (Best) | 23° | 14° | 6d·45mm | 7h | 65% | 6 | Very busy | Peak |
| 22° | 14° | 7d·50mm | 6.5h | 66% | 5 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 19° | 11° | 8d·50mm | 5h | 70% | 4 | Busy | Peak | |
| 15° | 8° | 10d·70mm | 3.5h | 76% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 11° | 5° | 10d·65mm | 2h | 79% | 1 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 8° | 3° | 11d·55mm | 1.5h | 81% | 1 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
London May Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit London?
London in May is Very Good. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in London in May?
London May averages a high of 17°C and a low of 9°C.
Does it rain much in London in May?
London May averages 45mm of rainfall over about 8 rainy days.
What should I wear in London in May?
Light jacket, jeans or chinos, optional sweater for evenings. Sunglasses become useful. Umbrella still in the bag.
What time are sunrise and sunset in London in May?
London May sunrise is 05:15 and sunset is 20:50, with 15h 35m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in London in May?
London May air quality (AQI) averages 45, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 19μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in London in May?
In May, London is great for Chelsea Flower Show, Hyde Park picnics, Cotswolds day trips.
Is May peak season in London?
London May crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit London
View Other Months
Planning a May trip to London?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.