What's the Weather Like in London in May?
May is a very pleasant time to visitLondon,UK, when the weather is mild and the flowers are blooming.
How Warm Is London In May?
At this time of year, theaverage temperaturefor the month is 14°C, considerably warmer than any of the previous months.
Warmest and Coldest Mayin London
In recent times, the highest ever recorded temperature for London in May is 32°C, with the lowest ever recorded temperature being 3°C.
Does ItRain In May In London?
With 50mm ofrainfallspread across an average of 15 days ofthe month, it's highly likely you'll experience at least some type of precipitation during your visit.
Does It Snow In London In May?
Snow is almost unheard of at this time of year. If you don't want to risk any rainfall ruining your holiday, you're best off planning your visit for the second week in May.
How Cloudy Is London In May?
London generally experiences a lot of cloud coverage throughout the year and May is no exception. The median cloud coverage for this month is 70% which does not vary substantially across the month. Despite the rain and cloudy spells, May is almost never affected by any foggy days.
London Sunshine Hours In May
Just like inApril, London enjoys an average of eight hours ofsunshineeach day throughout May. As the month progresses, the number of sunshine hours and daylight hours both rise.
Is May a Windy Month In London?
During May, typical wind speeds vary from mild to moderate breezes.
London Hotels in May
The Z Hotel
The Z Hotelis a clean and basic hotel offeringextremely good value if you are looking for some where near the buzz of the West End withSelfridges and Oxford Street a 10 minute walk away as well as Regents Park and it's famous zoo. Baker street, Marylebone, Edgware Road and Marylebone are all a short walk away offering shops, bars, theatres and London landmarks.
Motel One
For a low budget but comfortable stay try the Motel One in Tower Hill; you can't beat the location of this hotelwith Tower Bridge,the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral just moments away.Aldgate Underground station is a mere 3-minute walk away and the hotel's location allows visitors to explore the local neighbourhood and its contrasting architectural styles.
Laslett
For a unique stay in the heart of Notting Hill, stay at theLaslett- a 4 star hotel that derives its name from the famous founder of the Notting Hill Carnival. The hotel has a contemporary feel and has an eclectic collection of art work, 51 stylish guest rooms along with the Henderson Bar and Coffee shop. The hotel is inspired by the Notting Hill cultural vibe and describes itself as "a truly British hotel".
Premier Inn London Kensington
Families and couples who plan sightseeing during their holiday in London should check out thePremier Inn London Kensington (Olympia). Locatedjust 15 minutes away from the Earls Court andOlympia Exhibition Centres, ten minutes from Kensington High Street where you'll find loads of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, and five minutes from the nearest tube station, this hotel is set inside a handsome Victorian building. Onsite services and facilities include free WiFi access throughout and Thyme Restaurant which serves breakfast, snacks and evening meals. Note that no parking is available onsite.
Piccadilly London West End
With the famous west endon your doorstep, the Piccadilly London West Endon the Shaftesbury Avenueis the ideal place to explore the best of London. The hotel offers high spec rooms with every conceivable comfort incuding tea and coffee making facilities. Located in the theatre district you can catch any of the famed west end shows, stroll down to the shopping district of Oxford Street and take in all of London's famed monuments and architecture.
Bars and Restaurants
Sappho Meze Bar
A great budget dining choice is to head to one of London's many Mediterranean or Greek meze restaurants. Sappho Meze Bar on Clapham High Street is extremely affordable, very highly rated and boasts honest, hearty Greek dishes. Try their homemade breads dipped in authentic, loving prepared tzatziki andhummus.
108 Garage
For amazing food in a funkysetting head to 108 Garage in the trendy Notting Hill district. This restaurant was originally a garage, but has had a new lease of life as a quirky restaurant. The quality of the food, which is of an Asian-British fusion style is highly acclaimed by London's top restaurant critics. Booking is a must!
Daphne Restaurant
For special occasions, Daphne Restaurant in Camden is an excellent Greek restaurant worth exploring. The beef stifado is said to melt in your mouth, and the moussakais second-to-none. Authentic and friendly Greek hospitality is another reason why diners keep coming back!
Estiatorio Milos
Estiatorio Milosat St James's is an exceptional Greek restaurant serving freshly-caught Mediterranean fish which is also sold at their on site fish market. Personally select the fish of your choice and be able to decide exactly how you'd like it cooked.
Things to do in London in May
Chiswick House
VisitChiswick House and its gardens if you're keen to explore some British stately home heritage. Designed by Lord Burlington in the 18thcentury, its architecture was inspired by his trips to Italy and is one the earliest examples of the English "neo-palladian" style. A short journey from the centre of town by public transport, this surely ranks as one of London's best-kept secrets.
Regent's Park
The weather is quite dry and mild in London in May, so make the most of a bright and sunny day by spending it atRegent's Park. Designed by John Nash, this park covers 395 acres and incorporates the Queen Mary's Gardens which is home to over 30,000 roses of around 400 varieties, in addition to the restored William Andrews Nestfield's Avenue Gardens. Regent's Park also features excellent sports facilities which cover almost 100 acres, making it the largest outdoor sports area in Central London.
Jersey Boys
Musical lovers won't want to miss the chance to see theJersey Boysat the Prince Edward Theatre. This popular show tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons by takingthe audience back to the 60s, incorporating loads of toe-tapping songs along the way, such as Can't Take My Eye Off You and Bye Bye Baby. A great night out for anyone who loves upbeat tunes, Jersey Boys is a phenomenal combination of music, passion, rivalry and jealousy which is sure to leave you singing along.
Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
For a museum with a difference, it's got to be theMuseum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising. Great fun for the whole family to enjoy, this museum is packed full of brands, packs, posters, adverts, fads, fashions, toys and games which combine to reveal the history of consumer culture from the Victorian era until today. With more than 12,000 original items to admire, you'll need a fair few hours to really get the most out of your visit. After you've had your fill of exhibits, fill your stomach at the tea room or pop into the gift shop to snap up some retro-inspired presents for friends and family back home.
National Portrait Gallery
If you want to visit an art gallery, consider taking a trip to theNational Portrait Gallery. Founded in 1856 to collect portraits of British people, this art gallery is now home to more than 195,000 portraits, from the 16thcentury all the way up to the present day. In addition to the staggering number of permanent art collections, the National Portrait Gallery is also home to several temporary exhibits which change every few months.
The British Library
TheBritish Libraryis another attraction definitely worth a visit during your holiday. Located just a short walk away from St Pancras Station, the British Library is home to more than 150 million manuscripts, newspapers, maps, prints, magazines, drawings, patents and music scores written in a variety of languages, 8 million stamps and the world's earliest dated printed book the Diamond Sutra.
FAQs
What is the weather on London in May? ›
The average high temperatures during the day are around 15 C - 16 C (near 60 F) early in the month but will warm into the 18 C - 19 C (mid-60s F) by the end of May. A few of the warmer days can reach or exceed 24 C (75 F).
What is the weather in UK in May? ›The average temperature range is between 48°F and 59°F (9°C and 15°C), but this varies from the north of Scotland to the south of England. May is likely on the higher end of this range, if not occasionally warmer.
Is May a rainy month in London? ›Is it Rainy in London in May? London gets about 55mm of rainfall on average in May. Typically, there are about 15 days of rain during the month, but many of these days will be showers which means they are quick bursts of rain that happen throughout the day.
Is May a good month to visit London? ›The best time to visit London is March through May when the temperatures are mild and the city's parks are green and blooming. However, late spring – along with summer – is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge.
How should I dress in London in May? ›Layers, layers, layers is the name of the game for dressing appropriately in London during the spring season. Because temperatures and winds fluctuate, you'll find locals wearing pants, sweaters, and thick coats on one day and t-shirts, leggings, and light jackets on another.
Is May summer in London? ›Spring (March, April and May) is a time for sudden rain showers, blossoming trees and flowering plants. Summer (June, July and August) is the UK's warmest season, with long sunny days, occasional thunderstorms and, in some years, heatwaves. Autumn (September, October and November) can be mild and dry or wet and windy.
Is May in summer time in England? ›The seasons are defined as spring (March, April, May), summer (June, July, August), autumn (September, October, November) and winter (December, January, February).
What is the weather like in the UK during May and June? ›The average temperatures in summer range between 64°F and 69°F (18°C and 21°C), but this varies from Scotland's north to England's south. London ranges between 55°F-70°F (13°C-21°C), Edinburgh 48°F-63°F (9°C-17°C), Belfast 50°F-64°F (10°C-18°C), and Cardiff 54°F-68°F (12°C-20°C).
What is the weather like in the UK in May and June? ›May and June are typically warm and sunny, with less rainfall than over winter. This is a fantastic time for visiting gardens and parks — indeed the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show is held during late May. May has two public holidays, one at either end of the month, making the first and last weekend of May very busy.
Is London crowded in May? ›The only problem with visiting in May is that it's pretty close to the peak season for tourism in London, which means you can expect much higher prices for airfare.
Is it humid in London in May? ›
Spring (March through May)
Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 67.6°F (19.8°C) and 49.7°F (9.8°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 4 to 5 days of significant precipitation per month.
Peak Season (June-August)
The weather is warmest in summer and it is hands down the best climate to visit London. This is also when the city hosts numerous events and you can feel the vibrant buzz of the city during these months.
The best time to visit London is usually between May and June or September and October when the weather is still warm but there are fewer tourists. There are great activities to do in London any time of the year, so you will still have a great time even if you go outside of these months.
Is England nice in May? ›The weather is usually warm during May and June, and is typically drier than the winter months. May has two Bank Holiday weekends, which can be particularly busy as British people make the most of this time off work.
Should I wear jeans in London? ›Top style tips for the United Kingdom
Black is always a popular color, and smart casual clothes will help you fit right in. In the UK jeans are worn by everyone – young and old alike – and unless you are visiting more upscale restaurants they are perfectly acceptable to wear everywhere.
No matter what time of year you are visiting, if you are planning what to wear in London there are a few key items which are great all year round. Always make sure you have a crossover bag, sunglasses, a small umbrella, comfortable shoes, a jacket, jeans and layers and you can't go far wrong.
Can you wear a black dress in May? ›Yes, You Can Wear Black in the Summer—Here Are 8 Chic Outfit Formulas to Follow. Photo: Courtesy of by Acielle / Style du Monde. Wearing light-colored hues in the summer is a no-brainer—a breezy white T-shirt or linen dress on the hottest days of the year is an obvious sartorial reprieve.
How many days do you need in London? ›While you can see most of the main sights in London in one day or two days, for first-time visitors, I highly recommend spending at least 3-4 days in London. This should give you sufficient time to get acquainted with the city, see the main landmarks, and visit a few of the most popular tourist attractions in London.
What time zone is London in May? ›| Current: | BST — British Summer Time |
|---|---|
| Next Change: | GMT — Greenwich Mean Time |
| Current Offset: | UTC/GMT +1 hour |
| Difference: | 8 hours ahead of Sunnyvale |
Meteorological spring
By the meteorological calendar, spring will always start on 1 March; ending on 31 May. The seasons are defined as spring (March, April, May), summer (June, July, August), autumn (September, October, November) and winter (December, January, February).
Is May a warm month in England? ›
Across the UK, May temperatures average a daily high of 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) and a low of 6 °C (43 °F).
What month is May in England? ›May is peak springtime and a lovely time to travel around England with extended daylight hours—more than 16 hours between sunrise and sunset by the end of the month—and warming weather.
Does it snow in May in England? ›In England, winter lasts between December and February, and these are the months when it may snow. However, snowfall is much more common in December and January, especially in areas that rarely get snow such as the south, whereas the north may continue to have snow well into February.
Is May a good time to visit the UK? ›May is a great time of year to visit England as many flowers and trees are blooming and the weather is typically nice, especially on the coast. Fall, which lasts from September to November, is another great time of year to visit England.
What clothes to wear in London in June? ›- Bring an umbrella. ...
- Bring 1-2 pairs of shorts or light dresses, a pair of pants or jeans for a more casual yet fashionable alternative, and a couple of t-shirts.
In London in June, there's a 38% chance of rain on an average day. And on the average day it rains or snows, we get 0.35 in (9.0 mm) of precipitation.
Is May in the summer or spring? ›The Meteorological Seasons
Meteorological spring in the Northern Hemisphere includes March, April, and May; meteorological summer includes June, July, and August; meteorological fall includes September, October, and November; and meteorological winter includes December, January, and February.
Spring (March - May)
On average, daily highs range from 53°F (12°C) to 64°F (18°C) with lows between 43°F (6°C) and 55°F (13°C). When packing for a trip to London in the spring, bring a warm jacket and some layers so you can easily adapt to the changing weather.
On average in the UK, July is the warmest month and June is the sunniest while the rainfall totals throughout the UK in summer can be rather variable. The highest temperatures in summer tend to be seen around London and the southeast, with the coolest temperatures experienced throughout Scotland and Northern England.
Is London warm in May? ›The average temperature in London in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 63°F (17°C) to a low of 44°F (7°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.
What is the cheapest time of year to visit London? ›
What is the cheapest time of year to visit London? The cheapest time of year to visit London is from November to March. This is when prices for hotels and flights are typically lower, but you'll need to deal with colder weather and more rain.
What is London's warmest month? ›The hottest month of the year is normally July when the peak temperature can be 90 F (30 C) but the average temperature in July is about 70 F (22 C). The coldest month is usually January when temperatures can sink to around 33 F (1 C).
What is the sunniest month in London? ›July is the hottest month in London with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F) and the coldest is January at 5°C (41°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 7 in June. The wettest month is October with an average of 71mm of rain..
Do you need air conditioning in London in May? ›No, you don't, unless London is experiencing a heatwave. The temperature during summer is an enjoyable mid 20's (70°F) during the day and mid 10's (55°F) in the evening. Most British housing will not have air-conditioning and will opt for heating instead.
What is the dress code for rules in London? ›Rules is an air-conditioned, non-smoking restaurant. Dress code: Whilst Jacket or tie are not required, we prefer smart dress. Rules is delighted to welcome Families during the day, however, Children under ten years of age will no longer be allowed in the Restaurant after 7.00pm. NO SHORTS OR SPORTSWEAR.
How to dress well in London? ›Londoners effortlessly mix-and-match pieces and usually avoid looking perfectly put together. It's okay to wear an evening dress with an oversized denim jacket and your hair in a chaotic bun. Practicality is cool. Practical, casual, and cool are the cornerstones of London fashion.
How do I pack for the UK? ›- Warm, layered clothes. The most important thing to pack for your tour to the UK in winter is warm clothes. ...
- Warm accessories. Don't forget your gloves, scarves, thermal socks and woolly beanies! ...
- Shoes. ...
- Versatile clothing. ...
- Swimwear. ...
- Shoes. ...
- Insect repellent. ...
- Layered clothing.
Monsoon Season In London
The monsoon season starts in October in London and sometimes last up to January. It rains a lot in the city every month but December is the wettest month of the year. London during monsoon season can be really exciting if you know the right things to do there.
London is expensive, but there are plenty of ways to keep your budget to a minimum — when I returned to the city after backpacking in Southeast Asia, I was still able to keep my costs low by staying in hostels and eating the delicious street food.
Is it cheaper to fly to London in May or September? ›The cheapest month to fly to London is usually July.
Will it snow in London in May? ›
When does it snow in London? The only time you may be lucky enough to experience snow in London is during winter, since the city has a temperate climate. Winter in England lasts from November until March, although this can change slightly each year.
Which months do most tourists choose to visit the UK? ›July and August are peak season throughout England, Scotland, and Wales — with very long days, the best weather, and the busiest schedule of tourist fun. May and June can be lovely anywhere in Britain.
How much rain does England get in May? ›| Characteristic | Total rainfall in millimeters |
|---|---|
| Aug '22 | 50.8 |
| Jul '22 | 46.3 |
| Jun '22 | 59 |
| May '22 | 75.7 |
It is, therefore, possible to get a sense of the country in a five-day England itinerary. However, with so many historical, cultural, and natural sights, the longer you can make your trip, the better. We suggest an English sojourn lasting ten days to two weeks to make the most out of this destination.
What is the warmest month in London England? ›The hottest month of the year is normally July when the peak temperature can be 90 F (30 C) but the average temperature in July is about 70 F (22 C). The coldest month is usually January when temperatures can sink to around 33 F (1 C).
What to wear in London in May and June? ›Be sure to add rain boots (or “wellies”) and thick socks to keep your feet warm and dry to your London packing list. For added comfort, bring a light raincoat and a compact umbrella that you can easily carry, as well as a lightweight scarf, hat and gloves for when temperatures dip in the evening.
What is the best month to go to London? ›Peak Season (June-August)
The weather is warmest in summer and it is hands down the best climate to visit London. This is also when the city hosts numerous events and you can feel the vibrant buzz of the city during these months.
Rainfall in London
Overall rainfall is highest in November and August (64mm and 59mm respectively) and is lowest in March and April (37mm each). On wet days, why not visit one of London's top museums and art galleries or entertain the kids with one of these family outings for rainy days.
- January (Coldest Month to Visit England)
- February.
- March.
- April.
- May.
- June.
- July (Most Crowded Time to Visit England)
- August (Worst Time to Visit England)
The best time to visit England is during spring (late March to early June) and fall (September to November). You'll avoid the highest visitor numbers of the summer months, and experience displays of spring flowers or the changing hues of the fall leaves.
How do people prepare for weather in London? ›
To negate the effect of the early morning sun in the summer, many people in the United Kingdom rely on blackout curtains. This curtain lining is a godsend and will provide a bit of thermal insulation in the winter months in addition to keeping the sun out during the summer months.
Can you wear sandals in London in the summer? ›Make sure your sightseeing shoes are broken in properly. Opt for a pair that is comfortable and you can wear it for hours without discomfort. A comfy pair of sandals are great for walking around town if there's sun in the forecast, but ankle boots, sneakers, and ballet flats are ideal the rest of the time.
Do I need a jacket for summer in London? ›Dressing for summer in London means lots of colour and light fabrics, but you still need to be prepared for a chance of rain. Always check the weather forecast before heading out for the day as you may need a light jumper or cardigan for later in the evening or a thin jacket or rain mac in case of a change in weather.