London in May
In May, London averages 18°C (64°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (49 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May is a great month to visit London: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in London
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in London (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (16°C). May runs 3°C warmer than April (15°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (22°C).
May sunrise & sunset in London
Times shown for London local time (Europe/London), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in London — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in London's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — London in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and London's popularity.
May in United Kingdom — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
UK has long-weekend bank holidays in early May, late May, and late August. Many independent shops and some attractions close; popular destinations (Cotswolds, Cornwall) get busy.
Plan: Sundays + Mondays surrounding bank holidays = peak domestic travel. Book accommodation 4-6 weeks out.
Crowds & pricing — May in London
This is a busy month in London — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in London
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
London in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C / 46°F | 3°C / 37°F | 55 mm | 11 | 2 |
| February | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 41 mm | 9 | 2 |
| March | 12°C / 54°F | 5°C / 41°F | 42 mm | 9 | 1 |
| April | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 44 mm | 9 | 0 |
| May | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 49 mm | 9 | 0 |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 45 mm | 8 | 0 |
| July | 24°C / 75°F | 15°C / 59°F | 45 mm | 8 | 0 |
| August | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F | 50 mm | 8 | 0 |
| September | 20°C / 68°F | 13°C / 55°F | 49 mm | 8 | 0 |
| October | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 50°F | 69 mm | 10 | 0 |
| November | 11°C / 52°F | 6°C / 43°F | 59 mm | 11 | 1 |
| December | 8°C / 46°F | 3°C / 37°F | 55 mm | 11 | 2 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for London in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is London in May?
In May, London averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in London in May?
May sees occasional rain in London, with about 9 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit London?
May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for London in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for London for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.