Late spring · Weather & things to do
London in May
London warms up: highs climb to 64°F (18°C), from 58°F in April, with lows of 46°F (8°C) and about 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 83/100 (4th of 12).
- Avg high
- 64°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 46°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 2.2 in (55 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 23 min
- Comfort score
- 83/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 64°F (18°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 46°F (8°C).
About 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's May.
Long days help: there are roughly 15 h 23 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around May
May is one of London's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May – September.
- Comfort improves from 76/100 in April to 83/100.
- May sits inside the May – Sep window our London, the Cotswolds & Bath route recommends.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 46°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in London in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
UNESCO-listed gardens with Victorian glasshouses and a treetop walkway.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best spring.
Hampstead Heath
Rolling heath with ponds and a city view from Parliament Hill.
Why now May scores 83/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Sunday street market crammed with flowers, plants and small independent shops.
Why now Highs near 64°F and 2.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Tower of London
Norman fortress on the Thames holding the Crown Jewels, led by Yeoman Warder tours.
The George Inn
London's last galleried coaching inn, 17th century and owned by the National Trust.
Nearby in May
- The Cotswolds in May~76 mi · highs 60°F, 2.5 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Bath in May~96 mi · highs 62°F, 2.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Bruges in May~146 mi · highs 63°F, 2.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Ghent in May~169 mi · highs 65°F, 2.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
London in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit London?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 83/100. Expect highs of 64°F (18°C) and 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Sep window our London, the Cotswolds & Bath route recommends.
How cold is London in May?
Average highs are 64°F (18°C) and average lows 46°F (8°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in London in May?
Not much: about 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 28.0 in (710 mm).
What should I pack for London in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 46°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in May
- London, the Cotswolds & Bath May – Sep
Planning London in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.