Month guide · London · United Kingdom
London in May
What May is really like in London: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit London. Expect average highs of 18°C (64°F), lows of 9°C (48°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 15.6 hours of daylight. Long, mild days and the parks at their greenest; two bank-holiday weekends make for busy Mondays.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 18°C (64°F) / 9°C (48°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 15.6 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in London: days average 18°C (64°F) against a yearly average high of 16°C (61°F), and nights fall to about 9°C (48°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 31 days. Compared with April (15°C (59°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 22°C (72°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:08
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:45
- Daylight
- About 15.6 hours
Spring (March–May). Blossom and daffodils in the royal parks, longer evenings after the clocks change and comfortable walking weather, with showers and busy Easter holidays.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 4 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in June). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show (usually late May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
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Religious site · City of London
St Paul's Cathedral
Sightseeing entry is paid, but services including Choral Evensong are free; arrive early to sit in the quire.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Architecture
- Views
- History
Viewpoint · South Bank
London Eye
The 135-metre observation wheel on the South Bank turns slowly enough that a full rotation in one of its 32 glass capsules takes about 30 minutes.
- Time needed
- 1 hour including queues
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
- Iconic
- After dark
Landmark · Tower Hill
Tower Bridge
Check the bridge-lift times on the official website; watching the roadway rise from the riverside path costs nothing.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Park · Hyde Park
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Together the two royal parks cover about 250 hectares of central London.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Nature
What to pack
For highs near 18°C, lows near 9°C and 8 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit London?
One of the best months to visit London, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June and September. Compare every month.
London in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit London?
It is one of the best months to visit London. Long, mild days and the parks at their greenest; two bank-holiday weekends make for busy Mondays.
+How warm is London in May?
Average highs are around 18°C (64°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
+Does it rain a lot in London in May?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.