Are you considering a visit to London in May but are wondering what it’s like? Are you wondering how cold it gets and what to wear? Whatever you want to know about visiting London in May, we’ve got answers for you to help you decide whether it’s a good month to take a holiday or short break with your family.
Is London busy in May?
May usually marks the end of the Spring season in London and the start of the transition into the warmer summer months, so it’s fair to say that London tends to attract a fair number of tourists in May as families seek to take advantage of more predictably mild weather. It also marks the last major opportunity for UK-based families to visit for longer than a weekend before the big summer holidays.
As a result, London tends to see an increase in tourists in May, albeit it is not as busy as during the summer months.
Is London cheap in May?
Accommodation is likely to be slightly cheaper than in peak summer season but it will be more expensive than in preceding months. May has two Bank Holiday weekends in it (where the Monday is a public holiday) and a week of school holidays and around those times, hotels are likely to be in shorter supply and will be more expensive than at other times.
What is the weather like in London in May?
Although May is usually more predictably temperate than in April, the weather in London is highly unpredictable and so can vary hugely between very high temperatures and temperatures that verge on chilly. Even on the warmest days, you will find that the mornings and evenings are still relatively chilly and do not have the warmth of a warm summer’s day, even if midday is warm.
Be prepared for rain, but rainy days are less common than dry days.
How cold is it in London in May?
In May 2024, the average temperature was 15 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperatures being 27 degrees Celsius and the lowest temperatures being 5 degrees Celsius.
In May 2023, the average temperature was 14 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperatures being 22 degrees Celsius and the lowest temperatures being 4 degrees Celsius.
In May 2022, the average temperature was 14 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperatures being 26 degrees Celsius and the lowest temperatures being 4 degrees Celsius.
What to wear in London during May?
As can be seen from the above, you should be prepared with clothing that will protect you from the cold and the rain.
Given the changeability of the weather, you will really feel the benefit of packing lots of different options and layers because the weather could be very changeable. Layers allow you to deal not only with changes in the weather, but changes in your activities throughout the day – although it may be chilly outside on a particular day, the Tube and indoor venues such as museums can get very warm. Don’t forget a waterproof outer layer in windy weather umbrellas are often useless and so it’s best to have a waterproof coat with hood.
Although it may be rainy at times during May, it isn’t really necessary to have shoes that are specifically waterproof. A regular pair of trainers or shoes (perhaps with added waterproofing spray) will usually be sufficient as long as you can keep your kids from jumping in puddles!
When does the sun rise in London in May?
At the start of May the sun will rise at 5.30am. By the end of May, the sun rises at around 4.50am.
When does the sun set in London in May?
At the start of May the sun sets at 8.25pm and by the end of May it sets just after 9pm.
What is there to do in London in May?
The longer daylight hours in May offer you a great opportunity to discover more of London. For example, parks often shut at dusk and as dusk is later during British Summer Time you will have longer to explore.
There will be lots of family activities on during the school holidays for you and your family to partake in. In particular, look out for open air free events like Chelsea in Bloom or Belgravia in Bloom that give you the opportunity to explore new neighbourhoods whilst looking out for unique, free to view floral installations.
Check out our post on ideas of Free things to do in London with kids: May 2025 and our post on free things to do with kids in London.
Summary – Is May a good time to visit London?
Advantages of visiting London in May
- Weather is more temperate than in summer months;
- Days are longer than in preceding months;
- Accommodation is likely to be cheaper than during the summer; and
- If visiting during the half-term holidays, you can expect lots of special activities at various attractions for kids.
Disadvantages of visiting London in May
- At times during the month, accommodation may be more expensive than in preceding months; and
- Temperatures may still be less predictable than in the peak summer months.
