Hottest (avg)
#5 / 12
London in May
May weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 16h
What to expect
As spring continues, May brings, where temperatures are climbing noticeably. Thermometers typically reach 17°C / 62°F, with evenings cooling to 8°C / 47°F.
Skies are often overcast, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 14 wet days). Long days provide about 15.6 hours of light, giving you plenty of time for evening wandering.
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in London.
Wettest (avg)
#8 / 12
Daylight Hours
#3 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#8 / 12
Highest UV
#3 / 12
Most Humid
#10 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 15.6 hours
- UV index (max)
- 7
- Typical sun hours
- 04:07 – 19:45
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 14
- Cloud cover
- 67%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 74%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit London?
Typical May days in London reach highs of 17°C (63°F) with nights around 8°C (46°F). It usually feels mild by day and cool after dark. Overall, May sits in the middle of the London climate range.
What are temperatures like in May?
In May, you can usually expect highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows near 8°C (46°F). That means mild days and cool nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 55 mm (2.2 in) across roughly 14 days. Overall it is a very wet time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in May?
You can expect about 16 hours of daylight in May. Sunrise is typically around 04:07 and sunset near 19:45. Very long days give you plenty of daylight for exploring.
Does the weather change during May?
May often starts off a little cooler and becomes noticeably warmer by the end of the month.
How strong is the sun in May?
UV levels are often high (around 7). Regular sunscreen and a hat are recommended.
Is it windy in May?
In May, average wind speeds are around 14 km/h (9 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 60 km/h (37 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.