Hike the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path means breathtaking nature, kind people and delicious food everywhere you go. It is an unforgettable experience and you need to add it to your bucket list.
May in Cardiff sees daytime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F) at night. With around 79 mm (3.1 in) of rainfall expected, it's worth packing a rain jacket.
If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, July and August typically offer the best circumstances for Cardiff.
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Cardiff - and find the best time to visit.
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cardiff typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 16°C (61°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 10°C (50°F).
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Browse day-by-day weather records for Cardiff spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
According to our 50 years of weather records for Cardiff, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2026.
Find out more about the weather in the United Kingdom and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United Kingdom in May →
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
Pack for changing conditions in Cardiff in May. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. With water temperatures around 11°C (52°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Cardiff climate overview or explore weather in the United Kingdom.
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Hike the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path means breathtaking nature, kind people and delicious food everywhere you go. It is an unforgettable experience and you need to add it to your bucket list.
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