Leeds Weather in May
May in Leeds brings moderate temperatures, with daytime highs of 16°C (61°F) and nights around 7°C (45°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 63 mm (2.5 in), so pack an umbrella.
Rainfall in Leeds in May
Climate statistics over the past 30 years suggest around 15 days of rain, with 63 mm (2.5 in) average for the month. A fairly balanced picture this month, some wet days but nothing too extreme in terms of intensity.
Temperature in Leeds in May
May in Leeds brings moderate temperatures, with highs of 16°C (61°F) and nights around 7°C (45°F). A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. Nights fall to 7°C (45°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep.
Sunshine in Leeds in May
The area enjoys a moderate level of sunlight, with around 173 hours. It's a good balance between sunny and cloudy days.If you prefer enjoying temperate temperatures and rain-free days, July and August typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United Kingdom, check out our Leeds's climate page.
Leeds Temperature in May
Min Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Max Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Chance of Rain
48%
Precipitation
63 mm (2.5 in)
Rainy days
15 days
Sunshine
173 hours
Percentage Sunshine
35%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Leeds typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 16°C (61°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 8°C (46°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Leeds in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Leeds spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Leeds historical weather extremes in May
Based on weather observations in Leeds between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.
- The warmest day in May was on May 25, 2026, with a maximum of 30°C (86°F).
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 6°C (43°F), recorded on May 1, 1979.
- The coldest night in May in Leeds was on May 5, 1981, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F).
Best Places in the United Kingdom in May
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 →
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What to Wear in Leeds in May
For Leeds in May, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in Leeds in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United Kingdom, check out our Leeds's climate page.
See the full Leeds climate overview or explore weather in the United Kingdom.
