Scarborough Weather in May
Thinking of visiting Scarborough in May? Expect moderate temperatures reaching 14°C (57°F) during the day, dropping to 8°C (46°F) at night, with the driest conditions of the year.
Rainfall in Scarborough in May
This is the driest month of the year, though the temperatures are on the cooler side. Typically, about 17 days will experience rainfall, with an average of 58 mm (2.3 in) for the month. Rain falls on many days this month, but usually in relatively small amounts. A light waterproof is more useful than a heavy umbrella.
Temperature in Scarborough in May
In May, expect moderate temperatures in Scarborough, with highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F) at night. Conditions are often most pleasant around the middle of the day. At 8°C (46°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Scarborough in May
Expect a lot of sunshine this month, with about 212 hours of sun. These sunny conditions help offset the cool temperatures, making it a pleasant month to explore outdoors.
Average water temperature in May
The water temperature is only 10°C (50°F) this month — cold enough that most people will want to stay out. Hardy swimmers may manage a quick dip, but it won't be comfortable.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. July and August typically offer the best weather for Scarborough.
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 Scarborough's climate page.
Scarborough Temperature in May
Min Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Max Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Water Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Chance of Rain
55%
Precipitation
58 mm (2.3 in)
Rainy days
17 days
Sunshine
212 hours
Percentage Sunshine
36%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Scarborough typically rise from around 12°C (54°F) at the start of May to approximately 15°C (59°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 4°C (39°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 Scarborough in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Scarborough spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Scarborough historical weather extremes in May
Based on 49 years of weather observations (1976-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Scarborough.
- On May 31, 1978, temperatures climbed to 26°C (79°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- Scarborough experienced its chilliest May day on May 5, 2012, reaching only 5°C (41°F).
- The coldest night in May in Scarborough was on May 2, 1979, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F).
- Peak precipitation in May occurred on May 22, 2024, when 27 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation was measured.
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 Scarborough in May
The weather can swing between comfortable and chilly in May, so flexibility is key. Pack a variety of tops, at least one warm layer, and both shorts and long pants. This gives you options no matter what the day brings. Wet weather is likely, so pack waterproof gear for multiple rainy days. With water temperatures around 10°C (50°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.What To Do in Scarborough 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 Scarborough's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Water Temp
See the full Scarborough climate overview or explore weather in the United Kingdom.
