Weather in May in The United Kingdom
Thinking about venturing to the United Kingdom this May and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:
What is the weather like in the United Kingdom in May?
May in the United Kingdom generally has temperatures that range from cold to mild, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high.
Temperatures
Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is cold in Lerwick at 10°C to mild in Windsor at 18°C. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 8°C in Windsor and 7°C in Lerwick.For specific regional insights in the United Kingdom, refer to the map provided below.
Precipitation
In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Bempton with an average of 46 mm to high rainfall in Glenfinnan with 137 mm.Average sunshine
The city London usually sees around 209 hours of sunlight, indicating many sunny days.For a more detailed look at the United Kingdom's conditions throughout the year, check out our the United Kingdom climate page.
Where to go in the United Kingdom in May
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
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Select a Month of Interest
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 United Kingdom's climate page.
Popular destinations
What is the weather like in May for the 5 most popular destinations in the United Kingdom?
London
In May London generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 18°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.
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Edinburgh
In May Edinburgh generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 15°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.
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Blackpool
In May Blackpool generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 14°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 10°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.
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York
In May York generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 17°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.
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Torquay
In May Torquay generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 15°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.
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Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at other destinations in the United Kingdom.
Is May the best time to visit the United Kingdom?
Given the typically pleasant weather conditions in London, May might be a good time to visit the United Kingdom. However, the weather conditions may vary depending on your destination.
Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in June, July, August and September offering mostly perfect weather in London. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have poor weather conditions.
Interested in more climate information?
We have much more information about the climate in the United Kingdom.
Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United Kingdom? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United Kingdom.
Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.