Torquay

United Kingdom Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in the United Kingdom in May.

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 to Expect 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 (50°F) to mild in Windsor at 18°C (64°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 8°C (46°F) in Windsor and 7°C (45°F) 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 (1.8 in) to high rainfall in Glenfinnan with 137 mm (5.4 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is generally plentiful throughout many areas. London enjoys about 209 hours of sunlight, ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore the United Kingdom by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in the United Kingdom — and find the best time to visit. (based on London)

Best Places to Visit in the United Kingdom in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across the United Kingdom.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

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).

Popular Destinations in the United Kingdom

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in the United Kingdom?

Temperature range in the United Kingdom (May)

Precipitation variation in the United Kingdom (May)

London

In May London generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
15°C (59°F)
18°C (64°F)
21°C (70°F)
Min temperature
6°C (43°F)
9°C (48°F)
11°C (52°F)
Monthly sun hours
178 hours
209 hours
207 hours
Monthly rainfall
57 mm (2.2 in)
58 mm (2.3 in)
63 mm (2.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
14 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Edinburgh

In May Edinburgh generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
15°C (59°F)
17°C (63°F)
Min temperature
5°C (41°F)
7°C (45°F)
10°C (50°F)
Monthly sun hours
155 hours
193 hours
162 hours
Monthly rainfall
65 mm (2.6 in)
66 mm (2.6 in)
79 mm (3.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
16 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Blackpool

In May Blackpool generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 14°C (57°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
14°C (57°F)
17°C (63°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
10°C (50°F)
12°C (54°F)
Monthly sun hours
165 hours
217 hours
200 hours
Monthly rainfall
80 mm (3.1 in)
81 mm (3.2 in)
97 mm (3.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
15 days
14 days
Weather conditions

York

In May York generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 17°C (63°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
14°C (57°F)
17°C (63°F)
19°C (66°F)
Min temperature
5°C (41°F)
7°C (45°F)
10°C (50°F)
Monthly sun hours
140 hours
188 hours
223 hours
Monthly rainfall
63 mm (2.5 in)
59 mm (2.3 in)
78 mm (3.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
14 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Torquay

In May Torquay generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
15°C (59°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
9°C (48°F)
12°C (54°F)
Monthly sun hours
165 hours
197 hours
196 hours
Monthly rainfall
66 mm (2.6 in)
63 mm (2.5 in)
64 mm (2.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
14 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in the United Kingdom.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in the United Kingdom in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
London 18°C (64°F) 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Edinburgh 15°C (59°F) 7°C (45°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Blackpool 14°C (57°F) 10°C (50°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Torquay 15°C (59°F) 9°C (48°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Glasgow 15°C (59°F) 7°C (45°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Manchester 17°C (63°F) 7°C (45°F) 77 mm (3 in)

The United Kingdom weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in the United Kingdom in May?

In May, the United Kingdom generally has pleasant weather conditions. London sees daytime temperatures near 18°C (64°F), with nights cooling to roughly 9°C (48°F).

What is the average temperature in the United Kingdom in May?

In London, the average daytime high in May is 18°C (64°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 9°C (48°F).

Does the United Kingdom get a lot of rain in May?

Rain is generally moderate to light in the United Kingdom during May, with London averaging close to 58 mm (2.3 in).

Is May a Good 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.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.