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Bristol Weather in May
May in Bristol typically sees daytime highs of 17°C (63°F) and nighttime lows of 8°C (46°F). Rainfall is also possible this month, so it's worth packing an umbrella.
Rainfall in Bristol in May
Typically, you can expect about 15 days of rain this month, with 73 mm (2.9 in) on average. This is a month with many wet days but modest rainfall totals, so showers are generally light and easy to manage.
Temperature in Bristol in May
Daytime highs in Bristol in May reach 17°C (63°F), with nights around 8°C (46°F). The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. 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 Bristol in May
Expect a lot of sunshine this month, with about 199 hours of sun. These sunny conditions add to the overall experience.For Bristol itself, June, July and August generally stand out with 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.
Bristol Temperature in May
Min Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Max Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Chance of Rain
50%
Precipitation
73 mm (2.9 in)
Rainy days
15 days
Sunshine
199 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Bristol Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Bristol - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Bristol typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 17°C (63°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 6°C (43°F) to 9°C (48°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 records for Bristol in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Bristol spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Bristol historical weather extremes in May
Based on 50 years of weather observations (1976-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Bristol.
- On May 26, 2026, temperatures climbed to 31°C (88°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- The coldest May day was on May 1, 1979, with a maximum of 7°C (45°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -1°C (30°F) on May 6, 1979, marking the coldest May night on record.
- The wettest day in May Bristol was on May 26, 2008 with 21 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation.
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 →
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).
What to Wear in Bristol in May
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in May. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Wet weather is likely, so pack waterproof gear for multiple rainy days. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.
What To Do in Bristol in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming6/10 -
Cycling6/10 -
Walking6/10 -
Barbeque6/10 -
Camping4/10 -
Outdoor sports9/10
Bristol 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Bristol
See the full Bristol climate overview or explore weather in the United Kingdom.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
London
18°C (64°F) Bath17°C (63°F) Manchester
17°C (63°F) York17°C (63°F) Torquay15°C (59°F) Glasgow15°C (59°F) Edinburgh15°C (59°F) Blackpool14°C (57°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Hike the South West Coast Path
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