Oxford Weather in May
May in Oxford brings moderate temperatures, with daytime highs of 17°C (63°F) and nights around 8°C (46°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 62 mm (2.4 in), so pack an umbrella.
Rainfall in Oxford in May
You can typically expect 15 days of rain this month, averaging around 62 mm (2.4 in). A fairly balanced picture this month, some wet days but nothing too extreme in terms of intensity.
Temperature in Oxford in May
In May, expect moderate temperatures in Oxford, with highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F) at night. A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours 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 Oxford in May
Expect a lot of sunshine this month, with about 201 hours of sun. These sunny conditions add to the overall experience.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, June, July, August and September 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 Oxford's climate page.
Oxford Temperature in May
Min Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Max Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Chance of Rain
49%
Precipitation
62 mm (2.4 in)
Rainy days
15 days
Sunshine
201 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Oxford 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 for Oxford in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Oxford spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Oxford historical weather extremes in May
Based on 50 years of weather observations in Oxford between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.
- On May 25, 2026, temperatures climbed to 33°C (91°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- On May 1, 1979, Oxford saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 7°C (45°F).
- Oxford registered its coldest May night on May 7, 1997, with temperatures dropping to -2°C (28°F).
- The heaviest May precipitation occurred on May 28, 2007, when 29 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation fell.
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 Oxford in May
For Oxford 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. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Oxford 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 Oxford's climate page.
See the full Oxford climate overview or explore weather in the United Kingdom.
