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Plymouth Weather in May
May in Plymouth brings moderate temperatures, with highs of 15°C (59°F) and nights dropping to 9°C (48°F). Rainfall is on the higher side this month, averaging around 72 mm (2.8 in), so keep a rain jacket handy.
Rainfall in Plymouth in May
You can expect rain on roughly 15 days based on historical data, averaging 72 mm (2.8 in) for the month. Rain is frequent but mostly light this month, with brief showers more common than heavy downpours.
Temperature in Plymouth in May
Expect highs of 15°C (59°F) in Plymouth in May, with nights dropping to around 9°C (48°F). The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. With lows around 9°C (48°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.
Sunshine in Plymouth in May
The month enjoys around 222 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days with good weather conditions.If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, July and August typically offer the best circumstances for Plymouth.
Plymouth Temperature in May
Min Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Max Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Chance of Rain
50%
Precipitation
72 mm (2.8 in)
Rainy days
15 days
Humidity
79%
Sunshine
222 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Plymouth Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Plymouth - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Plymouth typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 15°C (59°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 10°C (50°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 Plymouth in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Plymouth spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Plymouth historical weather extremes in May
Based on weather observations in Plymouth between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.
- The hottest May day on record in Plymouth reached 30°C (86°F) (May 26, 2026).
- Plymouth experienced its chilliest May day on May 5, 1982, reaching only 7°C (45°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 0°C (32°F) on May 5, 1979, marking the coldest May night on record.
- The wettest day in May Plymouth was on May 8, 2023 with 33 mm (1.3 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 Plymouth in May
The weather can be unpredictable in May, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler 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 Plymouth in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Cycling6/10 -
Walking6/10 -
Camping4/10 -
Outdoor sports9/10
Plymouth 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Plymouth
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Plymouth 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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