Essex Weather in May

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

🔎
Southend-on-Sea Colchester Clacton-on-Sea Brightlingsea

Considering a trip to Essex, the United Kingdom this May and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Essex in May

Essex, the United Kingdom is a region in the United Kingdom. May in Essex generally has mild temperatures, with moderate precipitation.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are mild and range from 15°C (59°F) in Frinton-on-Sea to 18°C (64°F) in Harlow. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 8°C (46°F) in Harlow and 10°C (50°F) in Frinton-on-Sea.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of Essex, the United Kingdom, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Clacton-on-Sea with an average of 54 mm (2.1 in) to moderate rainfall in Saffron Walden with 61 mm (2.4 in).

Average sunshine

Plenty of sunshine can be expected in numerous places in May. Southend-on-Sea typically receives 195 hours of sunlight, making it ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore Essex by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Best Places to Visit in Essex in May

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

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation
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 Essex

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

Temperature range in Essex (May)

Precipitation variation in Essex (May)

Southend-on-Sea

In May Southend-on-Sea generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 16°C (61°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
16°C (61°F)
19°C (66°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
10°C (50°F)
12°C (54°F)
Monthly sun hours
166 hours
195 hours
200 hours
Monthly rainfall
53 mm (2.1 in)
58 mm (2.3 in)
62 mm (2.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
13 days
12 days
Weather conditions
unpleasant
tolerable
pleasant
Climate in Southend-on-Sea →

Colchester

In May Colchester generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 16°C (61°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
16°C (61°F)
19°C (66°F)
Min temperature
6°C (43°F)
9°C (48°F)
12°C (54°F)
Monthly sun hours
166 hours
195 hours
200 hours
Monthly rainfall
50 mm (2 in)
56 mm (2.2 in)
61 mm (2.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
13 days
11 days
Weather conditions
unpleasant
tolerable
pleasant
Climate in Colchester →

Clacton-on-Sea

In May Clacton-on-Sea generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
15°C (59°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
10°C (50°F)
13°C (55°F)
Monthly sun hours
166 hours
195 hours
200 hours
Monthly rainfall
47 mm (1.9 in)
54 mm (2.1 in)
58 mm (2.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
13 days
11 days
Weather conditions
unpleasant
tolerable
pleasant
Climate in Clacton-on-Sea →

Brightlingsea

In May Brightlingsea generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 16°C (61°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
16°C (61°F)
19°C (66°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
10°C (50°F)
13°C (55°F)
Monthly sun hours
166 hours
195 hours
200 hours
Monthly rainfall
48 mm (1.9 in)
54 mm (2.1 in)
58 mm (2.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
13 days
11 days
Weather conditions
unpleasant
tolerable
pleasant
Climate in Brightlingsea →

Takeley

In May Takeley generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 8°C (46°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are pleasant that month.

« April
May
June »
April
May
June
Max temperature
14°C (57°F)
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
Min temperature
6°C (43°F)
8°C (46°F)
11°C (52°F)
Monthly sun hours
166 hours
195 hours
200 hours
Monthly rainfall
56 mm (2.2 in)
59 mm (2.3 in)
65 mm (2.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
14 days
12 days
Weather conditions
tolerable
pleasant
perfect
Climate in Takeley →

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

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Essex in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Southend-on-Sea 16°C (61°F) 10°C (50°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Colchester 16°C (61°F) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Clacton-on-Sea 15°C (59°F) 10°C (50°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Brightlingsea 16°C (61°F) 10°C (50°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Takeley 18°C (64°F) 8°C (46°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Basildon 18°C (64°F) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)

Essex weather in May: frequently asked questions

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

In May, Essex, the United Kingdom generally has tolerable weather conditions. Southend-on-Sea sees daytime temperatures near 16°C (61°F), with nights cooling to roughly 10°C (50°F).

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

In Southend-on-Sea, the average daytime high in May is 16°C (61°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 10°C (50°F).

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

May is on the drier side in Essex, the United Kingdom. Southend-on-Sea averages only about 58 mm (2.3 in), with most days staying dry.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Essex, the United Kingdom?

Given the typically tolerable weather conditions in Southend-on-Sea, May might be a good time to visit Essex, the United Kingdom.

On average, the best time to visit Essex, the United Kingdom is in July and August with generally perfect weather in Southend-on-Sea. On the other hand, the months of January, February and December tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Essex.

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.

Hike the South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path means breathtaking nature, kind people and delicious food everywhere you go. It is an unforgettable experience and you need to add it to your bucket list.
Welcome to Totnes, the hidden treasure of South Devon

Totnes is a place where historical richness fuses effortlessly with a vibrant alternative culture and breathtaking natural surroundings. The town pulses with an amazing community spirit that you'll feel around every corner.

London's coolest neighborhoods you'll want to visit

Discover the 6 coolest neighborhoods in London for your trip! Explore vibrant Shoreditch, lively Soho, alternative Camden, and many more.
10 cities you should definitely visit in the UK

Discover the top 10 most fun and alternative cities in the UK, rich in art, culture, and adventure. Explore vibrant neighborhoods and unique places.
Must visit in the United Kingdom →