Last updated: March 17, 2025
In May, London showcases a delightful mix of spring warmth and occasional showers. With a maximum temperature reaching 25°C (78°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), the city experiences a pleasant climate. However, be prepared for cooler moments as temperatures can drop to a minimum of 1°C (35°F). Rainfall is moderate, with 62 mm (2.5 in) spread over approximately 11 days, contributing to a relative humidity of 79%. This makes May a perfect time to explore the city's vibrant parks and gardens, where nature is in full bloom, but don't forget to bring your umbrella for unexpected drizzles!
In May, London begins to shed its winter coat, welcoming a mild transformation as temperatures gradually rise. With a minimum temperature of 1°C (35°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), the city experiences a noticeable warmth compared to the earlier months. This month boasts a maximum of 25°C (78°F), making it an ideal time for locals and tourists to enjoy outdoor activities amid the blooming sights of spring. As the chill of previous months fades, May serves as a gentle bridge into the summer, with increasingly pleasant weather mirroring the vibrant energy of the city.
In May, London experiences a notable uptick in precipitation, with an average of 62 mm (2.5 inches) falling over roughly 11 days. This increase marks a shift from the drier April, which recorded just 33 mm (1.3 inches) across 8 days. As spring approaches its zenith, the city often witnesses this transitional weather, bringing lush greenery to parks and gardens. This pattern reflects a broader trend in London's climate, where late spring and early summer months consistently yield higher rainfall, especially when compared to the preceding months. Overall, May calls for an umbrella, as residents embrace the refreshing rains that herald the vibrant season ahead.
As May rolls into London, the humidity begins to dip significantly, settling at a comfortable 79%. This marks a notable drop from the earlier months, where levels hovered above 85%. The transition from a damp winter to a more temperate spring is evident, allowing residents to enjoy the blooming scenery with slightly fresher air. After May, humidity levels see a minor increase in June, hinting at the warmer months ahead. Overall, this gradual decline in moisture levels throughout spring reflects London's shifting climate, offering a pleasant reprieve before the heat of summer takes hold.
As spring transitions into early summer, May sees a notable rise in the UV Index in London, climbing to 7, which falls into the high exposure category. This increase signifies a more intense sun, with a reduced burn time of just 25 minutes for unprotected skin. Compared to the previous months, where the indices were relatively low to moderate (peaking at 5 in April), May clearly marks the onset of a season where sun safety becomes crucial. With the impending very high indices of summer months, it’s essential to stay vigilant and protect your skin. For more insights on UV levels throughout the year, visit London UV Index.
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May shines as a bright highlight in London's yearly sunshine calendar, boasting 398 hours of sunlight. As spring blooms into summer, this month stands out with a significant leap from the 319 hours recorded in April, showcasing the city’s transition into longer, sunnier days. Following May, June and July continue to bask in sunlight, with both months exceeding 389 hours, yet May retains a distinct charm as the peak of just blossoming warmth. As summer wanes into August, sunshine hours gradually decline to 368, hinting at the impending shifts of autumn. Overall, May encapsulates the essence of spring's vibrancy, offering the promise of warmth that the city eagerly anticipates after the dreary winter months.
As spring transitions into summer, May in London offers a notable chance of sunny weather, with approximately 33% of the days graced by sunshine. This marks a decline from the preceding month of April, where the likelihood of sunshine peaks at 49%, suggesting that while May retains decent potential for sunny spells, it does not quite hold the same allure. Interestingly, this trend of fluctuating sunshine continues into June and July, where chances rise again, hinting at a dynamic rather than consistent weather pattern. In this vibrant month, Londoners can anticipate a mix of sunny and cloudy days, perfect for outdoor activities, while still being mindful that the typical unpredictability of British weather keeps the element of surprise alive.
As May arrives in London, residents revel in a delightful increase in daylight duration, enjoying an impressive 15 hours of sunlight—a notable leap from 13 hours in April. This uplifting trend continues into the summer months, peaking at 16 hours in both June and July, creating the perfect ambiance for outdoor activities and longer evenings. As the year progresses, however, daylight gradually diminishes, decreasing to 14 hours in August and tapering off to 10 hours in October. The stark contrast between the bright, long days of spring and summer and the shorter, darker days of winter underscores the rhythm of London’s seasons, inviting both residents and visitors to make the most of the sun-filled days while they last.
In May, London experiences a gentle embrace of winds, with an average speed of 4.2 m/s (9 mph), paralleling the breezy conditions seen in January but distinctly lighter than the spring gusts of March. As temperatures rise and flowers bloom, the winds remain consistent, reflecting a slight increase from the calming breezes of April, which saw an average speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph). This stability in May's winds hints at the transition into summer, marking it as a time when the city's parks and gardens come alive, inviting both residents and tourists to relish the mild conditions. Notably, May's wind speed is part of a trend where the spring months show a general ebb and flow, with the winds declining into the summer months while hinting at a return to brisker conditions as the year progresses into autumn.
The weather in London changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in London and find detailed weather information for every month.
May weather in London is characterized by a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (78°F), resulting in an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees around 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation spread over approximately 11 days, with humidity levels at 79%. In contrast, January experiences chillier conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), leading to a lower average of 5°C (41°F). January is slightly drier, with 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain over 10 days, but the humidity is notably higher at 91%. For more information, you can check London weather in January.
May typically brings milder and more enjoyable weather compared to February. With average temperatures ranging from a low of 1°C (35°F) to a high of 25°C (78°F), May is warmer, boasting an average of 13°C (55°F). In contrast, February experiences colder temperatures, from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). Additionally, while May sees an average precipitation of 62 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days, February has slightly less precipitation at 53 mm (2.1 in) over the same number of days. The humidity is also higher in February at 89%, compared to May's 79%. For more details, check out London weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, May generally brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (35°F), an average of 13°C (55°F), and a maximum of 25°C (78°F). In contrast, March has chillier conditions, recording a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 7°C (46°F), with a maximum of 22°C (71°F). While May sees slightly more rainfall at 62 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days, March has 54 mm (2.1 in) spread over 13 days, indicating a wetter month despite being cooler. Additionally, March experiences a higher humidity level of 86% compared to May's 79%. For more detailed weather information, you can refer to London weather in March.
When comparing the weather in April and May, we see a noticeable shift in both temperature and precipitation. May enjoys a warmer average temperature of 13°C (55°F) compared to April’s 10°C (49°F), with minimum and maximum temperatures hovering between 1°C (35°F) to 25°C (78°F) in May, while April ranges from -2°C (29°F) to 26°C (80°F). Although May is slightly wetter with 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, April has a lower total of 33 mm (1.3 in) and fewer rainy days at 8. Additionally, the humidity in April is marginally higher at 85% compared to May’s 79%. For more detailed information, you can check London weather in April.
May and June exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees about 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, with humidity sitting at 79%. In contrast, June experiences a warmer climate, with temperatures beginning at 7°C (45°F) and peaking at 31°C (89°F), resulting in an average of 16°C (62°F). Although rainfall increases slightly to 77 mm (3.0 in) over just 9 days, humidity remains slightly higher at 80%. For more details on the weather during this month, check out London weather in June.
In comparing the weather of May and July, it is clear that July offers significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum soaring up to 36°C (96°F), compared to May's more moderate range of 1°C (35°F) to 25°C (78°F). The average temperature rises from 13°C (55°F) in May to 18°C (65°F) in July, making July feel much more summery. Interestingly, both months experience comparable levels of precipitation, around 64 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days, but July's humidity is slightly lower at 71%, versus May's 79%. For a detailed look at July's climate, check out London weather in July.
May and August offer distinctly different weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (35°F) at night to a pleasant 25°C (78°F) during the day, with an average temperature around 13°C (55°F). The month sees about 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity of 79%. In contrast, August boasts a milder nighttime low of 8°C (47°F) and can reach up to a sweltering 34°C (93°F), averaging 18°C (64°F). Although August has slightly more precipitation at 70 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days, its humidity is slightly lower at 76%. For more details on the August climate, check out London weather in August.
May and September offer distinct weather experiences, with May starting off cooler and gradually warming up, while September showcases a mild transition into autumn. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a comfortable maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees about 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, September presents slightly warmer conditions with minimum temperatures of 4°C (39°F) and maximums reaching 28°C (83°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). It is also drier, with only 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain falling over 10 days, leading to a marginally higher humidity of 82%. For a more detailed look at September's climate, check out London weather in September.
May and October offer distinct weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at 25°C (78°F). The month enjoys an average of 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, with humidity at 79%. In contrast, October sees slightly cooler conditions with temperatures ranging from 1°C (34°F) to an average of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 22°C (73°F). Precipitation increases to 84 mm (3.3 in) across 12 days, accompanied by higher humidity levels at 90%. For more details, you can check London weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather patterns, reflective of the transition from spring to late autumn. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a pleasant average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at 25°C (78°F), making it generally warmer and more vibrant. The month also sees an average precipitation of 62 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days, coupled with a humidity level of 79%. In stark contrast, November experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), reaching a maximum of just 16°C (62°F). Despite slightly lower precipitation at 52 mm (2.0 in) across the same number of days, the humidity is notably higher at 92%, contributing to a damp and chilly atmosphere. For a more detailed look at November weather, you can explore London weather in November.
May and December present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, December brings much colder temperatures, with a low of -4°C (24°F) and a high of only 14°C (58°F), averaging around 6°C (44°F). This winter month is wetter, seeing 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain over 13 days, and a higher humidity of 92%. For more insights on December weather, check out London weather in December.
As May unfolds in London, the city's weather begins to transition, bringing a breath of warmth that stands in contrast to the lingering chill of early spring. With temperatures gradually rising, it's a promising time for outdoor activities, albeit accompanied by a touch of unpredictability in rainfall and humidity. The month sees an increase in both sun and showers, creating a varied palette of weather that keeps residents and visitors alike on their toes. Overall, May serves as a vibrant prelude to summer, striking a delicate balance between cool evenings and pleasant daytime warmth, making it an exceptional time to explore the city's charm. To learn more about how this month compares to others, check out London Climate.