London in May – is it worth going? Weather and reviews, air temperature, whether it rains, how to dress, prices 2026 in hotels and on excursions. What to do, what to see in London in May, where to go in the UK – says Eurotraveler.
For citizens of many countries around the world, London remains, although alluring, still quite a mysterious place. It seems to be easily achievable – in theory – but still inaccessible.
Both because of the difficulty of obtaining a UK visa, and the traditional strength of the pound and therefore high prices.
This a mystery London weather appears! I’d really like to hope that the sun appears in the sky and there are clear days – but if rumors are to be believed, it rains constantly in the UK.
In what weather there is no time for walking outdoors. And, naturally, any walking tour is perceived as a dubious event.
However, all this is rumored. What is it really like? And, in particular, what is London like in May?
The month of spring and therefore joyful, blooming? Giving hope and literally gushing with vibrant young energy?
Now we’ll tell you!
Briefly
- Is May good for a trip to London? Yes, and very good! Since the air temperature rarely leaves the range of +17-25 °C, facilitating long walks around the city and excursions. And it rains not so often, no more than 4-5 times a month
- Are there few tourists in London in spring? No, a lot. But still less than in the summer, as well as on Easter days, February and October school holidays, when the capital of Great Britain is flooded with hundreds of thousands of visitors
- What to see in London in May? It is best to concentrate on walking around the city, visiting London parks, the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, and taking a cruise along the Thames. You can also go to the suburbs
Well, now – more details!
Weather in London in May
Allows a lot! After all, you can easily count the number of frankly rainy days on the fingers of one hand.
Again, in the event of a “bad” weather forecast, it is easy to adjust your route in London. For example, instead of walking around the City, hang out for a day in the halls of the British Museum. Or visit the National Gallery – when the sun is shining brightly outside, you will very likely not even remember the paintings!
Air temperature in London in May not too stable. At the beginning of the month it can be as high as +25 degrees Celsius. And then – until the very end of the month – no higher than +20-22 °C.
In most cases, however, it is noticeably colder. About +12-16 °C is recorded by weather forecasters in London in early May – with rare rises to +18-20 °C. And around 18°C throughout the rest of the month.
Only at the end of May the London climate can provide several “hot” days, with temperatures up to +24-26 degrees Celsius. It almost never happens anymore. But less often.
Which, as mentioned above, creates ideal conditions for walks and trips. So if you’re in London in May, don’t miss the chance to see everything you can!
Temperature dips are a given, as elsewhere in Europe at the end of spring. You won’t seriously blame the street thermometer if it dares to show only 10 degrees Celsius on May 5-7?
By the way, May nights in London are really cool. And this is not a “figure of speech”!
In early May, the air temperature after sunset can drop to only +4-6 °C (usually still around +10). In the middle and end of the month it gets colder in the evenings to +12-14 °C.
Precipitation and sun
May in London is not considered a very rainy month – average rainfall does not exceed 60-70 mm. The total number of rainy days is 4-6.
However, cloudy days are still in the vast majority. And a tourist will be lucky if during a “standard” 3-4-day trip to London he witnesses at least a couple of mostly cloudless days.
Throughout May, the sun rises over the capital of Great Britain at 5.30-4.50 am. And it comes at 20.23-21.10. Daylight hours increase from almost 15 to more than 16 hours.
What to take with you
Still haven’t guessed what people wear in London in May? Then we will hint: a waterproof jacket with a lining will almost certainly be in demand. As well as a variety of insulating “underwear” such as vests, sweaters and cardigans.
In the middle of a clear day, you will probably want to strip down to your dresses and shirts. But as soon as the sky becomes cloudy, you will have to put on your windbreaker, jacket, or sweatshirt again, and not just throw it over your shoulders.
Umbrellas have a good chance of being useful. But you can easily leave your rubber shoes at home. Because high-soled boots, as well as sneakers, are much more appropriate at this time.
It might also be worth taking some weightless raincoat with you. It doesn’t take up much space in your luggage, but can be a big help in case of rain.
However, as we have already said, in case of bad weather in London it is much wiser to have a “museum plan” in stock…
Prices 2026
If you have previously heard that London is an expensive city, then if you travel to it in May you will be able to see this from your own experience. Not more expensive, of course, than Amsterdam or Barcelona, but capable of giving a head start to Prague or Rome.
In general, at the end of spring it is difficult to find a decent hotel here that will be so kind as to rent you a room for less than 200 € per night. If the hotel is located not too far from the center, then…
For example, the Ridgemount Hotel, located in the Camden area, half a kilometer from the British Museum, is ready to accommodate a couple of guests who will pay from 230 € per night. And we have to admit that this is just a great option. Especially when you consider that the price includes breakfast…
On the other side of the Thames, but still less than a kilometer from the Tower of London, is Motel One London-Tower Hill. An additional advantage is its proximity to the metro station, from which you can quickly get to Heathrow Airport.
Unlike hotels, excursions in London are not too expensive. You can take a cruise on the Thames for just 20 €. And a walk with a knowledgeable guide through the British Museum (free entrance tickets) will ruin you by 30 €.
Things to do
If you are coming to London for the first time, for sure, that is, you will definitely want to look inside Palace of Westminster. The citadel of world parliamentarism and simply a very beautiful architectural structure.
It would also be a good idea to take a look at the ancient Westminster Abbey, adjacent to the parliament and hallowed by centuries of history. Well, and then visit the British Museum; who wouldn’t want to look inside one of the world’s largest collections? Moreover, it is completely free?!
Where to go
In May, we will advise you not to stay too long in London. After all, there are so many interesting things located both near and far from the British capital that few foreign tourists have explored!
At the seaside in late spring: whether it’s the royal resort of Brighton or the Cornwall peninsula, it’s still too early to go. Since the water in the English Channel is heated to a maximum of +14-16 degrees, and sitting on the beach at this time will not bring as much pleasure as in the summer.
But the visit to Kew Botanic Gardens will surely enhance your impressions. After all, a real ocean of flowers and aromas awaits you there.
Near London, it is worth visiting the Gothic Hampton Court Palace, which was once the country residence of English monarchs. And also take a trip to Windsor, in whose castle English kings and queens still live today.
You can also get to Canterbury (about 100 km) with its impressive cathedral. Or go admire the Roman baths in Bath – a remarkable town located just 170 km west of London.
We would like to invite you to visit York, but this trip is not for 1 day (330 km one way). But you can easily add the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon (160 km), and Warwick Castle nearby to your list of places you should definitely visit from London.
As does the town of Chessington with its theme park, the largest in the British Isles. The kids will definitely enjoy this kind of entertainment…unlike your bank account.
If you have time, visit Cambridge and Oxford. Visit the sprawling Blenheim Castle, the family seat of the Marlborough-Churchill family.
Or head southwest of the British capital. After all, somewhere out there among the heather fields of Wiltshire are the famous megaliths of Stonehenge. And in the town of the same name stands the bulk of Salisbury Cathedral, considered literally an example of English Gothic architecture.
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© Eurotraveler
