The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in London. Temperatures rise (18°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Expect rain on 26% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. July (7.9/10) is significantly better if possible.
May ranks 4 out of 12 months in London. Compared to April: +4°C daytime, +0.8h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
4 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
dry air
8°
Daylight
15.4h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 31
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in London is July (7.9/10), 0.5 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · London
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · London
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · United Kingdom
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyPound Sterling (£)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘ+1.35°C/decade
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 22°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 8°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJanuary · 37%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is London ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United KingdomTemperate oceanic climate with a 7.9 → 0.9 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
51.51°N · 0.13°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit London?
July is the best month with 22.0°C highs, 14.0°C lows, 7.0h of sunshine and 25.0% rainy days. The months of July & August offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does London get in July?
London averages 7.0 sunshine hours per day in July. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.4/10.
What is the rainiest month in London?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in London in July?
In July, overnight lows reach 14.0°C, while afternoon highs average 22.0°C.
Is London good in winter?
In winter (December-February), London scores 2.0/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 7.4/10.
When should you avoid London?
January is the most difficult month to visit London, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Do you need sun protection in London in May?
The average UV index reaches 4 in May in London (moderate), with about 15.4h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.