The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in York. Temperatures rise (16°C) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Expect rain on 28% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended.
May ranks 4 out of 12 months in York. Compared to April: +4°C daytime, +1.0h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
3 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
dry air
5°
Daylight
15.7h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 28
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in York is July (7.4/10), 2.9 pts 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 · York
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · York
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 city break.
Country · United Kingdom
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyPound Sterling (£)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate
📈Climate trend ⓘ+1.11°C/decade
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 20°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 7°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘOctober · 36%
🏛️ City break
📅Tourist peak seasonJune → August
☔Indoor sights ⓘYear-round
🚇Public transportGood
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
BathUnited Kingdom
BrusselsBelgiumEdinburghScotland
AmsterdamNetherlands
CopenhagenDenmark
Location
Where is York ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United KingdomTemperate climate with a 7.4 → 0.9 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
53.96°N · 1.08°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit York?
June is the best month with 19.0°C highs, 11.0°C lows, 6.0h of sunshine and 32.0% rainy days. The months of June & July offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does York get in June?
York averages 6.0 sunshine hours per day in June. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.0/10.
What is the rainiest month in York?
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 York in June?
In June, overnight lows reach 11.0°C, while afternoon highs average 19.0°C.
Is York good in winter?
In winter (December-February), York scores 1.0/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains June with a score of 7.0/10.
When should you avoid York?
January is the most difficult month to visit York, 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 York in May?
The average UV index reaches 3 in May in York (moderate), with about 15.7h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.