London is a year-round destination, but we cannot all visit throughout the year. For many of us, there are constraints that determine when we can visit London and how far our travel budget will take us once we arrive.
May is an ideal time to visit London because it falls between the two seasons (spring and summer). The weather is improving as the month goes, the flowers are in full bloom, and the city has taken on a rich green colour; but, the summer crowds that arrive when schools in the United States and Canada close for the year have not yet arrived. May, along with April, is one of my favourite months to visit London for these reasons.
If you are contemplating a trip to London in May, you may have a number of questions, including “what is the weather genuinely like,” “what should I bring,” and “what is there to do?” Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of what to anticipate from a May vacation to London. Read on if you wish to learn everything there is to know about visiting London in May.
May Sunrise and Sunset Times in London
An important piece of advise for planning a vacation is to have a sense of how long each day is; given the daytime hours and evening activities, you can then schedule as many activities as you have energy for. This infographic provides a picture of London’s May sunrise and sunset times:
If you like to watch the dawn or sunset in London during the month of May, I can also provide you with recommendations.
The Thirteen Best Locations to Catch the Morning Sun in London (& Sunrise Times)
The 16 Best Locations in London to Watch the Sunset (and Sunset Times) (& Sunset Times)
As this portion of the world near the June solstice and the longest day of the year, the pleasant element of visiting London in May is the length of the days. There is plenty of sunlight as this region approaches the longest day of the year.
May seasonal averages and maximums for London
May is the first official month during which one may consider summer in London, or at least the month’s later half. This is because, as summer approaches, longer days tend to be accompanied with correspondingly warmer temperatures.
In May, London has average highs of 65 °F (18 °C) and lows of 51 °F (15 °C). Clearly, the temperature is colder at the beginning of the month and increases as the month passes. The average number of rainy days each month is eight, which is a significant improvement over previous months.
Advice for May Travel to London
You may be unsure about what to pack for a vacation to London in the month of May. Pack for the spring weather in London (cold and maybe rainy) along with a few items you can use if the weather turns out to be beautiful. Considering that more than a quarter of the month might be wet and temperatures have not yet reached the dog days of summer, I advise caution.
Carry an umbrella in case the weather forecast is unfavourable.
Rain boots are also acceptable, but you should choose Chelsea-style boots rather than full-height ones. Wellingtons
Pack no more than two or three pairs of shorts and choose for longer layers such as pants, tea or maxi skirts, and dresses.
You won’t need much more than a light jacket for the evenings, but I recommend taking one in case the flight to or from London is cool.
Sunglasses are compact and simple to transport regardless of the weather.
In addition, you can always refer to my list of London essentials to ensure that you pack everything you’ll need for the duration of your stay.
May 2022 will feature seven significant events to London.
Planning a trip to London in May and interested about any special events that will be taking place during your stay? Here are a few events that have been confirmed for the upcoming year; if one of them catches your eye, it will help you choose your vacation dates!
Bank holiday at the beginning of May
In London, the month of May begins with a three-day weekend known as a Bank Vacation, signalling the start of the month’s official holiday on the first Monday. Banks and other businesses may be closed, but if the weather holds, Londoners will still enjoy the season outside.
If you find yourself in London in early May, keep an eye on the forecast; if the weather is fine, consider purchasing a picnic basket from Fortnum & Mason and spending the day in one of London’s great parks. Ensure that the indoor activities you’ve booked will be accessible if the weather is poor; London’s best museums, such the British Museum and the Natural History Museum, are often open, though their hours may be limited.
Festival of Eid (May 3)
The Eid Festival commemorates the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated in Trafalgar Square by people of all religions and cultures. The end of Ramadan is commemorated on May 3 with the Eid ul-Fitr celebration.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the specifics for 2022 have not yet been released, but if it occurs, the Eid Festival will be honoured with a community event and an opportunity to learn about and experience Muslim culture.
Photograph shot at Somerset House in London (May 12-15)
If you are interest in photography as an art form, you must schedule your trip to London to coincide with the Photo London exhibition at Somerset House. This four-day festival is fully devoted to photography and has exhibits from the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Italy, and Japan, among others. In addition, there is an exhibit called Discovery that highlights new and emerging talent. Those who appreciate travelling to London to visit temporary artworks will find this to be an exciting and rare experience.
There are both men’s and women’s FA Cup matches
If you enjoy sports, the middle of the month is an ideal time to arrange a vacation to London. The Men’s and Women’s FA Cup Finals will be contested at Wimbledon on the 14th and 15th, respectively, drawing people to Central London for Photo London.
Men’s champions in 2021 were Leicester City, who defeated local favourites Chelsea, while women’s champions were Chelsea, who defeated yet another London side, Arsenal. Given that London clubs have a history of success and may very well reach the FA Cup Finals, this year’s event is anticipated with great interest.
Check the FA website frequently as information and the final participants are revealed in order to obtain tickets.
Flower Display at Chelsea
London has more trees per square mile than any other big city, and its numerous parks and gardens are lovely in the spring and summer. Attending the Chelsea Flower Show during the last weekend of May is a wonderful opportunity to see the change from early spring flowers such as cherry blossoms, magnolias, tulips, and daffodils to late summer and fall flowers such as roses, hydrangeas, lilies, and irises.
Even the most casual amateur botanists will be impressed by the flowers, gardens, and other artworks celebrating gardening and horticulture.
Day of History in London
May spends the last day of the month concentrating on the city of London. London’s tenacity through the Romans, Normans, Victorians, and contemporary eras is commemorated on London History Day by Historic England. Keep an focus on the website for more details regarding virtual events in 2022; if you chance to be in London on that day, you may participate in the London Wall Walk to remember the city’s history.
Alternative Activities in May in London
In addition to what has already been stated, the month of May in London is filled with intriguing events. These are but a few general concepts to stimulate your imagination:
Enjoy a picnic in one of London’s parks.
Enjoy a dinner on the terrace of one of London’s finest restaurants, such as Claridge’s Bar Terrace or Jones Family Kitchen.
Get a drink at one of London’s excellent rooftop bars, such as Radio Rooftop or Aviary Rooftop.
Enjoy the sun while sipping pints in a historic London tavern.
Visit the Barbican Conservatory to experience nature even if the weather is poor.
Stroll along the bright Southbank.
Explore many of London’s finest food markets, such as Borough and Spitalfields, and choose your favourite.
Attend the Art of Banksy exhibition in Covent Garden before May 22.
Dopamine Land, which runs from 30 April to 29 May, is a sensory overload.
Catch the Van Gogh exhibition in East London before it closes on May 30th.
This month sees the opening of Mexican Geniuses, an immersive exhibition including the work of Frida Khalo and Diego Garcia.
One weekend in London, indulge in the city’s unique custom of bottomless brunches. Hundreds of selections are available throughout the month, including Jamaican breakfast, Asian street food, and Spanish tapas.
GoBoat offers boat rentals in Paddington, Kingston-upon-Thames, and Canary Wharf for as little as £89 per hour, allowing you to experience London from an entirely different angle.
As you can see, the month of May in London is crammed with activities that only occur during the spring-to-summer changeover. Do you have any more questions regarding a trip to London in May? Leave a remark below or visit my office to discuss.
Is May a good time to visit London?
The best time to visit London is March through May when the temperatures are mild and the city’s parks are green and blooming. However, late spring – along with summer – is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge.