If you’re planning a trip to London in May, you’re choosing one of the most delightful times of the year to visit the city. May brings a refreshing mix of mild temperatures, blooming parks, and long daylight hours that make sightseeing feel easy.
The combination of London and May creates an inviting atmosphere where the city truly comes alive — flowers brighten every corner, outdoor events begin to fill the calendar, and the weather warms up enough to enjoy famous landmarks, riverside walks, and beautiful gardens without the heavy summer crowds.
Top 3 London Tours in May
- HARRY POTTER STUDIOS – Making of Harry Potter Studio + HP walking tour of central London
- PRIVATE TOUR – Discover Real London black cab tour of London
- HOP ON HOP OFF BUS – City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Weather of London in May
May brings pleasant spring weather to London that brings the city to life. Temperatures warm up nicely, with average highs reaching around 17°C (63°F) and lows hovering around 9°C (48°F). You’ll find the weather comfortable enough for exploring the city, although mornings can feel a little chilly at around 11°C (52°F).
As the month progresses, temperatures rise even further, sometimes reaching 18°C (64°F) by the end of May.
The city does get some rain during this month, with around 5 to 8 rainy days scattered throughout May, so you will want to pack a light rain jacket just in case.
However, London isn’t much wetter in May than other months. The sky is partly cloudy about 54% of the time, which means you will still get plenty of sunshine.
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Daylight Hours of London in May
London’s daylight hours increase dramatically in May, giving you plenty of time to enjoy. The sun rises significantly earlier, starting around 5:32 AM at the beginning of the month and rising even earlier as May progresses – by the end of the month, sunrise is at 4:49 AM.
Sunset occurs later in the evening, stretching to around 8:24 PM in early May and 9:07 PM by May 31.
This means you will enjoy anywhere from 14 hours and 52 minutes to over 16 hours of daylight depending on where you visit in May. The long hours of daylight give you amazing flexibility with your daily plans – you can start your day by visiting museums and markets, take an afternoon break, and still get enough evening light for dinner out or a sunset stroll along the Thames.
The increased daylight creates a wonderful atmosphere where the city comes alive well into the evening, making May one of the most enjoyable times to experience London’s outdoor attractions and neighbourhoods.
What to Wear in London in May
London in May calls for smart layering as the weather can surprise you throughout the day. You will want to pack versatile pieces that work together and keep you comfortable as the temperature changes.
Start with the basics – bring several T-shirts in short and long sleeves that you can easily mix and match. Jeans work perfectly for the May weather, and you can pair them with casual tops during the day or dress them up for an evening out.
Light sweaters and cardigans become your best friends this month, as you can throw them on when the temperature drops in the morning or evening, then take them off when the afternoon heats up.
A lightweight waterproof jacket is an absolute must for your trip to London in May. Rain showers are unpredictable, and you don’t want soggy clothes to ruin your sightseeing plans. Choose something that’s easy to fold up and carry in your bag. You won’t need a heavy winter coat, scarf, or gloves—those days are behind you by May.
For footwear, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Sneakers, casual shoes, or supportive trainers work great since you’ll be exploring the city on foot. Make sure they’re broken in before your trip.
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Why should I visit London in May?
May stands out as one of the best times to visit London, and the reasons are quickly becoming apparent. The city is in full bloom during this month, transforming the parks and gardens into dazzling displays of colour. You will find London at its most beautiful, with flowers everywhere and the fresh energy of spring filling the air.
The weather in May hits a pleasant spot – warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities without the summer crowds and heat.
You can explore the city at your leisure throughout the day, taking advantage of the incredibly long daylight hours that stretch from early morning until 9pm. This extra daylight means you can fit more experiences into each day without feeling rushed.
The world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place at the end of May, attracting garden lovers from all over the world. Open-air theatre seasons begin in venues like Regent’s Park, allowing visitors to see performances under the evening sky.
The city feels more relaxed in May than in the summer months. You will find shorter lines at major attractions, easier restaurant reservations, and more space to actually enjoy yourself at popular spots. Parks like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park make for great afternoon picnics or leisurely strolls.
Plus, accommodation prices in May are often reasonable as it falls just before the peak of the expensive summer tourist season.
What sort of weather can I expect when heading to London in May?
Temperatures become quite comfortable during this month, averaging 14°C (57°F) overall, with daytime highs reaching 17-18°C (63-64°F) and cool mornings and evenings dropping to around 9-11°C (48-52°F).
The weather gradually warms up as May begins. Early May still has a hint of spring chill, especially in the mornings when you can feel a little chilly walking around. By the end of May, temperatures often climb higher, occasionally hitting 18-20°C (64-68°F) during sunny afternoons.
The city typically sees around 5 to 8 rainy days scattered throughout the month. These showers usually come suddenly, last for a short while, then clear up just as quickly.
You will have plenty of dry, pleasant days with the occasional wet spell. The key is to carry that lightweight rain jacket or umbrella with you so you don’t get caught out by the rain.
Cloud cover varies throughout May – skies are overcast or partly cloudy about half the time, but you will also get some lovely spells of sunshine.
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Are there lots of activities and events in London in May?
The city is truly alive with an incredible variety of things to see and do, making it difficult to fit everything into one visit.
The highlight of the month is the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place in late May (usually around May 20-24) which we discuss earlier. This spectacular garden show attracts visitors from all over the world who come to browse the stunning floral displays, innovative garden designs, and plant collections from top growers.
Tickets sell out quickly, so advance booking is essential if you want to attend this prestigious event.
The open-air theatre season begins in May, with venues such as Regent’s Park staging performances under the open sky. Watching a play or musical outdoors on a balmy May evening creates a magical experience you won’t find in other months.
Cultural festivals and food festivals take place across the city during May. The Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival celebrates traditional entertainment with puppet shows and street performers.
Photo London showcases contemporary photography at Somerset House, while MCM Comic Con brings together fans of comics, anime, and pop culture. The London Coffee Festival attracts caffeine lovers who want to sample specialty brews and learn about coffee culture.
Museums and galleries open new exhibitions in May, giving you fresh reasons to visit even if you’ve been to London before. West End theaters continue to put on their best shows, from long-running musicals to new productions.
Cool areas to visit in London in May
Shoreditch pumps with artistic energy. You will wander through streets covered in colorful murals and graffiti art. Local and international artists are constantly creating new works of art, so the neighborhood is always looking different.
When the weather is nice, you can eat in and out. Vintage stores line the streets where you can browse for unique clothes, records, and quirky home decor. The area comes alive after dark with hidden cocktail bars, live music venues, and clubs playing everything from jazz to electronic music.
Camden Market draws millions of visitors but never feels boring. You wander through different parts of the market – Stables Market, Camden Lock, and Book Street Market.
Each area sells a variety of things, from handmade crafts to international street food. The Regent’s Canal runs through Camden, where you can take a peaceful stroll along the water, watching colorful narrow boats float by. In May, you will see the trees bursting with green leaves that reflect in the calm water.
Notting Hill offers charm and beauty every Saturday with the opening of Portobello Road Market. You will browse through stalls selling vintage clothing, antiques, fresh food, and handmade jewelry.
Colorful houses line the streets, and you’ll snap photos of the iconic pastel-colored townhouses that made Notting Hill Instagram-famous. Lancaster Road and Westbourne Park Road are the prettiest.
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Best Things to Do When You Visit London in May
Family Activities in May
FRAMELESS immerses families in world-famous art where inspiring works by Cezanne, Monet and Van Gogh come to life through innovative displays. The Design Museum presents Wes Anderson:
The Archives from 21 November 2025 to 26 July 2026, exploring the inspiration and stories behind the legendary filmmaker’s award-winning films. The Science Museum and Young V&A provide child-friendly spaces where learning becomes an adventure through interactive exhibitions and captivating displays.
Schools break from 25-29 May, bringing exciting takeovers and seasonal activities across the capital. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter creates magical experiences where families walk through authentic film sets. The Paddington Bear Experience takes kids on a thrilling adventure through themed rooms and iconic locations from the beloved films.
Visit Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most famous landmarks. You can actually go inside and see where the monarch lives and works.
Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It takes place outside the palace gates, and you don’t need a ticket. The guards march and perform their famous ceremony around 11:00 a.m. on selected days. Arrive 30 minutes early to get a good viewing spot.
London Events and Festivals in May 2026
Electronic beats and pop anthems fill the air as a number of festivals transform London’s parks into musical wonderlands. GALA Festival returns to Peckham Rye Park for its celebration from May 22-24, featuring the likes of Bungie B, Mala, George Daniels, and Peaches in a community-focused dance music event.
Mighty Hoopla takes over Brockwell Park on May 30-31, headlined by Lily Allen performing her album West End Girl on Saturday and the Scissor Sisters performing their legendary live show on Sunday.
Cross the Tracks presents London’s premier jazz, funk, and soul gathering on May 24, while City Splash Festival celebrates Caribbean and African music culture on May 25. London’s creative scene explodes with innovative exhibitions and special events throughout the month. The Sony World Photography Awards exhibition returns to Somerset House, showcasing the best images from the past year.
Catch world-class performances and shows
West End stages showcase spectacular productions while comedy clubs and concert halls offer a variety of entertainment options.
Chris McCausland brings his stand-up comedy masterclass to the London Palladium on May 15, while Al Marri returns with “All You Need Is Go” on May 2. Kinky Boots is running with Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebey and the music of Cyndi Lauper until July 11.
45 minutes of the best classical music for culture during your lunch break.
Dine Al Fresco Near Major Landmarks in May
You can enjoy exceptional cuisine while watching boats drift past iconic landmarks. Restaurants transform waterfront spaces into open-air dining havens with the Cutty Sark in Greenwich as your backdrop. The Gipsy Moth pub offers front-row views of the iconic Clipper, while Canary Wharf offers upscale options like Scoff & Banter, Royal China, and Gaucho steakhouse.
The South Bank creates a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy award-winning Mexican street food in the shipping container setup of Wahaca, or climb to the Skylon rooftop for sweeping views of the Thames with modern British cuisine.
Crystal-clear views stretch across the cityscape from the elevated rooftops, located near London’s most iconic monuments. Sushisamba London sits on the 39th floor at 110 Bishopsgate, making it one of Europe’s highest outdoor dining experiences with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gherkin and Tower Bridge.
Cherry Blossom in the Stunning Parks and Gardens
London’s parks and gardens are transformed into dazzling pink and white wonders during cherry blossom season, and if you arrive in early May, you can still catch the last of this magnificent display. Although the peak bloom period is usually in April, some varieties continue to show their beautiful flowers into early May, especially in cooler years.
Greenwich Park is one of the most popular places in London to see cherry blossoms. The park is home to an incredible collection of cherry trees, and the famous Cherry Blossom Tunnel along Blackheath Avenue creates an enchanting path where a canopy of pink petals forms above.
Walking through this tunnel feels absolutely magical, and photographers flock here to capture the stunning views, with views towards the Rose Garden and Ranger House.
Kew Gardens offers another stunning location to admire the cherry blossoms. The Cherry Walk near Temperate House is lined with Yoshino cherry trees, with hundreds of tulips blooming beneath, creating layers of color that look just like the picture.
You will also find beautiful cherry trees to the south of the Palm House and in the Japanese Landscape area, where the setting feels especially authentic for hanami (traditional cherry blossom viewing).
Regent’s Park showcases beautiful cherry blossoms in the Avenue Gardens area, where the pink and white blossoms create the perfect dreamy backdrop for a spring stroll.
St. James’s Park, in central London, offers easy access to cherry blossom viewing, along with views of Buckingham Palace and other landmarks. Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden brings an authentic Japanese aesthetic to London, with cherry trees surrounding peaceful ponds and traditional landscaping.
Battersea Park has a charming road lined with cherry trees, creating a floral corridor that draws crowds in peak season. Even residential areas like Notting Hill turn pink during cherry blossom season, with tree-lined streets becoming Instagram-worthy backdrops.
Visit Tower of London
This UNESCO World Heritage site has played multiple roles throughout history — as a royal palace, a feared prison, an armoury, and even a home to exotic animals. William the Conqueror built the White Tower to assert his power over the city in 1066, and locals initially resented it as a symbol of tyranny.
The magnificent collection of the Crown Jewels sparkles with over 100 objects containing over 23,000 precious stones. You’ll witness the Imperial State Crown, adorned with St. Edward’s Sapphire, Black Prince’s Ruby, Cullinan II Diamond, and Stuart Sapphire, in a stunning 360-degree display.
Ravens patrol the grounds as guardians of the Tower, and legend has it that if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall. During your visit, observe these famous black birds and learn why they are so important in British history.
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Where to Stay in London in May
May brings beautiful weather to London, so you will want to choose the right place to stay. Here are the best neighborhoods to make your trip easy and enjoyable.
Covent Garden is located in the heart of London. You can walk to most of the famous landmarks from here. The area is buzzing with street performers, shops, and great restaurants.
Westminster puts you close to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. You can wake up to famous landmarks right outside your window.
The South Bank runs along the River Thames. You’ll enjoy river views and be able to walk to the London Eye, Tate Modern, and Borough Market.
Shoreditch attracts creative people and artists. You’ll find unique coffee shops, vintage stores, and colorful street art on every corner. The nightlife is amazing, with cool bars and live music venues. Young tourists especially love this area.
Notting Hill will impress you with its pastel-colored houses and the famous Portobello Road Market.
Camden Town brings an alternative atmosphere to your stay. Explore Camden Market with its quirky stalls selling everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewelry. The area is also close to Regent’s Park, which is perfect for a morning stroll when the weather warms up in May.
Make sure to book your hotel in early May. The weather gets nicer, so more tourists visit London during this month. Prices can go up, especially during the two bank holidays (May 5 and May 26).
Note: Look for hotels near tube stations — London’s underground makes getting around easy. You can hop on a train and be at any attraction within 20-30 minutes.
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