London in May: Weather, Activities & What to Wear (2025)

PLANNING A TRIP TO LONDON IN MAY?

I used to live in London for 5 years and May is a really good time to visit London!

The weather is warm and sunny, and it is proper Spring time in London. The days get longer, with the sunset around 8-8:3 pm. It’s a great time to just enjoy chilling in parks.

The average temperature is between 8.3-17 °C (47-63 °F) in London in May but it still cools down in the evenings. There can also be some rain, so it is best to take an umbrella and waterproof shoes.

May is a good time to visit London as the weather is warm, and you get to see London in Spring with the flowers blooming. There are still not that many tourists around as the high season runs from June to August.

The best things to do in London in May is to go sightseeing, chill in parks, visit the Kew Gardens, watch a play at the West End, and see the sunset from the Sky Garden.

Here is everything you need to know about visiting London in May, including the weather, what to wear, and best things to do!

London Weather in May

May is Spring in London and the weather is warm and sunny.

May is a great time to visit London as the weather is warm but there are still not as many tourists as during the summer holidays (June-August).

Although it is sunny and warm, there is also some chance of rain. So, it is good to take an umbrella and a waterproof jacket in case it rains.

The days start to get longer in May. The sun rises at 4:50 am, and the sun sets around 8:30-9:10 pm.

For the best sunrise and sunset places in London, check out Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill, Thames Path, Millennium Bridge, and the Shard.

London Temperature in May

The average temperature in London in May is between 8.3-17 °C (47-63 °F).

During the day, the highest temperature is around 17 °C (57 °F) in May in London, and it is warm and sunny.

May is proper Spring in London and although it is warm, it is not too hot. It is a nice time to see the flowers in bloom and chill in parks.

It can still get cold in the evenings, with the temperature dropping to 8.3 °C (47 °F), so for the evenings it is good to have a light jacket.

Is London Cold in May?

No, London is not cold in May. The daytime temperature is around 17 °C (57 °F) and it is warm and sunny.

Overall, London is warm in May but it does not get too hot, so it is a great time to explore the city.

Is London Warm in May?

Yes, London is warm in May. The average temperature is between 8.3-17 °C (47-63 °F) and it is warm and sunny during the day.

The weather is warm in May but it does not get too hot, which makes it a great time to visit the city.

Is it Rainy in London in May?

Yes, there can be some rain in London in May, however, it does not rain that much.

The rainiest months are October and November, but there is always some rainfall in London throughout the year.

So, whenever you visit London, you should prepare for rain in all months. Thus, for a London trip, it is always good to pack an umbrella, and waterproof jacket and shoes.

Is May a Good Time to Visit London?

Yes, May is a great time to visit London! May is Spring in London, and it is warm and sunny during the day.

The flowers are in bloom, and it is a great time to hang out in parks and enjoy outdoor activities.

Although the number of tourists start to increase in May, that are still not as many tourists as during the summer months (June-August).

May is a good time to visit London as the weather is good but it is not too crowded yet. If you prefer to visit at a time when it is less busy, than May is a great time to do so.

The best things to do in London in May is to go sightseeing, enjoy outdoor activities, visit the Kew Gardens, watch a play at the West End, and see the sunset from the Sky Garden.

Crowds

May is Spring season in London and the time just before the summer holidays begin in June.

The weather is good in May, so the number of tourists gradually increases, but there are still not as many visitors as during the summer holidays.  

The high season in London is during the summer and Christmas holidays, and May is still a relatively quiet time in London. 

May is a great time to visit London if you are looking for good weather and enjoy the city without the high number of tourists.

Prices

May is shoulder season in London just before the peak summer season beings.

The prices start to increase in May but you may still be able to get some discounts for hotels or tour packages before the main summer season kicks in.

The flights to London are the cheapest for January and February, but if you book it well in advance, you may still get some cheaper flights for May.

What to Wear in London in May

• Jackets suitable for May: Light/waterproof jacket, leather jacket, or trench coat
• Light sweaters, cardigans
• Short-sleeved T-Shirt
• Dresses, Skirts
• Jeans, light trousers, chinos
• Waterproof, comfortable shoes
• Umbrella
• Sunglasses

The average temperature in London in May is between 8.3-17 °C (47-63 °F). The weather is warm and sunny during the day but it does not get too hot.

As it is warm during the day in May, you can wear spring clothes like dresses, skirts, light trousers, sunglasses.

It cools down during the evenings thus, it is also good to pack some clothes you can wear in layers, such as a light jacket, sweaters and cardigans.

There can also be some rain, so make sure to pack an umbrella and waterproof shoes.

The best clothes to pack for London in May is a light jacket or trench coat, short-sleeved T-Shirts, dresses, skirts, light trousers, chinos, jeans, sweaters, cardigans, waterproof shoes, and sunglasses.

The Best Things to Do in London in May

1. GO SIGHTSEEING

There are many famous, historic attractions in London that are a must to visit during your trip.

Visiting the historic sites are one of the best things to do in London, and many of them are in close walking distance of each other.

The weather is warm in May so it is a good time to explore London and be outdoors. The number of tourists start to increase in May, but there are still not as many tourists as during the summer.

Top Attractions to See in London:

• Tower Bridge
• Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• London Eye
• Big Ben
• Buckingham Palace
• Trafalgar Square

2. VISIT THE KEW GARDENS

• Kew Gardens Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm Everyday
• Kew Gardens Tickets: GBP 20-24 (depending if you buy it online/in person and if for weekday or weekend)

Spring in London is from March to May, and during this time the flowers are in bloom. Thus, May is a great time to visit the Kew Gardens, London’s botanical garden.

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (known as Kew Gardens) is a botanical garden in Richmond, London. It is the largest botanical garden in the world and has over 50,000 plants.

It is a great place to visit all year around but the best time is during Spring (March-April) when the flowers are in bloom.

The Kew Gardens covers a large area and you can easily spend the whole day here. If you get hungry, they also have cafes and restaurants.

Some of the best places to check out at the Kew Gardens is the Kew Palace, Treetop Walkway, Palm House, Great Broad Walk Borders, Temperate House.

There is also a train that goes around the botanic garden, so if you get tired, it is a good way to get some rest. The train ticket costs GBP 6.50.

3. WATCH A PLAY AT THE WEST END

Watching a play at the West End is a great activity at any time of the year!

The West End is known for some of the best theatres in London and there are also many restaurants and shops in the area.

Many people come to London just to see a show at the West End, so if you like theatre plays, you should not miss out on it.

Some of the most popular plays are Hamilton, Wicked, the Lion King, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Generally, the tickets are between GBP 80-400 (USD 100-500) but they also have some deals, where you can get 50-60% off on selected shows.

The discounts are usually for less famous shows but you can still catch some great shows if you keep an eye on the tickets.

Sometimes you can also get cheaper tickets to a lesser known show if you just show up at the ticket booths on the day. This way, you can see a show for a cheaper price, but you don’t have much choice over what you see.

4. SEE A MUSEUM EXHIBITION

London has a lot of museums and going to an exhibition helps you to understand the history and culture of the UK better.

The museums are open all year around, and have both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The best things is that the entry fee is free to many of the permanent exhibitions, and you only have to pay an entry fee to the temporary exhibitions.

Some of the best museums in London are:

• Tate Modern
• Tate Britain
• British Museum
• National gallery
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Natural History Museum
• Science Museum

5. CHILL IN A PARK

The weather is warm and sunny in May, and it is a great time to hang out in parks in London.

Some of the best parks in London are Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath, and Primrose Hill.

Once the weather turns warm in London, it is very popular to chill and have a picnic in a park. So, if you have done a lot of sightseeing and just looking to relax, it is great to check out one of London’s parks.

6. HAVE A DRINK IN A PUB

Don’t miss going to a pub in London, even if you don’t drink alcohol. Pub culture is big in the UK and you haven’t been to London until you have gone to a pub!

Most of the pubs also have a food menu, so it is nice not only for drinks but to have a meal.

Many pubs also have gardens and outdoor areas, and as the weather is warm in May, it is finally time to enjoy the outdoor gardens of pubs.

Many of the pubs in the city centre can be very touristic, so if you want to go to more local pubs, just go a little bit further out from the city centre.

7. GO ON A DAY TRIP

The weather is warm in May but it is not too hot yet, which makes it a great time to go on a day trip.

It is warm in May in London but there can be some rain too, so you should prepare with waterproof jacket, shoes and an umbrella for a day trip.

There are many nice places near London that can be visited for a day trip. Going on a day trip is a great way to see more of England and learn about its history and culture.

Some of the best places that can be visited from London are Brighton, Oxford, Stonehenge, Canterbury, Hastings, and Bath.

There are tours that can take you for a day trip, but if you want to organize it for yourself, you can take the train or the bus (Megabus, National Express or Flixbus).

If you have more time, you can also extend the day trips to 2-3 days and spend more time in each place.

8. EAT BRITISH FOOD

Trying the local cuisine in a new place is always a great thing to do. So, while you are in London, you should try as much local food as possible.

British food is famous for the English Breakfast, Fish and Chips, and the Sunday Roast.

Apart from British food, you can also find many restaurants that serve food from all around the world, such as Indian cuisine, Thai, Mexican, Italian and many more!

Some of the most popular British dishes are:

• Fish and Chips
• Sunday Roast
• English Breakfast
• Shepherd’s Pie

There is also Secret Food Tour in London where you can have the best British food while also exploring London!

🥘 Book a Food Tour in London here!

9. GO ON A RIVER CRUISE

The River Thames flows through London and a boat cruise is a good way to see the attractions in the city.

There are many famous buildings along the Thames, such as the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.

The London river cruises usually last between 1-2 hours and it includes a guide too.

There are also public boats in London that take you through pretty much on the same route as the paid cruises.

The public boats are run by the Uber Boats by the Thames Clippers, and you can even pay for the boat fare with an Oyster Card.

If you don’t want to pay for a river cruise, the public boats are a great option. You get to go on a cruise and see the city for an affordable price.

10. WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE SKY GARDEN

The Sky Garden is located in the “Walkie-Talkie” (The Fenchurch Building) in central London. It is on the 35th floor and offers great views of London.

The Sky Garden is a nice alternative to the Shard if you want to see London from high up, but don’t want to pay the entry fees for the Shard.

The entry to the Sky Garden is free but you have to reserve the tickets in advance. The tickets are released up to 3 weeks ahead and you can book specific time slots for your visit.

If you just go to the Sky Garden without reserving a ticket, they might not let you in if there are many people. So, the best plan is to book your ticket ahead, which guarantees your entry.

The Sky Garden is the best at sunset and you get a 360 degree view of London with many famous attractions, such as the Tower Bridge, Tower of London and the Shard.

It’s a good place to spend a couple of hours, there are many plants at the Sky Garden and it make it a nice atmosphere. There are is also a cafe and restaurant, if you get hungry.

The Sky Garden is pretty big and has staircases on each side. I remember one time we visited with a couple of kids and they enjoyed running up and down the stairs for the whole time. If you go with kids, it will definitely get them tired for a good night’s sleep.

11. BUY FLOWERS AT THE COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET

The Columbia Road Flower Market runs every Sunday from 8 am to around 3 pm.

As the weather is warm in May, being outdoors and shopping for flowers is a great activity.

The flower market is popular and can get busy around noon, so it is best to arrive early around 9 am.

There are also a couple of cafes and vintage shops on Columbia Road and you can spend the morning here, shopping for flowers and having a coffee.

You may be able to get some discounted flowers if you go later in the afternoon around 2 pm. Although, at that time, there are less flowers available than if you go early.

12. GO ON THE LONDON EYE

The London Eye is an iconic landmark in London and even though it can be very touristy, you should not miss out on it while in London.

The queues can be long, and it is better to get a fast track ticket to the London Eye so you can skip the queues.

It is a great place to visit all year round, just make sure to get a ticket in advance. As the weather turns warm in May, more and more tourists visit London, so the queues can get long.

The London Eye is just by the River Thames and once you are on it, you get great views of other famous buildings, such as the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the St. Paul’s Cathedral.

✅ Skip the queue and book your ticket to the London Eye here!

13. SHOP AT THE CAMDEN MARKET

Camden Market is a cool place in London and there are so many things to do here. They have restaurants, food stalls, bars, second hand bookshops, and vintage clothes shops.

If you love books, it is a great place to browse books and find some second hand books at a good price. I used to spend lots of time here and I could browse for books for hours.

The vintage shops are a great place to buy something unique or funny, or even to get a souvenir to take home!

Camden Market has everything you need and it is easy to spend at least half a day there.

14. GO ON A WALKING TOUR

It is warm and sunny in London in May, which make it a great time to be outdoors and explore London on foot! It can still rain sometimes, so make sure to pack an umbrella and waterproof shoes.

There are many walking tours in London that offer various options to learn about London’s history and culture.

When deciding on going on a walking tour, you have the options to explore historic sites, go on a pub tour, street art tour, or even a British music tour!

✅ Book a Walking Tour in London here!

15. GO UP THE SHARD

• View From the Shard Ticket Cost: GBP 32-38 (General entry), GBP 45-51 (All inclusive entry)

The Shard opened in 2013 and it is the tallest building in London with 309.6 metres (1,016 ft).

You can go up by elevator, and once you get to the top, you get 360 degree views of London. There are restaurants and bars at the top and the best time to visit is for sunset and evening.

The Shard is a little bit expensive but if it is your only time in London or it is a special occasion, than it is a nice place to enjoy the sunset, and have dinner and drinks.

It is open from 11 am to 7-8 pm on most days, except for Saturdays when it is open until 10 pm.

You have to book your ticket in advance for a specific time and date. Make sure to arrive a little bit before your scheduled time as if you arrive late (more than 15 minutes late), they could charge you a rebooking fee.

16. VISIT THE HARRY POTTER FILM STUDIOS

Visiting the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios is a fun activity anytime, and it is great for all Harry Potter fans, kids or adults!

The Harry Potter Tour usually takes around 7 hours and you get to see the behind the scenes at the Warner Bros Studios in Watford.

You can walk around the set and also see the costumes that were used in the movies. It is a pretty cool experience and if you have time while in London, it is totally worth checking out!

You can either sign up to a tour or plan the trip on your own. If you plan it on your own, the trains go from London Euston Station to Watford Junction.

Once you get to Watford Junction, there are shuttle buses every 30 minutes that operate between Watford Junction and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios.

✅ Book the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour here!

17. EAT AT THE BOROUGH MARKET

The Borough Market is famous for its food stalls, restaurants, bars and shops. If you love food and snacking, definitely check it out while you are in London.

They sell many different delicacies, such as cured meat, street food, cheese, bakery items, fresh vegetables and fruits. It’s really a great place for food lovers!

It can get pretty busy on the weekends or during lunch hours, so the best time to visit the Borough Market is during the week (outside of lunch hours).

18. HANG OUT AT COVENT GARDEN

Covent Garden has many shops, restaurants and theatres and it is located in central London. There are many restaurants, bars, and hidden gems in small alleys around Covent Garden so it is a nice place to explore.

There are usually also some street performers that are fun to watch and it draws in big crowds.

Covent Garden is great but it is also a very touristy place in London. It can get very busy and crowded so make sure to watch out for your valuables.

19. GO SHOPPING

London is famous for fashion, so if you like fashion, you got to go shopping! There are many clothes shop, from budget to luxury brands, so there is everything for all budgets.

The most famous places for fashion in London are Oxford Street and Regent Street. They are right next to each other and there are many fashion brands you can choose from.

Oxford Street is the biggest shopping street in Europe and it has more than 300 shops. Apart from clothes shops, there are also jewellery, electronics and homeware shops.

20. VISIT THE LONDON ZOO

• London Zoo Opening Times in May: 10 am – 6 pm
• London Zoo Entry Price: Weekday: GBP 27-31, Weekend: GBP 33

The London Zoo opened in 1828 and it is located in Regent’s Park near Camden.

The zoo is pretty big and takes around 2-3 hours to cover the whole area. There are also restaurants and cafes, so you can stop for a break to have food and drinks.

It can get busy on the weekends, but it is less crowded on the weekdays. If you have a chance, it is better to visit on the weekdays, to avoid the crowds.

The enclosures are well maintained and built in a way that you get to see the animals from pretty close up. Some of the animals that you can see at the zoo are tigers, lions, penguins and also baby gorillas.

Tips for Visiting London in May

Public Transport in London

The public transport in London is well-developed and it is one of the best ways to get around the city.

The main modes of transport in London include the tube, buses, trains, and there are even public boats that you can use for sightseeing.

The public transport runs as usual in May, except the bank holidays when it runs on a reduced schedule. Don’t worry if you are in London during any holiday, even if the service runs less frequently, it is a good way to get around London.

The public transport in London is easy to navigate. All tube stations have maps and signage, so it is easy to figure out the way. In case you are not sure which way to go, you can always ask people for directions.

To pay for public transport in London, you can use contactless payment or the Oyster Card. Oyster Cards are cards specific for transport in London. You can top it up and use it to pay for public transport.

Oyster card works as a contactless payment on transport that you can tap on the bus or when going into the tube station.

Taxis in London

If you want to have some comfort, getting a taxi in London is also an option. Taxis in London are safe and reliable, although it might take longer if the traffic is bad.

London has the famous black cab taxi services, as well as taxi apps like Uber and Bolt. The taxi prices for Uber and Bolt are fixed and are more affordable than black cabs.

Black cabs might be a bit more expensive but they can use the bus lane, so it is a little bit faster than Uber or Bolt.

For booking black cabs, you can either hail them or use the Gett App to book.

London is a safe city and it is also safe to take taxis. If you take a taxi alone late at night, it is considered safer to take black cabs.

Walking in London

London is walkable and it has a well-built system of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. Many tourist attractions are in close walking distance of each other and it is great to explore the city on foot.

The weather is warm and sunny in May but it is not too hot. It makes it perfect to be outdoors and see the city.

Some of the best places to explore on foot in London are:

1. Waterloo + Westminster: London Eye, Westminster Bridge –  walk over bridge to Big Ben, Houses of Parliaments, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, St. James’ Park, Buckingham Palace (+ Changing of the Guards)

2. Bloomsbury and West End: British Museum, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Leicester Square

3. Kensington: Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, the Design Museum

4. The City: Barbican, St. Paul’s Cathedral, cross over Millennium Bridge to Tate Modern, then walk to Shard

5. Tower Bridge and Tower of London

6. Notting Hill: Portobello Road Market

7. Regent’s Park and Camden Town: pubs, restaurants, Camden Market (food stalls, record stores), Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill, London Zoo

8. Oxford Street and Regent Street for fashion and shopping

Events in London in May

• Early May Bank Holiday: 5 May 2025
• Affordable Art Fair Hampstead: 7-11 May 2025
• Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: 10 May-20 September 2025
• Foodies Festival (Syon Park, London): 24-26 May 2025
• Spring Bank Holiday: 26 May 2025

FAQs: London in May

Is May a good time to visit London?

Yes, May is a good time to visit London! May is Spring in London, and it is warm and sunny during the day.

The flowers are in bloom, and it is a great time to hang out in parks and enjoy outdoor activities.

May is a good time to visit London as the weather is good but it is not too crowded yet. If you prefer to visit at a time when it is less busy, than May is a great time to do so.

Is it rainy in London in May?

Yes, there can be some rain in London in May, however, it does not rain that much.

The rainiest months are October and November, but there is always some rainfall in London throughout the year.

So, whenever you visit London, you should prepare for rain in all months. Thus, for a London trip, it is always good to pack an umbrella, and waterproof jacket and shoes.

How should I dress for London weather in May?

The best clothes to pack for London in May is a light jacket or trench coat, short-sleeved T-Shirts, dresses, skirts, light trousers, chinos, jeans, sweaters, cardigans, waterproof shoes, and sunglasses.

Do I need a coat for London in May?

Yes, you need a light jacket or trench coat for London in May.

The weather is warm and sunny during the day, but it can cool down in the evenings, thus, it is good to have a light jacket that you can wear in layers.

It can also rain some in May, so it is good to pack an umbrella and have waterproof shoes.

Is the UK hot in May?

The UK is warm in May, but it does not get too hot. May is perfect weather in the UK with an average temperature of 14 °C (57 °F).

May is warm and sunny and there are not as many tourists yet as during the summer (June-August). Thus, May is one of the best times to visit the UK if you are looking for good weather and a less busy period.

What is there to do in London in May?

The best things to do in London in May is to go sightseeing, enjoy outdoor activities, chill in parks, visit the Kew Gardens, watch a play at the West End, and see the sunset from the Sky Garden.

What time does it get dark in London in May?

The days are long in May and the sun sets around 8:30-9 pm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, May is a really good time to visit London!

The weather is warm and sunny and it is proper Spring time in London. The days get longer, with the sunset around 8-8:3 pm, and it is great to just enjoy chilling in parks.

The average temperature is between 8.3-17 °C (47-63 °F) in London in May but it still cools down in the evenings. There can also be some rain, so it is best to take an umbrella and waterproof shoes.

May is a good time to visit London as the weather is warm, and you get to see London in Spring with the flowers blooming. There are still not that many tourists around as the high season runs from June to August.

The best things to do in London in May is to go sightseeing, chill in parks, visit the Kew Gardens, watch a play at the West End, and see the sunset from the Sky Garden.