London in May: a seasonal travel plan

Weather at a glance

Daytime high

17.4 °C

Nighttime low

7.4 °C

Monthly precipitation

50.9 mm

Days with at least 1 mm

11.0

Daylight

15.6 h

2015–2024 averages. Daytime temperature is the average daily maximum; nighttime temperature is the average daily minimum.

Early, middle and late month

What this month is like

London, United Kingdom. In may, the average daytime high is 17.4 °C and the night-time low is 7.4 °C. Plan the main route in daylight and add an extra layer for early and late hours.

There are 11.0 wet days on average, with about 50.9 mm of precipitation. Keep an indoor backup route and a compact rain jacket in your day bag.

How to plan the day

Plan the main route in daylight and add an extra layer for early and late hours.

Average daylight is 15.6 hours, so put longer routes in the brighter part of the day.

What to pack

Pack a jacket or jumper, long trousers and closed shoes. Keep an indoor backup route and a compact rain jacket in your day bag.

Precipitation and an alternative plan

There are several days with precipitation during the month. A light waterproof layer can help you continue your route outdoors.

What to pack

Pack a light jacket, a jumper, long trousers and comfortable closed shoes. A compact rain jacket takes little room in a day bag.

Compared with neighbouring months

Average daytime high: previous month — 13.7 °C, May — 17.4 °C, next month — 20.8 °C. Days with at least 1 mm of precipitation: 9.6, 11.0 and 10.0.

Things to do

London follows the Thames: the City and Westminster hold the historic centre, while districts to the south and east give the city its character. The Underground ties everything into one network, so a hotel near a station matters more than being next to a single sight.

Westminster and the South Bank

Start at Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, cross the bridge to the London Eye and follow the South Bank to Tate Modern. Half a day passes easily here, with the West End theatres a short walk away for the evening.

British Museum and Bloomsbury

The British Museum on Great Russell Street fills a whole morning if you follow the Egyptian and Greek galleries. Afterwards walk through the quiet squares of Bloomsbury and browse the bookshops on Marchmont Street.

Camden and the canals

From Camden Lock market follow the Regent's Canal towpath towards Paddington, or climb Primrose Hill for a view over the city. On Sundays the market is loud with street food and music; on weekdays the water is calmer and seats are easier to find.

Where to stay

Westminster

Westminster suits travellers who want Parliament, the abbey and St James's Park close by. Hotels cost more and the streets empty in the evening, but the main sights are walkable and the Tube is on the doorstep.

Soho and Covent Garden

Soho and Covent Garden appeal for theatres, restaurants and short walks between them. The streets stay busy late into the night, so look for side roads north of Oxford Street or down towards the river.

Shoreditch

Shoreditch rewards anyone who prefers markets, coffee and street art to museum queues. The City is ten minutes away on the Overground, though evenings are lively and the streets feel more working than ceremonial.

Getting to and around London

Trains and the Piccadilly line link Heathrow with the centre, while the Heathrow Express reaches Paddington much faster. Gatwick connects to Victoria by Southern trains. Within London the main transport is the Underground and the bus network: journeys are paid with a contactless card, and walking beats the Tube between neighbouring central districts.

Three days in London

Westminster and the South Bank

Walk past Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament in the morning, then cross the bridge to the South Bank. Continue to Tate Modern and return over the Millennium Bridge to St Paul's Cathedral.

The City and the Tower

Begin at the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, then climb to St Paul's Cathedral and cross the City to Borough Market. Look for dinner in the lanes south of London Bridge.

Museums and parks

From the British Museum walk through Bloomsbury into Soho, then turn west into Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens after lunch. Keep the evening for a show in the West End.

Weather throughout the year

More destinations

Frequently asked questions