London is a year-round destination, but that doesn't mean we can all visit it all year round. For many of us there are restrictions that will determine when we will have time to visit London and what our London travel budget will be by the time we get there.
May is a good time to visit London as it bridges the gap betweenSpringmiSommer. The flowers bloom and the city turns green; You can still find hotel and tour deals if you come early in the month; And the weather is getting better as the month progresses, but the summer crowds that die down after school in the US and Canada have yet to subside. I personally think May is one of themThe best months to visit London(along with April) for these reasons.
If you're planning a trip to London in May, you might have a few questions: "What's the weather really like?", "What should I pack?" and "What is there to do?", among others. Find the answers to all these questions and more in this guide to London in May. Read on and by the end all your questions about how to spend the month of May in London will be answered.
This post was originally published in April 2022 and last updated in February 2023.
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Sunrise and sunset times in May in London
Some useful information when planning your trip is an idea of how long each day lasts. Then you can plan as many activities as you have energy, considering the hours of day and night activities. Here is a quick chart of sunrise and sunset times in London in May 2023:
| 1º | es 15 | es 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| sunrise | 5h33 | 5:09 a.m. M | 4h50 |
| sunset | 20h23 | 20h45 | 21:06 |
| summer schedule | ~15 | ~15,5 | ~16 |
If you love the idea of watching the sunrise or sunset when you visit London in May, I have guides for that too:
The best thing about visiting London in May are the long days: there's plenty of sunshine as this part of the world approaches sunset.JuneSolstice and the longest day of the year.
London weather and temperature in May
Longer days generally mean similarly warm weather as summer approaches; May is officially the first month of summer in London, or at least the second half of the month.
Average high temperatures in London during the month of May are around 65°F (18°C), with average overnight low temperatures around 51°F (15°C). Of course, it is cooler at the beginning of the month and warmer as the month progresses. There are usually around 8 rainy days a month, a marked improvement from previous months.
What to pack for London in May
If you're visiting London in May you might be curious about what to pack. Given that it can rain more than 25% of the month and temperatures are yet to reach summer's hot-dog days, I recommend being conservative: pack a suitcase for London's spring weather (chilly and possibly rainy). a few items that you can use when the weather is really good.
- Make sure you bring oneumbrellawhen the prognosis is not favorable
- RegenstiefelIt won't go wrong either, although you could probably opt for shorter Chelsea-style boots instead of full-height wellies.
- Bring no more than 1-2 pairs of shorts or short skirts/dresses; Otherwise, plan for longer layers like maxi or long pants and skirts/dresses.
- For the coldest nights all you need is a light jacket; I like to pair mine with a sweatshirt or sweatshirt in case it's cold on the plane on flights to/from London
- Even if rain is forecast, the sunglasses are small enough to wear on sunny days.
You can always check my list ofLondon has to be seenPlus, don't forget anything else you might need (regardless of when you're visiting).
7 big events in London in May 2023
Are you planning a trip to London in May and wondering what special events will take place during your trip? Here are some events that have been confirmed for next year; They'll help you finally commit to travel dates, if you can think of any!
Public holiday in early May (May 1st)
The month of May begins with a bank holiday in London, which means that the first Monday of the month is officially a public holiday; in 2023, which falls on May 1st... a perfect start to the month. Banks and other institutions may be closed on this day, but it usually signals the start of summer and Londoners gather outdoors when the weather is nice.
If you're visiting London in early May, keep an eye on the weather forecast. If the weather is nice, you should buy onePicnic Trail Fortnum & Masonand make a day in one of theThe best parks in London. If not, check your plans to make sure any planned indoor activities are open. generally,Great London Museumssuch as the British Museum and the Natural History Museum are open, although hours may be reduced.
Eid Festival (April 29th to May 1st)
Even if you don't personally celebrate the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, everyone can appreciate the celebration that brings it to a close: the Eid festival that takes over Trafalgar Square each year. This year it is scheduled to take place on April 22nd, a day calledEid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
Details for 2023 are yet to be announced, so check it out.websiteor Insta for the latest news. One thing is certain, however, the Eid festival is celebrated with a community celebration and an opportunity to learn more and experience Muslim culture.
The Coronation of King Carlos III (May 6)
If you started planning a trip in early May 2023, you've probably already seen the news: King Carlos III. will be crowned on May 6, and another holiday is planned on May 8 to commemorate that day. I have complete instructions on how to do thisPlanning a trip to attend the coronationif this sounds like a good time for you - add details of events announced for coronation weekend.
Foto London im Somerset House (11.-14. Mai)
If you enjoy photography as an art form, you should plan your trip to London to coincide with itLondon's photoExhibition at Somerset House. The entire four-day event is all about photography, with exhibits from the UK, US, Germany, Italy, Japan and other locations around the world. There is also an exhibition called Discovery that highlights new and emerging talent. This is a fascinating emerging arts experience for those willing to visit London for it.
FA Women's Cup Final (14 May)
Sports fans should also bookmark the middle of the month to plan a London itinerary. While culture vultures flock to central London for Photo London, football fans can head to Wimbledon for the FA Women's Cup final on 14 May.
In 2022, Liverpool were the men's champions of this highly-anticipated tournament, beating home team Chelsea, while Chelsea's women's team defeated another British team, Manchester City. All that to say: there is a lot of energy surrounding the FA Cup final as London teams are generally doing well and will likely end up in the final.
wake upo sitio da FAto secure tickets as details and final participants are confirmed.
Chelsea Flower Show (23.-27. Mai)
London is a wonderfully green city, with more wooded areas than most, but also many gardens and parks that flourish around the world.Springit is summer. To mark this transitional period between the cherry blossoms, magnolias, tulips and daffodils of earlier months and the roses, hydrangeas, lilies and irises of warmer days, be sure to joinChelsea Blumenschauthe last weekend in May.
Gardeners, horticulturists and even amateur botanists, dubbed the 'world's largest flower show', will marvel at the flowers, gardens and other works of art that pay homage to them.
London History Day (31 May)
Finally, May ends with a day over London itself.London History DayInspired by historic England, it honors the resilience of this city that has lived through many lifetimes, from Romans to Normans and Victorians to modern times.
If you're in London that day, why not celebrate the city's history by doing this?Hiking the London Wall?
10 more things to do in London in May
In addition to the events above, there are other great things to do in London during the month of May. Here are some general ideas to inspire you:
- Plan a picnic in London's parks.
- Enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace of one of the best spots in London, such asClaridges Bar-TerrasseÖJones family kitchen.
- Sip a cocktail at one of London's many restaurants.great rooftop barssuch as rooftop radio or rooftop aviary
- Treat yourself to a pint in one of London's many historic pubs
- Stroll along the Southbank in the sun.
- Eat and shop as you wishLondon marketslike Borough and Spitalfields to find your favorite.
- Head to East London and explore the works of American painter Alice Neel.the exhibition,Alicia Nel:hot from the grill,It is located in the Barbican and closes on May 21st. (Required Inputs)
- Also, don't miss the opportunity to see the Peter Doig exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery. This is the first time in years that the famous painter has exhibited his work in London. (Required Inputs)
- WasteBottomless brunch–a new London tradition: a weekend getaway during your visit; There are literally dozens of offers throughout the month such as:Jamaican brunch,asian street food, miSpanish tapas.
- Charter a boat to explore a new part of London in a different way; GoBoat offers boat hire in Paddington, Kingston-upon-Thames and Canary Wharf from £89 for 1 hour (reservation needed)
As you can see, there are many great things to do in London in May that are only available in this late spring/early summer month.Have more questions about visiting London in May? Let me know in the comments or join the conversation on mineTips for Traveling to London Facebook Community.