Is the weather good in United Kingdom in May 2024?
For the past few decades, the average daily temperatures in United Kingdom during May have been around +15°C.
In United Kingdom the temperature rarely varies more than seven degrees between the different parts with the highest temperature +15°C in Southend to +10°C in Shetland Islands. So you should be able to pack for similar conditions wherever you go in the country.
Temperature, wind and humidity in May
- rainiest? Inverness, with an average of 3 mm of rain and humidity of 77%;
- warmest? Southend, with daytime temperatures averaging +16°C;
- windiest? Shetland Islands, with an average of 5 m/s;
- coolest? Shetland Islands, with daytime temperatures averaging +10°C;
How good is the weather in United Kingdom in May?
How warm is it in United Kingdom during May?
This is how hot it usually is in May
- Average maximum temperature for the month: +15°C;
- Average minimum temperature for the month: +8°C;
- Highest monthly temperature: +17°C;
- Lowest monthly temperature: +6°C;
Monthly temperatures:
- Warmest: July with an average +19°C during the day;
- Coldest: January with an average +7°C of the day;
- Hottest month in hottest city: July in Southend;
- Coldest month in coolest city: February in Shetland Islands;
Winds in United Kingdom during May
May tends to offer light winds averaging 4 m/s. However, coastal cities may experience breezes during the mornings and afternoons.
Comparison between cities in May:
- Highest average wind speed: Shetland Islands with 7 m/s;
- Lowest average wind speed: Aberdeen with 3 m/s;
- Windiest day of the month: Shetland Islands with 7 m/s;
- The least windy day of the month: Inverness with 2 m/s;
Humidity and precipitation in United Kingdom in May
Comparison between cities in May:
- Highest average rainfall: Inverness with 82 mm;
- Lowest average rainfall: Shetland Islands with 44 mm;
- Most number of rainy days: Inverness with 11 rainy days;
- Least number of rainy days: Shetland Islands with 6 rainy days;
- Highest risk of rain during the day: Inverness with 35%;
- Least risk of rain during the day: Shetland Islands with 19%;
- Highest average humidity: Shetland Islands with 80%;
- Lowest average humidity: Manchester with 70%;
Tips for traveling to United Kingdom in May
Looking for some tips for traveling to the sun, snow, or whatever you're aiming for United Kingdom? Activities, weather, and clothing are closely linked. In addition, it's important to pack only what you really need so you don't have to worry about heavy packing or paying extra baggage fees.
Here is some advice on what to pack and what kind of activities you can do in the United Kingdom based on the weather that May is expected to bring. The advice applies to the country as a whole – local weather and possible activities may differ somewhat.
Pack right for May
- Cool weather is between warm and cold. This means you can bring long pants and/or a longer skirt and an extra sweater. Be aware that cool days can alternate with cold nights - it may be wise to also pack a hat, gloves and a scarf.
- Light winds are probably most comfortable in hot weather but is cooling in cool and cold weather. If it is hot (when the air temperature is about 30 degrees), the wind can have a warming effect. A thin, windproof jacket and long trousers help to counteract these effects.
- High humidity means that the air conducts heat to and from the skin more easily. For example, if the air is hot (above skin temperature), it will be harder to stay cool. On the other hand, if the air is cool or cold, it is more difficult to stay warm. In high humidity, the choice of clothing makes less of a difference. However, your physical activity plays a bigger role.
FAQ
What can you do outside when it's warm in United Kingdom?
Is May a good time to visit United Kingdom?
Monthly weather in United Kingdom
Source of the data
For this page, we’ve looked at the typical weather in United Kingdom, based on historical hourly weather data from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2022.
For past dates, we show actual recorded data at the location at that time. Forecasts are based on recorded weather during that day of the year, averaged over the total years for which we have records (unless stated otherwise). The daily temperature is the highest recorded temperature in the shadow during that day.