london in May

Visiting London in

May

There's always plenty of fun things to do in London in every season, however travel in May can be especially delightful. The mild spring weather combined with relatively moderate crowds make this a perfect time to visit this charming yet bustling capital of United Kingdom. If you are visiting London in May, you'll find an especially tips of May events.

What to expect

Wetter

  • Average Daytime Temperatures: 57 F (14C)
  • Average Overnight Temperatures: 46 F (8C))
  • Sunny or partly sunny days: 16
  • Rainy days: 15

What to wear

  • Pack your rain gear: an umbrella, a light raincoat and water proof / resistant, comfortable walking shoes.
  • London is a rather formal city. Some of what you want to pack depends on where you intend to visit.
  • A light or moderate jacket will likely see a lot of use during this time of year.
  • Weather in May can be fickle, so pack a variety of clothing that can be layered.
  • Don’t forget to pack some more fanciful shoes for the nightlife.

London Prices in May

London is a busy year-round destination. May is the beginning of the busy tourist season in London. Hotel prices are slowly rising with the spring temps, but you can still find some good deals if you book ahead. Don't forget about the major holidays in May – bank holidays and a school half-term holiday – when planning a visit.

Planning your trip is a key to a balanced budget, use free online resources like our maps & guide or the itinerary tool, if you are going to visit some iconic attractions, get a sightseeing pass, it will easily save you 50% on regular admission prices – see more

sightseeing pass guidebook

Getting around

With roughly 30 million travellers per year, London easily ranks as one of the most visited cities on earth. London is easy to navigate, but if you can't walk to your destination there are plenty of options

London Underground

The quickest way to travel around, London's Underground metro system is the oldest and most famous in the world. In total, there are 11 lines on the Tube within nine zones. On most days the London Tube is open between 5AM and 12AM, but there is extended services for Friday and Saturday. Fares vary widely for the London Underground depending on when you're using the service and how far you're going. The easiest way navigate the Tube is to invest in what's known as an Oyster Card. These re-chargeable card can be purchased at any Tube station. Put as much money as you want on your Oyster Card and scan it at the entrance of the Tube station. It’s much cheaper to use than single tube tickets.

Black Cabs - Traditional London taxis

These cabs can easily be found all over central London as well as by major train stations, bus stops, and by Heathrow Airport. Please ensure the yellow "taxi" light in the front of the cab is on when you're trying to hail a vehicle.
All taxicab services in London are metered and there's a £3 minimum charge. While you're not required to tip, it's always welcome, and most Londoners will round up their fare.

london transport

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London Tourist Map

Things to do in May

Check out the following list of ideas for fun things to do in London in May:

1. Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

One fascination that is not to be missed is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. It takes place outside Buckingham Palace, begins at 10:45 AM and lasts around 45 minutes (handover takes place at 11:00 AM). You can join the Change of the Guard walking tour to learn much more about this ceremony.

2. RHS Chelsea Flower Show

As one of the premier May events, the grounds of the Royal Chelsea Hospital are transformed with a number of beautiful horticultural displays. This stunning display draws more than 150,000 visitors each year, making it one of the top activities in May. Visitors will be able to learn about the latest in emerging gardening trends while also checking out a myriad of rare plants and flowers.

3. Regents Park Open Air Theatre

London is known for its spectacular theatre scene. This special series combines the beauty of the season with this time-honoured tradition of theatre in London. The outdoor theatre kicks off in mid-May and continues through the warm summer months. Beginning May 16, visitors can enjoy a production of "Our Town" in this idyllic setting. Additional shows are featured in later months, continuing through September.

4. State Opening of Parliaments

This traditional procession is steeped in history. Watch as the Queen of England travels from her home in Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and finally on to the Houses of Parliament building to open the new session. This ceremony is over one century old, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to be a part of history.

Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace 1
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2
Regents Park Open Air Theatre 3
State Opening of Parliament 4

Rainy Day Options in London

Tower of London

Learn about the storied history of London with a trip to this epic tower. Visitors will delight in the exhibit of the Royal Family crown jewels, including the Imperial State Crown. The guards of the tower will regale visitors with tales of the bloody history of these times, enchanting everyone who walks through the gates. Visit to the Tower of London is free with the London Sightseeing Pass.

tower of london tower of london tower of london

West End Theatre

Taking a West End show will chase away any rainy day blues during your visit to London. It might not be possible to get last minute tickets to every show, but you can find something a couple of hours before the show starts by visiting the Encore Box office. With every sightseeing pass purchased on this site we offer 55 GBP towards your theatre ticket.

theatre theatre theatre

London Museums

Your weather app says it’s going to be raining the whole day? Head over to one of the best London Museums or Galleries. Whether your interest is in art, science or history, there’s something for everyone in just about every neighbourhood. Pick from the British Museum, The National Gallery, Tate Modern, the Kensington Museums of Natural History or Science Museum – all offer free entry to the public.

Kensington Palace Kensington Palace
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