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May is arguably the finest month to visit London. The light is long and generous, the parks have reached full bloom, and the cultural calendar fills with set-piece events that define the English summer season before the crowds of high summer arrive. This guide is for the discerning visitor planning a May trip: someone who wants to time the city well, dress for changeable weather, and weave the month's flagship occasions into a wider itinerary of galleries, gardens and great neighbourhoods.
What is the weather like in London in May?
May in London is mild and increasingly warm, with daytime temperatures typically in the high teens Celsius and some of the longest, brightest days of the year. Mornings can still feel cool, rain remains possible, and conditions shift quickly, so layered clothing and a compact umbrella serve you better than any single forecast.
Daylight stretches well into the evening by late May, which transforms how you can plan a day. You can take in a museum in the afternoon and still have hours of light for a riverside walk or a stroll through a park. Practical packing advice for the month:
- A light waterproof jacket and a foldaway umbrella for sudden showers.
- Layers you can add or remove as cool mornings give way to warm afternoons.
- Comfortable walking shoes, since the best of May is experienced on foot.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen, as bright spells can be stronger than visitors expect.
The Chelsea Flower Show and London's gardens
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, is the highlight of May and the most celebrated horticultural event in the world. It runs for one week in late May, draws designers and plant specialists internationally, and sells out well in advance, so booking ahead is essential if you intend to attend.
Even without a ticket, the show animates the whole of Chelsea with floral displays appearing in shopfronts and hotel facades during what is known as Chelsea in Bloom. Beyond the show itself, May is the month London's gardens peak. Consider visiting:
- Kew Gardens in the south west, where the bluebells, azaleas and the Temperate House are at their best.
- The Chelsea Physic Garden, a walled botanical haven founded for the study of medicinal plants.
- Kensington Gardens and the avenues around the Italian Gardens.
- Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park, renowned for its spring rhododendrons and azaleas.
The Royal Parks in full bloom
London's eight Royal Parks are at their most beautiful in May, with blossom, fresh greenery and long evenings making them central to any visit. They are free to enter, easy to reach by Underground, and offer a calm counterpoint to the city's busier sights, rewarding both the casual stroller and the serious walker willing to cover ground.
- Hyde Park and the adjoining Kensington Gardens form the green heart of central London, with the Serpentine and its galleries nearby.
- St James's Park offers classic views toward Buckingham Palace and is among the prettiest in spring.
- Regent's Park contains Queen Mary's Gardens, whose rose collection begins its display as the month progresses.
- Richmond Park, the largest, is home to free-roaming deer and sweeping landscapes on the city's edge.
May's events and cultural calendar
May carries one of London's busiest cultural and ceremonial calendars, mixing horticulture, art, sport and music against a backdrop of two public holidays. The month bridges late spring and early summer, so events run the full range from world-class flower shows to major exhibitions, and planning around them helps you avoid the heaviest crowds at popular venues.
Two bank holiday Mondays fall in May, at the start and end of the month, when many Londoners travel and attractions can be busier than usual. Cultural anchors worth building a trip around include major spring exhibitions at the city's leading institutions. Browse the latest at our guides to London's museums and top attractions to see what is showing during your visit.
What to do indoors when it rains
Because May weather is changeable, it pays to have indoor options ready. London's great museums and galleries are world class, largely free to enter, and concentrated enough that you can move between several in an afternoon. A wet morning is the ideal moment to explore a major collection without feeling you are missing the sunshine outside.
- The British Museum in Bloomsbury, with its vast collection spanning world cultures.
- The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, home to centuries of European painting.
- The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, the great museum of art and design.
- The Tate Modern on Bankside, set in a former power station beside the river.
Practical tips for a May visit
Plan a May trip around early booking, comfortable transport and a flexible daily rhythm. The flagship events sell out, bank holidays affect transport schedules, and the long daylight lets you spread sightseeing across cooler mornings and bright evenings. A contactless card or mobile payment taps you straight onto the Underground, buses and most rail services.
- Book the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and any blockbuster exhibitions well ahead.
- Check transport for both May bank holidays, when some services run reduced timetables.
- Use the long evenings for parks and riverside walks, saving museums for cooler or wetter hours.
- Reserve sought-after restaurant tables in advance, as spring is a popular time to dine out. See our restaurants guide for ideas.
London in May FAQ
Is May a good time to visit London?
Yes, May is one of the best months to visit London. The weather is mild and warming, daylight is long, the parks and gardens are in full bloom, and the cultural calendar is rich with events such as the Chelsea Flower Show. Crowds are present but generally lighter than in peak summer.
What should I pack for London in May?
Pack layers, a light waterproof jacket and a compact umbrella, because May weather shifts between cool mornings and warm, bright afternoons with occasional showers. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring on foot, and sunglasses are worth bringing for the increasingly long and sunny spells the month brings.
Can I visit the Chelsea Flower Show without a ticket?
The show itself requires a ticket and typically sells out in advance, so booking early is essential. However, you can enjoy Chelsea in Bloom, the surrounding floral festival, for free, as shops, hotels and streets across the Chelsea district create elaborate flower displays during the same week.
Are there public holidays in London in May?
Yes, England has two bank holiday Mondays in May, one near the start and one at the end of the month. On these days many Londoners travel, some attractions are busier, and certain transport services run reduced timetables, so it is worth checking schedules before planning travel around them.
Where are the best gardens to see in May?
For gardens at their May peak, visit Kew Gardens for bluebells and the Temperate House, Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park for azaleas and rhododendrons, and Queen Mary's Gardens in Regent's Park as the roses begin. The Chelsea Physic Garden rewards those seeking a quieter botanical setting.
Where to go next
Continue planning with our wider seasonal guide to London, then compare the shoulder months either side with London in April and London in June. For green spaces and open-air sights to enjoy in the long May evenings, see our guide to things to do in London.
