United Kingdom, Europe
London in May
The parks peak, the Chelsea Flower Show perfumes the whole city, and summer crowds have not landed yet.
The straight answer
May is one of the best months of the year to visit London. The parks peak, the Chelsea Flower Show perfumes the whole city, and summer crowds have not landed yet.
- Weather
- Pleasant, highs near 63F (17C), long evenings
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What May is like in London
May is one of London's best months. Highs near 63F (17C), long evenings and parks at their peak. The Chelsea Flower Show in late May puts flowers all over the city, and the big summer crowds have not arrived yet. Prices are higher than in spring but below the summer peak.
It suits almost everyone: first-timers, couples, garden lovers and families with flexible schooling. UK half-term in late May bumps family sights for a week, so homeschool families should aim for the first three weeks. It is hard to pick a better month.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about London this month.
Chelsea Flower Show
The world's most famous flower show runs in late May. Tickets sell out far ahead, and hotels near Sloane Square spike that week.
Parks at their best
Hyde Park, Regent's Park and St James's Park are green and in full flower. Long evenings make a picnic easy.
Quiet weekday mornings
UK kids are in school, so a weekday morning at the Natural History Museum or the Tower runs well below holiday crowd levels.
What to pack for May
- A light rain jacket
- A sweater for cool evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses for the brighter days
Our timing tip
Book Chelsea Flower Show tickets and nearby hotels months ahead, or pick a week earlier in May for lower rates.
Book London for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in LondonOpens a hotel search for London in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in LondonWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in LondonTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in London for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Chelsea Flower Show
Late May
The world's most famous flower show. Tickets sell out well ahead, and hotels near Sloane Square spike.
Things to do in London
Tower of London
Book online and arrive at opening; go straight to the Crown Jewels before the queue builds. Yeoman Warder tours are free with entry and worth planning around.
British Museum
Free entry, but book a timed slot in busy months. The Rosetta Stone room is calmest in the first hour.
Westminster Abbey
Closed to tourists on Sundays for services. Verger-led tours are the sleeper upgrade.
Borough Market
Full market runs Wednesday through Saturday; Saturdays are a crush by 11am. Go hungry, early, midweek.
The South Bank walk
Tate Modern to Tower Bridge along the river is the best free afternoon in London, in any weather.
West End show
The TKTS booth in Leicester Square sells legitimate same-day discounts. Midweek matinees are easiest.
Beat the crowds
- Do the Tower of London at opening or after 3pm; the cruise-excursion and coach-tour wave hits between 10am and 2pm.
- The free museums are busiest on weekends and rainy afternoons. A sunny weekday morning at the British Museum feels like a different institution.
- Book Westminster Abbey's first entry and you will have the Poets' Corner nearly alone; by late morning it is a slow shuffle.
- Ride the London Eye in the last daylight hour instead of midday: shorter lines and better light.
Know before you go
- London has no off-season shutdown. Museums, theatre, and restaurants run at full speed all twelve months; winter changes the light and the price, not the access.
- December 25 is the one true closure day: nearly everything shuts, including the entire Tube network. December 26 (Boxing Day) still runs reduced hours and transit.
- Buckingham Palace's state rooms open to the public only in summer, generally July into September. The rest of the year you are looking at the outside.
- Westminster Abbey closes to sightseers on Sundays, and state occasions can close it or the surrounding streets with little notice.
London in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit London?
May is one of the best months of the year to visit London. The parks peak, the Chelsea Flower Show perfumes the whole city, and summer crowds have not landed yet.
What is the weather like in London in May?
Pleasant, highs near 63F (17C), long evenings.
Is London crowded in May?
Crowds in London are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in London in May?
Chelsea Flower Show (late may).
Keep planning London.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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