Will I need a jacket in London in May?

Yes — average lows hit about 48°F, so plan on a light jacket or cardigan for mornings and evenings.

Is May rainy in London?

Expect roughly 9 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.

May Packing List for London – What to Wear & Bring

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Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Light Jacket (Denim or Trench)Essential
A stylish light jacket is the perfect outer layer for May in London, offering protection from breezes and light rain with highs at a pleasant 63°F.
Cardigans or Light SweatersEssential
Ideal for layering, a cardigan is easy to take off and carry when the sun is out, and put back on for cool evenings when temps dip to 48°F.
Mix of T-shirts and BlousesEssential
Bring a variety of tops for layering. Breathable fabrics are good for walking around London's markets like Portobello Road when it's 63°F.
Comfortable Fashion TrainersEssential
You'll be on your feet all day, so comfortable yet stylish trainers are a must-have for walking across Tower Bridge and exploring London.
SunglassesEssential
With longer days and more sunshine, sunglasses are essential for comfortable sightseeing, especially near the reflective water of the River Thames.
Compact UmbrellaEssential
Despite the milder weather, spring showers are common in London, with 9 days of precipitation expected in May.

Clothing

Light Jacket (Denim or Trench)Essential
A stylish light jacket is the perfect outer layer for May in London, offering protection from breezes and light rain with highs at a pleasant 63°F.
Cardigans or Light SweatersEssential
Ideal for layering, a cardigan is easy to take off and carry when the sun is out, and put back on for cool evenings when temps dip to 48°F.
Mix of T-shirts and BlousesEssential
Bring a variety of tops for layering. Breathable fabrics are good for walking around London's markets like Portobello Road when it's 63°F.
Jeans or Comfortable TrousersRecommended
A reliable pair of jeans or chinos is a London staple, perfect for everything from a picnic in Hyde Park to exploring the city's museums.
Day Dress or SkirtOptional
May often has beautiful sunny days perfect for wearing a dress, but pair it with a jacket as London evenings still get cool down to 48°F.

Footwear

Comfortable Fashion TrainersEssential
You'll be on your feet all day, so comfortable yet stylish trainers are a must-have for walking across Tower Bridge and exploring London.
Flats or LoafersRecommended
A smart pair of flats is a great choice for drier days, easily transitioning from sightseeing to a casual dinner in Covent Garden.
Ankle BootsOptional
Still a viable option for cooler, wetter days, as London still sees 9 days of rain in May.

Accessories

SunglassesEssential
With longer days and more sunshine, sunglasses are essential for comfortable sightseeing, especially near the reflective water of the River Thames.
Compact UmbrellaEssential
Despite the milder weather, spring showers are common in London, with 9 days of precipitation expected in May.
Light ScarfRecommended
A cotton or silk scarf can add a touch of style and is useful for when the wind picks up or the evening temperature drops to 48°F.
Reusable Shopping BagOptional
Perfect for carrying souvenirs or groceries from Borough Market, as many London shops charge for plastic bags.

Local tips for London in May

May has two bank holidays, meaning more crowds and potentially different opening hours. Plan your visits to major attractions accordingly.

The Chelsea Flower Show usually takes place in late May. Even if you don't have a ticket, the surrounding neighborhood of Chelsea gets into the spirit with beautiful floral displays.

Enjoy the longer daylight hours by taking an evening walk. The South Bank is particularly beautiful as the city lights up when the temperature cools to 48°F.

FAQ — London in May

Yes — average lows hit about 48°F, so plan on a light jacket or cardigan for mornings and evenings.
Expect roughly 9 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.
Enjoy the longer daylight hours by taking an evening walk. The South Bank is particularly beautiful as the city lights up when the temperature cools to 48°F. See our full shoe picks for May: full shoe guide →

More tools for London in May

What to wear

Outfit ideas for London in May →

Layering looks and style guidance matched to the month's weather.

Best shoes

Shoe picks for May →

Waterproof, breathable, insulated — matched to the month.

Pack or skip

Umbrella? Winter coat? Sunscreen? →

Item-by-item verdict for May.

Comfort check

Will I be cold or hot? →

Day and night temp bands for May.

Packing tools

Decide jackets, outfits, shoes, and bag fees for London in May

Free calculators — city and month pre-filled when we know them. No account required. Start with how many outfits, sudoku packing, or bag fees.

Trip

Planning a trip to one city?

One city → typical weather for your month, packing counts that fit your bags, and email your plan.

Outfits

How many outfits for this trip?

Trip length, bag size, and climate → exact tops, bottoms, layers, and outfit combinations.

Jacket

Not sure about a jacket?

City + month → base / mid / shell stack and pack-or-skip verdicts for rain jacket, coat, and thermals.

Shoes

Shoes for this climate?

Climate, activities, and bag size → pair count, primary/backup types, and climate-matched picks.

Bags

Will this trip cost bag fees?

Airline + fare bucket + bags you plan to bring → fit verdicts and typical carry-on / checked fee ranges.

Capsule

Try sudoku packing for this climate?

City + month → climate-ready 3 tops / 3 bottoms / 3 layers you can edit — up to 27 mix-and-match outfits.

All packing tools

May Packing List for London — What to Wear & Bring

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