Things to Do in London in May
Bank holidays, Chelsea flowers and long golden evenings
May might be the best all-round month to be in London. The weather is reliably pleasant without July's crowds or humidity, the parks are lush and full of picnickers, and two bank holiday weekends hand everyone extra time to explore. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show turns the city into a horticultural showcase, with spectacular shop-front and hotel floral displays spilling out across Chelsea in Britain in Bloom style. Beer gardens, rooftop bars and riverside terraces are in full swing, and the long, golden evenings invite you to stay out late. It is spring at its most generous.
Weather
Warm and comfortable, with highs around 17°C and long spells of sunshine. Light layers for the cooler evenings.
Daylight
Beautifully long days — the sun is up before 5am and sets around 9pm by month's end.
What's on in May
The annual events and traditions that return to London every May.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The world's most famous flower show takes over the Royal Hospital Chelsea, with the surrounding streets bursting into floral displays for Chelsea in Bloom.
Two bank holidays
The early May and Spring bank holidays bring festivals, markets and open-air events across the city on both long weekends.
Museums at Night
Late-opening cultural evenings let you experience the city's galleries and museums after hours.
Seasonal ideas for May
Picnic in the parks
Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park and Victoria Park come into their own for long, lazy May picnics.
Book a rooftop sundowner
The 9pm sunsets make May prime season for a drink with a view across the skyline.
Planning your May visit
- Chelsea Flower Show tickets sell out — book early, or enjoy the free Chelsea in Bloom displays around the streets.
- Expect busy trains and roads on the bank holiday weekends.
- Reserve garden and terrace tables ahead on sunny weekends.