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Weather Comparison

London vs York

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

London: 17°CYork: 15°C280 km apart

May Weather: London vs York

MetricLondonYorkBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer17°C (63°F)15°C (59°F)London
Average LowHigher is milder8°C (46°F)7°C (45°F)London
Rain DaysFewer is drier10 days12 daysLondon
PrecipitationLess is drier52 mm55 mmLondon
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day11h/dayYork
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer1010Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better20 km/h21 km/hLondon

Which City is Better in May?

London and York are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

London sits in the comfortable travel range at 17°C. York is also comfortable at 15°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, London is the stronger choice in May. York receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in May

London reaches an average high of 17°C (63°F) and drops to 8°C (46°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 9°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

York averages 15°C (59°F) for the high and 7°C (45°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.

Rainfall Comparison in May

London receives approximately 52 mm of rainfall across 10 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

York sees 55 mm over 12 rain days. That makes London the drier option by 2 rain days and 3 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: London vs York

Packing for London in May

Highs of 17°C, lows of 8°C, 10 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Packing for York in May

Highs of 15°C, lows of 7°C, 12 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during May.

Year-Round Comparison: London vs York

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.May is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthLondonYork
HighRainHighRain
Jan7°C11d7°C12d
Feb8°C10d7°C10d
Mar10°C10d9°C11d
Apr14°C11d12°C12d
May17°C10d15°C12d
Jun20°C10d18°C12d
Jul22°C11d20°C12d
Aug21°C10d20°C12d
Sep19°C9d17°C10d
Oct15°C11d13°C12d
Nov10°C11d9°C12d
Dec8°C11d7°C11d
17°

London Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

15°

York Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London warmer than York in May?
Yes. In May, London is warmer with an average high of 17°C (63°F) compared to York at 15°C (59°F), a difference of 2°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, London or York?
York gets more rain in May with 12 rain days and 55 mm of precipitation. London is the drier option with 10 rain days.
Is it better to visit London or York in May?
It depends on your preferences. London averages 17°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 10 rain days. York averages 15°C with 11 sunshine hours and 12 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose London. For drier weather, London is the better pick.
How far apart are London and York?
London and York are approximately 280 km (174 miles) apart. London is located in United Kingdom (Europe) while York is in United Kingdom (Europe).
What is the best month to visit London and York?
For London, June tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 20°C. For York, May is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 15°C highs.

Compare London and York in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

London coordinates: 51.51°N, -0.13°E | York coordinates: 53.96°N, -1.08°E