Weather Comparison
Edinburgh vs Birmingham
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
May Weather: Edinburgh vs Birmingham
| Metric | Edinburgh | Birmingham | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 13°C (55°F) | 15°C (59°F)▲ | Birmingham |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 7°C (45°F) | 7°C (45°F) | Tie |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 13 days | 12 days▲ | Birmingham |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 57 mm▲ | 63 mm | Edinburgh |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 10h/day | 10h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 10 | 10 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 21 km/h | 20 km/h▲ | Birmingham |
Which City is Better in May?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Birmingham edges ahead as the better destination in May. Birmingham offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 12 rain days, while Edinburgh sees 10 sunshine hours and 13 rain days.
Edinburgh is on the cooler side at 13°C, requiring warmer clothing. Birmingham is also comfortable at 15°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Birmingham is the stronger choice in May.
Temperature Comparison in May
Edinburgh reaches an average high of 13°C (55°F) and drops to 7°C (45°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 6°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Birmingham 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
Edinburgh receives approximately 57 mm of rainfall across 13 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Birmingham sees 63 mm over 12 rain days. That makes Birmingham the drier option by 1 rain day and 6 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Edinburgh vs Birmingham
Packing for Edinburgh in May
Highs of 13°C, lows of 7°C, 13 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
Packing for Birmingham 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: Edinburgh vs Birmingham
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.
| Month | Edinburgh | Birmingham | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 6°C | 14d | 7°C | 12d |
| Feb | 6°C | 12d | 7°C | 10d |
| Mar | 8°C | 13d | 10°C | 11d |
| Apr | 10°C | 12d | 12°C | 12d |
| May | 13°C | 13d | 15°C | 12d |
| Jun | 16°C | 14d | 18°C | 12d |
| Jul | 18°C | 14d | 20°C | 12d |
| Aug | 17°C | 13d | 20°C | 11d |
| Sep | 15°C | 11d | 17°C | 10d |
| Oct | 12°C | 13d | 13°C | 11d |
| Nov | 8°C | 14d | 9°C | 12d |
| Dec | 6°C | 14d | 7°C | 12d |
Edinburgh Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Birmingham Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities