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Weather Comparison

Edinburgh vs Birmingham

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Edinburgh: 13°CBirmingham: 15°C395 km apart

May Weather: Edinburgh vs Birmingham

MetricEdinburghBirminghamBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer13°C (55°F)15°C (59°F)Birmingham
Average LowHigher is milder7°C (45°F)7°C (45°F)Tie
Rain DaysFewer is drier13 days12 daysBirmingham
PrecipitationLess is drier57 mm63 mmEdinburgh
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day10h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer1010Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better21 km/h20 km/hBirmingham

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.

MonthEdinburghBirmingham
HighRainHighRain
Jan6°C14d7°C12d
Feb6°C12d7°C10d
Mar8°C13d10°C11d
Apr10°C12d12°C12d
May13°C13d15°C12d
Jun16°C14d18°C12d
Jul18°C14d20°C12d
Aug17°C13d20°C11d
Sep15°C11d17°C10d
Oct12°C13d13°C11d
Nov8°C14d9°C12d
Dec6°C14d7°C12d
13°

Edinburgh Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

15°

Birmingham Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edinburgh warmer than Birmingham in May?
No. In May, Birmingham is warmer with an average high of 15°C (59°F) compared to Edinburgh at 13°C (55°F), a difference of 2°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, Edinburgh or Birmingham?
Edinburgh gets more rain in May with 13 rain days and 63 mm of precipitation. Birmingham is the drier option with 12 rain days.
Is it better to visit Edinburgh or Birmingham in May?
It depends on your preferences. Edinburgh averages 13°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 13 rain days. Birmingham averages 15°C with 10 sunshine hours and 12 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Birmingham. For fewer rain days, Birmingham is the better pick.
How far apart are Edinburgh and Birmingham?
Edinburgh and Birmingham are approximately 395 km (245 miles) apart. Edinburgh is located in United Kingdom (Europe) while Birmingham is in United Kingdom (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Edinburgh and Birmingham?
For Edinburgh, May tends to be the best month with 10 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 13°C. For Birmingham, June is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 18°C highs.

Compare Edinburgh and Birmingham 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.

Edinburgh coordinates: 55.95°N, -3.19°E | Birmingham coordinates: 52.49°N, -1.89°E