Weather Comparison
London vs Birmingham
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
May Weather: London vs Birmingham
| Metric | London | Birmingham | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 17°C (63°F)▲ | 15°C (59°F) | London |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 8°C (46°F)▲ | 7°C (45°F) | London |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 10 days▲ | 12 days | London |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 52 mm▲ | 63 mm | London |
| 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 | 20 km/h | 20 km/h | Tie |
Which City is Better in May?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, London edges ahead as the better destination in May. London offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 10 rain days, while Birmingham sees 10 sunshine hours and 12 rain days.
London sits in the comfortable travel range at 17°C. Birmingham is also comfortable at 15°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, London is the stronger choice in May.
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.
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
London receives approximately 52 mm of rainfall across 10 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Birmingham sees 63 mm over 12 rain days. That makes London the drier option by 2 rain days and 11 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: London vs Birmingham
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 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: London 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 | London | Birmingham | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 7°C | 11d | 7°C | 12d |
| Feb | 8°C | 10d | 7°C | 10d |
| Mar | 10°C | 10d | 10°C | 11d |
| Apr | 14°C | 11d | 12°C | 12d |
| May | 17°C | 10d | 15°C | 12d |
| Jun | 20°C | 10d | 18°C | 12d |
| Jul | 22°C | 11d | 20°C | 12d |
| Aug | 21°C | 10d | 20°C | 11d |
| Sep | 19°C | 9d | 17°C | 10d |
| Oct | 15°C | 11d | 13°C | 11d |
| Nov | 10°C | 11d | 9°C | 12d |
| Dec | 8°C | 11d | 7°C | 12d |
London Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Birmingham Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities