SeasonMapYork weather in May
United Kingdom
May in York: cool, a little rain, with clean air — an excellent time to visit.
#4 of 12 months in York · #618 of 1383 destinations to visit in May · comfort 83/100 (tier A)
Updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis
Traveller notes on York in May
Other months in York
York's forum describes the city's weather as much like the rest of the UK in August — changeable, with rain that can start suddenly mid-sunny-day or clear just as suddenly mid-downpour. Regulars note the Yorkshire coast runs noticeably cooler than inland York if there's a north-easterly breeze off the sea, and that August is peak season so hotels and parking book up fast.
Add your own note from York's card on the map.
York climate normals — May
| Daytime high | 17°C / 63°F | 🙂 cool |
|---|---|---|
| Nighttime low | 7°C / 44°F | |
| Feels like (high) | 15°C / 59°F | |
| Rainfall | 49 mm / 1.9 in | 🌦 some rain |
| Rainy days | 10 days | |
| Humidity | 77% | 💦 very humid |
| Dew point | 8°C / 46°F | |
| Sunshine | 10.8 h/day | |
| Daylight | 16 h | |
| Wind | 20 km/h / 12 mph | |
| Air quality (US AQI) | 41 | 🍃 good |
Monthly averages from ERA5 reanalysis. AQI is the mean US Air Quality Index for the month.
Crowds in York in May
How busy the place itself is — school and mass holidays, the months an editor tagged, and how sought-after the weather makes them. Never part of the comfort score.
BusyLate-May half-term in United Kingdom, school holidays in 3 of the markets that fill it(estimated)
Peak crowdsBusyShoulder seasonQuiet
Best months for York's weather
Ranked by this destination's own climate comfort score across the year — a different thing from how busy it gets (see Crowds above).
Fair weatherYork's weather peaks June–August.
Best weatherFair weatherToughest weather
Nearby, and something's on
Within 300 km of York — a day trip or a short hop — with something on this month. Never part of the comfort score.
Where is York?
York in May — FAQ
- Is May a good time to visit York?
- May in York: cool, a little rain, with clean air — an excellent time to visit. It ranks #4 of 12 months for York on SeasonMap's comfort score (83/100).
- What is the weather like in York in May?
- In May, York averages a daily high of 17°C and a low of 6.9°C, with about 48.9 mm of rain over roughly 9.5 rainy days.
- What is the air quality in York in May?
- York has a mean US Air Quality Index of about 41 in May.
Other months in York
Compare York in May
Warmer or cooler than York in May
Similar destinations in Northern Europe — May
Within 300 km: Manchester's Whit Friday band contests around 15 May – 20 Jun, and Keswick's Keswick Mountain Festival on 15–17 May.