What May feels like in Birmingham
May is late spring in Birmingham. Daytime feels cool and fresh rather than cold. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights are cool. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Birmingham in May
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Wet days average about 6 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. The yearly figure is similar, around 5.3 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 5:13 am and sunset at about 8:55 pm (local time) — 15 h 42 min of daylight. Since mid-April the day has gained 1 h 50 min. About 64% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Birmingham's temperature order, May sits as the 5th warmest month. Compared with April, afternoons are 3.1°C (5.6°F) warmer, with 25 mm more rain. June continues the upward trend. By June, typical highs are 18.8°C (65.8°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
Tips for visiting Birmingham in May
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Birmingham in May?
Afternoons average 15.7°C (60.3°F) and nights about 7.6°C (45.7°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the 5th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Birmingham in May?
Quite a lot — 72 mm spread over about 12 days.
What should I wear in Birmingham in May?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is May or June better for visiting Birmingham?
June, clearly: it ranks #2 of 12 among Birmingham's months, against #6 for the other. June is warmer.