Things to Do in Windsor in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Windsor
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring blooms transform Windsor Great Park and the Long Walk into spectacular walking territory - the avenue of trees is fully leafed out and the Savill Garden peaks with rhododendrons and azaleas. You're catching the gardens at their absolute best before summer crowds arrive.
- Late May bank holiday weekend (May 23-25, 2026) means extended opening hours at Windsor Castle and reduced weekday crowds mid-month. Locals take short breaks during this period, so Tuesday through Thursday in early May offers the quietest castle access you'll get all year.
- Comfortable layering weather means you can actually enjoy outdoor activities without the summer heat or winter chill. That 10-20°C (50-68°F) range is perfect for the 4.2 km (2.6 mile) Thames Path walk to Eton without overheating, and evening river cruises are pleasant with a light jacket.
- Royal Ascot preparations begin in May, and while the main event is June, you can watch the course being prepared and local shops start their window displays. The town has this anticipatory energy that's quite fun, and accommodation prices haven't spiked yet like they will by mid-June.
Considerations
- May weather in Windsor is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three seasons in one day. Those 10 rainy days are scattered randomly throughout the month, and afternoon showers can interrupt outdoor plans. The 70% humidity makes it feel warmer than the actual temperature suggests, especially indoors at the castle.
- Late May bank holiday weekend (May 23-25) creates a pricing surge for that specific weekend - hotel rates jump 40-60% and advance bookings for castle tickets become essential. If your dates are flexible, avoid this three-day window entirely.
- Windsor Castle can close sections without much notice for royal events or state functions, particularly in May as preparations ramp up for summer engagements. You might miss the State Apartments or St George's Chapel even with advance tickets, and there's typically no refund for partial closures.
Best Activities in May
Windsor Great Park Walking Routes
May is genuinely the best month for the park's 19 km (12 miles) of walking paths. The Savill Garden reaches peak bloom with rhododendrons, azaleas, and late spring perennials, while the deer are most active in early morning. The Long Walk from the castle to the Copper Horse statue is spectacular with full tree canopy but not yet crowded with summer tourists. Temperature range of 10-20°C (50-68°F) is ideal for the longer routes without overheating. The Valley Gardens are particularly worth it in May - most tourists skip this section entirely.
Thames River Boat Tours
May weather makes river trips actually pleasant - you're past the cold April winds but before the peak summer heat. The 40-minute circular tours and longer trips to Runnymede work well in variable conditions since boats have covered sections. Water levels are typically stable in May, and the riverside vegetation is lush without being overgrown. Evening cruises around 6-7pm catch good light for photos and the temperature is comfortable with a light jacket. Crowds are manageable on weekdays.
Windsor Castle State Apartments Tours
May offers a sweet spot before summer tour groups arrive en masse but after Easter crowds disperse. The castle is fully operational with all sections typically open, though always check for royal event closures. Indoor touring is perfect for those variable May weather days - you'll spend 2-3 hours inside regardless of rain. Mid-morning entry (10-11am) avoids both opening rush and lunch crowds. The Changing of the Guard happens on select days and May weather is comfortable for watching the outdoor ceremony.
Eton and Thames Path Walking
The 1.3 km (0.8 mile) walk from Windsor Bridge through Eton High Street to Eton College is ideal in May's mild weather. The historic college grounds are beautiful in late spring, and the Thames Path extends another 3 km (1.9 miles) toward Boveney Lock through riverside meadows that are green but not yet overgrown. May weather suits the 2-hour round trip without summer heat exhaustion. Combine with a pub stop in Eton village. The path can get muddy after rain, so those 10 rainy days mean checking conditions before setting out.
Legoland Windsor Resort
If you're traveling with children ages 3-12, May is actually one of the better months for Legoland. The park opens for full season operations, but you're ahead of summer holiday crowds. May half-term week (likely May 25-29, 2026) gets busy, but early May weekdays are manageable. Weather is warm enough for outdoor rides without summer heat, though have a rain plan since 10 rainy days means potential interruptions. The indoor attractions like the submarine ride and 4D cinema work as backup options.
Royal Ascot Racecourse Tours
While Royal Ascot racing happens in June, May offers behind-the-scenes tours of the historic racecourse as preparations intensify for the royal meeting. You'll see the royal enclosure, parade ring, and grandstands without the crowds and formal dress requirements of race days. The 90-minute tours give context to Windsor's royal connections and the course's 300-year history. May weather is comfortable for the outdoor portions of the tour, and it's a genuinely different perspective on Windsor's royal heritage beyond the castle.
May Events & Festivals
May Bank Holiday Weekend
The late May bank holiday (May 23-25, 2026) brings extended opening hours at Windsor Castle and special events in Windsor Great Park. Local pubs and restaurants often have outdoor seating and special menus. The town gets busy with British domestic tourists taking short breaks, so it has a festive atmosphere but also higher prices and crowds. Book accommodation and castle tickets well in advance for this specific weekend.
Windsor Festival
This annual arts festival typically runs late May into early June with classical music concerts, theater performances, and talks held in venues around Windsor including St George's Chapel and Eton College. The 2026 program will be announced in early spring, but it's worth checking if your dates overlap. Performances range from intimate chamber music to larger orchestral concerts, and the historic venues add atmosphere you won't get elsewhere.