Windsor in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Windsor
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperatures for Windsor Castle touring - 18-21°C (64-70°F) afternoons mean comfortable 2-3 hour visits without overheating or bundling up
- Spring blooms at Windsor Great Park's Savill Garden peak in mid-May with rhododendrons and azaleas - best photo opportunities of the year
- Long summer daylight begins - sunset after 8pm gives you extra sightseeing hours compared to winter's 3:30pm darkness
- Pre-summer season pricing - accommodation rates average 15-20% lower than June-August peak tourist months
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather requires layered clothing - mornings start at 12°C (54°F) but afternoons reach 21°C (70°F), plus sudden spring showers
- Tourist coach groups from United Kingdom increase mid-month as school trip season begins - Windsor Castle can get crowded 10am-2pm weekdays
- Some outdoor events may be cancelled short-notice due to spring weather variability - always check day-of status
Best Activities in May
Windsor Castle State Rooms Tours
May's mild temperatures make the extensive castle walking perfect - no winter coat storage hassles or summer overheating in the unventilated medieval sections. Spring light streaming through St. George's Chapel windows creates optimal photography conditions. Fewer crowds than summer months mean better views of the Queen Mary's Dolls' House.
Thames Valley Cycling Routes
Perfect cycling weather with 18-21°C (64-70°F) afternoons and minimal wind. The Thames Path from Windsor to Maidenhead is impressive with spring wildflowers and baby swans. Cool mornings mean no overheating on hills, while longer daylight gives you until 8pm cycling time.
Windsor Great Park Walking Tours
May is peak season for the park's famous rhododendron displays in Savill Garden. The 4,800-acre park is perfect for comfortable walking in mild weather - not too hot for the 4km (2.5 mile) Long Walk to the Copper Horse statue. Spring wildlife includes deer with newborn fawns.
Eton College Historical Tours
Spring weather ideal for exploring Britain's most famous school grounds. May tours include outdoor areas like School Yard and College Chapel without winter closure restrictions. Comfortable walking temperatures for the 90-minute guided experience covering 580 years of history.
Royal Ascot Preparation Activities
May is perfect timing to experience Ascot Racecourse events leading up to Royal Ascot in June. Spring racing meetings have smaller crowds but same prestigious atmosphere. Mild weather ideal for outdoor grandstand seating and walking the parade ring.
Thames River Boat Trips
May weather perfect for open-deck boat journeys - warm enough to sit outside but cool enough to avoid summer sun exposure. Spring high water levels from April rains create better river conditions. Wildlife active with swan families and riverside bird life.
May Events & Festivals
Windsor Festival
Annual celebration of classical music, jazz, and comedy across multiple Windsor venues including St. George's Chapel and Theatre Royal. Features both internationally renowned artists and emerging talent in intimate settings unique to Windsor's royal heritage.
Chelsea Flower Show Week London Day Trips
While not in Windsor, many visitors combine Windsor with United Kingdom during Chelsea Flower Show week. Special garden-themed events often pop up in Windsor Great Park during this period, taking advantage of spring blooms and gardening interest.