How was May in Southern England?
You may have seen that Spring 2025 broke historical climate records, marking an unprecedented season of warmth and sunshine across the UK, according to provisional Met Office statistics.
Read: Double record breaker: Spring 2025 is warmest and sunniest on UK record.
Provisional Met Office statistics for May 2025, show the UK recorded its second sunniest month, behind the 2020 top spot. It was also a warm month, with the UK recording its fifth warmest May on record and also a dry month, leaving the UK to have recorded 72% of its average May rainfall.
But how was May 2025 in Southern England?
Sunshine was in abundance, with 259.4 hours recorded - 28% more than the long-term meteorological average and the fifth sunniest since 1910.
Mean temperatures were also up, 1.4°C higher than average and the fourth warmest since 1884.
Daytime (max) temperature was 19.0°C, which is the highest on record since 1884.
But rainfall was down, with just 26.0mm recorded, which is 47% of the long-term meteorological average.
What are the current May records for Southern England?
Southern England, encompassing counties like Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent, is known for its relatively warm and sunny climate. The highest recorded May temperature in the region is 19.0°C, recorded this year. This consistent warmth reflects the region’s southerly latitude and frequent exposure to warm air masses from the continent.
READ MORE: How do we know when weather records are broken?
The lowest May temperature recorded in Southern England is 4.2°C, observed in both 1902 and 1941. While not as cold as records from northern regions, this figure still indicates the potential for chilly nights and occasional late frosts, particularly in rural inland areas.
Rainfall in Southern England during May can vary, but the wettest on record brought 120.4mm in 1878. This relatively modest total compared to western regions highlights the area’s generally drier climate, though it remains susceptible to occasional heavy rainfall from slow-moving low-pressure systems.
READ MORE: What is the jet stream and how does it affect our weather?
Sunshine is where Southern England truly excels. The sunniest May on record delivered a dazzling 327.5 hours of sunshine in 2020, the highest of any UK region for that month. This abundance of sunshine supports the region’s thriving tourism, agriculture, and outdoor lifestyle, making May a particularly pleasant time of year.
May weather records for southern England highlight the region’s tendency toward settled spring conditions, with relatively warm days, bright skies, and lower rainfall compared to other parts of the UK. These patterns are typical of the region’s more sheltered climate, often providing favourable conditions for outdoor activities across the coast, countryside, and historic towns.
Keep up to date with weather warnings, and you can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.
