Things to do in Rye in May

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Overview

May is a great time to visit Rye. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 48—59°F (9—15°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Rye during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend the Rye May Fair, take a scenic walk along the Rye Harbour Arm, visit the Rye Heritage Centre, and more!

Rye has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Rye. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Rye in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Rye in May

Top experiences in May
Attend the Rye May Fair
The Rye May Fair is a traditional event that takes place in May, featuring a lively mix of carnival rides, games, live entertainment, and local food stalls. It's a fun-filled celebration that brings the community together and offers a festive atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Enjoy the colorful decorations, the cheerful music, and the joyful spirit of the fair as you partake in the various activities and attractions. It's a great opportunity to experience the vibrant and welcoming community of Rye.
Take a scenic walk along the Rye Harbour Arm
May is a perfect time to take a leisurely stroll along the Rye Harbour Arm, where you can enjoy stunning views of the coastline, the harbor, and the surrounding nature reserve. The fresh sea breeze and the sound of seagulls create a serene and invigorating atmosphere. You can also stop by the local cafes and pubs along the way to savor a refreshing drink or a delicious meal with a view. It's a relaxing and scenic experience that allows you to appreciate the beauty of Rye's coastal landscape.
Visit the Rye Heritage Centre
In May, the Rye Heritage Centre offers a range of interactive exhibits and guided tours that delve into the town's fascinating history and maritime heritage. Explore the exhibits that showcase Rye's connections to smuggling, shipbuilding, and the local fishing industry. You can also climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. It's a captivating and educational experience that provides a deeper understanding of Rye's cultural significance.
Take a boat trip along the River Rother
May is a wonderful time to take a leisurely boat trip along the picturesque River Rother, which winds its way through the scenic countryside surrounding Rye. Enjoy the tranquil waters, lush greenery, and charming wildlife that inhabit the riverbanks. You can opt for a guided tour or rent a rowboat or kayak for a more independent adventure. It's a peaceful and idyllic experience that allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Take a guided tour of the historic Rye Castle Museum
In May, the Rye Castle Museum offers guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into the town's rich history and heritage. Explore the medieval Ypres Tower, which houses the museum, and learn about Rye's maritime past, smuggling activities, and local traditions. The knowledgeable guides will bring the stories of Rye to life, making it a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Explore the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
May is a fantastic time to visit the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, as the spring season brings an abundance of wildlife and blooming flora. Take a leisurely stroll along the nature trails and observe the diverse bird species that migrate to the area during this time of year. You might also spot seals basking in the sun along the coastline. It's a peaceful and rejuvenating experience for nature lovers.
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Holidays in Rye in May
May
  • Early May Bank Holiday (May 6)
  • Spring Bank Holiday (May 27)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Rye in May

Temperatures on an average day in Rye in May

The average temperature in Rye in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 59°F (15°C) to a low of 48°F (9°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Rye, August, has days with highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 58°F (14°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 46°F (8°C) and lows of 39°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Rye in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
59°F
highs
48°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly and breezy
Feels like
17%
Chance of rain
0.064 in
Amount
16.0 mph
Wind speed
77%
Humidity
15.5 hrs
Daylight length
5:08 AM
Sunrise
8:38 PM
Sunset
47%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 59°F (15°C) and a low of 48°F (9°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Rye in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Rye has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Rye that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Rye for May.
Camber Sands
1. Camber Sands
4.6
(2693)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
2 mi. of shoreline with picturesque sand dunes, plus lifeguards, parking & water sports.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
2. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
4.7
(814)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Vast bit of land with habitats for rare species like the Spangled Button Beetle, plus Camber Castle.
Church of Saint Mary, Rye
3. Church of Saint Mary, Rye
4.7
(318)
Anglican church
Sights & Landmarks
Built in the 12th century, this Episcopal church includes a visitor centre & climbable bell tower.
Rye Heritage Centre
4. Rye Heritage Centre
4.5
(482)
Heritage museum
Visitor Centers
Local history centre with a town model, sound and light show and end-of-the-pier amusement machines.
Rye Castle Museum - Ypres Tower
5. Rye Castle Museum - Ypres Tower
4.5
(788)
Historical place museum
Museums
Venerable 14th century tower with harbor views & exhibits & artifacts depicting medieval life.
Winchelsea Beach
6. Winchelsea Beach
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
Winchelsea Beach is a seaside village in the parish of Icklesham in the Rother district of East Sussex, England. The village is located about ten miles east of Hastings, and about 1.5 miles south east of Winchelsea. The beach itself faces Rye Bay, the estuary of the River Rother. Wikipedia.
National Trust - Lamb House
7. National Trust - Lamb House
4.4
(315)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Red-brick, Georgian former home of US novelist Henry James, with a peaceful walled garden.
Church of St Thomas, Winchelsea
8. Church of St Thomas, Winchelsea
4.8
(63)
Episcopal church
Sights & Landmarks
Rye Castle Museum - Ypres Tower
9. Rye Castle Museum - Ypres Tower
4.5
(788)
Historical place museum
Museums
Venerable 14th century tower with harbor views & exhibits & artifacts depicting medieval life.
The Storymaster's Tales Interactive Theatre
10. The Storymaster's Tales Interactive Theatre
4.9
(16)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
The Kitesurf Centre
11. The Kitesurf Centre
4.9
(292)
Sports school
Tours
Rye Waterworks Micropub
12. Rye Waterworks Micropub
4.9
(1337)
Pub
Food & Drink
Cosy operation with an old-world vibe offering a menu of craft ales & ciders, plus light snacks.
Camber Castle
13. Camber Castle
4.3
(243)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Remains of a vast artillery fort built by Henry VIII, with monthly guided walks. Guided tours only.
Rye
14. Rye
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
Rye is an English town near the coast in East Sussex. In the centre, cobbled lanes like Mermaid Street are lined with medieval, half-timbered houses. The redbrick Lamb House was once owned by writer Henry James. Nearby, the tower of the Norman St. Mary’s Church overlooks the town. The 14th-century Ypres Tower, which formed part of Rye’s defences, is now Rye Castle Museum, with paintings and displays on local history.
St Anthony's R C
15. St Anthony's R C
4.9
(34)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Camber Kitesurfing
16. Camber Kitesurfing
5.0
(32)
Surf shop
Tours

Top searches in Rye

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What's the weather like in Rye?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Rye for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Rye?

Get inspired for your trip to Rye with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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