Things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne in May

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Overview

May is a great time to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 44—56°F (7—13°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Newcastle upon Tyne during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend the Evolution Emerging Music Festival, take a boat tour of the River Tyne, visit the Tyneside Cinema, and more!

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne in May

Top experiences in May
Attend the Evolution Emerging Music Festival
This annual music festival takes place in May and showcases the best up-and-coming musical talent from the North East. With multiple venues hosting live performances throughout the Ouseburn Valley, visitors can discover new artists, enjoy a diverse range of music genres, and experience the vibrant music scene in Newcastle. The Evolution Emerging Music Festival is a must-visit for music lovers and those looking to support emerging talent.
Take a boat tour of the River Tyne
In May, visitors can enjoy a scenic boat tour along the River Tyne, taking in the iconic landmarks and bridges that define the Newcastle skyline. Boat tours offer a unique perspective of the city and its surrounding beauty, with informative commentary that provides insight into the history and culture of the area. Whether you're a local or a first-time visitor, a boat tour of the River Tyne is a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Visit the Tyneside Cinema
This historic cinema in Newcastle offers a unique movie-watching experience, with a diverse selection of independent, classic, and foreign films. In May, the Tyneside Cinema hosts special screenings, events, and film festivals that cater to a wide range of interests and tastes. Whether you're a film buff or simply looking for a memorable night out, the Tyneside Cinema is a must-visit destination in Newcastle.
Take a guided tour of Newcastle Castle
In May, the historic Newcastle Castle offers guided tours that provide a fascinating look into the city's medieval past. Visitors can explore the castle's dungeons, towers, and exhibits while learning about the rich history of Newcastle and its role in shaping the region. The guided tours offer a unique and educational experience for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Take a scenic walk along the Quayside
In May, the Quayside area in Newcastle offers stunning views of the River Tyne and its iconic bridges. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, take in the picturesque scenery, and explore the vibrant bars, restaurants, and shops that line the river. The Quayside is a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely walk and soak up the beauty of Newcastle in the springtime.
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Holidays in Newcastle upon Tyne in May
May
  • Early May Bank Holiday (May 6)
  • Spring Bank Holiday (May 27)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Newcastle upon Tyne in May

Temperatures on an average day in Newcastle upon Tyne in May

The average temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 56°F (13°C) to a low of 44°F (7°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Newcastle upon Tyne, July, has days with highs of 64°F (18°C) and lows of 53°F (11°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows of 35°F (2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Newcastle upon Tyne in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
56°F
highs
44°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly and breezy
Feels like
21%
Chance of rain
0.068 in
Amount
15.9 mph
Wind speed
80%
Humidity
16.1 hrs
Daylight length
5:00 AM
Sunrise
9:05 PM
Sunset
43%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 56°F (13°C) and a low of 44°F (7°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Newcastle upon Tyne in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Newcastle upon Tyne has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne for May.
The Quayside - JD Wetherspoon
1. The Quayside - JD Wetherspoon
4.3
(6477)
Pub
Breakfast restaurant
Pub with exposed beams, stone walls and terrace tables, for real ales and pub grub.
Discovery Museum
2. Discovery Museum
4.5
(4019)
Museum
History museum
Interactive local maritime history and science displays, plus the British Film Institute's archive.
Victoria Tunnel Tours
3. Victoria Tunnel Tours
4.9
(465)
Heritage museum
Sights & Landmarks
Tours of a 19th-century underground wagonway for coal, later used as a WWII air-raid shelter.
St James’ Park
4. St James’ Park
4.6
(10637)
Stadium
Fun & Games
Hilltop football stadium, home to Newcastle United Football Club & close-season rock concerts.
Jesmond Dene House
5. Jesmond Dene House
4.6
(1071)
Hotel
Nature & Parks
Upscale hotel in a grand estate with plush, contemporary rooms, plus a bar & fine dining.
Grey St
6. Grey St
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Life Science Centre
7. Life Science Centre
4.4
(3918)
Science museum
Museums
Interactive, state-of-the-art science village with a planetarium, themed shows & 4D Motion Ride.
Tyne Bridge
8. Tyne Bridge
4.7
(2114)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
This well-known span over the Tyne Rives has an open-work arch that passes through its deck.
Theatre Royal
9. Theatre Royal
4.7
(4517)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Luxurious 19th-century theatre with refurbished interiors, hosting eclectic performance programme.
Great North Museum: Hancock
10. Great North Museum: Hancock
4.6
(3827)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Refurbished Victorian museum with natural history and Hadrian's wall displays and planetarium.
Newcastle Castle
11. Newcastle Castle
4.5
(2715)
Castle
Museums
Stone fortress & former prison, built from 1168 to 1178, with views over the city & river.
Utilita Arena Newcastle
12. Utilita Arena Newcastle
4.1
(4459)
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
Newcastle Cathedral
13. Newcastle Cathedral
4.6
(1438)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Medieval building with a lantern spire, a Baron Collingwood memorial plus CofE services and a cafe.
The Biscuit Factory
14. The Biscuit Factory
4.6
(1312)
Art gallery
Museums
2-storey art and crafts gallery in large, former warehouse with exposed bricks and stripped floors.
Laing Art Gallery
15. Laing Art Gallery
4.4
(1594)
Art gallery
Museums
18th-20th century British oil paintings & watercolours on display in vaulted-ceilinged galleries.
The Parlour at Blagdon
16. The Parlour at Blagdon
4.4
(443)
Wedding venue
Food & Drink

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Newcastle upon Tyne?

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

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