Things to do in Folkestone in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Folkestone. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 49—57°F (10—14°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Folkestone during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a guided tour of the Folkestone Caves, take a day trip to the nearby White Cliffs of Dover, visit the Folkestone Creative Quarter, and more!

Folkestone 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 Folkestone. 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 Folkestone 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 Folkestone in May

Top experiences in May
Take a guided tour of the Folkestone Caves
In May, the historic Folkestone Caves offer guided tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into the town's rich history and heritage. The caves, which date back to Roman times, have served various purposes over the centuries, including as a shelter during World War II and as a venue for live music performances in more recent years. The tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the underground passageways, learn about the caves' intriguing past, and gain a deeper understanding of Folkestone's cultural significance. It's a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in uncovering the town's hidden treasures.
Take a day trip to the nearby White Cliffs of Dover
In May, the iconic White Cliffs of Dover are at their most stunning, with the vibrant greenery and wildflowers in full bloom. A short drive or train ride from Folkestone, the cliffs offer breathtaking views of the English Channel and the French coastline across the water. You can take a leisurely walk along the cliff-top trails, visit the historic South Foreland Lighthouse, and perhaps even spot some of the local wildlife, including seabirds and butterflies. It's a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty and rich history of the area, and make some unforgettable memories along the way.
Visit the Folkestone Creative Quarter
The Creative Quarter is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood in Folkestone, known for its independent shops, art galleries, and creative businesses. In May, the area comes alive with a variety of events, including art exhibitions, live music performances, and pop-up markets. It's a great opportunity to explore the unique shops and boutiques, discover local artists and artisans, and immerse yourself in the town's creative community. Whether you're looking for one-of-a-kind souvenirs or simply want to soak up the lively atmosphere, the Creative Quarter is a must-visit destination in Folkestone.
Explore the historic Folkestone Harbour
In May, the historic Folkestone Harbour is a bustling hub of activity, with its charming waterfront shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can take a leisurely stroll along the harbour arm, watch the fishing boats come and go, and perhaps even indulge in some fresh seafood at one of the local eateries. The harbour also offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and the iconic Folkestone Harbour Arm lighthouse, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and food enthusiasts alike.
Take a stroll along the Folkestone Coastal Park
In May, the coastal park comes alive with blooming flowers, lush greenery, and stunning views of the English Channel. It's the perfect time to take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the park's scenic trails, and perhaps even have a picnic overlooking the sea. The park offers a peaceful and rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of the town, and provides a great opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the coastal landscape.
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Holidays in Folkestone in May
May
  • Early May Bank Holiday (May 5)
  • Spring Bank Holiday (May 26)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Folkestone in May

Temperatures on an average day in Folkestone in May

The average temperature in Folkestone in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 57°F (14°C) to a low of 49°F (10°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Folkestone, August, has days with highs of 67°F (20°C) and lows of 60°F (15°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 45°F (7°C) and lows of 40°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Folkestone in May based on historical data.

Visiting Folkestone? See our Folkestone Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in May
57°F
highs
49°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly and breezy
Feels like
18%
Chance of rain
0.063 in
Amount
16.2 mph
Wind speed
78%
Humidity
15.5 hrs
Daylight length
5:06 AM
Sunrise
8:37 PM
Sunset
48%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 57°F (14°C) and a low of 49°F (10°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 Folkestone in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Folkestone has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Folkestone 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 Folkestone for May.
LeShuttle Freight
1. LeShuttle Freight
3.1
(201)
Railway services
Sights & Landmarks
Folkestone Harbour Arm
2. Folkestone Harbour Arm
4.6
(3276)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Broad seaside promenade with food stands & bars, plus live music stages & seasonal events.
The Lower Leas Coastal Park
3. The Lower Leas Coastal Park
4.7
(2201)
Park
Nature & Parks
Coastal park with 3 zones: a natural area, formal gardens & an area for adventure activities.
Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust
4. Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust
4.6
(793)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Huge collection of WWII aviation-themed artifacts, aircraft hangars, planes and uniforms.
The Leas
5. The Leas
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
After Art Ltd
6. After Art Ltd
4.5
(132)
Art gallery
Neighborhoods
Sunny Sands
7. Sunny Sands
4.5
(303)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Swimming, kayak rentals, sunbathing & local seafood shacks draw crowds to this bustling beach area.
Sandgate Beach
8. Sandgate Beach
4.6
(386)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Leas Cliff Hall
9. Leas Cliff Hall
4.4
(1833)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Folkestone East Cliff and Warren Country Park.
10. Folkestone East Cliff and Warren Country Park.
4.7
(249)
Park
Nature & Parks
Step Short Memorial
11. Step Short Memorial
4.5
(256)
Memorial park
Sights & Landmarks
Commemorative steel arch honoring WWI soldiers in an urban green space with English Channel views.
Leas Bandstand
12. Leas Bandstand
4.5
(254)
Live music venue
Sights & Landmarks
Quarterhouse
13. Quarterhouse
4.6
(223)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Arts and entertainment venue with varied programme of theatre, dance and comedy plus film and music.
Parish Church of St Mary & St Eanswythe, Folkestone
14. Parish Church of St Mary & St Eanswythe, Folkestone
4.6
(69)
Anglican church
Sights & Landmarks
Docker Bar
15. Docker Bar
4.6
(163)
Pub
Nightlife
Elham Valley Line Trust
16. Elham Valley Line Trust
4.8
(181)
Museum
Specialty Museums

Top searches in Folkestone

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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Folkestone?

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

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