When is May half-term 2027 in the UK?
When is May half-term?
27 May to 4 Jun 2027
Earliest start: Scotland. Latest end: England. Different UK nations break up on different dates.
May half-term starts on the Friday before the bank holiday Monday, turning a 5-day break into a 9-day holiday window across two weekends. All four UK nations take it simultaneously, and the bank holiday concentrates travel demand into the Friday and Monday. Arriving Tuesday at any destination is typically cheaper than Friday for the same departure week.
Dates by UK nation
| Nation | Upcoming dates |
|---|---|
| England | · ✓ Verified |
| Scotland | · ✓ Verified |
| Wales | · ✓ Verified |
| Northern Ireland | Not available ✓ Verified |
May half-term is anchored to the late May bank holiday Monday and is broadly aligned across the four UK nations, though exact start and end days vary. Combined with the bank holiday, it produces the biggest single-week demand spike of the spring.
The week immediately after May half-term, early June, is consistently one of the cheapest weeks of the year for Mediterranean travel. Weather is reliable, but UK demand has evaporated.
Also searched for as: whitsun, spring bank holiday week or late may break.
Dates are based on term dates published by 218 UK local authorities and devolved education bodies. Individual schools, particularly academies in England, may set their own dates within the local authority window. Always confirm specific dates before booking.
Common questions
When is May half-term in the UK?
In 2027, May half-term runs from 27 May 2027 (earliest, in Scotland) to 4 Jun 2027 (latest, in England). Dates vary by nation.
Which dates are most expensive during the May half-term?
The peak window is 31 May – 4 Jun 2027, when at least 80% of UK schools are off at the same time. Avoid these dates if you're booking without children.