May Day falls on the first Monday in May each year in the UK
May Day is an official bank holiday in the United Kingdom, observed on the first Monday of May. Banks, post offices, and most government offices close on this day. Schools typically close as well, though some may use the day differently depending on their term calendar. Businesses and shops vary — many close entirely, while others stay open with reduced hours or skeleton staffing.
The date is fixed by law to the first Monday in May, which means it never falls on the same calendar date twice in a row. In 2024, May Day was May 6. In 2025, it will be May 5. This predictability makes it easier to plan around, but it also means the holiday can shift by up to a week depending on the year.
The holiday has roots in ancient spring festivals and labour traditions, but for most people in the UK today, it simply means a long weekend and a day when normal services operate differently or not at all.
Key Takeaways
- May Day is the first Monday in May each year, and all UK banks, post offices, and government offices close on this day.
- Schools close on May Day, though the exact timing depends on the school's term calendar and local authority decisions.
- Most shops and businesses close or reduce hours, so plan ahead if you need to visit a bank, post office, or government office.
- The date changes every year because it is always the first Monday of May, ranging from May 1 to May 7 depending on the calendar.
- If you need to conduct banking or postal business, plan to do it on the Friday before or the Tuesday after the bank holiday.
Which services close on May Day
Banks and building societies close entirely on May Day. This includes all branches of high street banks, online banking services remain available, but you cannot visit a branch or speak to someone in person. ATMs continue to work, so you can withdraw cash if needed.
Post offices close on May Day. If you need to post a parcel, buy stamps, or access postal services, you must do this before the holiday or after it ends. Royal Mail delivery still happens on the day itself — post does not stop — but you cannot access a post office counter.
Government offices close, including local council offices, HMRC offices, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). If you need to renew a passport, tax document, or driving licence, plan around the bank holiday. Online services for these organisations usually remain available.
Schools close on May Day. Nurseries and childcare settings typically close as well, though some may remain open — check with your provider. Universities may have different schedules depending on their term dates.
What stays open on May Day
Supermarkets and large retail chains often stay open on May Day, though hours may be shorter than usual. Independent shops are more likely to close entirely. Petrol stations typically remain open. Restaurants and pubs may open later or close earlier than normal.
Hospitals and emergency services operate normally — the NHS does not close on bank holidays. GP surgeries may be closed, but out-of-hours services and A&E departments are always available. Dentists usually close, though emergency dental services continue.
Transport runs on a modified schedule. Train services operate but may be less frequent. Bus services vary by region — some run normal routes, others run a Sunday timetable. Check with your local transport provider before travelling.
Planning around May Day closures
If you need to visit a bank or post office, do this on the Friday before May Day or the Tuesday after. Do not wait until Monday morning expecting normal service. The same applies to government offices — if you need a document or service, plan ahead.
If you receive benefits or pension payments, these are usually paid into your bank account automatically and are not affected by the bank holiday. However, if you need to speak to someone about your payment, you will need to call after the holiday ends.
For online services — banking, tax, passport applications — these continue to work on May Day itself. You can submit forms, check balances, and conduct transactions through websites and apps. The delay comes only when you need to speak to someone or visit in person.
May Day dates for the next five years
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Monday, May 5 |
| 2026 | Monday, May 4 |
| 2027 | Monday, May 3 |
| 2028 | Monday, May 1 |
| 2029 | Monday, May 7 |
Because May Day is always the first Monday of May, the date shifts depending on which day of the week May 1 falls on. This means you can plan ahead by checking a calendar, but it also means the holiday never stays on the same date year to year.
What happens if you miss a deadline because of May Day
If you have a deadline that falls on May Day — for example, a tax filing deadline or a bill payment due date — contact the organisation involved before the holiday. Many government bodies and financial institutions will extend deadlines when they fall on a bank holiday, but you need to ask rather than assume.
For tax purposes, if your Self Assessment deadline falls on May Day, HMRC typically moves it to the next working day. For bills and payments, contact your provider directly. Do not rely on the bank holiday as an automatic extension — some organisations honour it, others do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get paid extra if I work on May Day?
This depends on your employment contract and your employer's policy. There is no legal requirement to pay extra for working a bank holiday. Some employers offer time off in lieu (a day off later), others pay a bonus, and some pay normal wages. Check your contract or ask your employer what their policy is.
Will my benefits or pension be delayed because of May Day?
No. Automatic payments into your bank account happen on schedule regardless of bank holidays. If your payment date falls on May Day, it usually arrives on the Friday before instead. Check your bank account to confirm the exact date.
Can I use my debit card on May Day if the bank is closed?
Yes. Your debit card works normally on May Day — you can use it in shops, online, and at ATMs. The bank closure only affects in-person services like speaking to staff or visiting a branch. Online banking also continues to work.
What if I need to post something urgently on May Day?
Post offices are closed on May Day, so you cannot post anything that day. Royal Mail does deliver post on the bank holiday, but you cannot hand items in. If something is urgent, post it on the Friday before or the Tuesday after. For truly time-sensitive items, consider a courier service that operates on bank holidays.
Do schools get an extra week off because of May Day?
No. May Day is a single day off. Schools close on that day, but it does not add an extra week to the holiday. The May half-term break is separate and happens later in the month, usually around mid-May.