Late spring · Weather & things to do
Manhattan in May
Manhattan warms up: highs climb to 69°F (20°C), from 58°F in April, with lows of 50°F (10°C) and about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 83/100 (the top score of the year).
- Avg high
- 69°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (98 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 60%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 83/100 · Great
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 69°F (20°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Lows average 50°F (10°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.9 in (98 mm).
Plan around May
May is one of Manhattan's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May and September & October.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 76/100.
- Comfort improves from 73/100 in April to 83/100.
- Our NYC Cultural Weekend route recommends Sep – Nov, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 50°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.9 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Manhattan in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Chelsea Market
Former Nabisco factory with food stalls, bakeries and shops at the south end of the High Line.
Bethesda Terrace
Carved arcade and fountain at the heart of Central Park, a calm start before Midtown crowds.
Why now May scores 83/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Joe's Pizza
Classic thin New York slice, served fast since 1975.
Museum of Modern Art
Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol and a strong design collection across six floors in Midtown.
Times Square
The billboards and Broadway theaters are at their best after dark.
Why now Highs near 69°F and 3.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in May
- New York City in May~5 mi · highs 63°F, 4.0 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Beacon in May~50 mi · highs 70°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Philadelphia in May~85 mi · highs 72°F, 3.8 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Hudson in May~102 mi · highs 70°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
These averages also cover Museum Mile.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Manhattan in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Manhattan?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 83/100. Expect highs of 69°F (20°C) and 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain. Our NYC Cultural Weekend route recommends Sep – Nov, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Manhattan in May?
Average highs are 69°F (20°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Manhattan in May?
Some: about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 48.7 in (1236 mm).
What should I pack for Manhattan in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 50°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.9 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Manhattan
Planning Manhattan in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.