Late spring · Weather & things to do
New York City in May
New York City warms up: highs climb to 63°F (17°C), from 54°F in April, with lows of 53°F (12°C) and about 4.0 in (101 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 79/100 (3rd of 12).
- Avg high
- 63°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 53°F (12°C)
- Rain
- 4.0 in (101 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 79/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs near 63°F (17°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Lows average 53°F (12°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.0 in (101 mm).
Plan around May
May is one of New York City's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May and July – October.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by June, the score drops to 72/100.
- Comfort improves from 64/100 in April to 79/100.
- May sits inside the Apr – Nov window our Hudson Valley by Rail route recommends.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 53°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 4.0 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in New York City in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Vast art museum on Central Park; the rooftop garden opens in summer.
Grand Central Terminal
Beaux-Arts station with the celestial ceiling; Hudson Line trains to Beacon leave here.
Katz's Delicatessen
Lower East Side deli since 1888 for hand-carved pastrami on rye.
Russ & Daughters
Appetizing shop since 1914 for lox, bagels and smoked fish.
The High Line
Elevated rail-line park with gardens and Hudson River views.
Why now May scores 79/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Nearby in May
- Manhattan in May~5 mi · highs 69°F, 3.9 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Beacon in May~55 mi · highs 70°F, 3.9 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Philadelphia in May~81 mi · highs 72°F, 3.8 in rain · 5°C (10°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Hudson in May~107 mi · highs 70°F, 3.9 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Brooklyn, DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights and Midtown Manhattan.
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.
New York City in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit New York City?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 79/100. Expect highs of 63°F (17°C) and 4.0 in (101 mm) of rain. May is inside the Apr – Nov window our Hudson Valley by Rail route recommends.
How cold is New York City in May?
Average highs are 63°F (17°C) and average lows 53°F (12°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in New York City in May?
Some: about 4.0 in (101 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 51.7 in (1313 mm).
What should I pack for New York City in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 53°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 4.0 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on New York City
Routes in season in May
- Hudson Valley by Rail Apr – Nov
Planning New York City in May?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.