New York in May
In May, New York averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (102 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in New York, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in New York
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in New York (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (17°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (17°C) and warms a further 5°C into June (27°C).
May sunrise & sunset in New York
Times shown for New York local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in New York — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in New York's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — New York in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and New York's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in New York
This is a busy month in New York — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in New York
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in New York — May
Across the year New York's sea swings from 4.9°C (February) to 23.5°C (July) — May sits at 15°C.
New York in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / 39°F | -3°C / 27°F | 84 mm | 11 | 4 |
| February | 6°C / 43°F | -2°C / 28°F | 78 mm | 10 | 3 |
| March | 11°C / 52°F | 2°C / 36°F | 109 mm | 11 | 2 |
| April | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F | 105 mm | 11 | 0 |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 102 mm | 11 | 0 |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 99 mm | 10 | 0 |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 21°C / 70°F | 117 mm | 11 | 0 |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 70°F | 113 mm | 10 | 0 |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 17°C / 63°F | 99 mm | 9 | 0 |
| October | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 52°F | 102 mm | 9 | 0 |
| November | 13°C / 55°F | 6°C / 43°F | 96 mm | 10 | 1 |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 0°C / 32°F | 102 mm | 11 | 3 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for New York in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is New York in May?
In May, New York averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 13°C (55°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in New York in May?
May can be fairly wet in New York, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit New York?
May is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for New York in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for New York for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.