Weather in New York City in May
May in New York City is mild enough that walking is the default. This is a city-break month more than a sea-holiday month.
In United States, this is how New York City actually wears May, not how a country centroid would. Compared with July and January, May sits in the middle of New York City's year.
- Average temp
- 18°C
12–23°C
- Rainfall
- 101 mm
Showers likely
- Sunshine
- —
- Wind
- 15 km/h
What to expect
Daytime
Mild afternoons in New York City are the prize in May. You can eat outside on the good days. You still want something for the breeze.
This is walking weather. Shade is useful, not essential the way it is in the hot months. A long outdoor day is a reasonable plan.
Rain
Mixed skies in New York City in May. Dry days and wet days share the month. Outdoor plans need a backup, not a cancellation policy.
Pack a shell you will actually carry. The monthly table is the place for totals. This is the feel: usable, interrupted.
Evening
Evenings are cooler. A layer helps after sunset.
What to pack
Rain jacket
A layer for cooler evenings
Where to stay in New York City
Dates are a starting point for May.
Travel guides for New York City
What to read before you book.
Average weather in New York City
TemperatureRainfall
Similar weather in May
Other destinations whose May averages sit close to this one.
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FAQs about New York City
Climate averages for New York City, 1991–2020.
The best time to visit New York City is between May and October, the most comfortable stretch of the year on these averages.
July is the hottest month, with an average around 26°C.
July is the wettest month, with about 119 mm of rain.
No. These are 1991–2020 climate normals from Meteostat, not a live forecast. Actual weather in any given week can differ.
