What May feels like in New York
Late spring arrives in New York with May. The middle of the day is pleasantly mild. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights are cool. The air is fairly humid, though at these temperatures it rarely feels oppressive.
Rain in New York in May
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 8.6 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to New York's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 10 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, New York gets 14 h 25 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:40 am to sunset near 8:05 pm. Days are getting longer: 1 h 10 min more daylight than in mid-April. About 69% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, May comes out as the 5th warmest month in New York. Afternoons run 5.4°C (9.7°F) warmer than in April, with 5 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into June. June averages a high of 26.2°C (79.2°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting New York in May
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is New York in May?
Expect around 21.1°C (70°F) in the afternoon and 11.7°C (53.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call mild.
Does it rain a lot in New York in May?
It does: about 11 rainy days bring roughly 94 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in New York in May?
The numbers point to versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is May or June better for visiting New York?
June, narrowly: it ranks #3 of 12 among New York's months, against #4 for the other. June is warmer.