New York · May
Low seasonUSA · North America
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 5° (41°)-6– (21–)16 (61) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)17 (63) | 11° (52°)0– (32–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)8– (46–)28 (82) | 22° (72°)12– (54–)31 (88) | 27° (81°)19– (66–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)23– (73–)35 (95) | 29° (84°)23– (73–)34 (93) | 25° (77°)18– (64–)32 (90) | 19° (66°)10– (50–)26 (79) | 13° (55°)3– (37–)21 (70) | 8° (46°)-2– (28–)17 (63) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -1° (30°)-12– (10–)7 (45) | -1° (30°)-10– (14–)8 (46) | 3° (37°)-6– (21–)11 (52) | 8° (46°)1– (34–)16 (61) | 14° (57°)7– (45–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)12– (54–)24 (75) | 23° (73°)17– (63–)26 (79) | 22° (72°)16– (61–)25 (77) | 18° (64°)11– (52–)23 (73) | 12° (54°)4– (39–)19 (66) | 6° (43°)-2– (28–)15 (59) | 2° (36°)-7– (19–)9 (48) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 4 | 6h UV 5 | 7h UV 6 | 7h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 6h UV 4 | 4h UV 3 |
🌊Water Temp | 5° (41°) | 4° (39°) | 6° (43°) | 9° (48°) | 14° (57°) | 19° (66°) | 22° (72°) | 23° (73°) | 22° (72°) | 18° (64°) | 13° (55°) | 9° (48°) |
🌧Rain Days | 7d100mm (3.9") | 7d82mm (3.2") | 7d103mm (4.0") | 7d112mm (4.4") | 8d98mm (3.9") | 8d106mm (4.2") | 8d123mm (4.8") | 8d124mm (4.9") | 6d98mm (3.9") | 7d117mm (4.6") | 6d81mm (3.2") | 9d115mm (4.5") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May in New York at 22°C (72°F) is too cool for a beach holiday, but suitable for sightseeing and hiking. The best travel months are June and September.
Daytime highs average 22°C (72°F), cooling to 14°C (57°F) at night (daily average: 18°C (64°F)). Peaks reach around 31°C (88°F), the coldest nights around 7°C (45°F). The sun shines an average of 8 hours per day; there are 8 rain days with 98 mm (3.9 in) total. At 14°C (57°F), the water is still quite cool in May — a wetsuit may be useful.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
Spring comes in waves: March often still smells of winter, in April cherry trees blossom in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Central Park, and by May the street cafés are full again. Ideal for walking the city before the summer heat sets in.
Packing list for New York in May
- Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers
- Light jacket
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit New York?
- May is not an optimal month for New York (Score: 63/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June and September.
- How warm is it in New York in May?
- In May, New York sees daily highs of 22°C (72°F). Nights cool to 14°C (57°F), with a daily average of 18°C (64°F). Peaks reach around 31°C (88°F), the coldest nights around 7°C (45°F).
- How much rain falls in New York in May?
- In May, New York receives an average of 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain over 8 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does New York get in May?
- New York averages 8 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in New York in May?
- Water temperature in New York in May averages 14°C (57°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
