Weather in New York in May
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Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youMay in New York is pleasantly mild, with average highs of 20.7°C and lows of 10.8°C. It is fairly wet (10 rainy days on average), with roughly 10.8 hours of sunshine a day. Weather-wise, this is one of the most reliable months to travel. For the complete picture, see the best time to visit New York — every month compared. Once you know when to go, find your New York packing list at 247PackingList.
Get ready for New York in May
Search flights to New York
Compare 100+ airlines for May — one search, best price.
Search Flights →Thermal travel layers
Pack proper layers — winters are genuinely cold and evenings drop fast year-round.
Check Price →What to pack for New York in May
- Light layers
- Sunscreen
- T-shirts and light trousers or shorts
- Light waterproof layer
- A warm layer for cool evenings
Compare all months in New York
| Month | High | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.6°C | 88.6mm | 10/10 |
| February | 6.3°C | 93.1mm | 10/10 |
| March | 11.2°C | 104.3mm | 9/10 |
| April | 15.5°C | 132.0mm | 9/10 |
| May | 20.7°C | 82.4mm | 10/10 |
| June | 26.3°C | 77.2mm | 10/10 |
| July | 29.9°C | 151.2mm | 9/10 |
| August | 28.7°C | 117.6mm | 9/10 |
| September | 24.5°C | 162.4mm | 9/10 |
| October | 18.8°C | 181.2mm | 9/10 |
| November | 12.7°C | 74.2mm | 10/10 |
| December | 7.7°C | 124.4mm | 9/10 |
Full month-by-month guide: best time to visit New York →
For facts about United States — currency, language and dialling code — see our United States country guide at 247CountryInfo. Travellers also find it useful to keep a New York travel guide to hand. Check clothing sizes in United States before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit New York?
May rates 10/10 for visiting New York — excellent time to visit. Expect average highs of 20.7°C, 82.4mm of rain across the month and about 10.8 hours of daily sunshine.
What is the temperature in New York in May?
In May, New York has average highs of 20.7°C (69.3°F) and average lows of 10.8°C (51.4°F).
Does it rain in New York in May?
Some rain is likely. New York averages 82.4mm across about 10 rainy days in May, so a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
What should I wear in New York in May?
For New York in May (20.7°C highs / 10.8°C lows), pack light layers plus sunscreen, t-shirts and light trousers or shorts, light waterproof layer.
More essentials for New York in May
Packing cubes
Keep the bag organised whatever the weather — compression cubes for every size.
Check Price →Travel first aid kit
Compact TSA-friendly kit for peace of mind wherever you travel.
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.