New York City Weather in May: Sunny Strolls & Peak Spring Vibes
New York City Weather in May – What It's Like in the Flatiron District
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By
Paul Martinez
- Updated
Late spring means spring break, and why not come to enjoy the New York City weather in May? Set up your home base in the Flatiron District to make the most of your time here!
We can almost smell the fun only summer months can have in the air, with the city getting ready to welcome visitors by offering great deals on a number of things. But it isn’t peak travel season just yet, so we can enjoy a fully alive city with fewer crowds hanging around all of our itinerary bucket list items.
✨ Why Visit NYC in May? Top Highlights
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🌞 What’s NYC Weather Like in May?
Late spring brings rising temps from 60°F–75°F, longer sunny days, and a fully blooming city—perfect for exploring with lighter layers and sunglasses. -
☕ Rainy Day Fun in the Flatiron District
Duck into MoMath, Birch Coffee, Eataly, Rizzoli Bookstore, or ABC Carpet & Home—ideal cozy stops for those 15 spring rain days. -
🎉 Seasonal Events & Must-Do Experiences
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, take a Little Italy food tour, join Fleet Week festivities, or catch the Five Boro Bike Tour—all launching from Flatiron. -
✈️ Essential Travel Tips for May Trips
Pack comfy shoes, a light jacket, and sunscreen; expect scattered showers; ride Uber or take the subway; and stay central in the Flatiron for walkable access.
The best way to set yourself up for success is to book your accommodation in the Flatiron District! These few blocks have easy access to all other places in town through subway, buses, and even ride-share apps. And when walking around is too much, take a break at the original Shake Shack location at Madison Square Park.
New York City weather in May is for those who want to experience the city at its best but would rather not deal with the thicker crowds of peak tourism season. And the Flatiron District will give you a chance to do it all!
This guide has everything you need to enjoy May in NYC, with a special nod to what makes the Flatiron District such a great, central home base this time of year.
Top photo: Madison Square Park Entrance on the Southwest End
Average Temperatures in New York City in May
The month of May begins our final sprint of spring, with the final days of this month getting deliciously warm. Sure, we can feel a little chilly when the wind hits, but that can be a deceiving thing.
Because we are getting closer to summery temperatures, the weather gets steadily warmer throughout the month. Daytime highest temperatures are around 75°F (about 24°C), and nights stay as cold as 60°F (about 15°C).
The excitement of summer is palpable throughout the town, with spring breakers enjoying the town right before peak travel season arrives. Get ready to be a little more patient around iconic New York sights!
Is the New York City Weather in May Rainy?
New York City weather in May begins a new changing of seasons, so it gets a little rain to usher in Summer. That means the Flatiron District, and the whole city, is ready to move its plans indoors at a moment’s notice.
Spring is coming to an end, so we might get a couple of unforecasted rain showers during otherwise predictable days. You should always be ready with an umbrella or windbreaker in case a sudden shower takes you by surprise.
How Much Does It Rain in May?
New York follows the trend of April, with an average of 3 to 4 inches (75–100 mm) during the month. The weather is thankfully stable, with about 15 days showing some form of rainfall!
But even with all this rain, New York City never stops! Locals still enjoy their days, especially in the Flatiron District. We have museums, bookstores, and flagship locations of iconic brands to browse.
Best Things to Do in New York City When it Rains
New York City weather in May has a good chance of turning rainy, but a little rain doesn’t have to mean you’re bored. Here are some things that we can do without ever leaving the Flatiron District area:
- 🖼️ Visit a Museum: New York City is synonymous with culture, and there are so many activities and places to visit! The Flatiron District has a couple of famous museums that we can visit when it rains. The Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) is for more family-friendly fun, and the Museum of Sex is for grown-up, tongue-in-cheek fun.
- ☕ Grab a Coffee at Devoción or Birch Coffee: For me, any type of rainy weather is perfect for grabbing a coffee somewhere new, and the Flatiron District has so many new ones to try all the time. Some of my favorites are Devoción and Birch Coffee. Devoción has many different roasts to try, and Birch offers a number of specialty drinks to try!
- 🍽️ Eataly Flatiron: Eataly is almost a household name in NYC. It is a building full of flavorful discoveries, from specialty ingredients to traditional snacks and even a great restaurant with beautiful views of the city. The Flatiron District location is the local favorite for a rainy day.
- 🛍️ ABC Carpet & Home: There are few things I love more than browsing a great home decor store during rainy days. ABC Carpet & Home is perfect for people who are looking for home renovation inspo or just wanting to people watch a little.
- 📚 Rizzoli Bookstore: Browsing this amazing bookstore will never get old, but it does get better on a rainy day. It is easy to get lost while walking through rows of books on every topic you can imagine. Just get ready because we never leave this place empty-handed.
While you can spend a perfect rainy day without ever leaving the Flatiron District, you can use it to explore other great indoor places in town. The 23rd Street subway station can take you to other great museums like the MoMA or the Getty Museum, with Broadway shows happening throughout the day for those who’d rather do something different.
Is it Hot in New York City in May?
While early May can be placed on the cooler side, temperatures rise steadily throughout the month, and the last days can be considered quite warm.
How Cloudy is New York City Weather in May?
Well, we are getting closer to our beloved summer months, so everything gets increasingly sunnier. We still won’t get sunshine constantly, with about 49% of days having some form of cloud coverage. That can be the perfect kind of weather for doing all of your exploring on foot, seeing NYC from a different angle.
How Humid is it in New York City in May?
The weather in May isn’t that humid, hardly ever enough to feel muggy or uncomfortable! Relative humidity levels hang around 79%, with lower percentages popping up in the last couple of weeks as we get closer to summer. If your skin needs a pick-me-up, head to shops like Credo Beauty and The Detox Market in Flatiron. They have great skin care options!
How Windy is it in New York City in May?
New York City weather in May calms down a little bit from previous months, with the feeling pretty even throughout town. The average wind speed slows down to 12.3 mph (19.7 kph). With warm weather and slower winds, it will hardly get cold enough to make you need a jacket. I still recommend carrying a light cardigan just in case!
When are Sunrise and Sunset in New York City in May?
Predicting the time the sun will come around or leave can be quite tricky, but we can expect:
- Sunrise: 5:15–5:45 AM
- Sunset: 7:45–8:15 PM
We can feel the days getting longer, meaning we can fit more into them. Why not finish a whole day of exploring in style by getting dinner at a rooftop restaurant like Serra by Birreria or close to the Flatiron Building?
Is the Water Warm in New York City in May?
Spring is well underway, but the water is still pretty chilly by most standards. There are those people who enjoy ‘artic dipping’, going for a splash in these cold waters, but I am not one of them! I recommend getting a good spot along the Hudson River Esplanade or maybe getting a spa treatment at a place like QC NY—not too far away and much more comfortable.
How Warm is the Water in New York City in May?
As we get closer to summer, temperatures will rise steadily. New York City weather in May causes water temperatures to rise almost five degrees, from 39.8°F (4°C) to 49.8°F (9.8°C), with the average highest temperatures around 41°F (5.0°C) and lowest temps circling 42°F (5.6°C).
What to Wear in New York City in May
Who doesn’t want to feel like a true New Yorker, even if temporarily? You will need to make style meet function. Coming here means doing so much exploring, going from one means of transportation to another, so we always want to be comfortable.
👚 Go for breezy base layers like shorter sleeves and denim pants. You can get good basic pieces from shops like Uniqlo on Fifth Avenue if you have to buy them in town.
🧥 Lighter outer layers — even if it is warmer, you still need an outer layer just in case. Look for a light sweater or jacket if you want to look like a local.
🧤 Sunglasses, hair clips or ties, and a reusable water bottle can also be needed as the weather begins to warm up. You can easily get them around town, but I always take mine from home whenever I travel.
👢 Waterproof shoes that fit comfortably. New York is a huge city, and we always do more walking than previously intended, so make sure to get your comfiest ones in the bag.
🎒 Chic backpacks or totes— you will need a way to carry your outer layers, random stuff, and even things you might buy, like a book at Flatiron District’s darling: Rizolli Bookstore.
Unique Things to Do in New York City in May
New York City weather in May is the time to be outside! Here are some of the most unique things to do here during these weeks, all of which you can do starting from the Flatiron District.
Celebrate Mexican Culture With Cinco de Mayo Festivities:
NYC is a beautifully diverse city, made up of many cultures mixed together. In the first week of May, more specifically on the 5th, some areas of town get together to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. We get street performances, pop-up events, and even some sweet deals on typical food from Mexico. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask them where to go!
Discover Little Italy’s Tastiest Secrets:
Little Italy is a part of New York famous for its Mediterranean restaurants and cafés, so why not try to discover some of the best dishes around? There are a few different walking tours you can take to crisscross the area, all the while discovering the tastiest secrets around. It isn’t exactly local, but it is definitely worth it!
Take Part in the Fleet Week:
Your first question may be, ‘What is Fleet Week?’. Well, it is a week where parts of the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard fleet dock in a few major cities so civilians can tour them and interact with crew members. It generally happens sometime near the end of the month in NYC, and I highly recommend going for a unique stop in your itinerary.
Participate in the Five Boro Bike Tour:
This is one of New York City’s hottest spring tickets! Remember the cherry blossom season? How would you like to enjoy the cherry blossoms in a kind of private event? In one of the city’s best spots? The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens puts on four special Hanami Nights so people can see everything under a new evening light! Tickets go on sale well in advance, as early as March.
Attend an Outdoor Concert:
Spring weather in New York means that people will try to do as much as possible outdoors. Especially with the weather stabilizing after the seasons change. There are amazing night markets in Bronx, Queens, and also Uptown! If you like good Japanese food, there is the Japan Fest on some days.
New York City in May: Ultimate Travel Guide
Are you coming to enjoy the New York City weather in May? Here is a brief but comprehensive ultimate travel guide I’ve put together for you! It has a lot of little details that can help you make the most of your time here.
Is New York City Safe to Travel To?
It is very safe, even for solo travelers! I have walked these streets at all times of the day, early in the morning for breakfast, and late at night after concerts, and I felt incredibly safe. But every visitor needs to take some precautions, just as we would take going anywhere else for the first time.
The first safety precaution to take is research! Do that for the palace you’re staying at, and also the area around it. Speaking of your accommodation, use it to book your tours or tickets since they are trusted providers.
It goes without saying that avoiding isolated areas is a must, since it can be a little dangerous for everyone, keeping an eye on your surroundings. As for your fancier items, avoid using them when out daily. Save them for a special occasion!
Depending on the palace you visit, there might be local customs or dress codes that should always be respected. As visitors, use trusted means of transportation to get around, preferring a rride-shareapp app or your own car for getting around at night.
Lastly, stay in touch with your friends and family, no matter how far they might be, keeping them updated on your plans. I know I’m biased but traveling to NYC can be great if you take time to plan correctly.
Where is New York City, USA?
New York City is way up north in the United States. New York is a place where history meets so much natural beauty, there’s no way we can go wrong with coming here.
What State is New York City In?
New York City is surrounded by northern natural delights. You find this town within the state of New York. This amazing state is sandwiched between Pennsylvania and Connecticut, allowing you to also explore the highlands and beautiful coastal areas.
How to Get to New York City, USA?
New York City can be accessed easily by both air and road:
By Air: There are a couple of airports you can use to reach NYC. Both LaGuardia and JFK are in town, easily accessible by the transit system or private ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft. You can also fly into Newark to avoid the traffic around other places.
By Road: New York City connects to other parts of the US very well by highway. You can rent a car, go by bus, or hire a private transfer to get where you need to go.
Best Places to Stay in New York City in May
I swear it isn’t me loving my neighborhood, but the best place to stay in NYC, no matter the month, will always be the Flatiron District! It is a central area in Manhattan, giving you access to everywhere else in town through buses and subway lines alike.
Is there Uber in New York City?
Yes, and so are other rideshare apps! They are a very popular means to get around since most New Yorkers don’t own a car. All apps work just fine as long as you have a good internet connection, which you can get with travel phone plans, because it isn’t ideal to rely on wifi signals.
New York City in May: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Months to Visit New York City, USA?
If you want to make the most of your time here, the best months to come over are in late Spring through Summer, May through August. It is peak travel season, but not even that can get in the way of a well-planned trip! You will be able to enjoy all the outdoor spaces in town without worrying too much about cold or rainy weather.
Does it Get Cold in New York City?
Does it ever? It can get very cold in New York City, a town famous for its cold winters and snow days. During winters, temperatures go from 4 to -4 degrees Celsius (40-25°F). Pretty much everyone considers it to be quite cold, but it is also the most iconic season, causing visitors to flock in no matter what.
What is the Coldest Month in New York City?
The coldest month in New York is generally January, with the lowest temperatures hovering around a meagre 1 degree Celsius (34°F).
Packing for New York City in May: What to Bring?
New York City weather in May is a nice mix of summer and spring, which means one thing: it gets hot. Your best bet will be packing light layers such as denim shorts and tank tops or linen button-downs. I always like to carry a cardigan for those air-conditioned places that get chilly! As for shoes, get your comfiest walking shoes for all the walking.
Besides all that, a late spring essential is good sunscreen. We always end up needing sunglasses to use during the day and a reusable water bottle to keep hydrated during the day.
Is May a Good Time to Visit the USA?
One hundred per cent yes! May can be the perfect moment to visit New York because we begin to see spring break and summer deals pop up everywhere. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, the weather is perfect pretty much all the time, and we get to see many live events because of that.
Final Thoughts: Visiting New York City in May
New York City Weather in May has the promise of summer just around the corner, with higher temperatures inspiring people to live their best outdoor lives. And as peak travel season begins, it gives us the chance to meet people from around the world at one of the most iconic cities ever. Why miss the chance to enjoy it?
The warm weather in town is perfect for you to explore everything, which is possible with the proper planning! And setting up camp in the Flatiron District will give you an advantageous starting point, settled between true locals!
Why not get a head start and begin your planning right now?
More Weather in NYC for Planning
- Check out: New York City Weather in April
- Check out: New York City Weather in June
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