New York City Weather in May: Sunny Strolls & Peak Spring Vibes

Late spring means great weather, 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 several 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.

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.

May in New York is generally mild or warm, with average high temperatures around 71°F (22°C) and average lows around 55°F (13°C). Temperatures typically become warmer as the month progresses.

The excitement of summer is palpable throughout the town, with early summer travelers 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 change 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 averages about 3.96 inches (101 mm) of precipitation in May. 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: 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. One of my favorites is Devoción. Devoción has many different roasts 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 want 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 Guggennhein Museum, with Broadway performances taking place in the afternoons and evenings depending on the show 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.

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: 5:30–5:55 AM
• Sunset: 7:50–8:20 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 or close to the Flatiron Building?

Is the Water Warm in New York City in May?

New York City’s waters are still cool in May, so swimming may feel chilly for many visitors. If you’re looking for waterfront scenery rather than a swim, the Hudson River Greenway and Governors Island are better options.

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 lots of exploring and switching between transportation, so you’ll want to stay comfortable.

👚 Go for breezy base layers like short 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: Rizzoli 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 in NYC:

NYC is a beautifully diverse city, made up of many cultures mixed. In the first week of May, more specifically on the 5th, some areas of town get together to celebrate Mexican Culture. 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:

Fleet Week New York is an annual event featuring U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard ships, service members, and public events around the city. It 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! If you’re visiting in early May, check whether the annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour falls during your trip. The 40-mile, car-free ride takes cyclists through all five boroughs and is one of New York’s signature spring cycling events.

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 when 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 ride-share 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 located in southeastern New York State, on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Hudson River. It consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

How to Get to New York City, USA?

New York City can be accessed easily by both  air and road:

By Air: NYC is served primarily by John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens, as well as Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. All three can be reached from Manhattan by public transportation, taxi, or rideshare.

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

For travelers who want a central Manhattan base, the Flatiron District is a convenient option, with subway and bus connections and many attractions within walking distance.

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

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 among true locals!

Why not get a head start and begin your planning right now?