Hottest (avg)
#5 / 12
New York in May
May weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 14h
What to expect
As spring continues, May brings, where temperatures are climbing noticeably. Daytime highs average 20°C / 69°F, dropping to 11°C / 52°F at night.
Skies are often overcast, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 14 wet days).
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in New York.
Wettest (avg)
#3 / 12
Daylight Hours
#3 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#8 / 12
Highest UV
#3 / 12
Most Humid
#6 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 14.5 hours
- UV index (max)
- 8
- Typical sun hours
- 04:38 – 19:06
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 14
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 71%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit New York?
Typical May days in New York reach highs of 20°C (68°F) with nights around 11°C (52°F). It usually feels mild by day and cool after dark. It is one of the drier months, which suits outdoor exploring and sightseeing.
What are temperatures like in May?
In May, you can usually expect highs of 20°C (68°F) and lows near 11°C (52°F). That means mild days and cool nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 88 mm (3.5 in) across roughly 14 days. Overall it is a quite rainy time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in May?
You can expect about 14 hours of daylight in May. Sunrise is typically around 04:38 and sunset near 19:06. You get long days with comfortable amounts of daylight.
Does the weather change during May?
May often starts off a little cooler and becomes noticeably warmer by the end of the month.
How strong is the sun in May?
UV levels are often high (around 8). Regular sunscreen and a hat are recommended.
Is it windy in May?
In May, average wind speeds are around 12 km/h (7 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 50 km/h (31 mph). On the ground, it is it often feels breezy, especially in more exposed spots or along the coast.