30YearWeather
New York in May
New York weather in May - United States
😊Warm & Pleasant

New York Weather in May

Plan your May trip to New York, United States. Based on 30 years of NASA data, expect temperatures of 21°C (high) to 11°C (low), with 28% rain probability and 8 hours of daily sunshine. The Atlantic Ocean averages 15°C in May. Pack rain gear for around 21 rainy days.

Avg High
21°C

Hottest around day 30

Avg Low
11°C

Coolest around day 1

Rainy Days
21days

28% avg rain chance

Sunshine
8hrs/day

Spring season

Sea Temperature in May

Atlantic Ocean

15°C

Monthly Average

Water Feel
💧Refreshing

Consider a wetsuit for extended swimming

Swim Rating
🏄Cool, wetsuits recommended

Based on average sea surface temperature

Body of Water
Atlantic Ocean

New York coastline

New York May Weather Calendar

Click any day to see detailed weather information

Currency

USD

$ United States dollar

Language

English

Driving

Right side

Connect

Find free wireless wifi & hotspot across...

Safety

Moderate Safety

GPI: 2.44

Travel Intelligence

Exclusive flight analytics & health data for New York

Smart Flight Estimator

Airport-to-Airport Logistics

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Add your home location in settings to see airport details.

Flight Connectivity Analysis

Airport traffic data & seasonal patterns

Major Hub
85/ 100
Traffic Index

Extremely busy airport

Peak Daily Arrivals

0

slots per day

Peak

Aug

Low

Jan

Monthly Traffic Distribution

573
Jan
585
Feb
604
Mar
656
Apr
694
May
673
Jun
667
Jul
697
Aug
632
Sep
611
Oct
591
Nov
595
Dec
Traffic Level
Low Season

Key Connections

Los Angeles (LAX)
London Heathrow (LHR)
San Francisco (SFO)
Boston General Edward Lawrence Logan (BOS)
Orlando (MCO)

Health & Safety Advisory

CDC travel health recommendations

No Requirements

No Special Vaccinations Required

Standard travel precautions apply

Source: CDC Travelers' Health

View Complete Health Guide

Is May a Good Time to Visit New York?

👍Solid choice for most travelers
Short Answer

Don't expect beach weather in New York's May: 15°C cold seas despite 21°C air temps. Coastal scenery remains beautiful, just pack warm layers.

Decision Factors

Peak tourist season

100% of annual peak - expect crowds and peak prices

Ideal temperature range

20.8°C - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities

Cold sea - swimming challenging

15°C sea temperature - Refreshing Tonic

Plenty of sunshine

9.6h of sunshine daily

Calm, family-friendly seas

0.37m wave height - Lake-like

Exceptional dining scene

357 Michelin-listed restaurants

Good For

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
    Families with children

    Comfortable 20.8°C temperatures and low 28% rain risk

  • 👴
    Elderly travelers

    Comfortable 20.8°C temperature range with manageable humidity

  • 🏛️
    Cultural tourists

    Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites

  • 💼
    Business travelers

    Climate-controlled meetings unaffected by weather

  • 🌡️
    Heat-sensitive visitors

    Manageable 20.8°C without oppressive humidity

Who Should Avoid

  • 🏖️
    Beach lovers

    Sea temperature only 15°C - too cold for comfortable swimming

  • 💰
    Budget travelers

    Peak season means premium prices everywhere

930 observations30-year historical data
Confidence: 99%

"According to 30YearWeather's analysis of 30 years of NASA POWER satellite data,New York in May averages 21°C with 28% precipitation probability."

📊 Source: 30YearWeather.com🛰️ Data: NASA POWER (1991-2021)View Methodology →

Frequently Asked Questions: New York in May

What are the temperatures in New York in May?

Daytime highs average 21°C, nights drop to 11°C. Temperatures remain fairly consistent.

How many rainy days in New York in May?

Expect around 21 days with measurable rainfall. Rain is unlikely to disrupt plans.

What to wear in New York in May?

Comfortable casual wear with a light jacket for evenings.

Is May peak season in New York?

This is shoulder season—moderate prices and manageable crowds.