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New York City, United States
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May · climate normalsMild days and a month score of 66/100

New York City in May

Good · 66/100Beach 28/100
High / low72° / 54°daily averages
Precipitation4.1 in13 wet days
Sea55°surface temperature
40.71° N, 74.01° WElevation 33 ftUTC−4 · Eastern Daylight Time
When to goNew York City · weather score
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec66May
Best timeMay · Sep–Oct
May: high / low72° / 54°
iWhat to expect

The weather in May

In May, New York City averages daytime highs of 72° and night-time lows of 54° — mild weather by day. Expect around 4.1 in of precipitation spread over about 13 wet days, with average cloud cover near 38%.

Days are 5.6° warmer than in April on average, and June is warmer again by about 5°. The sea averages 55°, too cold for most swimmers.

May scores 66/100 — good conditions for sightseeing — and ranks 3rd of the twelve months for New York City.

Around the middle of the month the sun rises at 05:40 and sets at 20:06 local time, giving 14 h 27 min of daylight. Days lengthen by 55 minutes over the month.

Why 66/100?

How the score for May is built
Comfort · 42%100%
Dry days · 33%6%
Clear skies · 25%87%

Beach score this month: 28/100 (adds sea temperature and heat).

Comfort peaks for daytime highs between 18° and 25°C (64–77°F).

iiIn context

May against the year

Full climate guide

Festivals in the region in May

Only the month is given: the exact dates change from year to year.

iiiNearby in May

Around New York City this month

Brooklyn
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Brooklyn

New York · 5.3 mi SE
71°May high
13wet days
66score
Brooklyn
Manhattan
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Manhattan

New York · 5.2 mi NE
72°May high
13wet days
65score
Manhattan
The Bronx
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The Bronx

New York · 12 mi NE
72°May high
13wet days
65score
The Bronx
Staten Island
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Staten Island

New York · 13 mi SW
71°May high
13wet days
66score
Staten Island
ivTop of the table

United States's best in May

Where to go in May
Los Angeles
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1

Los Angeles

California
76°May high
2wet days
96score
Los Angeles
San Diego
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2

San Diego

California
70°May high
2wet days
96score
San Diego
Santa Ana
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3

Santa Ana

California
75°May high
2wet days
96score
Santa Ana
Flagstaff
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4

Flagstaff

Arizona
69°May high
3wet days
93score
Flagstaff
·Questions

New York City in May: quick answers

Is May a good time to visit New York City?

May scores 66/100 for New York City, which we rate as good. Average highs are 72°F with 13 wet days.

How warm is New York City in May?

Daytime highs average 72°F and night-time lows 54°F in May.

Does it rain a lot in New York City in May?

New York City receives about 4.1 in of precipitation in May, falling on around 13 days.

Can you swim in New York City in May?

The sea averages 55°F in May, cold for most swimmers.