New York City in May
Best overall
The short answer
May is the best month to visit New York City.
Our best overall pick for most travellers.
9/10 overall13–22°CModerate crowds$$ (Moderate)
Weather10/10
Crowds7/10
Prices7/10
Events8/10
May in detail
What May actually feels like
- Weather
- 13–22°C
- Warm days, cool-to-mild evenings — average highs around 22°C (71.4°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Busy but manageable, before the summer peak
- Prices
- $$ (Moderate)
- Reasonable value for the quality of the conditions
+The strongest balance of pleasant weather, city atmosphere, manageable crowds and reasonable value.
–Not the cheapest month — winter still wins on price.
My tip for May
Book rooftops and outdoor tables ahead — May evenings are the first genuinely pleasant ones of the year.
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Rooftops
- Parks
How May compares
Against the other eleven months
1st of 12 overall in New York City, 1st for weather, 4th for space, 4th for value. The emptiest month is January; the best value is January.
See all twelve months for New York CityReady to book May in New York City?
The strongest balance of pleasant weather, city atmosphere, manageable crowds and reasonable value.
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