A confluence of all things cultural and intellectual, New York often referred to as ‘The Big Apple’ is a global hub that excites and invigorates. This dynamic city comprises five boroughs: Staten Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx interlinked by tunnels, bridges, and ferries. Home to iconic landmarks like Statue of Liberty and Times Square, the New York houses the largest immigrant population in the world and helps one understand the true meaning of international freedom and cultural diversity. New York in May is month of many events combined with lesser crowds and good spring weather, serving as a beautiful time to explore the city.
What makes New York in May Special?
- Spring is in the air : New York City witnesses different weather conditions throughout the year but owing to the ongoing spring season, it’s warm and sunny in May, making it the best season to explore different sights and sounds that the city has to offer.
- Still not High Season : If you’re looking to wander about the streets of New York, May is the best time to enjoy solitary walks and leisure trips to the mall as the crowds are considerably lesser than the other months. You’ll still have to deal with a lot of people at the tourist hotspots though.
- Exciting Events : There are a plethora of events lined up in May that will make your trip here special. Whether it’s an international dance festival or food festival, Memorial Day at the month end or the Fleet Walk that happens during the middle of the month, New York in May is quite exciting, and offers a tonne of opportunities to make memories!
New York Weather in May
The month of May is a delightful time to visit New York as the city is in its full spring bloom and the average temperature is usually 12.5°C, with slight variations during the day and night. The sunny and warm weather makes it pleasant to explore the city on foot as well!
New York in May : Top Experiences
1
Central Park
A massive expanse of green in the midst of Manhattan, Central Park is an urban garden and among the most popular tourist destinations in New York City. It houses a museum, a zoo, several lakes, an ice-skating rink, an open-air theatre, several monuments and fountains, and a host of flora. An early morning stroll to breathe in the fresh, crisp air is highly recommended.
May Timings
Open daily from 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
New York, NY
USA
Getting There ›
2
Spring Walk on the High Line
The Highline is a park built on a historic freight rail line which offers a mesmerizing aerial view of Manhattan’s Westside. In addition to being a scenic vista for photographers, the walk also serves as an open space for art, design, and nature to coexist with people.
May Timings
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
New York, NY 10011,
USA
Getting There ›
3
Top of the Rock | Rockefeller Plaza
Top of the Rock is an observatory atop the Rockefeller Center which provides a sweeping view of the massive skyscrapers that adorn midtown and downtown Manhattan. A surreal experience given the stunning view, you can also indulge in some shopping and dining when here.
May Timings
Daily, 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM. The last trip is at 1:15 AM
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112,
USA
Getting There ›
4
9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a moving tribute to the victims of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre. The twin pools with names of the deceased are a reminder of the loss America experienced, and the museum has a collection of memorabilia from that fateful day.
May Timings
Daily 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Memorial)
Sun to Thu 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Fri to Sat 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Memorial Museum)
Z180 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007
USA
Getting There ›
5
Statue of Liberty
A trip to New York would be incomplete without visiting the iconic neoclassical sculpture of the Statue of Liberty. Get onboard the ferry with The New York Reserve ticket that offers a guided tour to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island while allowing you time to explore the monument at your pace.
May Timings
Daily 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Ferry Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (every 25-30 minutes approximately)
New York, NY 10004,
USA
Getting There ›
Recommended Statue of Liberty Experiences
6
Bronx Zoo
Renowned for its diverse animal collection, the Bronx Zoo is among the largest zoos in New York. It houses a butterfly garden, a gorilla forest, and a jungle world among other attractions. Other activities like penguin and sea lion feedings, nature treks and even a camel ride are up for grabs here!
May Timings
Sat to Thu 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Fri 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
USA
Getting There ›
7
American Museum of Natural History
Founded in 1869, this New York City essential is packed to the brim with artifacts from around the world. It is suggested that you take more than a day to explore the entire museum and check out the exhibitions that are set up for a limited time only. The Titanosaur is a museum exclusive that attracts global attention. Needless to say, a trip to the American Museum Of Natural History in February gives you the best chance to get to all parts of the museum.
February Timings
Daily 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM
Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024,
USA
Getting There ›
8
Hudson River Cruise
A cruise on Hudson River is a must-do activity for the sheer pleasure of sailing. With the passing view of Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan Bridge, the cruise also offers onboard commentary so you can unwind while admiring these incredible monuments from a distance.
May Timings
Cruises start at 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM
Pier 83, West 42nd Street , New York City
USA
Getting There ›
9
Catch a Broadway Show
Be it any month , broadway shows are must. Talk about Broadway week and the chance of scoring discounted tickets ( only till May 10)
Regardless of when you visit New York, it is imperative that you catch a musical at the Broadway! You can choose your pick from an assortment of shows and book your tickets in the Broadway Week(January 21–February 10, 2019.) for a discounted ticket that you can make use of till May 10th!
May Timings
Timings Vary Depending On The Show & Availability
Theater District
New York, NY
USA
Getting There ›
10
Chelsea Market Food and Culture Walking Tour
Visit the birthplace of the Oreo cookie in the famous Chelsea Market. Take a tour of the trendiest restaurants and gorge on tasty dishes before heading towards the park in the sky, ‘The Highline’. This is the best tour to experience New York’s culinary heritage.
May Timings
This tour starts daily at 10:00 AM
75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
USA
Getting There ›
New York in May: Events to Look Out For
Fleet Week
Dates: 22nd May - 27th May, 2019
An annual event, Fleet Week is a celebration dedicated to the sailors of the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. In addition to a warship parade and a demonstration of the maritime services' capabilities, one can also enjoy the Brewery's Fleet Week Music Festival and revel in the festivities.
Annual Ethnic Festival in Harlem
Date: Starts on 18th May, 2019
New York City will be witness to the 27th Annual Ethnic Festival on May 18th, 2019, and this gathering will celebrate cross-cultural festivities, along with exciting exhibits and activities for onlookers of all ages.
Memorial Day
Date: 27th May, 2019
The Memorial Day weekend is a huge event for the New Yorkers and an opportunity to honor those in the armed forces. Visit the Kings County Memorial Day Parade in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn to experience the patriotic fervor of several bands marching in sync. You can also witness the 21-gun salute after that!
Dance Parade
Date: 18th May, 2019
An annual event, the 13th Dance Parade is set to feature ten thousand dancers with more than 80 unique dance styles, a host of DJs and live bands, making it a grandiose display of cultural diversity. Be a part of the festivities to witness some insane dance moves, vibrant costumes, and feet-thumping music.
Japan Day
Date: May 13, 2019
Japan Day is an annual event organized at Central Park by the local Japanese community to showcase their appreciation to their home, New York. The day-long festival starts with a mini-marathon run, followed by traditional Japanese activities, free samplings of famous Japanese cuisines, and an impactful stage performance.
Manhattanhenge
Date: May 28, 2019
Manhattanhenge or Manhattan Solstice refers to the bi-annual event when the setting sun aligns between the east-west streets of the main street grid of Manhattan. The marvelous sunset has a lot of viewers who line the streets and is also a great photo opportunity.
Holi Hai
Dates : TBA
Celebrate the spring festival of colors in style at the Holi Hai bash at the Play Lawn, Governors Island in New York City. You can sing along with the live bands, or sway to the interactive dance workshops, and gorge on the great food after playing with colors here. Check out this space for dates and tickets
Lower East Side Festival of the Arts
Dates : TBA
The Lower East Side Festival of the Arts is an annual theater festival that offers a marathon of the most exceptional plays. The event has a theme every year, and activities are centered around the chosen subject. Visit the event if you’re around NYC in May and come away inspired by their sheer energy and talent.
NYC in May : 5-day Itinerary
5-7 Days in New York Itinerary
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NYC May Essentials
LanguageEnglish
Time zoneGMT-4
Country Code917 | 212 | 718
Socket Type A & B
CurrencyDollar ($)
New York Weather in May
New York enjoys pleasant weather in May, and the average temperature hovers around 12°C during the day, but it can dip down to 8°C at night. The skies are usually bright and sunny with about 9 hours of sunshine every day. It’s the perfect weather for outdoor explorations and walking trails!
NYC Accommodation In May
Whether you’re a budget traveler or looking for a more luxurious stay, The Big Apple welcomes all travelers and has a host of accommodation to suit your budget –
- Luxury Hotels - Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, The Dominick, Loews Regency New York Hotel
- Budget Hotels - Park Central Hotel New York, Candlewood Suites New York City, Hotel St. James, The Jane
- Hostels - The Brooklyn Riviera Hostel, Broadway Hotel & Hostel
NYC Packing List May
For a trip to New York in May, it would be ideal to carry outdoor gear such as sunglasses, caps or hats as the days will be sunny and warm. You could keep a light cardigan or a windcheater jacket for day trips along with sturdy walking shoes. It’s also recommended to carry sunscreen and warm coats for the evening time as it can be windy.
Getting Around New York in May
New York City has an incredible network of public transport options that connect to almost all areas of the boroughs. With the iconic yellow taxis, you can hail and reach any destination at a metered charge. You can also book cab services like Uber or Lyft in advance. The buses here cover almost 322 routes but remember, you can only pay by coins and not bills, or by a Metrocard! The most extensive subway system in the world, New York Subway allows you to escape traffic as you travel around the city and covers four out of 5 boroughs.
New York in May: Seasonal Delicacies
A popular dish, the meat for the Porterhouse steak is selected and dry-aged at the legendary Williamsburg chophouse, and when plated with melted butter in a sizzling platter, the steak is delightful beyond words.
Where to eat: Peter Luger Steakhouse
The pork bun comprises a steamed bao with roasted pork belly and garnished with cucumbers and scallions. The dish is such a classic that it can be eaten at any time of the day and still leave you wanting more.
Where to eat: Momofuku
The amalgamation of a croissant and donut, this dessert by Chef Chef Dominique Ansel is a trademarked dish and the line of people standing at the bakery to get a sample is a testament to the goodness within.
Where to eat: Dominique Ansel Bakery
Square pies are triangular slices of sweet and salt dough, garnished with mozzarella, Parmesan, olive oil and basil that melt in the mouth after tantalizing the taste buds. You may have to brave the lines at the small outlet, but the prize is worth the wait.
Where to eat: Di Faria
The Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern is a classic that ought to be tasted if you are in New York City. The patty is made of dry-aged Pat LaFrieda beef, and a bite into this juicy decadence can set you feeling happy and high.
Where to eat: Minetta Tavern
Tips for Visiting New York in May
- If you’re visiting New York in May, then it is an excellent opportunity to explore the area with heritage walks and tours. You can keep your camera handy for these and have a gala time photographing the different hues of the city.
- New York will play host to the 9th Avenue Food Festival on the 18th and 19th of May, 2019. Plan a visit here to get a flavor of different cultural cuisines, ethnic music, and traditional dance performances.
- Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican festival that celebrates the Mexican army's victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla on 5th May 2019. Visit the festival for a refreshing and colorful start to your vacation and sample the delicious feasts too!
- Remember to explore Times Square but be wary of pickpockets as the area can get extremely crowded at nights.
- It’s a great idea to get a Metrocard for commuting as it will allow you to use both buses and the subway at your convenience.
Planning to Visit New York in May?
For more fun things to do in NYC, check out our detailed guides and plan your trip better!
