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New York State Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in New York State, the United States of America in May.

Considering a trip to New York State, the United States of America this May and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in New York State in May

New York State, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. May in New York State generally has temperatures that range from pleasant to warm, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high.

Temperatures

The average highest temperatures fluctuate between pleasant in Montauk at 18°C (64°F) to warm in Saugerties at 23°C (73°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 9°C (48°F) in Saugerties and 10°C (50°F) in Montauk.

For specific regional insights in New York State, the United States of America, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Niagara Falls with an average of 61 mm (2.4 in) to high rainfall in Lake Placid with 117 mm (4.6 in).

Average sunshine

Several destinations enjoy plenty of sunshine this month. New York City sees close to 258 hours of sunlight, making it great for sun lovers.

Explore New York State by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in New York State - and find the best time to visit. (based on New York City)

Best Places to Visit in New York State in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across New York State.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in New York State

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in New York State, the United States of America?

Temperature range in New York State (May)

Precipitation variation in New York State (May)

New York City

In May New York City generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
16°C (61°F)
22°C (72°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
8°C (46°F)
13°C (55°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly sun hours
225 hours
258 hours
259 hours
Monthly rainfall
106 mm (4.2 in)
112 mm (4.4 in)
138 mm (5.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
12 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Brooklyn

In May Brooklyn generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
17°C (63°F)
22°C (72°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
8°C (46°F)
13°C (55°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly sun hours
225 hours
258 hours
259 hours
Monthly rainfall
106 mm (4.2 in)
110 mm (4.3 in)
137 mm (5.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
13 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Queens

In May Queens generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
16°C (61°F)
22°C (72°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
8°C (46°F)
13°C (55°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly sun hours
225 hours
258 hours
259 hours
Monthly rainfall
105 mm (4.1 in)
111 mm (4.4 in)
142 mm (5.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
12 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Buffalo

In May Buffalo generally has pleasant temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
13°C (55°F)
20°C (68°F)
24°C (75°F)
Min temperature
2°C (36°F)
9°C (48°F)
15°C (59°F)
Monthly sun hours
206 hours
259 hours
290 hours
Monthly rainfall
80 mm (3.1 in)
78 mm (3.1 in)
108 mm (4.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
13 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Staten Island

In May Staten Island generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are very good that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
17°C (63°F)
22°C (72°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
7°C (45°F)
13°C (55°F)
18°C (64°F)
Monthly sun hours
225 hours
258 hours
259 hours
Monthly rainfall
96 mm (3.8 in)
100 mm (3.9 in)
122 mm (4.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
13 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in New York State, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in New York State in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
New York City 22°C (72°F) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Brooklyn 22°C (72°F) 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Queens 22°C (72°F) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Buffalo 20°C (68°F) 9°C (48°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Staten Island 22°C (72°F) 13°C (55°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Bronx 22°C (72°F) 13°C (55°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)

New York State weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in New York State, the United States of America in May?

May in New York State, the United States of America brings very good weather. In New York City, daytime temperatures are typically around 22°C (72°F) and nighttime lows hover near 13°C (55°F).

What is the average temperature in New York State, the United States of America in May?

Average temperatures in New York State, the United States of America during May range from a nighttime low near 13°C (55°F) to a daytime high around 22°C (72°F) in New York City.

Does New York State, the United States of America get a lot of rain in May?

New York State, the United States of America sees substantial rainfall in May. New York City typically averages about 112 mm (4.4 in), a mix of wet and dry days, but bring an umbrella.

Is May a Good Time to Visit New York State, the United States of America?

Given the typically very good weather conditions in New York City, May might be a good time to visit New York State, the United States of America.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in September offering mostly excellent weather in New York City. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, March and December tend to be less favorable.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in New York State.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.