10 Things to Do in New York in May

The splendor of spring makes New York in May even more attractive and full of life. You'll enjoy a dazzling solstice, entertaining tours and amazing parades.

Luisa María Lugo

Luisa María Lugo

8 min read

10 Things to Do in New York in May

New York in spring | ©Ben o Bro

The days get longer and more pleasant in New York in the spring, due to the nice weather that makes everyone feel at ease. So your list of things to do in New York in May can be longer and include many outdoor activities.

The high season will not yet have reached its peak by that time, which will make you feel more comfortable in the tourist spots. In addition, you will be able to participate in the celebration of the different festivities or activities that take place during that month. Find out here which events you won't want to miss.

1. Go for a cruise on the Hudson River

The Manhattan skyline from the ferry| ©Hellotickets
The Manhattan skyline from the ferry| ©Hellotickets

The Hudson River starts 507 kilometers from New York City, specifically in the Adirondack Mountains, and is very special because from it you can see some of the most famous monuments of the Big Apple as the Statue of Liberty.

For that reason, cruises on the Hudson River are so famous and in demand, and even more so in May when temperatures are so good. In addition, you can find a wide variety of options to book:

Book a Hudson River Cruise

2. Attend an exciting baseball game

Aerial View of Yankee Stadium in New York City| ©Nick Fewings
Aerial View of Yankee Stadium in New York City| ©Nick Fewings

The most important baseball season in the world, the MLB, is on in May, being an excellent opportunity for you to attend one of these great games held in New York. The participation of famous baseball players adds a lot of excitement and action.

Whether you are a baseball fan or not, the striking structures of the stadiums, along with the stores and indoor attractions, will please you. You will experience thrilling moments with the extraordinary plays of these great ball professionals.

Likewise, you can enjoy a cold beer at the popular and famous Yankee Stadium. If your favorite team is the New York Yankees or the Mets, attend an exciting baseball game. You will share with thousands of fans this unique and vivid experience.

Book tickets for a baseball game

3. Visit the botanical garden at its best

Botanical Garden entrance| ©Salim Virji
Botanical Garden entrance| ©Salim Virji

Spending a day in natural spaces and breathing an air of tranquility is possible even in the big city. For this there is the beautiful botanical garden, which is among the top in the entire United States. You will see vivid colors and perceive pleasant scents of magnolias, tulips, peonies and other pretty flowers.

If you want to get away from the tall buildings and noise, visiting it is the thing to do in New York in May. Besides, it is the right month to visit it because the cherry blossoms bloom and fill the paths with white and pink colors.

Being in these meadows you choose what you will do, whether it is to rest, paint, take pictures or take a leisurely stroll through it. You won't even have to pay if you go on a Friday before 12:00pm. For the other days and times of the month you will have to buy a ticket to the New York Botanical Garden, but for an affordable price.

Reserve your ticket to the New York Botanical Garden

4. Enjoy Shakespeare's plays for free

Shakespeare in Central Park| ©New York Habitat
Shakespeare in Central Park| ©New York Habitat

Every year, with the arrival of May, Shakespeare's plays are performed in New York. During this festival, which is held in the huge Central Park for free, 2 different plays of the famous writer are presented: Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet or Cymbeline.

If you know how to appreciate the value of these theater classics, this event held in that unique environment will be your favorite. You will be able to have an optimal view of the show because of how the theater has been set up.

The goal is to ensure that each and every spectator does not miss any detail of the play performed. And one thing I recommend is that, before the performance begins, you take a tour of Central Park while you are there to get to know it thoroughly and enjoy more of the special environment during the performance.

Information of interest

  • Date: starts at the end of the month, Tuesdays through Sundays.
  • Hours: 8:00pm.

Book a tour of Central Park

5. Be dazzled by the Manhattanhenge

Photo of Manhattanhenge| ©Nishant Khurana
Photo of Manhattanhenge| ©Nishant Khurana

To explain in words how wonderful the Manhattanhenge is is quite difficult, but I will try. It is a natural event that only happens twice a year, once in May. Of course, being of nature, the date of the month and the exact time of the solstice changes yearly.

During the solstice, as the sun sets, it aligns itself with the main streets of Manhattan. Specifically in the direction of both the east and west streets of this borough of New York.

You're going to want to take the best pictures, so be sure to bring your camera along for the ride. There's nothing better than being at the right time in the right place. That way, you'll have the opportunity to witness a magnificent phenomenon like this and capture it in pictures.

Book a night bus tour of Manhattan

6. Tour the city by bike

Bike Tour| ©cottonbro
Bike Tour| ©cottonbro

Among the different activities you can do in New York in May to take advantage of the good weather is to ride a bike through the streets of the city. In addition to exercising, you will be able to ride through many emblematic and recognized sites such as Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge.

There are many options for cycling activities in the city, with something for everyone:

  • Bike rental in Central Park: ideal if you are interested in getting to know the famous park in the most comfortable way and at your own pace. In addition, the price includes a map of the park.
  • Bike tour in Manhattan: if you want a group activity this option is ideal to get to know the most famous neighborhood of New York and in the most comfortable way.
  • Bike rental in the Financial District: with this option you can rent a bike for a whole day and get to know the whole area at your own pace. It is perfect if you already know it on foot.

Book a bike tour in New York

7. Don't miss the international food festival

New York Food Festival| ©Carl Mikoy
New York Food Festival| ©Carl Mikoy

Do you love food as much as I do? If that's the case, you'll agree that being at a food festival is ideal. In fact, this is one of the best things to do in New York in May. That's because it's a festival filled with culinary innovations from around the world.

The food booths are set up on 9th Avenue in a Manhattan neighborhood called Hells Kitchen. Your entrance to this type of event will cost you nothing and you have the option to try different special flavors.

You will also find musicians playing and/or singing live to liven up the cheerful atmosphere even more. Can you think of a better plan than food and music outdoors during a beautiful day? I can. If you're left wanting more, you can take a food tour of Manhattan the next day or whenever you want to continue discovering the flavors of the city.

Book a food tour in Manhattan

8. Attend the parade at Fleet Weeks

Start of Fleet Week| ©Class Andre N
Start of Fleet Week| ©Class Andre N

A holiday of great importance for New Yorkers is called "Fleet Week". During this week, the families of those who make up the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are celebrated with honor. It also includes the families of the Coast Guard and different activities that you can see.

The beginning is marked by the military type maneuvers that take place in the Hudson River. This week includes Memorial Day, a holiday commemorating veterans and a parade. If you go to Central Park you will probably see many people having picnics on Memorial Day.

The same will be true of New York's best rooftops, where you can go to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Memorial Day is specifically celebrated on the last Monday of the month and indirectly marks the beginning of summer. Besides the fact that the attractions will be open, there will be various deals and sales.

9. Run a half marathon in Brooklyn

A marathon in New York| ©Steven Pisano
A marathon in New York| ©Steven Pisano

If you like to exercise and run, a very popular event that will appeal to you is the half marathon in Brooklyn. But, even if you are not passionate about running these distances, being a spectator is also a special event. You are the one who chooses what to do in New York in May during this activity.

This event is well known and seen locally, being something expected by many people. In fact, it is so popular that registrations are taken in January and sell out in an hour.

Remember that the weather during that season is very favorable to join the event. Cheer up and be one of those who can say that you were, in some way, in the marathon.

10. Feel the adrenaline of the attractions of Luna Park

Luna Park entrance| ©Larry Syverson
Luna Park entrance| ©Larry Syverson

There are many activities you can do in New York in May if you leave Manhattan, but nothing like feeling the adrenaline of Luna Park. This amusement park, located in Coney Island, offers endless fun. Its different and well-structured attractions will make you feel indescribable emotions.

There are from roller coasters for adults, with impressive heights and speeds, to children's games for the little ones. In addition, rides that relate to traditional fairground rides add to the excitement.


What is the weather like in New York during May?

Bethesda Fountain in spring in Central Park| ©John Gillespie
Bethesda Fountain in spring in Central Park| ©John Gillespie

The month of May in New York is springtime, so the weather is warm. However, in the course of the night, the temperature tends to drop and you may experience some chill. Because of that, you should make sure to wear the right clothes for the moment.

Generally speaking, rainfall is no longer a problem, although some casual drizzle is possible. Temperatures can more or less average between 12°C minimum and 22°C maximum. One of the advantages you will have is the many hours of daylight to have fun.

Generally you will see the sunrise from 6:00am and it will get dark at approximately 8:00pm. Therefore, May is among the most favorable months for you to do various recreational activities, due to its good weather.

How many tourists are there in New York in May?

Sunset in New York City from a Roftop| ©Quintin Gellar
Sunset in New York City from a Roftop| ©Quintin Gellar

Because it is low season and not high season, the number of tourists is lower compared to the summer months. Therefore, the chances of finding crowds in restaurants, stores and other places are much lower.

That, along with the ideal weather, will help you experience no hiccups during your vacation and have a great tour. You already know that there are many things to do in New York in May.