The Big Apple makes you dream, but you wonder if May is the right time to go there? Are you still asking yourself a lot of questions before you leave? Climate, visits, activities and events to discover in New York in May 2025… We tell you everything here in this guide.
Going to New York in May 2025
All year round, many travellers choose New York as their destination for a good time. In the middle of spring, May is an even better time to explore the “city that never sleeps”. Because at this time of year, the weather is perfect: temperatures are moderate, a little warm at times, but never too hot. Let’s just say that we have what it takes to walk around New York’s streets at ease, without being suffocated by the heat like in summer.
So, yes, you’re right to go to New York in May! Especially as there are still few tourists for most of the month, before the big summer holidays. So you’ll be able to enjoy your stay in a quieter, more comfortable setting.
A word of advice though: before you leave, buy a City Pass to avoid the queues at the entrances to the attractions.
New York is more pleasant to visit in May than in the middle of summer because airfares are still reasonable. On the other hand, hotel prices are starting to rise considerably. To keep your costs down, it’s best to book your rooms well in advance.
In May, all the conditions are right to enjoy New York. You can do a bit of everything. There are plenty of activities to do and outdoor visits will be much more enjoyable than in previous months.
The New York programme in May 2025
The must-do activities in New York
Whatever the season, some activities are still a must in New York:
- Visit the great museums of New York (the Met, the MoMa, and the Guggenheim Museum…)
- Discover its essential monuments (the Brooklyn Bridge, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Statue of Liberty…)
- Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the sky decks (Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge)
- See a musical show in Brodway
Walk around in the city’s parks and gardens
May is the perfect time to spend a good time exploring the city. Because the weather is favourable, you can make the most of beautiful neighbourhoods such as Wall Street, Times Square, Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Chinatown as well as New York’s parks such as Central Park, Hudson River Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, to name but a few. Whether on foot or by bike, the experience is unique.
Boat trip
Cruise aboard a pleasure craft, take in the Manhattan skyline and explore some of New York’s greatest attractions such as the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge from the water.
Concerts in May in New York
See major sporting events
The biggest sporting events take place in May if the New York teams manage to qualify for the various playoffs, so you can still watch hockey and basketball!
Don’t worry, even if the Rangers (hockey) and Knicks (NBA) don’t manage to qualify for the play-offs, NYC still has some great sporting events on offer, including baseball and soccer. A visit to New York would be incomplete without seeing an MLB baseball match at Yankee Stadium.
Heading to baseball at the Yankee Stadium
With no fewer than 12 games in May for the Yankees, you’re bound to find a date to suit you.
Would you rather take a stroll through Flushing Meadows and watch a baseball match in Queens? No problem, the New York Mets are waiting for you at Citi Field.
Another great May sports show to discover: Soccer (MLS)
A month after the start of the soccer championship, the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC should have found their automatisms that will lead them to the top of the league.
Knicks in the Playoff
The chances of the New York Knicks qualifying for the play-offs are high, and we’ll keep you updated on the games if they manage to make the play-offs.
Rangers in the Playoff
If you’re planning to visit New York in May, be aware that you won’t be able to attend any New York Rangers hockey games. Despite an exceptional previous season with 55 wins and a spot in the conference finals, the Rangers have seen a drop in performance this year. They missed the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2021, falling six points short of a playoff spot.
However, the city offers a multitude of other sporting events in May. Soccer fans can attend six Major League Soccer (MLS) games involving both New York teams: New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls. Basketball fans will have the opportunity to see the Knicks in action at Madison Square Garden as they compete in the NBA playoffs. In addition, baseball season is in full swing, with numerous Yankees and Mets games scheduled throughout the month. All in all, even without hockey, New York remains a top destination for sports enthusiasts.
If you’re in New York in the first week of May, you can take part in the Five Borough Bike Tour on 5 May. This major cycling event brings together over 30,000 participants who will take to the streets of New York for a race of around 70km.
Other events not to be missed in May
15 May 2025: Path of Liberty
A monumental art experience not to be missed in New York. Inaugurated by Lenny Kravitz and the Soloviev Foundation, this free installation offers a powerful visual journey. Through giant portraits and interactive stories, discover the lives of World War II heroes and contemporary figures who embody the American values of freedom and equality. Learn more.
17 May 2025: Dance Parade
An event where more than 10,000 dancers, DJs and music groups come together to bring New York City to life. Find all the information you need to attend the Dance Parade.
18 May 2025: AIDS Walk NY
The world’s largest AIDS walkathon: https://ny.aidswalk.net/
From 23 to 28 May 2025: Fleet Week
For one week, New York is honouring the men and women of the US armed forces. Military demonstrations and air shows will be held.
26 May 2025: The Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May to honour all members of the US armed forces who have died in battle. Military parades are organised for the occasion.
The Manhattanhenge
These are two days when the setting sun lines up perfectly with the streets of Manhattan. A magnificent sight to behold on 28 and 29 May 2025.
Ninth Avenue International Food Festival
Gastronomic event, celebrated on the 17th and 18th May. On this occasion, many culinary specialties from all over the world will be offered with an entertainment program including shows and concerts. With so much on offer in New York at this time of year, spring is one of the best times of the year for an unforgettable stay. It would be wise to make this reservation in advance, to take full advantage of it and get the best value for money.
