- Cinco de Mayo: May 5th is a popular celebration for Mexican Americans, so you’re sure to find great deals on tacos and margaritas at just about every Mexican restaurant in the city. But the best place to be in Manhattan is likely at Stone Street’s Cinco de Mayo Street Festival, where live Mariachi music, tequila tastings, street performers and more will be celebrating in the Financial District between 85 Broad St and Hanover Square.
- Japan Parade & Street Fair 2026: This annual celebration of Japanese culture is a late-spring highlight with traditional performers, dancers, and artisans offering workshops on calligraphy, origami, and more. The parade takes place on May 10, and the route starts at 1:00pm on 81st St and travels down Central Park West to 67th St, ending with a street fair on 72nd St that lasts until 5:00pm. Looking for even more chances to enjoy Japanese food and culture? Check out JAPAN Fes 2026 every Sunday in Manhattan for a variety of food vendors.
- The Dance Parade: The 20th annual Dance Parade kicks off on May 16 with 10,000 dancers parading down a route from 6th Avenue to St. Mark’s Place. The parade will end at Tompkins Square Park, and a daylong Dancefest will showcase dancers across 4 different stages until 7pm.
- Ninth Avenue International Food Festival: One of New York’s most defining features is its diversity, and one of the best ways to appreciate this is by tasting your way around the world at the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival. From May 16-17, cuisine from Taiwan, Greece, Brazil, Mexico, and all across Latin America will pop up along 9th Avenue between 42nd-57th Streets.
- Park Avenue Day 2026: On May 16, more than 200 vendors will be selling artisanal goods, sustainable fashion, art, gifts, and homemade treats at this free open-air market along Park Avenue starting at 38th Street.
New York in May: Weather, Events & the Start of Summer
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Before the sweltering summer temperatures arrive in New York, May’s mostly sunny skies and pleasantly warm daily temperatures make this an unbeatable time to explore Manhattan’s best attractions. Rooftop restaurants and experiences are open once again, drinking and dining al fresco is ideal, spring foliage is in full bloom, and summer is on the horizon.
Our quick travel guide will help you plan the best late spring/early summer visit and things to do in NYC in May.
HOW TO PACK FOR NYC MAY WEATHER
With average temperatures of 71°F—57°F (22°C—14°C) during May, try to pack breathable layers and a lightweight jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a travel umbrella for any late spring showers. The later in May you travel, the more likely you are to experience some hot weather, with a high of 80°F (22°C) possible on Memorial Day (May 25th).
MAY EVENTS & CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
MAY BASEBALL & BASKETBALL GAMES IN NEW YORK
- The New York Yankees season will be in full swing during May, with a game almost every single day of the month and 14 home games at the famous Yankee Stadium. Check the Yankees schedule for more info and to buy tickets.
- The New York Mets are playing 12 home games at Citi Field in May against the Yankees and other historic teams like the Detroit Tigers. See the Mets’ full schedule to buy tickets.
- The 2026 WNBA season kicks off in May, and the acclaimed New York Liberty women’s basketball team will play 6 home games at Barclays Center. For more info and tickets, check the season schedule.
MAY’S BEST MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS
- New Museum: After a two-year renovation and expansion, the cutting-edge New Museum has opened its doors again in time for spring travellers. Their New Humans: Memories of the Future exhibition highlights 200 different artists and explores the impacts of tech on humanity and runs throughout the spring.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Met is celebrating the completion of 12,000 square feet of new gallery space adjacent to the Great Hall with the opening of Costume Art, a sprawling view of garments and related art pieces from prehistory to the present. Costume Art runs from May 10 through January 10, 2027.
- MoMA: Two big-name exhibitions will draw modern art fans to the MoMA this spring. The first opening is Frida and Diego: The Last Dream which explores the legendary and complicated relationship between celebrated Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and runs through December 30. An anticipated Marcel Duchamp retrospective—the first in more than 50 years—will showcase 300 artworks from the famous French Dadaist until August 22.
- The Whitney Museum of American Art: The beloved Whitney Biennial is back for its 82nd edition with 56 of today’s most exciting working artists displaying for the entire month of May.
FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Each Sunday in May, Weekends In Bloom brings pop-up music and dance performances as well as kid-friendly activities to the gardens from 10:30am-4pm. The immersive Discovery Garden is also open to explore on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10:20-12:30 with volunteer educators and teenage garden apprentices on hand to direct activity stations and answer questions.
- MoMA: Children 2 and up are encouraged to come and enjoy artful tales that get us thinking, talking, moving, and creating during Family Story Time every Wednesday at 10:30.
- The Guggenheim: The special exhibition, A Year with Children, opens May 8 and showcases younger student artworks from across New York City’s public schools.
- Central Park Zoo: The animals at this conservation-focused zoo are most active during late spring and early summer, and you’ll have the opportunity to see lemurs and leopards, watch daily penguin and sea lion feedings, or even interact with mini Nubian goats.
MORE OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO IN NYC
- Enjoy food and drinks after a walk along the High Line: Vendors return to this stylish park in Chelsea in May, and since the park hours have been extended until 10pm, you can take in the city lights.
- Book a rooftop experience: With sunnier skies and warmer weather, May is a great time to check out the artsy glam of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or the exhilarating outdoor outlooks and unique photo opportunities at Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock.
- Bike through Central Park: Before New York’s famous humidity creeps up, consider renting a bike and riding the loop around the park. You can cover a lot more ground and see more of the sites, and there are even electric and tandem options if you’re feeling adventurous.
WHY VISIT NEW YORK IN MAY?
The end of May marks the unofficial start of summer in New York, and the month offers some of the most comfortable weather of the year for outdoor exploration. The schools haven’t quite let out and the peak tourism season is still a month away, so May can be an incredible time to explore Manhattan since most attractions have just started operating around their summer schedules.
From parades to outdoor markets, food festivals, and jaw-dropping rooftop views, our Fitzpatrick Manhattan and Fitzpatrick Grand Central Midtown Manhattan hotels are ideally located near all of the excitement.
