What to Wear in New York City in May (Helpful Local's Guide!) (2024)

May in New York City feels like the Friday before summer break. The stress of ruined plans due to unforeseen weather is long gone and winter coats are back in a box under your bed (where they belong!). If you’re visiting the Big Apple in the spring and not too sure what to pack for NYC in May, this guide is here to help.

We’ll cover all the essentials and go over some outfit ideas to help make packing a breeze. So, without further ado, let’s dive into what to wear in New York City in May!

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Visiting NYC in May (Average Weather)

Packing for May in New York City should be painless considering the month offers plenty of warm days and beautiful spring flowers. Your outfit options won’t be limited by the weather. Mornings and evenings might come with a slight breeze but overall, the daytime temperatures are comfortable and warm.

In early May, expect temperatures averaging between 60-70°F (15-21°C), with occasional rain mainly at the beginning of the month. Towards late May, temperatures rise to about 65-77°F (18-25°C), giving a taste of summer. This guide is here to lend you a hand in packing and picking out the perfect outfits for early and late May in NYC!

What to Wear in New York City in May

Packing List for Early May

Typical Daily Temps (May 1 through May 15): Range from 61-72°F (16-22°C). Expect 3-5 rainy days.

#1. Basic Tees

There’s nothing worse than overpacking your suitcase and then having to lug that brick around town. If you’ve never visited New York City before, spoiler: there are a lot of stairs here. To keep packing for NYC in May light, stick to basics.

Solid tee shirts that can be worn in multiple different outfits will be key. For example, a plain white t-shirt can be worn with jeans, a skirt, or fun pants. The outfit is interchangeable yet the shirt remains a staple. Pieces that take up little space but can be worn a hundred different ways will make packing for May in New York City less stressful.

#2. Light Sweater

Since average temperatures lean towards the mild to warm side, it’s safe to leave the hoodies and thick sweaters behind. Instead, go for a light sweater or cardigan that you can easily take off and tie around your waist or toss into your bag if it gets too warm outside.

Adding a warm layer to your packing list for NYC in May is definitely worth it, especially for those brisk mornings and evenings. Consider it more of an accessory than a must-have item. However, ultimately, you know yourself best. If you tend to run cold, it’s wise to pack something to keep you cozy during chilly moments.

If helpful, this is my most complimented sweater and I never take a trip without it!

#3. Your Favorite Jeans

To keep your packing light for New York City in May, I recommend bringing one to two pairs of your favorite jeans. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with something cropped and wide-legged for the spring season! Having a reliable pair of denim with you offers a versatile option for putting together different outfits when you’re unsure of what to wear in NYC in May.

#4. Accessories

When you’re visiting New York City in May, make sure to prioritize packing sunglasses—it’s a must-have! Spending extended periods outdoors without sun protection can become overwhelming. Pair your sunglasses with a crossbody bag that can transition seamlessly from day to night, saving you precious space in your luggage.

Similar to sunglasses, a baseball cap is a fantastic spring essential to pack when you’re visiting NYC in May. Whether you’re covering up unwashed hair or simply adore the style, it offers an extra shield against the sun while adding a trendy touch. You’ll spot plenty of folks sporting one of these on the streets in May!

#5. Comfortable Walking Shoes

Repeat after me, comfort. over. everything.

Don’t let the sunny days fool you into only packing open-toe sandals and flip-flops when deciding what to wear in NYC in May! Trust me, there is a time and place for those cute shoes but New York City is not it. Stick to a comfortable pair of closed-toed sneakers during your day of exploring.

Feel free to pack a summer shoe and wear it for short distances like brunch or an event like a Broadway show. If you’re keen to look fashionable while packing for New York City in May, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more stylish and comfortable shoethan this pair.

You May Find This Helpful: 10 Best Shoes to Wear for Walking Around New York City (by Season)

Visiting NYC in Late May

Typical Daily Temperature (May 16 through May 30): Lows: 50°F to 60°F to highs in the high-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (10 to 23°C). Less rainy days than at the beginning of the month, but expect 1-2 days of rain.

#1. Linen Pieces

When the sun’s blazing, nothing beats the comfort of linen. Its lightweight and breathable nature feels like a blessing when the heat hits. As you pack for late May in New York City, toss in some playful linen pants and shirts to keep cool and stylish.

Seems like this year’s go-to style is rocking a linen vest with linen trousers, and honestly, I’m all about it. It’s effortlessly cool, keeping things simple yet classy. I usually grab my linen pieces from places like Eileen Fisher and Gap, but you can easily find some wallet-friendly options on Amazon, Old Navy, and Abercrombie since linen is the fabric of the season.

#2. Denim Jacket

Here’s a tip: bring along one trusty jacket for your NYC trip in May. Personally, I swear by a denim jacket! It goes with any spring outfit and can be fancied up with a dress or kept casual with some funky pants.

Jean jackets are perfect for layering, so packing for May in NYC doesn’t have to be a hassle. You can wear it onto the plane (even if it’s tied around your waist) to save space, and it’s lightweight enough that you won’t worry about overheating.

#3. Dresses & Jumpsuits

Exploring the Big Apple in spring gives you the perfect opportunity to bring out all those flowy dresses tucked away in your closet! When the sun is shining, nothing beats the simplicity and elegance of a dress for navigating what to wear in NYC in May.

Plus, the convenience of throwing on just one piece of clothing is a time-saving gem not to be overlooked. If flowy dresses don’t do it for you, jumpsuits are a great alternative. Both pieces can be dressed up with a jean jacket and block heels or can be made casual with a sneaker and cardigan.

#4. Bottoms & Basics

The best thing about packing for New York City in May? Your outfit choices aren’t dictated by the weather. May is the ideal time to finally wear that outfit you’ve been dreaming about for the past four chilly months.

Make sure to pack versatile items like jeans, playful trousers, or cargos that you can wear day in and day out. Here’s a pro tip: include bottoms that effortlessly transition from day to night with just a change of shoes. Keeping your wardrobe simple with interchangeable pieces ensures a smooth transition from a day of exploring to a lovely dinner outing.

Post Summary (What to Pack for NYC in May)

Early May NYC Packing List

• 2-3 Basic Tees
• 1 Light Sweater or Cardigan
• 1-2 Pairs of Reliable Jeans
• Accessories: Sunglasses, Crossbody Bag, Baseball Cap

Late May NYC Packing List

• 2-3 Linen Pieces (Pants and Top)
• Denim Jacket
• Flowy Dress and/or Breathable Jumpsuit
• Fun Bottoms(Jeans, Trousers, Cargos)
• Shoes: Close-Toed Sneakers, Small Block Heel

You might enjoy reading: What to Wear in New York City in the Spring (Packing List & Outfit Ideas)

And there you have it, the complete guide on what to pack for New York City in May. As always, let us know if we missed anything — we love to hear from you.

Cheers!