May in New York: what to do, best shows, weather, what to wear and more!
May in New York marks the transition into full spring in the city. The streets are livelier, and it’s a great time to visit for those who want to enjoy the pleasant weather and everything the city has to offer.
If you’re traveling to New York in May, this post is for you. Enjoy the read!
Are you coming to New York? You can follow more from here on my Instagram, which is @marthasachser, and my YouTube channel. If you have a trip planned to New York, don’t forget to join the NY tips group on Facebook HERE, Telegram, or WhatsApp! And to buy my New York guide with a ready-made itinerary and save even more time and money, click HERE!
What’s the weather like in New York in May?
With milder weather, May marks the transition from spring to summer. Temperatures gradually rise throughout the month, and the days tend to be longer, offering more daylight hours. The temperature usually ranges from 12°C to 22°C, although it can get warmer, and the lowest temperatures typically occur early in the morning or late at night. I always recommend checking the weather forecast the week of your trip—especially the “feels like” temperature.
Is May a busy month in New York City?
May is considered a low to mid-season month in New York City, but there’s a major holiday at the end of the month (Memorial Day). Unlike months like July or December, which are considered peak season, May tends to be less crowded. This means prices are generally more affordable, making it a great time for travelers looking to save on flights and accommodations. Still, it’s a good idea to plan ahead to secure the best possible rates.
That’s why I suggest planning ahead and booking your tickets online to secure your preferred date — and also have the flexibility to cancel for free if your plans change!
By clicking the photo below or HERE, you can purchase in advance and get a 10% discount using the code NYABOUT10OFF.
How to Dress in New York in May
The weather in New York can vary quite a bit, but May is no longer a month of intense cold. Aside from the occasional cooler day, most days are pleasant and gradually get warmer throughout the month — it can even feel like summer on some days, while others still have that fresh spring vibe. In general, opt for light and comfortable clothing, and pack a denim jacket, hoodie, or light jacket just in case. Of course, always check the forecast for the week of your trip to pack accordingly. And don’t forget to include a sturdy yet lightweight umbrella (here, a simple one usually costs around $10–15 from street vendors or pharmacies) and sunscreen on your list of essentials!
Attractions and things to do in New York in May
Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America! In New York, it takes place in various areas of the city. The 2025 season starts on the first weekend of April (April 5 and 6) and runs through October, operating every weekend until then. Find more information and the exact locations HERE.
Macy’s Flower Show
The Macy’s Flower Show, which usually takes place in March, will start in April and run through May in 2025. It’s a free spring festival organized by Macy’s Herald Square, one of New York’s most iconic department stores. The event focuses on floral arrangements throughout the store, but they also offer other attractions for visitors, such as live music performances, kids’ activities, and seminars. One of the coolest parts is that every year, Macy’s presents a different theme for the exhibition.
2025 Information:
– Dates: April 27 to May 11, 2025
– Cost: Completely free
– Location: Macy’s Herald Square (151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001)
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a holiday that marks the unofficial “beginning” of summer in the United States. Many people take the opportunity to travel, enjoy outdoor activities, and spend time with family and friends. However, the true purpose of the holiday is to honor the military personnel who died in combat while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and for that reason, several parades are held on this day.
When: It always takes place on the last Monday of May. In 2025, it will be on May 26th.
Location: Queens at 2 PM (Jayson Ave and Northern Boulevard), Brooklyn at 11 AM (Starts at 3rd Avenue and 78th Street, and will continue along 3rd Avenue to Marine Ave., then to 4th Avenue and finally to John Paul Jones Park for the memorial service), Manhattan at 10 AM (Dyckman Street and Broadway.)
Fleet Week New York
Fleet Week New York is a week-long celebration honoring the Marines, Coast Guard, and Navy, featuring various activities for the public, including visits to navy ships and even cruises. The event takes place before Memorial Day and is free to attend, but participants must be over 18 years old to join the tours.
In 2025, it will take place from May 21 to 27, and the event schedule has not been released yet, but you can find more information on the official website HERE.
Manhattanhenge
This is a super cool event for those who love photos and sunsets! Manhattanhenge is the name of the event where the sunset aligns perfectly with several streets in Manhattan. This happens only twice in May, and it is scheduled for the 28th and 29th (in 2025).
Heading west on 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, or 57th Streets, you can admire the phenomenon and, of course, take photos! Additionally, it can be seen from Tudor City Overpass and Hunters Point South in Long Island City, Queens.
Japan Day
Japan Day is a day to celebrate Japanese culture, and in 2024, it will feature a special parade! The Japan Parade will take place on May 10th (in 2025) on 72nd Street (between Central Park W and Columbus Ave). It starts at 11 AM, and you can enjoy dance performances, various icons of Japanese culture, musicians, and much more. Find more information on the official website HERE.
Doing a photo shoot
How about taking advantage of the spring weather to do a photo shoot with me here in New York? It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, a photo shoot is always an excellent investment. I may be biased, but I love photos and capturing my travels, as they are special moments I want to remember forever. As a photographer here in New York, I have the pleasure of doing the same for countless people every year.
By the way, it used to be quite difficult to find a photographer outside of Brazil, but now with Fotos na Mala, everything has become much easier! For those who don’t know, Fotos na Mala is a website that brings together Brazilian photographers from all over the world, including New York. It’s quicker, cheaper, and more convenient to book your photo shoot in over 100 destinations worldwide. And blog readers get an additional special $10 discount on photo shoots in NY with me or other photographers from my team using the code NYANDABOUT10. Just visit the website, choose your favorite photographer, and enter the code in the contact form. With the code NYANDABOUT5, you’ll get $5 off in the local currency at any destination on the site. It’s totally worth it!
Main Shows in New York in May
New York is always full of concerts (including lots of surprise ones!), and for music lovers, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience! Some of the main shows happening here in May are:
May 8 and 9 – Kendrick Lamar and SZA – MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
When two of the biggest stars in contemporary music come together, the result is a unique and unforgettable experience. Kendrick Lamar, one of the most influential rappers of his generation, and SZA, one of the most innovative voices in R&B, combine their talents in a show that blends rap, soul, and introspection.
- Get $20 off your first purchase over $50. Just enter the code BLOGNY on SeatGeek HERE! Or buy HERE and get $20 off your first purchase over $200 with the code VS20, or HERE.
May 15 – Shakira – Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour – MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
Global superstar Shakira has announced a series of stadium and arena shows across North America in 2025 as part of her highly anticipated Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. The North American leg will kick off in early May and will include a stop at MetLife Stadium on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Known for her electrifying and high-energy performances, Shakira will perform songs from her latest album alongside iconic hits from her extraordinary catalog.
- Get $20 off your first purchase over $50. Just enter the code BLOGNY on SeatGeek HERE! Or buy HERE and get $20 off your first purchase over $200 with the code VS20, or HERE.
May 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 – Tedeschi Trucks Band – Beacon Theatre
A unique experience for those who love blues and rock, featuring a show full of talent and improvisation from one of the most acclaimed bands in the genre.
- Get $20 off your first purchase over $50. Just enter the code BLOGNY on SeatGeek HERE! Or buy HERE and get $20 off your first purchase over $200 with the code VS20, or HERE.
May 22, 24, 25 & 28 – Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour – MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour promises to be a grand celebration of her career, blending her unmistakable energy with a bold and innovative aesthetic.
- Get $20 off your first purchase over $50. Just enter the code BLOGNY on SeatGeek HERE! Or buy HERE and get $20 off your first purchase over $200 with the code VS20, or HERE.
May 27 & 28 – Teddy Swims – I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour – Radio City Music Hall in New York, NY
Teddy Swims, the singer-songwriter known for his powerful voice and unique blend of soul, R&B, and pop, takes his music to the next level with the I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour. The tour, named after his acclaimed work, offers an emotional and authentic experience, with Teddy exploring themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and resilience.
- Get $20 off your first purchase over $50. Just enter the code BLOGNY on SeatGeek HERE! Or buy HERE and get $20 off your first purchase over $200 with the code VS20, or HERE.
May 30 – Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits with Simple Plan and We The Kings – Madison Square Garden in New York, NY
Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits is a celebration of the iconic career of the Canadian singer who defined a generation with her punk-pop sound and rebellious attitude. Known for hits like Complicated, Sk8er Boi, and Girlfriend, Avril became a pop-rock icon in the early 2000s. The Greatest Hits brings together her most memorable and powerful songs, highlighting her musical evolution and her talent for creating anthems of independence, fun, and raw emotion.
Get $20 off your first purchase over $50. Just enter the code BLOGNY on SeatGeek HERE! Or buy HERE and get $20 off your first purchase over $200 with the code VS20, or HERE.
TO CHECK OUT OTHER SHOWS AND EVENTS IN NEW YORK, CLICK HERE!
Watch an MLB Baseball Game
The MLB season starts in April and runs until October. New York is represented by two teams, and you can watch games from the Yankees or Mets. The games are highly interactive, and for those who enjoy the sport, it can be a worthwhile experience!
How to buy tickets for baseball games in New York? There are several websites that sell and resell tickets. One of the most famous is SeatGeek – and with the coupon BLOGNY, you can get $20 off your first ticket purchase! – But you can also buy tickets for baseball games on other websites like this one HERE , HERE, or others such as Ticketmaster (always check there too), Stubhub, HelloTickets, and others (like Gametime, which I haven’t used).
Visit botanical gardens
Some of the best places to visit in New York during the spring are the botanical gardens. The city offers several options, such as the New York Botanical Garden, with over one million plants; the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms (usually between March and April); and the Queens Botanical Garden, known for its rose gardens.
I always highly recommend visiting them, especially in the spring when the trees are in full bloom and the grass is lush and green. Unlike parks, botanical gardens aren’t always on the radar for first-time tourists. So, if you love nature and are looking for an off-the-beaten-path activity, be sure to add these spots to your itinerary.
Oh, and don’t forget to check the official websites of the botanical gardens before visiting—there’s almost always a fun event going on. Stay tuned for updates so you don’t miss out!
– Where is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden located?
990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225.
Visit the official website HERE.
– Where is the New York Botanical Garden located?
2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10458.
Visit the official website HERE.
– Where is the Queens Botanical Garden located?
43-50 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355.
Visit the official website HERE.
Strolling Through the Main Parks
It may sound cliché, but one of the best things to do in New York City during the spring is to explore its parks. And I’m not just talking about the famous ones like Central Park and Bryant Park! The city is full of green spaces, such as Battery Park, Prospect Park, Riverside Park, Washington Square Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, the High Line, Hudson River Park, Madison Square Park, Astoria Park, Gantry Plaza State Park, and many others.
The list is huge, but I mentioned 5 great parks in New York on the blog to get you started—and my favorites are also included in my New York guide (HERE!).
During the spring, you can enjoy the parks’ colorful scenery to take photos and enjoy outdoor activities like biking, running, having a picnic, playing ball, or whatever you like most! I highly recommend the experience.
Watch a Broadway Show
And of course, this couldn’t be left out! Broadway shows are one of a kind and make any trip even more special! And for those who skip it thinking it’s too expensive, there are several ways to get discounted tickets—click HERE to find out more!
Watch a Basketball Game in New York
One of the coolest experiences you can have in New York—whether you’re a basketball fan or not! Tickets for the playoffs in April and May aren’t exactly cheap, but I recommend keeping an eye out because sometimes you can snag last-minute deals at a better price.
How to buy basketball game tickets in New York? There are several websites that sell and resell tickets. One of the most popular is SeatGeek—and with the code BLOGNY you can get $20 off your first ticket purchase over $50! – But you can also find tickets on other websites like this one HERE, HERE, or platforms like Ticketmaster (always check there too), StubHub, HelloTickets, and others (like Gametime, although I haven’t used it yet).
Visit One of New York City’s Observatories
This is an experience everyone should have when visiting NYC! It’s an incredible feeling to see the city from above. Through the links below, you can buy tickets with discounts and free cancellation—super helpful in case your plans change or the weather isn’t great during your trip week!
- Empire State Building (use the code NYABOUT10OFF to get 10% off, or click HERE or HERE to buy in installments)
- Top of The Rock (use the code NYABOUT10OFF to get 10% off, or click HERE or HERE to buy in installments)
- One World Observatory (use the code NYABOUT10OFF to get 10% off, or click HERE or HERE to buy in installments)
Another tip is to buy attraction passes—depending on the one you choose, you’ll get access to 4 out of the 5 main observatories (Summit is not yet included in the best attraction passes as of 2024). I talked more about the best attraction passes HERE!
To discover more attractions and tips on things to do in the spring, check out the full post HERE!
Attractions and discounts in New York
I’m sure that exploring the city while saving money is your choice! That’s why my tip is to get one of the discount passes, which offer savings on various observatories and attractions around the city. My favorite pass for those who want to enjoy many attractions and services is the Sightseeing PASS (I talked all about it HERE!). It includes 4 of the 5 observatories in the city and offers many other tours and discounts! You can also buy it with a 10% discount HERE using the code NYABOUT10OFF.
What other discount passes for attractions in New York do I recommend?
My suggestion is to list the attractions and tours you really want to see and do in New York and see which ones fit into your itinerary. After that, check which pass offers everything or almost everything you want (it’s worth noting that the Summit observatory, one of the most sought-after attractions, is not included in the main passes, but you can buy it HERE with a discount and free cancellation using the code NYABOUT10OFF).
I’ll list below my favorite passes and how to buy them with a discount!
Where to Buy Your Discount Passes for New York Attractions:
CityPASS at regular price on the official site HERE!
CityPASS with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF)
The Sightseeing PASS at regular price on the official site: HERE! (one of my favorites)
The Sightseeing Pass Flex at regular price on the official site: HERE! (one of my favorites)
The Sightseeing Pass Flex with a 10% discount: HERE (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)
Go City New York Explorer Pass: with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)
Go City: The New York Pass with a 10% discount HERE! (code NYABOUT10OFF) (one of my favorites)
And just a reminder, I shared in this post HERE how to choose the best pass for you to save even more on your trip.
How to Save Money in May in New York:
I’ve put together some posts with various tips on how to save:
Accommodation:
Hotels: Click HERE to check out the post on the best value hotels in Queens and HERE for general hotels.
Airbnb: Check out apartments with Brazilian hosts offering discounts for blog readers in New York and surrounding areas! Click HERE!
Transfer:
Brazilian Driver – Special discount for readers: Alex is the official driver for the group and offers discounts on services for you! Contact him via WhatsApp: (917) 656-7299 or on Instagram HERE!
SIM Cards:
America Chip: Use the code: america10 for a 10% discount! Click HERE.
Meu Chip: Use the code: MARTHASACHSER to get 15% off. Click HERE.
Airalo (digital SIM): Use the code: NYANDABOUT10 for a 10% discount! Click HERE.
For more tips on how to save money in New York, check out the full blog post HERE.
Coming to New York? Get a well-organized itinerary by region! Download the official guide from the blog!
One of the most challenging parts of traveling is deciding when, where, and how to visit the main attractions and sights of your destination. To make your trip easier, I highly recommend the New York guide from the blog, which features ready-made itineraries sorted by region or by day.
The guide is fully organized by region, with a step-by-step plan of where to go, eat, shop, visit attractions, film and TV show locations, and MUCH more. It’s all neatly organized so you can explore every corner of New York and return home feeling like a true New Yorker! There are 16 itineraries you can follow exactly, combine regions, or use as a base for your own itinerary. It also includes options for itineraries by day.
You can download the official guide HERE in eBook format and receive a 10% discount with the code GUIANOVO10, or purchase it on Amazon with delivery available to Brazil HERE!
