What to do in New York in May 2027?
May is the perfect time to visit New York! The weather is ideal, and the city comes alive with events and outdoor activities. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your May trip to the Big Apple.

What’s the weather like in New York in May?
- May is clearly one of the best times to visit New York. The month brings plenty of sunshine without excessive heat or cold. You’ll enjoy long days and excellent light, with the sun setting around 8 pm.
- In May, temperatures in New York average 12°C (54°F) in the morning and 21°C (70°F) in the afternoon. These mild temperatures are perfect for exploring the city. You won’t need heavy coats, gloves, or hats, but you won’t be overheating either.
- May is also relatively dry in New York. That said, you may encounter a few showers here and there. Overall, though, you can expect beautiful weather.
- Another advantage of May: nature has fully awakened and flowers are in bloom. Don’t miss a visit to Central Park, Manhattan’s largest park and the city’s green heart.

What are the 5 main events in New York in May 2027?
1/ Five Boro Bike Tour
- Just weeks before the Tour de France kicks off, New York is already pedaling! On May 2, 2027, the Five Boro Bike Tour invites you to cycle through all five boroughs of the city.
- Registration costs about $190 per person, but the memory of cycling across all of New York is unforgettable. You’ll need to rent a bike in New York, near the Brooklyn Bridge. For more details, visit the Five Boro Bike Tour organizers’ website.
2/ Japan Parade
- New York loves a good parade! On May 8, 2027, you can experience the Japan Parade. Organized by New York’s Japanese community, this parade celebrates and promotes friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and the United States.
- The parade starts at 1 pm at the corner of Central Park West and 81st Street, heading south to 67th Street. Banzai!
3/ Ninth Avenue Food Festival
- On May 15 and 16, 2027, Ninth Avenue transforms into an open-air restaurant. The Ninth Avenue Food Festival features food vendors from 42nd to 57th Street, from 10 am to 6 pm.
- You’ll find cuisines from around the world: burgers, tacos, pizza, Greek and Indian specialties, and more. Something for every taste and budget.
4/ Memorial Day
- The United States observes Memorial Day on May 31, 2027. This federal holiday honors all American military personnel who died in combat. Memorial Day traditionally marks the start of summer.
- In New York, a veterans parade takes place in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood, near the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge. The parade starts at 11 am at the corner of Third Avenue and 78th Street and proceeds toward Marine Avenue.
5/ DUMBO Drop
- If you’re in New York with children in late May, don’t miss the quirky DUMBO Drop in the DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn. Hundreds of elephants attached to parachutes are dropped onto Washington Street, the neighborhood’s most famous street. It’s a chance to capture a unique photo with a rain of elephants falling from the sky, with the Manhattan Bridge in the background.
- Note that admission is paid, and proceeds go to charitable and humanitarian organizations.

What activities can you do in New York in May 2027?
Visit landmarks and monuments
- May’s mild weather makes it easy to explore New York’s landmarks and neighborhoods. Plus, with the sun setting around 8 pm, you have long days to wander the city.
- May is also ideal for visiting observation decks. Take advantage of the outdoor terraces at the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and The Edge. Here’s a tip: most New York observation decks, except SUMMIT New York, are included in New York tourist passes. Don’t miss this savings opportunity.
Book helicopter tours and guided visits
- May’s weather is ideal for helicopter tours over New York. Keep in mind that helicopter flights are in high demand from tourists worldwide, while the city has reduced the number of available flights. Still, a helicopter tour remains an absolutely unique experience.
- Book guided tours as early as possible. With May holidays, many tourists visit New York and spots fill up quickly, especially our popular Central Park bike tour and film-themed guided tour of New York.
Outdoor activities
- May’s pleasant weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Explore New York’s parks. In May, the New York Botanical Garden is particularly beautiful.
- Another must-do activity in May: cruises in New York Harbor. Mild temperatures let you enjoy the views from the outdoor decks. Among all the cruises available, I especially recommend the peaceful sailboat cruise in New York. The sailboat glides silently with the Statue of Liberty and New York skyline in view.

What sports can you watch in New York in May 2027?
By May, the regular seasons for the NBA (basketball) and NHL (ice hockey) have ended. The playoffs—the final phase—are underway. Unfortunately, most tickets are already sold out, and remaining tickets reach astronomical prices, up to $5,000 for a game at Madison Square Garden. Fortunately, there are other ways to catch sports in New York in May!
Baseball in New York
- Baseball season is in full swing! This sport is hugely popular in the United States, and I strongly recommend attending a game. Especially in New York, where there’s tremendous enthusiasm for the legendary New York Yankees. The team plays at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. You’ve surely seen their logo: the interlocked N and Y that appears on NY caps worldwide.
- You can also support the New York Mets, New York’s second MLB team. They play at Citi Field in Queens. The atmosphere is very family-friendly and welcoming.
- For an off-the-beaten-path experience, catch a game with the Brooklyn Cyclones. This team plays in a minor league, but players can get noticed and move up to the majors. Bonus: the stadium is at Coney Island with views of the Luna Park amusement park and the Atlantic Ocean.
Women’s basketball
- If you can’t get NBA playoff tickets, try the WNBA, North America’s women’s basketball league. The WNBA season is just starting, so you can cheer on the New York Liberty.
- The team plays at the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, home to the Brooklyn Nets. The atmosphere rivals the NBA—the women bring serious energy!
