Month by month
| Month | Afternoon | Sea | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.2 °C | 6.3 °C | 10 days | Unfavourable season |
| February | 5.8 °C | 4.6 °C | 10 days | Unfavourable season |
| March | 9.5 °C | 5.7 °C | 10 days | Unfavourable season |
| April | 15.4 °C | 8.7 °C | 12 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| May | 21.1 °C | 13.5 °C | 11 days | Pleasant — a good time to go |
| June | 26.2 °C | 18.9 °C | 11 days | Pleasant — a good time to go |
| July | 29.5 °C | 23.2 °C | 13 days | Pleasant — a good time to go |
| August | 28.3 °C | 23.7 °C | 12 days | Pleasant — a good time to go |
| September | 24.7 °C | 22.2 °C | 10 days | Ideal — one of the best times of year |
| October | 18.8 °C | 18.1 °C | 9 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| November | 12.1 °C | 13.6 °C | 8 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| December | 7 °C | 9.4 °C | 11 days | Unfavourable season |
Before you go
Three things to check once you have picked your dates.
Entry
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check them before booking.
Safety
No specific restrictions
Usual precautions apply.
Official advice updated 18 August 2026
Health
Recommended vaccinations, water quality, mosquitoes: advice depends on the country and the season. Some vaccines need time before departure.
Beau Fixe is not a safety or health authority. These notes summarise public advisories and link to their source; only the competent authorities are authoritative. Alert levels: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk), Open Government Licence v3.0.
FAQ
Can you swim in Manhattan in May?
The sea averages 13.5°C in May — too cold for most swimmers.
How hot is Manhattan in May?
Expect 21.1°C in the afternoon and 11.5°C at night, averaged over the last 10 years.
Does it rain a lot in Manhattan in May?
Around 11 days with rain (≥ 1 mm) in the month — 36% of days.