Brooklyn, New York Weather in May

May weather in Brooklyn

May feels like proper spring: mild afternoons, cool evenings and a fair chance of rain. The average high is 17°C, but showers fall on 12 days, so outdoor plans may need a backup. April is wetter; June is warmer, though rain stays similar.

It's a good month for walking the Brooklyn Bridge, browsing brownstone streets in Brooklyn Heights or taking a picnic to Prospect Park. Wet paths and damp air can make long park visits less pleasant, so save indoor stops like the Brooklyn Museum for rainy spells. The waterfront can feel chilly after sunset.

May events and crowds

The Brooklyn Half Marathon usually takes place in May, bringing runners and spectators to the borough. The route finishes at Coney Island, where you can watch the crowds arrive before exploring the boardwalk. Memorial Day weekend also brings the Bay Ridge Memorial Day Parade, a local tradition with marching bands and community groups.

If you hate crowds, go to popular waterfront spots on a weekday. May is busier than the quiet winter months, especially on sunny weekends, but it's generally less packed than peak summer. Stays can cost more as summer gets closer, while June and September are among the best-weather months.

Make the most of your visit

Travelling with kids? Prospect Park's paths, playgrounds and Brooklyn Botanic Garden make an easy spring day, but check the garden's event dates before you go. Its Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival often falls in late April or early May, and timing changes with the blooms.

For a practical local tip, take the NYC Ferry from Dumbo's Fulton Ferry landing to Brooklyn Bridge Park's piers. You'll get broad river views without committing to a long walk, and can hop off near food spots in Dumbo. Keep an indoor plan nearby if the rain rolls in.