Met Gala
First Monday in May
The red carpet itself is invitation-only, but crowds gather on Fifth Avenue to watch arrivals. It is a long stand, so wear comfortable shoes.
Highs22°C (72°F)
Lows13°C (55°F)
Rainy days~12
Daylight14.5 h
CrowdsBusy
May averages for New York (Central Park). Source
May is warm and lovely — rooftop bars open and parks fill. Light layers and comfortable sneakers. Memorial Day weekend starts the summer season.
☀️ By day
Light layers: a shirt or blouse, chinos or a midi dress, and sneakers.
🌙 Evening
Denim jacket for rooftop bars.
What's on in May
Typical dates. Many festivals follow lunar calendars, so check this year's dates before you book.
Fleet Week
Late May, around Memorial Day
Navy ships open for free tours and there are air shows over the Hudson. Wear flat shoes for ship ladders and decks, and a light jacket for wind on the piers.
May packing essentials
Your May outfit list
- Trench or utility jacketShop Amazon ↗
- Light sweatersShop Amazon ↗
- JeansShop Amazon ↗
- Midi dressKurta with jeansShop Amazon ↗
- Comfortable sneakersShop Amazon ↗
- Light jacketShop Amazon ↗
- Long-sleeve shirtsShop Amazon ↗
- Light sweaterShop Amazon ↗
- Jeans or chinosShop Amazon ↗
- Walking sneakersShop Amazon ↗
Also pack
Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.
Dress code
- No dress code on the street — dark, practical layers blend in.
- Upscale restaurants and rooftop bars may refuse sportswear, flip-flops or men's shorts in the evening.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential; most visitors walk 10+ miles a day.