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Weather Comparison

New York vs Boston

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

New York: 21°CBoston: 19°C306 km apart

May Weather: New York vs Boston

MetricNew YorkBostonBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer21°C (70°F)19°C (66°F)New York
Average LowHigher is milder11°C (52°F)10°C (50°F)New York
Rain DaysFewer is drier11 days11 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier87 mm80 mmBoston
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day10h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer99Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better17 km/h20 km/hNew York

Which City is Better in May?

New York and Boston are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

New York sits in the comfortable travel range at 21°C. Boston is also comfortable at 19°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in May.

Temperature Comparison in May

New York reaches an average high of 21°C (70°F) and drops to 11°C (52°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 10°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Boston averages 19°C (66°F) for the high and 10°C (50°F) for the low, with a daily range of 9°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.

Rainfall Comparison in May

New York receives approximately 87 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Boston sees 80 mm over 11 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: New York vs Boston

Packing for New York in May

Highs of 21°C, lows of 11°C, 11 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Packing for Boston in May

Highs of 19°C, lows of 10°C, 11 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Pack for both: waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during May.

Year-Round Comparison: New York vs Boston

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.May is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthNew YorkBoston
HighRainHighRain
Jan4°C9d2°C10d
Feb5°C9d3°C9d
Mar9°C10d7°C11d
Apr15°C11d14°C11d
May21°C11d19°C11d
Jun26°C11d25°C10d
Jul29°C12d28°C10d
Aug28°C11d27°C9d
Sep24°C9d23°C8d
Oct18°C9d16°C10d
Nov12°C8d10°C10d
Dec6°C10d5°C11d
21°

New York Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

19°

Boston Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York warmer than Boston in May?
Yes. In May, New York is warmer with an average high of 21°C (70°F) compared to Boston at 19°C (66°F), a difference of 2°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, New York or Boston?
Both cities average 11 rain days in May with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit New York or Boston in May?
It depends on your preferences. New York averages 21°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 11 rain days. Boston averages 19°C with 10 sunshine hours and 11 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose New York. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are New York and Boston?
New York and Boston are approximately 306 km (190 miles) apart. New York is located in United States (North America) while Boston is in United States (North America).
What is the best month to visit New York and Boston?
For New York, June tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 26°C. For Boston, July is typically ideal with 12 sunshine hours and 28°C highs.

Compare New York and Boston in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

New York coordinates: 40.71°N, -74.01°E | Boston coordinates: 42.36°N, -71.06°E