Washington DC vs New York

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, New York edges ahead as the better destination in May. New York offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Washington DC sees 10 sunshine hours and 12 rain days.

Washington DC sits in the comfortable travel range at 24°C. New York is also comfortable at 21°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, New York is the stronger choice in May.

Washington DC reaches an average high of 24°C (75°F) and drops to 13°C (55°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 11°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

New York averages 21°C (70°F) for the high and 11°C (52°F) for the low, with a daily range of 10°C. The 3°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

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

Washington DC receives approximately 100 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

New York sees 87 mm over 11 rain days. That makes New York the drier option by 1 rain day and 13 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.