Late spring · Weather & things to do
Galway in May
Galway warms up: highs climb to 61°F (16°C), from 55°F in April, with lows of 46°F (8°C) and about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 74/100 (5th of 12).
- Avg high
- 61°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 46°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 3.2 in (81 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 74%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 37 min
- Comfort score
- 74/100 · Good
What May feels like
Days are mild at around 61°F (16°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 46°F (8°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.2 in (81 mm).
Long days help: there are roughly 15 h 37 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around May
May is one of Galway's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May – September.
- Comfort improves from 67/100 in April to 74/100.
- May sits inside the May – Sep window our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way route recommends.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 46°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.2 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Galway in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Salthill Promenade
Two-mile seafront walk over Galway Bay; locals kick the wall at the end.
Why now May scores 74/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Inis Mór
Largest Aran Island; cycle to the cliff-edge fort of Dún Aonghasa.
Why now Highs near 61°F and 3.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Galway Market
Weekend market beside St Nicholas Church with crafts and street food.
Ard Bia at Nimmos
Café and restaurant in an old stone customs house by the Spanish Arch.
McDonagh's
Family-run fish and chip bar and seafood restaurant on Quay Street.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Doolin & the Cliffs of Moher in May~22 mi · highs 57°F, 3.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Connemara in May~42 mi · highs 56°F, 3.6 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Dublin in May~116 mi · highs 57°F, 2.6 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Fort William in May~291 mi · highs 57°F, 4.9 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Galway in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Galway?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 74/100. Expect highs of 61°F (16°C) and 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Sep window our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way route recommends.
How cold is Galway in May?
Average highs are 61°F (16°C) and average lows 46°F (8°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Galway in May?
Some: about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 44.6 in (1134 mm).
What should I pack for Galway in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 46°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.2 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in May
- Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way May – Sep
Planning Galway in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.