Weather in Ireland in May

Wondering what the weather is like in Ireland in May? Sitting in late spring, conditions are warmer and brighter than the preceding months, which makes exploring a destination Rough Guides’ readers voted the world’s friendliest country all the more rewarding. Tempted to visit? Read for detail on weather in Ireland in May — a shoulder-season month that offers plenty in the way of festivals and events. 

Ireland in May at a glance

Offering a balance of mild weather and pre-peak-season crowds, the late-spring month of May is a wonderful time to visit Ireland.

• The weather in Ireland in May sees average temperatures of 48–59°F (9–15°C). 
• Expect sunny days, cool evenings and moderate rainfall.
• Sitting ahead of peak summer season, May is relatively uncrowded.

Considering visiting the Emerald Isle? Read up on how to plan a trip to Ireland.

Is May a good time to visit Ireland?

May is one of the best months to visit Ireland for a stack of reasons.

First up, offering longer days, with up to 16 hours of daylight, the weather in Ireland in May is all the better for exploring natural landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway without rushing around, and having to dodge dodgy weather. 

On that subject, the milder late-spring conditions are perfect for taking to the great outdoors. For example, it’s a great month for hiking Killarney National Park in County Kerry, or exploring County Wicklow, the “Garden of Ireland”.

If culture’s more your thing, note that May is a great time for visit for festivals and events, especially if you’re into food and music — more on that a little later. 

Want more spring vacation inspiration? Discover the best places to visit in spring, and read up more of the best places to travel in May.

Average daily temperatures in May

The weather in Ireland in May means daytime highs of 57–59°F (14–15°C) and night-time lows of 45–48°F (7–9°C).

For comparison, the weather in Ireland in January — the coldest month — sees an average of 34–46°F (1–8°C), while July, the warmest month, sees 59–68°F (15–20°C).

When it comes to rain, the May weather in Ireland heralds 40–60 mm over 9–12 days. 

On a par with the weather in Ireland in April, this compares with October — usually the rainiest month — experiencing 90–120 mm. 

It’s also worth being aware of some regional variations. For example, the West Coast will be wetter and windier due to Atlantic exposure.

Meanwhile, while the East (e.g. Dublin and Wicklow) tends to be drier and slightly warmer than the west (e.g. Galway and Kerry) as a result of the latter being exposed to Atlantic winds. 

The Midlands tend to be similar to the east, but cooler at night. 

For more weather context, read up on when to go to Ireland around the year.

What about the crowds and cost?

Sitting just ahead of the impending peak season for tourism, May remains relatively uncrowded. 

That said, around bank holidays, you can expect a rise in domestic vacationers in the likes of Dublin, and at key attractions, among them the Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry.

So, while Dublin’s museums (for example) will be busier in May than they are in winter, crowds are still manageable, and lines won’t be too long.

At the same time, expect flights and accommodation to be mid-priced. That is to say, costs won’t have ramped up to their July and August peak, but to bag any kind of bargain, you’ll want to do your research, and book early. 

Editor’s tip: while planning your budget, read up on great things to do in Dublin for free, a destination Rough Guides readers voted the friendliest city in the world.

Things to do in Ireland in May

Here are a few of best things to do in Ireland in May. 

Taken in conjunction with the festivals and events detailed further below, it’s clear why it’s one of the best months to visit Ireland.

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way

May’s mild weather and wildflowers enhance the beauty of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way – a scenic road trip route along Ireland’s dramatic west coast.

Be sure to visit spots like Achill Island (County Mayo), Connemara, and the Dingle Peninsula in Kerry along the way.

Enjoy outdoor adventures

With longer, milder days, May is also perfect for hiking in Glendalough (Wicklow Mountains) and the Gap of Dunloe, or for enjoying brisk coastal walks like the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, just south of Dublin.

Enjoy traditional Irish music

As the weather warms up, so too does the vibe in Ireland’s pubs, though they tend to be cosily inviting around the year!

As you plan your trip, read up on the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music to make the most of your May trip.

Discover historic sites and castles

May being on the cusp of the peak summer season makes it a great time explore iconic landmarks like Kilkenny Castle, the Rock of Cashel (Tipperary) and Newgrange in more comfortable, less-crowded conditions.

For more ideas, read up on the best things to do in Ireland.

Festivals and events in Ireland in May

If you’re into food, music and traditional culture, May might just be the perfect month for you to visit Ireland.

• Galway Food Festival: held across the month (and again through November), the Galway Food Festival is set up to satisfy everyone. It includes everything from farm tours and cheese-making demos, to family-friendly theater shows, distillery visits and — of course — oyster trail activities. 
• Dublin Dance Festival: held in mid-to-late May, the vibrant, diverse Dublin Dance Festival showcases features international and local contemporary dance performances in venues across Dublin.
• Ballydehob Jazz Festival: billed as the “best small jazz festival in the world” the Ballydehob Jazz Festival sees a small town in West Cork enlivened by jazz performances, workshops and street parades.
• Fleadh Nua: held over ten days from late May, Fleadh Nua sees Ennis, County Clare, celebrate Irish traditional music, song and dance in exhilarating style.

Plan your trip with our Ireland itineraries

If you’ve decided to visit Ireland, you’ll find more inspiration in our suggested itineraries for spending different durations in the Emerald Isle.

Browse them to forgo the hassle of having to make your own trip plan.

• Ireland itinerary 7 days
• Ireland itinerary 10 days
• Ireland and Scotland itinerary