Month guide · Galway · Ireland
Galway in August
What August is really like in Galway: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Josi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
August is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 12°C (54°F), about 15 rainy days and roughly 14.8 hours of daylight. Warmest sea of the year and busy summer holidays; book accommodation early.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 19°C (66°F) / 12°C (54°F)
- Rainy days
- About 15
- Daylight
- About 14.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 16°C (61°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in August
August is the 2nd-warmest month in Galway: days average 19°C (66°F) against a yearly average high of 14°C (57°F), and nights fall to about 12°C (54°F). Rain falls on roughly 15 of its 31 days. Compared with July (19°C (66°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs drop to around 17°C (63°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 06:17
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 21:05
- Daylight
- About 14.8 hours
- Sea
- 16°C (61°F)
Summer (June–August). Long evenings and the festival season, with the Arts Festival and Galway Races in late July bringing peak crowds and prices.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: August is one of the pricier months.
Events in August
- Galway Races continue into early August
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in August
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Market · Latin Quarter
Galway Market
On Church Lane beside St Nicholas' Church, the weekend market sells local cheese, organic vegetables, crafts and street food such as crêpes, curries and oysters.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
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Waterfront · Salthill
Salthill Promenade
Walk out from the Claddagh along the shore in the late afternoon and finish with a drink in Salthill.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
Waterfront · Claddagh
The Claddagh and Nimmo's Pier
Galway's old fishing village across from the Spanish Arch gave its name to the Claddagh ring, with its hands, heart and crown.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Couples
- Photo spot
Architecture · Latin Quarter
Lynch's Castle
Walk round the corner to Market Street to see the Lynch Memorial Window and its legend of a mayor who hanged his own son.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Architecture
What to pack
For highs near 19°C, lows near 12°C and 15 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit Galway?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–June and September are better overall. Compare every month.
Galway in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit Galway?
It is a shoulder-season month. Warmest sea of the year and busy summer holidays; book accommodation early.
+How warm is Galway in August?
Average highs are around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Galway in August?
Expect rain on about 15 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.