Month guide · Galway · Ireland
Galway in May
What May is really like in Galway: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Galway. Expect average highs of 15°C (59°F), lows of 7°C (45°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 15.8 hours of daylight. Often one of the sunniest months, with wildflowers on the Burren and light evenings.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 15°C (59°F) / 7°C (45°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 15.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 11°C (52°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Galway: days average 15°C (59°F) against a yearly average high of 14°C (57°F), and nights fall to about 7°C (45°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 31 days. Compared with April (13°C (55°F)), May is warmer; by June highs climb to around 18°C (64°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:36
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 21:28
- Daylight
- About 15.8 hours
- Sea
- 11°C (52°F)
Spring (March–May). St Patrick's Day, lengthening days and wildflowers on the Burren; May is often one of the sunniest months.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Galway, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
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Religious site · Latin Quarter
St Nicholas' Collegiate Church
Visit on a Saturday morning and combine it with the Galway Market, which sets up on the lanes around the church.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Architecture
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
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
What to pack
For highs near 15°C, lows near 7°C and 13 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 May a good time to visit Galway?
One of the best months to visit Galway. The other best months are June and September. Compare every month.
Galway in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Galway?
It is one of the best months to visit Galway. Often one of the sunniest months, with wildflowers on the Burren and light evenings.
+How warm is Galway in May?
Average highs are around 15°C (59°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Galway in May?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.