In May, Ireland experiences mild temperatures, regional rainfall, moderate winds, and extended daylight hours, characteristic of its late spring season.
Quick answer: May weather in Ireland is mild and bright, with average highs of 13°C to 16°C (55°F to 61°F), average lows of 7°C to 9°C (45°F to 48°F), between 57 mm and 94 mm of rain depending on the region, and 15 to nearly 17 hours of daylight. It is also the sunniest month of the year at all of Met Éireann’s main weather stations.
Overview of the Weather in Ireland in May
- Temperature: Average daily temperatures range from lows of 7°C (45°F) to highs of 15°C (59°F).
- Rainfall: Varies by region; for example, Dublin averages 57 mm (2.2 inches) over 10 to 11 days, while Valentia in Kerry sees about 94 mm (3.7 inches) over 13 to 14 days.
- Wind Speed: May experiences moderate winds, with average speeds around 16 to 18 km/h (10 to 11 mph) at most weather stations.
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 15 to 16.5 hours per day in Dublin; sunrise moves from around 5:50 AM to 5:05 AM, and sunset from around 8:55 PM to 9:40 PM.
- Sunshine: Around 6 hours of bright sunshine per day on average, more than any other month.
Temperature
May signifies the transition to warmer conditions in Ireland, with average temperatures ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 15°C (59°F). Coastal areas, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, tend to be milder, while inland regions may experience slightly warmer daytime temperatures.
Across the country, the average May temperature (day and night combined) is about 11.3°C (52°F), based on the 1991 to 2020 figures in Met Éireann’s May 2026 climate statement. Shannon Airport has the warmest average afternoons at 16°C (61°F), while Malin Head on the north Donegal coast is coolest at 13.3°C (56°F).
Rainfall
Rainfall varies across Ireland in May. Eastern regions like Dublin receive about 57 mm (2.2 inches) over 10 to 11 days, making them relatively drier. In contrast, western areas such as Valentia in Kerry experience higher rainfall, averaging 94 mm (3.7 inches) over 13 to 14 days during the month.
Wind Speed
May experiences moderate winds, with average speeds around 16 to 18 km/h (10 to 11 mph). Coastal regions, especially along the west, may experience stronger gusts due to Atlantic weather systems.
Exposed Belmullet in Co Mayo is the breeziest of the main stations, with an average of about 21 km/h (13 mph), and gales are rare in May.
Daylight Hours
Daylight extends significantly in May, with approximately 15 to 16.5 hours of light daily. The sun rises around 5:50 AM in Dublin at the start of the month and around 5:05 AM by the end, while sunset moves from around 8:55 PM to 9:40 PM, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities.
Here is how sunrise, sunset and day length change across the month in four Irish cities:
Sunshine
May is the sunniest month of the year in Ireland. Every one of Met Éireann’s seven main stations records more bright sunshine in May than in any other month, averaging between 5.7 hours a day at Valentia and 6.5 hours a day at Malin Head.
May Weather in Ireland by Region
The east is the driest part of the country in May, while the southwest picks up the most rain. Here are the May averages at Met Éireann’s main weather stations:
| Weather station | Region | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Wet days (1 mm+) | Sunshine per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin Airport | East | 14.8°C | 6.6°C | 57 mm | 10.5 | 6.4 hrs |
| Casement Aerodrome, Co Dublin | East | 15.4°C | 6.9°C | 59 mm | 10.5 | 6.1 hrs |
| Cork Airport | South | 14.6°C | 7.6°C | 81 mm | 12.0 | 6.2 hrs |
| Valentia Observatory, Co Kerry | Southwest | 14.5°C | 8.8°C | 94 mm | 13.5 | 5.7 hrs |
| Shannon Airport, Co Clare | West | 16.0°C | 8.1°C | 63 mm | 12.1 | 5.9 hrs |
| Belmullet, Co Mayo | Northwest | 14.6°C | 8.2°C | 71 mm | 13.2 | 6.3 hrs |
| Malin Head, Co Donegal | North | 13.3°C | 8.0°C | 65 mm | 12.2 | 6.5 hrs |
Ireland vs Northern Ireland Weather in May
While both regions share similar climates, subtle differences exist:
- Temperature: Northern Ireland’s average temperatures are slightly lower, with daily averages around 10°C (50°F), compared to Ireland’s average of 11°C (52°F).
- Rainfall: Northern Ireland experiences marginally higher rainfall, averaging 74 mm (2.9 inches) in May according to the Met Office, compared to Dublin’s 57 mm (2.2 inches).
- Wind: Both regions experience moderate winds in May, with coastal areas experiencing higher gusts.
- Daylight: Daylight hours are similar, with both regions experiencing about 15 to 17 hours of daylight during May.
In summary, while Ireland and Northern Ireland share comparable May weather patterns, Northern Ireland tends to be slightly cooler and wetter.
Belfast gets slightly longer days than Dublin, at almost 16 hours 50 minutes by 31 May. Northern Ireland also has two bank holidays in May, which you can find in our Northern Ireland bank holidays guide.
Recent May Weather: Record Heat in 2026
May can surprise you. In late May 2026, a spell of high pressure and hot continental air broke Ireland’s national May temperature record by more than 2°C. According to Met Éireann, several stations passed the old record of 28.4°C (set in Ardfert, Co Kerry in 1997) on 25 and 26 May, with Abbeyfeale in Co Limerick and Clonmel in Co Tipperary both reaching 30.9°C provisionally.
Even so, May 2026 as a whole was only the 7th warmest May since 1900, with a national mean of 12.54°C. A cool first three weeks balanced out the heatwave at the end, which is a good reminder that May weather in Ireland can swing a lot from one week to the next.
Is May a Good Time to Visit Ireland?
Yes. May gives you the most sunshine of the year, long bright evenings and milder temperatures than April, before the peak summer crowds arrive in July and August. It is a great month for coastal drives, hiking and the west coast of Ireland, and for long walks on Connemara’s picture perfect beaches.
Keep the May bank holiday in mind when booking. It falls on the first Monday of May, which is 3 May in 2027, so accommodation fills up quickly that weekend. Our Ireland bank holidays 2027 page has the full list, and if you are planning around work, the best long weekends for 2027 are worth a look too.
What to Pack for Ireland in May
Layers are the answer. Mornings and evenings can feel cool at 7°C to 9°C, while sunny afternoons can reach the high teens. A light waterproof jacket, a warm jumper, comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses will cover most days. For a shorter trip, our Ireland city break packing list shows how to pack for rain and walking in one small bag.
Weather in Ireland in May: FAQs
Is May a warm month in Ireland?
May is mild rather than warm. Average highs are 13°C to 16°C (55°F to 61°F) and average lows are 7°C to 9°C (45°F to 48°F), although warm spells can push temperatures well above 20°C.
Does it rain a lot in Ireland in May?
May is one of the drier months of the year. Dublin averages 57 mm of rain over about 10 to 11 wet days, while the southwest is wetter, with Valentia in Kerry averaging 94 mm.
Is May the sunniest month in Ireland?
Yes. May is the sunniest month at all seven of Met Éireann’s main weather stations, with around 6 hours of bright sunshine a day on average.
How many hours of daylight does Ireland get in May?
Ireland gets about 15 hours of daylight on 1 May, rising to between 16 hours 20 minutes in Cork and nearly 16 hours 50 minutes in Belfast by 31 May.
What is the hottest temperature ever recorded in Ireland in May?
The old May record of 28.4°C from 1997 was broken on 26 May 2026, when stations including Abbeyfeale and Clonmel provisionally reached 30.9°C. Met Éireann is still reviewing the readings to confirm the new official record.
