Weather in Ireland in May

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Visiting Ireland in May

May is one of the best months to visit Ireland for the best beach weather. It has the most sunshine and best sunbathing and swimming conditions of the year.

The weather in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise quickly into June. May has average maximum temperatures of 15°C (59°F) which is a little too chilly for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 41% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 6.4 hours of sunshine per day.

May has total rainfall of 2.8cm (1.1inches) making it very dry with only very light showers although there are 20.9 days with some rainfall, so on the days it does rain it is only light and intermittent and shouldn't affect your beach enjoyment too much.

Sea temperatures are a cold 11°C (52°F). May is too cold for swimming in Ireland for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit. The sea temperature in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise into June.

Also consider visiting Ireland in one of the other best months of June, July, August, for the best beach weather. Also consider one of our other suggestions for May.

Can you sunbathe in Ireland in May?

No, May is not a good time for sunbathing in Ireland.

May has average maximum temperatures of 15°C (59°F) which is a little too chilly for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 41% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 6.4 hours of sunshine per day. May has total rainfall of 2.8cm (1.1inches) making it very dry with only very light showers although there are 20.9 days with some rainfall, so on the days it does rain it is only light and intermittent and shouldn't affect your beach enjoyment too much.

More about May temperature and sunshine.

Can you swim in Ireland in May?

No, May is too cold for swimming in Ireland for any length of time, with the sea water at 11°C (52°F), unless you have a wetsuit.

More about May sea temperatures.

Is May a good time to holiday in Ireland?

Probably not, May is not a good time for a holiday in Ireland.

May has average maximum temperatures of 15°C (59°F) which is a little too chilly for sunbathing. The sunshine percentage is 41% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 6.4 hours of sunshine per day. May has total rainfall of 2.8cm (1.1inches) making it very dry with only very light showers although there are 20.9 days with some rainfall, so on the days it does rain it is only light and intermittent and shouldn't affect your beach enjoyment too much. Sea temperatures are a cold 11°C (52°F). May is too cold for swimming in Ireland for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit.

More about the May temperatures and sunshine.

Is Ireland warm in May?

No, Ireland is a little too chilly for sunbathing in May.

The average maximum temperature in Ireland in May is 15°C (59°F). The average maximum temperature is 14°C (57°) in the previous month and 19°C (66°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in Ireland in May is 12°C (53°F). The average temperature is 10°C (50°F) in the previous month and 15°C (59°F) in the next month.

More info about the May temperatures and sunshine.

How sunny is Ireland in May?

The average day light hours per day in Ireland in May are 15.7. The sunshine percentage is 41% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 6.4 hours of sunshine per day.

More about May sunshine.

Temperature in Ireland in May

The weather in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise quickly into June. The average maximum temperature in Ireland in May is 15°C (59°F). The average maximum temperature is 14°C (57°F) in the previous month and 19°C (66°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in Ireland in May is 12°C (53°F). The average temperature is 10°C (50°F) in the previous month and 15°C (59°F) in the next month.

The average minimum temperature in Ireland in May is 9°C (48°F). The minimum temperature is 7°C (44°F) in the previous month and 12°C (53°F) in the next month.

Sunshine in Ireland in May

The days in May are much longer than the previous month and the days continue to get a bit longer into June. May has more hours of sunshine than the previous month. During May the average day light hours are 15.7 per day in Ireland. The sunshine percentage is 41% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 6.4 hours of sunshine per day.

The ultraviolet index in Ireland in May is typically 6.4 during May. An ultraviolet index reading of 6 to 7 indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Unprotected skin risks burning in less than 20 minutes. Protection against skin and eye damage is needed. Tanning will be safest before 10am and after 4pm. For those with sensitive skin stay in the shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. Watch out for relections from water that may increase ultraviolet exposure.

Sea Temperature in Ireland in May

The average sea water temperature in Ireland in May is 11.2°C (52.2°F) which is very cold and bracing, it's not recommended you swim with out a full wet suit. The sea temperature in May is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise into June.

Rainfall in Ireland in May

May weather is much drier than the previous month. May has a few more days of rain than the previous month. The average total rainfall in Ireland in May is 2.8cm (1.1inches) and on average there are 20.9 rainy days in May making it a very wet time to visit the beach.

Humidity in Ireland in May

The maximum dew point (an indicator of humidity) in Ireland in May is 10°C (51°F) which is very comfortable. The dew point is 8°C (47°F) in the previous month and 13°C (13°F) in the next month.

The average maximum relative humidity in Ireland in May is typically 94.1%. The maximum relative humidity is 93.3% in the previous month and 92.9% in the next month.

The average relative humidity in Ireland in May is typically 78.4%. The average relative humidity is 75% in the previous month and 74.4% in the next month.

Wind Speed in Ireland in May

The average maximum wind speed in Ireland in May is typically 27KM/H (16MPH). The average maximum wind speed is 28KM/H (17MPH) in the previous month and 22KM/H (14MPH) in the next month.

The average wind speed in Ireland in May is typically 15KM/H (9MPH). The average wind speed is 15KM/H (9MPH) in the previous month and 12KM/H (7MPH) in the next month.

The average wind direction in Ireland in May is from the West.

Monthly Averages

Suggested Beaches in May

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Beaches recommended for you today, this weekend, in the next 2 weeks or in any month of the year.

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Need Inspiration?

Beaches recommended for you today, this weekend, in the next 2 weeks or in any month of the year.