Galway Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Galway, County Galway, Republic of Ireland)

Galway's weather is influenced by the North Atlantic current's prevailing winds, giving it a changeable but temperate all-year-round mild, damp climate with few temperature variations and very little snow, hail or sleet. Temperatures below freezing or above 30°C / 86°F are very rare. Rain, however, is far from unusual, with the region's rainfall evenly distributed throughout the months and averaging 115 cm / 45 inches per year.

Humidity is the norm in Galway, ranging between 70 and 100 percent and provoking frequent heavy showers. Drier winds from the European land mass clash with the humidity during the late summer months, resulting in infrequent heavy thunderstorms. The Atlantic coast occasionally receives severe depression systems which cause extremely high winds in the city and its surroundings, mainly in late autumn, winter and early spring.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

The balmy summer days in Galway are unusually long due to its latitude, with sunrise at 04:00 and sunset as late as 23:00. The region's mild climate and humidity supports flora such as palm trees not normally seen at high latitudes. With its temperate climate, a visit to Galway is good all year round, and this region of Ireland is especially attractive to visitors who are 'allergic' to very hot or cold weather.

The consistent rainfall gives rise to Ireland's nickname, the 'Emerald Isle', and the Irish themselves refer to their rain as 'soft'. Many visitors to the country fall in love with the brilliant green of the countryside and, even if the rainy weather is more persistent that usual, there is plenty to do and see indoors in Galway, especially as the city is strong on indoor sports.

Galway Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	7°C / 45°F	3°C / 37°F
February	8°C / 46°F	3°C / 37°F
March	9°C / 48°F	4°C / 39°F
April	13°C / 55°F	5°C / 41°F
May	16°C / 61°F	6°C / 43°F
June	17°C / 63°F	9°C / 48°F
July	19°C / 66°F	11°C / 52°F
August	19°C / 66°F	11°C / 52°F
September	16°C / 61°F	9°C / 48°F
October	13°C / 55°F	6°C / 43°F
November	10°C / 50°F	4°C / 39°F
December	7°C / 45°F	3°C / 37°F