Climate and monthly weather forecast
Galway, Ireland

Stationed along the Atlantic shores of Ireland, Galway bears a Marine west coast climate, under the Köppen climate classification denominated as Cfb. This is characterized by warm, not hot, summers and cooler winters, with rainfall dispersed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Galway is a city of moderate temperatures, even as observed in the data of monthly averages. The hottest month usually is July, with an average high of around 20.5°C (68.9°F). Winters, on the other hand, reach lows close to freezing but not often dipping below it, with the lowest average low in December and January, standing at 3.5°C (38.3°F) and 3.6°C (38.5°F) respectively.

Rainfall in Galway rarely sees a respite. There is no month that goes without a substantial amount of rainfall, with a little over 60mm (2.36") being the minimum, seen in April. Meanwhile, December appears to be the wettest month with an average of 121mm (4.76") of rainfall. This consistent precipitation contributes to the significant humidity prevalent in the city.

One distinct feature of this west coast marine climate is the relatively narrow range of temperature highs and lows. Throughout the year, the variance in daytime high temperature is contained between 8.7°C (47.7°F) to 20.5°C (68.9°F), and for the low temperatures, it is from 3.5°C (38.3°F) to 12.9°C (55.2°F). Unsurprisingly, the sea temperature echoes this narrow range, staying from a minimum of 9.5°C (49.1°F) to a maximum of 15.4°C (59.7°F).

A careful observation of the climatic data reveals that the most favourable period to plan a visit to Galway would arguably be during the late spring to the early summer, specifically from May to June. This period sees a pleasing balance between pleasant temperatures, ample daylight hours and a slightly reduced chance of rain. May sees daytime highs of around 15.8°C (60.4°F) going upto 17.8°C (64°F) in June, coupled with a reasonably reduced rainfall averaging at around 68mm (2.68") and 81mm (3.19") respectively.

Contrastingly, December emerges as the worst candidate for a visit to Galway. This month marks the coldest temperatures with an average low of 3.5°C (38.3°F) and an average high of 9°C (48.2°F), and also is the one with most rainfall, with an average of 121mm (4.76") across 22 days. The sunlight also pales, with an average of 7.6 hours of daylight per day, and only about one hour of daily sunshine expected.

Spring in Galway runs from March to May and is characterized by gradually rising temperatures and a slight decrease in rainfall. The average high temperature rises from 10.8°C (51.4°F) in March to 15.8°C (60.4°F) by May, while rainfall reduces from 92mm (3.62") to 68mm (2.68") and the number of rainy days diminishes from 21 days in March to 18 days in May. Around this time, there is a notable increase in daylight hours, going from 11.9 hours in March to 15.9 hours in May.

The summer season, from June to August, offers the warmest temperatures, with July reaching an average high of 20.5°C (68.9°F). Rainfall is modest and consistent at around 81mm (3.19") in June to 69mm (2.72") in July and increasing slightly in August to 109mm (4.29"). These months also have the most daylight hours, peaking at 16.9 hours in June though decreasing gradually to 14.7 hours by August.

Autumn, from September to November, is attended by a drop in temperature and an increase in rainfall. The average high temperature decreases from 17.3°C (63.1°F) in September to 11°C (51.8°F) in November, while the average low slides from 10.4°C (50.7°F) to 5.1°C (41.2°F). Rainfall climbs from 93mm (3.66") in September to 124mm (4.88") in November. The daylight hours descend from 12.7 hours in September to 8.7 hours by November.

Winter spans December to February in Galway where the temperature averages reflect a consistent cold chill with hardly any scope of warmth. The average high temperature runs from 9°C (48.2°F) in December to 9.1°C (48.4°F) in February, while the average lows hover from 3.5°C (38.3°F) to 3.8°C (38.8°F). The rainfall continues its dominating presence, scarcely changing from 121mm (4.76") in December to 94mm (3.7") by February. Adding to the gloom, daylight hours reach a yearly low at 7.6 hours in December, growing slowly to 9.9 hours by February.

The first month of the year in Galway, Ireland, is characterized by a predominance of cool to mild temperatures, reaching highs around 8.7°C (47.7°F) and dipping to lows around 3.5°C (38.3°F). Consistent rainfall typically punctuates the weather landscape, and the city experiences the limited sunshine, culminating in a muted UV index. Weather in January »

February ushers in a marginal rise in both climatic and sea temperatures when compared to January. The days are also longer, providing ample daylight for outdoor engagements. Rainfall, although still frequent, witnesses a downturn from the previous month as Galway continues to navigate through its wet winter period. Weather in February »

With the onset of March, a noticeable upswing in overall climatic conditions ensues. Daylight hours increase significantly, reaching close to 12 hours, which is a substantial rise from February. The weather continues to warm up with the highest temperature registering at roughly 10.8°C (51.4°F). Weather in March »

April marks the full advent of spring and an impressive improvement in Galway's weather conditions. Relative to March, daylight hours extend further, and temperature variations between day and night gradually reduce. There is a considerable dip in rainfall, showing a marked contrast in the amount of precipitation from earlier months, and this translates into increased sunshine hours. Weather in April »

Galway in May witnesses further springtime refinement in weather conditions. The emergence of longer daylight hours, coupled with a distinct reduction in rainfall days from April to May significantly enhances outdoor recreational prospects. Weather in May »

June signifies the doorway to summer in Galway, Ireland. The near 17-hour daylight duration beckons outdoor enthusiasts and paves the way for a variety of recreational activities. The sea temperatures hover around an agreeable 12.8°C (55°F). Weather in June »

July takes pride in representing Galway's summer peak. With maximum temperatures soaring to approximately 20.5°C (68.9°F), this becomes the warmest month of the year in Galway. Sea temperatures reach their highest point, ideal for seaside exploration and water-related activities. Weather in July »

August retains much of July's warmth, although with a slight dip in maximum temperatures. Experiencing the tail end of summer, daylight hours begin to decrease, and a slight upturn in rainfall takes place. Sea temperatures remain warm, inviting sea-goers to enjoy the late-summer tides. Weather in August »

The arrival of September ushers in the beginnings of autumn in Galway, Ireland. Although daylight hours continue to shorten, the sea retains its warmth from the summer, with temperatures around 14.8°C (58.6°F). The gradual descent of high temperatures and a slight rise in rainfall signifies the summer-to-fall period of this beautiful city. The transition into September in Galway reveals an average high-temperature of a still refreshing 17.3°C (63.1°F), mirroring a close resemblance to August. Weather in September »

October progresses further into autumn, noting a distinct shift in weather conditions in Galway. As daylight continues to wane and rainfall rises, the city moves towards the cooler side of autumn. The decline in sea temperatures accompanies the falling leaves, painting a picturesque autumnal landscape. Weather in October »

November in Galway is true to its late Autumn character. The daylight hours significantly decrease, accompanied by notable temperature drops in comparison to preceding months. Despite these changes, sea temperatures remain relatively mild, rounding out the cooler, rainy months. Weather in November »

The year culminates in December, encapsulating the iconic winter vibes of Galway, Ireland. The reduction in daylight hours reaches its peak, and low temperatures become the mainstay, dipping down to about 3.6°C (38.5°F). Despite the wintery chill and substantial rainfall, Galway's December weather does not dampen the city's festive atmosphere. Galway's average high-temperature in December is a chilly 9°C (48.2°F), indicating a subtle variation from November. Weather in December »