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Best time to visit Galway: month by month
Short answer
May to September is the best time, with highs of about 15–19°C and long days — daylight lasts until after 22:00 in June. Rain is frequent all year (about 12–22 rainy days a month), so always bring a waterproof. July and August are busiest, with festivals that fill hotels.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 4°C | 15 | low |
| Feb | 10°C | 5°C | 17 | low |
| Mar | 11°C | 5°C | 16 | medium |
| Apr | 13°C | 5°C | 12 | medium |
| May | 15°C | 8°C | 16 | medium |
| Jun | 18°C | 11°C | 17 | high |
| Jul | 19°C | 13°C | 16 | very high |
| Aug | 19°C | 13°C | 16 | very high |
| Sep | 18°C | 12°C | 16 | high |
| Oct | 14°C | 10°C | 22 | medium |
| Nov | 11°C | 7°C | 17 | low |
| Dec | 9°C | 5°C | 17 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from about 11°C in March to 15°C in May; April is the least rainy month (about 12 rainy days).
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Mild highs of 18–19°C and lows of 11–13°C, with about 16–17 rainy days a month; long evenings and the main festival season.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs fall from about 18°C in September to 11°C in November; October is the wettest month (about 22 rainy days).
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool and damp, with highs of 8–10°C and short days; quiet and cheaper, with a Christmas market in Eyre Square.
Events worth planning around
- St Patrick's Day parade — 17 March
- Galway Film Fleadh and Galway International Arts Festival — July
- Galway Races — end of July and early August
- Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival — late September
When to avoid
If you want lower prices, avoid the Arts Festival in July and Race week at the end of July. October to February is the wettest and darkest period, which can limit coast and island trips.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Galway?
June and September offer mild weather (about 18°C highs), long days and fewer crowds than July and August.
Does it rain a lot in Galway?
Yes, about 12–22 rainy days a month, although many showers are short.
When are the Galway Races?
At the end of July and the start of August, for about a week.