Cork Weather in May
May in Cork sees daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F) at night. As the driest month of the year.
Rainfall in Cork in May
Clear skies and little rain are the norm this month, even if it's not the warmest time of year. Still a good time to spend time outdoors. Typically, you can expect about 17 days of rain this month, with 72 mm (2.8 in) on average. Expect plenty of grey, overcast days rather than intense storms. The rain rarely amounts to much on any given day.
Temperature in Cork in May
Daytime highs in Cork in May reach 15°C (59°F), with nights around 9°C (48°F). The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. Nights fall to 9°C (48°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep.
Sunshine in Cork in May
Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 194 hours of sunshine. Despite the cool temperatures, the sunny skies make it a pleasant time to visit Cork.
Wind Speed in Cork in May
May has wind speeds averaging 5 m/s (10 knots). You can expect gentle to moderate winds that move small trees and make flags wave steadily on typical days. Conditions typically range from light breezes to moderate winds.
Average water temperature in May
With water temperatures around 11°C (52°F), swimming isn't really an option for most visitors. The cold sets in quickly and a wetsuit won't fully solve it.If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, July, August and September typically offer the best circumstances for Cork.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Ireland, check out our Cork's climate page.
Cork Temperature in May
Min Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Max Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Water Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Chance of Rain
58%
Precipitation
72 mm (2.8 in)
Rainy days
17 days
Humidity
71%
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots)
Sunshine
194 hours
Percentage Sunshine
40%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cork typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 15°C (59°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 6°C (43°F) to 9°C (48°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Cork in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Cork spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Cork historical weather extremes in May
According to our 50 years of weather records for Cork, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2026.
- Cork recorded its highest May temperature of 25°C (77°F) on May 26, 2026.
- On May 6, 1997, Cork saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 8°C (46°F).
- The coldest night in May in Cork was on May 5, 1982, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F).
- The heaviest May precipitation occurred on May 2, 2011, when 38 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation fell.
Best Places in Ireland in May
Find out more about the weather in Ireland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Ireland in May →
perfect weather
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tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Cork in May
Pack for changing conditions in Cork in May. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. The water temperature sits at about 11°C (52°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Cork in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Ireland, check out our Cork's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Cork climate overview or explore weather in Ireland.
