Derry Weather in May
May in Derry brings moderate temperatures around 15°C (59°F) during the day, dropping to 7°C (45°F) at night, with quite a bit of rainfall expected, averaging around 90 mm (3.5 in) for the month.
Rainfall in Derry in May
You can typically expect 18 days of rain this month, averaging around 90 mm (3.5 in). This is a month with many wet days but modest rainfall totals, so showers are generally light and easy to manage.
Temperature in Derry in May
In May, expect moderate temperatures in Derry, with highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F) at night. This creates a mild day-to-night pattern that is generally easy to manage with the right clothing. With overnight lows of 7°C (45°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Derry in May
Expect a lot of sunshine this month, with about 203 hours of sun. These sunny conditions add to the overall experience.If you're a fan of comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, May is a great time to visit.
Derry Temperature in May
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Derry Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Derry - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Derry 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 records for Derry in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Derry spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Derry historical weather extremes in May
Based on 50 years of weather observations in Derry between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.
- On May 26, 2017, temperatures climbed to 24°C (75°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- On May 1, 1979, Derry saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 5°C (41°F).
- Derry registered its coldest May night on May 10, 2026, with temperatures dropping to -1°C (30°F).
- The wettest May day on record brought 27 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation to Derry (May 3, 2015).
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 is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Derry in May
The weather can be unpredictable in May, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.
What To Do in Derry in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Cycling6/10 -
Walking6/10 -
Camping4/10 -
Outdoor sports9/10
Derry 3-Day Forecast
See the full Derry climate overview or explore weather in Ireland.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Galway
16°C (61°F) Kilkenny
16°C (61°F) Westport16°C (61°F) Kenmare
16°C (61°F) Killarney16°C (61°F) Dublin16°C (61°F) Cork
15°C (59°F) Doolin15°C (59°F) 
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