Dublin Weather in May
Thinking of visiting Dublin in May? Expect moderate temperatures reaching 16°C (61°F) during the day, dropping to 8°C (46°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of rainfall is likely.
Rainfall in Dublin in May
You can typically expect 16 days of rain this month, averaging around 67 mm (2.6 in). Expect plenty of grey, overcast days rather than intense storms. The rain rarely amounts to much on any given day.
Temperature in Dublin in May
May in Dublin brings moderate temperatures, with highs of 16°C (61°F) and nights around 8°C (46°F). A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. With overnight lows of 8°C (46°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Dublin in May
With about 188 hours of sunshine, the area enjoys a nice balance of sun and overcast, creating a pleasant environment.
Wind Speed in Dublin in May
In May, average wind speeds reach 4 m/s (8 knots), leading to light to moderate breezes. Conditions vary from day to day, with both calm and windier periods.
Average water temperature in May
With water temperatures around 10°C (50°F), swimming isn't really an option for most visitors. The cold sets in quickly and a wetsuit won't fully solve it.If you prefer enjoying temperate temperatures and rain-free days, July and August typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
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 Dublin's climate page.
Dublin Temperature in May
Min Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Max Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Water Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Chance of Rain
54%
Precipitation
67 mm (2.6 in)
Rainy days
16 days
Humidity
68%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
188 hours
Percentage Sunshine
42%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Dublin typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 16°C (61°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 5°C (41°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 Dublin in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Dublin spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Dublin historical weather extremes in May
Based on 49 years of weather observations in Dublin between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- On May 19, 1998, temperatures climbed to 24°C (75°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- On May 14, 1993, Dublin saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 6°C (43°F).
- The coldest night in May in Dublin was on May 6, 2012, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F).
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
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Dublin 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. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. Expect water temperatures of around 10°C (50°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in Dublin 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 Dublin's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Dublin climate overview or explore weather in Ireland.
