Swords Weather in May

Thinking of visiting Swords in May? Expect moderate temperatures reaching 16°C (61°F) during the day, dropping to 9°C (48°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of rainfall is likely.

Rainfall in Swords in May

Records from the past 30 years suggest around 16 days of rain, with 66 mm (2.6 in) average for the month. Rain falls on many days this month, but usually in relatively small amounts. A light waterproof is more useful than a heavy umbrella.

Temperature in Swords in May

Temperatures in Swords in May top out at 16°C (61°F) and drop to 9°C (48°F) overnight. The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. At 9°C (48°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.

Sunshine in Swords in May

You can expect a moderate amount of sunlight, with approximately 188 hours. This means a pleasant mix of sun and overcast.

Wind Speed in Swords 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

At 10°C (50°F), the water is too cold for most people to swim comfortably. A wetsuit is pretty much essential if you plan to go in.

If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, July and August typically offer the best circumstances for Swords.

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Ireland, check out our Swords's climate page.

Swords Temperature in May

Min Temperature 9°C (48°F)  

Max Temperature 16°C (61°F)  

Water Temperature 10°C (50°F) *  

Chance of Rain 53%  

Precipitation 66 mm (2.6 in)  

Rainy days 16 days  

Humidity 68% *  

Windspeed 4 m/s (8 knots) *  

Sunshine 188 hours *  

Percentage Sunshine 42% *  

* Data from: Dublin, Ireland (3 KM, 2 Miles).

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Swords 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

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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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

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Historical weather for Swords in May

Browse day-by-day weather records for Swords spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Swords historical weather extremes in May

Based on 49 years of weather observations (1976-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Swords.

• Swords recorded its highest May temperature of 24°C (75°F) on May 19, 1998.
• The lowest daytime temperature in May was 6°C (43°F), recorded on May 14, 1993.
• The coldest night in May in Swords was on May 6, 2012, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F).

What to Wear in Swords in May

The weather can swing between comfortable and chilly in May, so flexibility is key. Pack a variety of tops, at least one warm layer, and both shorts and long pants. This gives you options no matter what the day brings. Wet weather is likely, so pack waterproof gear for multiple rainy days. 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. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the month

What To Do in Swords in May

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

5/10

Cycling

6/10

Walking

6/10

Camping

4/10

Outdoor sports

10/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Ireland, check out our Swords's climate page.

More climate data for Swords

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Swords climate overview or explore weather in Ireland.