Swords
Weather by month
Current –

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.

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).

Swords Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Swords - and find the best time to visit.

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

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 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.

Swords historical weather extremes in May

Based on 50 years of weather observations (1976-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Swords.

  • Swords recorded its highest May temperature of 24°C (75°F) on May 24, 2026.
  • 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).

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

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 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

Swords 3-Day Forecast

Popular in May

Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.