What May feels like in Dublin
May is late spring in Dublin. Daytime feels cool and fresh rather than cold. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cool and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Dublin in May
May is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about one day in 2. Wet days average about 5.1 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Dublin's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 5.8 mm). It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 5:26 am and sunset at about 9:16 pm (local time) — 15 h 49 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 1 h 54 min more daylight than mid-April. Measured sunshine covers about 70% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Dublin. Afternoons run 2.9°C (5.2°F) warmer than in April, with 5 mm more rain. June continues the upward trend. The next month's average high: 17.6°C (63.7°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Dublin in May
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Dublin in May?
It feels cool: typical highs are 14.9°C (58.8°F), with lows near 8.6°C (47.5°F).
Does it rain a lot in Dublin in May?
It does: about 13 rainy days bring roughly 66 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Dublin in May?
Based on the averages: rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Dublin?
On our 12-month climate ranking, May comes out ahead (#5 of 12 vs #7). June is warmer and has more rainy days.