Travel time: Year-round
Galway’s climate is defined by its position on Ireland’s rugged west coast, categorized as temperate maritime. While it sits at a high latitude, the city avoids extreme freezes thanks to the North Atlantic Drift (an extension of the Gulf Stream), which brings warm water and air from the Gulf of Mexico. The result is a landscape that stays emerald green year-round but is subject to the constant, often unpredictable, whims of the Atlantic Ocean.
Across the city, the most common meteorological phrase is that you can experience "four seasons in a day." A morning of bright, clear sunlight can transition into a hazy "soft rain"—a fine, mist-like drizzle that saturates everything—followed by a brisk Atlantic gale and finally a rainbow-arched afternoon.
Daylight hours fluctuate dramatically due to Galway’s northern position:
Spring is a period of awakening and is often the driest time of the year. April and May frequently see the most sunshine, with average highs climbing from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F). While the air begins to warm, the ground and sea remain cold, and occasional "April showers" are a staple as the atmosphere shifts.
Summers are mild and rarely "hot" by international standards. Temperatures hover between 16°C and 20°C (61°F–68°F). While 25°C is rare, the high humidity can make 20°C feel significantly warmer. July and August are the peak of the festival season, though they also bring increased rainfall compared to late spring.
September often retains a summery feel, but by October, the Atlantic becomes more restless. This is statistically the wettest period, characterized by "big' skies"—dramatic, fast-moving cloud formations. Temperatures drop from 14°C (57°F) in September to single digits by late November.
Winters are damp and windy rather than snowy. Temperatures typically range from 4°C to 9°C (39°F–48°F). Snow is rare and usually melts on impact, but the city frequently faces Atlantic Depressions—intense low-pressure systems that bring gale-force winds and salt spray inland from Galway Bay.
Galway has a history of weathering fierce Atlantic storms, such as the record-breaking Storm Eowyn in early 2025, which saw wind gusts reach 184 km/h at nearby Mace Head. Historically, the city's architecture—thick stone walls and slate roofs—was designed to withstand these relentless winds.
Galwegians have a Stoic relationship with the weather. Spontaneity is the survival mechanism; if the sun comes out, locals immediately flock to the Spanish Arch or the university lawns, knowing the window may only last an hour. Umbrellas are often viewed with skepticism, as the Atlantic winds tend to invert them instantly; instead, high-quality, windproof shells are the local uniform. For a true Galwegian, the weather is not an obstacle, but a conversational staple and a source of the city's wild, moody beauty.