Weather in Galway

About Galway

Galway is bohemian Ireland personified—colourful shopfronts line narrow streets, traditional music spills from every pub, street performers juggle on pedestrian walks. The Atlantic crashes nearby; Connemara mountains brood in the distance. This is where Ireland gets weird in the best way.

Country

Ireland

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

EUR

Language

English, Irish

Things to do in Galway

Experience live traditional music in pubs on Quay Street Walk Connemara via day trip (mountains and peat bogs) Explore Galway's artistic street art and independent galleries Visit the nearby Aran Islands by ferry Browse independent bookshops and vintage shops Attend Galway Arts Festival (July) or Racing Festival (July/August)

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with regular rainfall.

February

Cold, with regular rainfall.

March

10C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

April

13C

Cool, with some rainy days.

May

15C

Cool, with some rainy days.

June

18C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

July

18C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

August

18C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

September

17C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

October

14C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

November

11C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

December

Cold, with regular rainfall.

Galway is Ireland's bohemian heart — buskers and trad musicians spill out of pubs along cobbled Shop Street, the Latin Quarter hums with festivals for much of the year, and the wild Atlantic is never more than a short walk away at Salthill promenade. It's also the natural gateway to the Aran Islands and the Connemara coast, both an easy day trip away.

Best areas to stay in Galway

Latin Quarter

Galway's medieval heart — cobbled streets, buskers, trad music pubs and independent shops around Quay Street.

Eyre Square

The central square and a useful orientation point, surrounded by shops and close to the train station.

Salthill

A seaside promenade a short walk or bus ride from the centre, popular for sea swims and sunset walks.

Spanish Arch & Docks

The historic waterfront area where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay, near the Galway City Museum.

Getting to Galway

✈

Flights

Shannon and Dublin airports are the nearest, around 1-2.5 hours by car or bus.

⏱

From London

~2.5 hours by train or bus from Dublin.

🚕

Getting around

The city centre is compact and walkable; buses connect to Salthill, Rossaveal ferry port and onward to Connemara.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Galway?

Summer (June-August) is liveliest with festivals like the Galway International Arts Festival, though spring and autumn offer a quieter pace and still-decent weather.

Is Galway good for live music?

Yes — traditional Irish music sessions happen nightly in pubs around the Latin Quarter and Quay Street, often informal and free to watch.

Can I visit the Aran Islands from Galway?

Yes — ferries run from Rossaveal (a short bus or drive from Galway) to Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr, with day trips possible to the largest island, Inis Mor.

Is Connemara worth a day trip?

Definitely — Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey and the dramatic coastal scenery are within about an hour's drive, and several organised tours cover the highlights in a day.

How walkable is Galway city centre?

Very walkable — the medieval core, Eyre Square, Shop Street and the Spanish Arch are all within a few minutes of each other on foot.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Stumbled into a trad music session on Quay Street on our first night and that set the tone for the whole visit — friendly, lively, and easy to explore on foot.

Aoife C. · August 2024

★★★★★

Day-tripped to Inis Mor from Rossaveal — cycled around the island and saw Dun Aonghasa fort. Galway itself was a great base for it.

Hannah R. · May 2023

★★★★☆

Walked the Salthill promenade at sunset and joined locals for a swim off the diving boards — bracing but brilliant. Connemara day tour the next day was equally good.

Pablo G. · September 2024