Galway is a popular seaside destination located along the western coast of Ireland. It is a breathtakingly beautiful city that is rich in natural wonders and scenic locations; a place that is often regarded as one of the most engaging towns in the country. Serene beaches, a long-winding promenade perfect for strolls, colourful shops and vibrant café culture – these are just some of the things to look forward to when you visit Galway. The city manages to capture a lot of its medieval origins in most of the buildings you will see here, and you will find yourself looking at an older version of Ireland at almost every corner in Galway. Something else the city is known for is the numerous festivals that are held here, especially during the summers, which is the peak season for tourists and local vacationers as well. Check out our guide on the best times to visit Galway and its weather patterns.

Summers begin in June, and July and August are the warmest months of the year. The maximum temperatures average around 18⁰C, with the minimum averaging around 11⁰C. It is the best time to enjoy the many festivals that are held in Galway during the summers, and the daylight hours are plenty enough to allow you to spend most of your time outdoors. The warm sunny days and the fact that rain is least expected during these months means tourists crowds are literally everywhere. Although larger numbers of tourists usually lead to rate hikes in hotels and other establishments, so be prepared with advanced bookings and expect to pay more in most locations.

Spring and autumn are relatively milder seasons in Galway compared to the summers and winters. March is still quite cool and is considered to be a low season like the winters, but the biggest festival in the country – St. Patrick’s Day – falls in March as well and is responsible for bringing big business to the region. Temperatures become warmer and more pleasant in April, with temperatures ranging around highs of 11⁰C and lows of 6⁰C. The same also applies to the autumn season; temperature highs are around 14⁰C and lows average around 9⁰C. These shoulder seasons feature great weather and lack the large crowds of peak seasons. Lesser tourists mean the rates in hotels and accommodations go down as well. If you are travelling on a budget, the spring and autumn months are a great time to plan a trip.

Winters in Galway are mostly associated with plenty of rain and very short daylight hours. While it does get chilly during these months, the weather rarely ever reaches freezing levels. The temperature highs are around 9⁰C and lows range around 4⁰C. A lot of establishments remain closed for the winters as it is generally considered off-season among tourists. The ones that do open up often have great deals on offer, whether it’s for shopping or accommodation. The holidays around Christmas and New Year’s Eve bring back life into the town in the form of festivities and shopping sales. The Annual Christmas Market hostel by Galway Market begins in November itself and lasts till just before Christmas.