May Weather in Kilkenny, Ireland

Last updated: March 17, 2025

May in Kilkenny, Ireland brings a delightful mix of warmth and cloudiness, with maximum temperatures reaching around 23°C (74°F). The average temperature hovers pleasantly at 11°C (52°F), while chilly nights can dip to a brisk -2°C (29°F). Rainfall is not uncommon, totaling 65 mm (2.5 in) over the month and gracing the region with moisture on approximately 11 days. With an average humidity of 83%, visitors can expect a lush, green landscape, characteristic of this vibrant season. Enjoy the mild climate and explore the rich culture of this enchanting Irish city!

May Temperature in Kilkenny

In Kilkenny, Ireland, May brings a delightful transition into warmer days, showcasing a notable rise in temperatures. The month opens with a minimum of -2°C (29°F), which marks a shift away from the chill of winter. As May progresses, the average temperature settles at a pleasant 11°C (52°F), and highs gracefully reach up to 23°C (74°F), making it one of the warmest months so far in the year. This upward trend from the preceding months is unmistakable, as April's temperatures flirted with the 20°C mark. The increasing warmth sets the stage for vibrant spring blooms and outdoor activities, inviting both locals and tourists to relish the balmy atmosphere of this charming Irish city.

May Weather in Kilkenny: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Kilkenny, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec424344475257615956504543
Data source: Temperature data for Kilkenny generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Kilkenny

In Kilkenny, Ireland, May typically brings a refreshing balance of rain and sunshine, recording an average precipitation of 65 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days. This marks a slight increase from April's 57 mm (2.2 in), signaling the transition to the wetter summer months ahead. Interestingly, rainfall levels in May are consistent with those observed in June and July, with each month capturing a similar amount of rainfall. As spring gives way to early summer, residents and visitors can expect vibrant greenery and blooming landscapes, thanks to this sustained precipitation. Overall, May serves as a bridge, providing enough moisture to nourish the earth while still allowing ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

May Precipitation Trends in Kilkenny

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Kilkenny, with values for each month alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5188795765666792618585101
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Kilkenny

In Kilkenny, Ireland, May marks a slight dip in humidity, with levels averaging around 83%. This modest decline from the consistent 85-86% range seen in the preceding months suggests a brief reprieve before the summer months bring back higher moisture levels. As spring transitions into summer, travelers may find this moment in May particularly pleasant, hinting at the charm of Irish weather as it prepares for the bustling warmth of June and July. The relatively stable humidity throughout the year illustrates Kilkenny's temperate climate, where a gentle dampness lingers but doesn't overshadow the beauty of its blooming landscapes during late spring.

May Average Humidity in Kilkenny

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Kilkenny, with May's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how May's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec85%86%86%85%83%85%86%85%86%87%87%84%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Kilkenny

As spring fades into summer, May in Kilkenny, Ireland, reveals a notable increase in UV exposure, with the UV Index rising to 7, categorizing it as high. This shift signifies a change from the moderate levels observed in April, where the Index was at 5. In May, the recommended burn time decreases to just 25 minutes, urging residents and visitors to take extra precautions when enjoying the outdoors. As we look ahead, this trend of rising UV levels continues into June, indicating that summer is indeed around the corner, making it essential to stay informed. For more details and daily updates, visit the Kilkenny UV Index resource.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Kilkenny for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Kilkenny in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec124578875421
Data source: Kilkenny May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Kilkenny

In Kilkenny, Ireland, May heralds the arrival of longer, sunnier days, boasting an impressive 392 hours of sunshine—the peak for the year. This month stands in delightful contrast to the early winter chill, where January struggles with merely 86 hours of sunlight. As spring unfolds, sunlight steadily increases, with April already enjoying 301 hours as nature bursts into bloom. Following May, the sunshine begins to diminish slightly, but June and July still offer robust hours at 388 and 397, respectively. This trend culminates in a vibrant summer, before the days gradually retreat into the cozy, shorter hours of autumn. The progression from the briskness of winter to May’s radiant warmth encapsulates Kilkenny’s enchanting seasonal rhythm, inviting locals and visitors alike to bask in its charm.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Kilkenny: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Kilkenny experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec86h145h195h301h392h388h397h342h297h239h128h105h
Data source: Kilkenny May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Kilkenny During May

In Kilkenny, Ireland, the likelihood of sunny weather shows some intriguing trends as the year progresses. Starting with a modest 27% chance of sunshine in January, the uncertainty begins to wane as spring arrives, peaking at 42% in April. This promising uptick invites optimism as May approaches, offering a 28% chance of sun that, while lower than April, still signifies a noticeable increase from the preceding winter months. As summer unfolds, the probabilities of sunny days fluctuate, dipping again to 22% in June, but the warmth of late spring tends to create a sense of bright possibility. Overall, while May's sunshine prospects may not be as robust as in April, they hint at the approaching summer and the vibrant outdoor experiences that await.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Kilkenny

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Kilkenny throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Kilkenny experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec27%22%20%42%28%22%27%24%18%16%26%19%
Data source: Kilkenny May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Kilkenny in May

As spring unfolds in Kilkenny, May heralds a delightful increase in daylight, boasting a generous 15 hours. This vibrant month represents a peak in spring's progression, where the sun lingers longer in the sky compared to earlier months, such as January's 8 hours and April's 13 hours. The trend of increasing daylight extends beyond May, with June reaching its zenith at 16 hours, but May stands out as a time of blooming life and longer evenings. Following this sun-filled month, daylight gradually dwindles through the summer and into autumn, but for now, May encapsulates the essence of brightness, encouraging outdoor activities and the celebration of nature’s beauty.

Average Daylight Hours in Kilkenny for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Kilkenny throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 12m9h 52m11h 54m13h 59m15h 49m16h 47m16h 16m14h 37m12h 36m10h 32m8h 40m7h 40m
Data source: Kilkenny daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Kilkenny

In Kilkenny, Ireland, the month of May experiences an average wind speed of 3.7 m/s (8 mph), which aligns with the winds felt in both January and November, hinting at a steady maritime influence during this time. After a dip in April, the wind picks back up, providing a refreshing breeze that complements the increasing temperatures and the vibrant spring atmosphere. Observing the year as a whole, winter months tend to exhibit higher wind speeds, peaking in December at 4.2 m/s (9 mph), before a gradual decline into the summer. This pattern culminates in the calmest month of July, where the average drops to just 2.6 m/s (6 mph), indicating that the winds of May are perfectly positioned between the energetic gusts of winter and the tranquil days of summer.

Average May Wind Speed in Kilkenny

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Kilkenny, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.75.04.03.03.7 m/s3.42.63.22.94.03.74.2
Data source: Kilkenny May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Kilkenny Compares to Other Months

The weather in Kilkenny changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Kilkenny and find detailed weather information for every month.

May and January present notably different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a pleasant average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at a comfortable 23°C (74°F). This month also experiences relatively higher precipitation levels, with 65 mm (2.5 in) spread across 11 days, accompanied by an average humidity of 83%. In contrast, January is colder, with temperatures dipping down to -6°C (21°F) and averaging around 5°C (42°F), with a maximum of just 13°C (56°F). Although January has less precipitation at 51 mm (2.0 in) over 10 days, the humidity is slightly higher at 85%. For more detailed insights, visit Kilkenny weather in January.

In comparing the weather between May and February, we can see a notable shift in temperatures and precipitation patterns. May experiences a minimum temperature of -2°C (29°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at a pleasant 23°C (74°F), while February records a slightly lower minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), with a maximum of 14°C (58°F). Precipitation is also more pronounced in February, with 88 mm (3.5 in) falling over 16 days compared to May's 65 mm (2.5 in) across 11 days. Despite May being warmer and drier, both months maintain high humidity levels, with February at 86% and May at 83%. For more details on February weather, you can visit Kilkenny weather in February.

When comparing the weather in March and May, it's clear that May offers milder temperatures and more pleasant conditions. In May, the average temperature rises to 11°C (52°F), peaking at 23°C (74°F), while March averages a cooler 6°C (44°F), with a maximum of only 17°C (63°F). Additionally, May experiences less precipitation overall, with 65 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days, compared to March's 79 mm (3.1 in) across 15 days. Humidity levels are slightly lower in May at 83%, compared to March's 86%. For more detailed information, check out Kilkenny weather in March.

In comparing the weather of April and May, we see a noticeable increase in temperatures as spring progresses. April records a minimum of -3°C (26°F), an average of 8°C (47°F), and a maximum of 20°C (69°F), while May features slightly milder extremes with a minimum of -2°C (29°F), an average of 11°C (52°F), and a maximum of 23°C (74°F). Precipitation levels are also comparable, with April experiencing 57 mm (2.2 in) over 11 days and May slightly wetter at 65 mm (2.5 in) over the same number of days. Humidity remains quite high in both months, with April at 85% and May slightly lower at 83%. For a more detailed overview of April's weather, you can check Kilkenny weather in April.

May and June bring a noticeable shift in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a pleasant maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month sees about 65 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity level of 83%. In contrast, June experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a peak of 28°C (83°F), averaging 14°C (58°F). Precipitation remains similar at approximately 65 mm (2.6 in) over 12 days, but humidity slightly increases to 85%. For a detailed look at June weather, you can explore Kilkenny weather in June.

In comparing the weather between May and July, we observe a noticeable warming trend. May experiences a minimum temperature of -2°C (29°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at 23°C (74°F), while July sees a minimum of 5°C (41°F), an average of 16°C (61°F), and a maximum of 28°C (82°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with May receiving 65 mm (2.5 in) over 11 days compared to July's 67 mm (2.6 in) across 12 days. Humidity slightly increases from 83% in May to 86% in July, contributing to a more humid atmosphere as summer progresses. For more detailed insights into July weather, check out Kilkenny weather in July.

May and August in Kilkenny present distinct weather characteristics that highlight the transition from spring to late summer. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (29°F) to an average of 11°C (52°F) and can peak at 23°C (74°F), offering a pleasant yet variable climate. The month sees around 65 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, with humidity levels at 83%.

In contrast, August experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F), reaching up to 24°C (76°F). However, it brings slightly more rain, totaling approximately 91 mm (3.6 in) over 15 days, along with a humidity level of 85%. This comparison underscores the gradual warming and increased rainfall as summer progresses. For a detailed account of what to expect, check out Kilkenny weather in August.

In May, temperatures start to warm up with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at a maximum of 23°C (74°F). The month sees about 65 mm (2.5 inches) of precipitation over 11 days, with humidity levels around 83%. In contrast, September offers slightly warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to an average of 13°C (56°F), and reaching a maximum of 25°C (78°F). Precipitation decreases slightly to 61 mm (2.4 inches) over the same number of days, while humidity remains a bit higher at 86%. For more insights on September weather, visit Kilkenny weather in September.

May and October present distinct yet somewhat similar weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) at night to a pleasant 23°C (74°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 11°C (52°F). The month experiences 65 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity level of 83%. In contrast, October sees slightly cooler temperatures with nighttime lows of -2°C (28°F) and daytime highs reaching only 19°C (66°F). The average temperature drops to 10°C (51°F), and the month is wetter, accumulating 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain across 14 days while humidity rises to 87%. For a more detailed look at October weather, check out Kilkenny weather in October.

In May, the weather in Kilkenny shows more variability, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -2°C (29°F) at night to a warm 23°C (74°F) during the day, averaging around 11°C (52°F). The month experiences about 65 mm (2.5 inches) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, with humidity levels around 83%. In contrast, November brings cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping slightly lower, ranging from -3°C (28°F) to a maximum of 15°C (60°F) and an average of 7°C (46°F). Rainfall increases to 85 mm (3.3 inches) across 13 days, coupled with a marginally higher humidity of 86%. For a more detailed look at November weather specifics, you can check Kilkenny weather in November.

In May, the weather begins to warm up, with average temperatures ranging from a cool 11°C (52°F) to a comfortable maximum of 23°C (74°F). This month typically sees about 65 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to an average humidity of 83%. In contrast, December experiences much colder temperatures, with averages ranging from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F). Precipitation increases to 101 mm (4.0 in) over 15 days, and humidity remains slightly elevated at 84%. For a detailed look at December weather, you can check out Kilkenny weather in December.

Compare Kilkenny's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Kilkenny

As spring unfolds in Kilkenny, May showcases a delightful transition in weather, with temperatures warming up and the landscape blooming in vibrant colors. This month experiences a significant increase in warmth compared to the cooler months, making outdoor activities increasingly enjoyable. However, the lingering chill can still be felt during the nights, reminding us that winter is not far behind. While May does see a fair amount of rainfall, with approximately 11 days of precipitation, the overall humidity remains high, fostering a fresh and invigorating atmosphere. For those keen on understanding how Kilkenny’s climate shapes its unique beauty throughout the year, dive deeper into our exploration of local weather patterns by visiting Kilkenny Climate.