Last updated: March 17, 2025
In May, Cork, Ireland experiences a delightful spring ambiance with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 23°C (74°F) to a minimum of 0°C (31°F). The average temperature settles at a comfortable 11°C (52°F), making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities. However, expect some rain, as the city records an average precipitation of 74 mm (2.9 in) over approximately 12 days, contributing to a humidity level of 84%. This blend of moderate warmth and intermittent showers enhances Cork's lush, green landscapes, inviting visitors to enjoy the vibrant scenery while staying prepared for the unpredictable Irish weather.
In Cork, Ireland, May heralds the true arrival of spring, showcasing a delightful increase in temperatures that sets the stage for sunnier days. With a minimum of 0°C (31°F) and a pleasant average of 11°C (52°F), the month reaches a comfortable maximum of 23°C (74°F), making it one of the warmest periods of the year so far. This notable shift from the chillier months of April, where temperatures barely grazed 18°C (65°F), reflects a clear upward trend as days grow longer and more vibrant. The mild conditions not only invite locals and tourists alike to indulge in outdoor activities but also signal the lush greenery that defines Cork's scenic beauty during this blossoming time of year.
In May, Cork experiences a blend of spring vitality and occasional rain with a total precipitation of 74 mm (2.9 in) spread over 12 days. This amount is slightly above the April total, indicating a shift towards the wetter conditions often seen as summer approaches. While May’s precipitation is less than the two preceding months, it reflects a consistent trend of moderate rainfall leading into the warm summer months. The evolving pattern of precipitation illustrates Cork's characteristic maritime climate, where the lush greenery thrives despite the clouds that periodically blanket the skies. As spring transitions to summer, the rain serves to nourish the vibrant landscapes that the region is renowned for, showcasing the delicate balance of Cork's weather that supports its picturesque scenery.
In May, Cork, Ireland experiences a consistent humidity level of 84%, mirroring the trends seen in the preceding months of April and March. This stability suggests a mild and comfortable climate as spring transitions into summer. Notably, the humidity remains relatively high throughout the year, with slight fluctuations that peak in the colder months of October and November at 86%. This trend of sustained moisture creates a lush landscape, characteristic of Cork, while also fostering a sense of freshness in the air. Overall, Cork’s humidity levels in May reflect the city’s enchanting coastal environment, inviting residents and visitors to embrace its natural beauty.
As May arrives in Cork, Ireland, the UV Index climbs to 7, indicating a high exposure category and a reduced burn time of just 25 minutes. This marks a significant shift from the earlier months, where the index hovered in the low to moderate range. From January’s mild UV Index of 1, the increase through the seasons highlights the need for enhanced sun protection as summer approaches. As we transition into June, the intensity continues to rise, reaching an impressive 8, classifying it as very high exposure. It's essential to stay vigilant against UV radiation as the months progress; for more detailed information, you can check the Cork UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As May unfolds in Cork, Ireland, the days grow notably brighter, bringing a delightful surge in sunshine. With 381 hours of sunlight, this month not only stands out as a highlight of the spring but also reflects a significant jump from 299 hours in April. This upward trend indicates the arrival of warmer days, inviting locals and visitors alike to bask in the blooming beauty of the season. Following May, June maintains a generous 370 hours of sunshine, suggesting a consistent stretch of pleasant weather through early summer. This pattern contrasts sharply with the gloomier winter months, where January offered just 85 hours of sunshine, making Cork's May a radiant gem in the annual cycle of light.
In Cork, Ireland, May brings a 28% chance of sunny weather, positioning it as a transitional month following a significantly sunnier April, which boasts a 44% likelihood of sunshine. While May's chances do see a dip compared to its predecessor, they remain consistent with the sunnier days often found in July and August, both also at 28%. As spring blossoms into summer, the weather unpredictability remains a hallmark of the region; despite the modest chance of sunshine, the festive atmosphere and blooming landscapes in May often compensate for the occasional cloud cover, making it an enchanting time to visit.
As spring gives way to summer in Cork, Ireland, May stands out with an impressive 15 hours of daylight, marking a delightful peak in the gradually lengthening days. This transition is evident as the sunlight increases steadily from 8 hours in January to a notable 13 hours by April. Following the fifth month, daylight reaches its zenith in June and July at 16 hours, basking the city in abundant natural light. However, as the seasons shift towards autumn, a gentle decline begins, dropping to 14 hours in August and tapering off to 10 hours by October. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight underscores the vibrant seasonal changes experienced in Cork, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the long, sunlit days of late spring and summer.
In Cork, Ireland, the month of May experiences a delightful average wind speed of 3.9 m/s (approximately 9 mph), slightly up from the calmer gales of April. This gentle breeze sets the stage for a transition into the warmer months, as wind speeds generally trend downward in the summer, reaching their lowest in July at 2.9 m/s (6 mph). This pattern reflects a gradual softening as the year progresses into summer, after which winds tend to pick up again in October. Overall, May stands out as a month of pleasant winds, ideal for outdoor activities, just before the summer lull.
The weather in Cork 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 Cork and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January offer contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (31°F) at night to a warm 23°C (74°F) during the day, with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month sees 74 mm of precipitation over 12 days and high humidity at 84%. In contrast, January presents cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping as low as -5°C (24°F) and only reaching a maximum of 13°C (56°F), averaging 6°C (43°F). The precipitation is slightly less at 55 mm over 10 days, with humidity at a comparable 83%. For more specifics on January weather, you can check out Cork weather in January.
May and February present contrasting weather conditions, with May generally being milder and more pleasant. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (31°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average temperature of 11°C (52°F). In contrast, February experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 7°C (44°F). Additionally, February tends to be wetter, with 101 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over 15 days compared to May's 74 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days. Both months have high humidity levels, around 84% in May and 85% in February. For more details on February weather, check Cork weather in February.
In comparing the weather in May and March, we notice a significant seasonal transition. May typically sees milder temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (31°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at a comfortable 23°C (74°F). In contrast, March remains chillier, with lows reaching -6°C (21°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F), averaging only 7°C (44°F). Moreover, while May experiences an average precipitation of 74 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days, March is slightly wetter, with 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain over 16 days, yet both months share the same humidity level of 84%. For a more detailed view of the conditions in March, check out Cork weather in March.
The weather in May shows a noticeable warming trend compared to April, with average temperatures rising from 9°C (48°F) in April to 11°C (52°F) in May. The maximum temperature also increases, reaching up to 23°C (74°F) in May, compared to 18°C (65°F) in April. Both months experience similar levels of precipitation, with May recording 74 mm (2.9 in) and April slightly lower at 72 mm (2.8 in). Furthermore, the humidity remains consistent at 84% for both months, creating a damp feeling in the air. For more details about April's weather, you can check out Cork weather in April.
In May, temperatures in Cork range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (31°F) to a pleasant maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average temperature of 11°C (52°F). The month sees a fair amount of precipitation, with 74 mm (2.9 in) over 12 days, and humidity remains high at 84%. In contrast, June brings warmer conditions, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and reaching up to 27°C (80°F), averaging at 14°C (57°F). Rainfall decreases slightly to 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, and humidity is marginally higher at 85%. For more detailed information, you can check Cork weather in June.
In May, temperatures in Cork typically range from a chilly 0°C (31°F) at night to a pleasant 23°C (74°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 11°C (52°F). This month sees about 74 mm (2.9 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, July experiences milder nights with minimum temperatures of 7°C (44°F) and daytime highs peaking at 26°C (79°F), resulting in an average temperature of 16°C (61°F). Although July has slightly less precipitation at 63 mm (2.5 in) over the same number of days, humidity remains comparable at 85%. For more details about the July weather, visit Cork weather in July.
May weather typically features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (31°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at 23°C (74°F). It experiences around 74 mm (2.9 in) of precipitation over about 12 days, combined with a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, August sees slightly warmer conditions, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F), reaching a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Precipitation increases to 89 mm (3.5 in) over approximately 15 days, while humidity remains steady at 84%. For a detailed look at weather specifics, you can check Cork weather in August.
May and September present a transition in weather patterns, though they share some similarities. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (31°F) to a pleasant maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month experiences about 74 mm (2.9 in) of rainfall over 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, September offers slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F) and an average of 13°C (57°F). Precipitation is a bit lower at 69 mm (2.7 in) over the same number of days, with humidity rising slightly to 85%. For those looking to explore September in detail, you can find more information at Cork weather in September.
May and October present a transition in weather patterns, with both months featuring similar average temperatures of around 11°C (52°F). However, May usually enjoys warmer maximums at 23°C (74°F), compared to October's milder high of 18°C (64°F). Rainfall is more abundant in October, with 95 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over 13 days, while May sees slightly less rain at 74 mm (2.9 in) across 12 days. Additionally, both months have high humidity levels, with October slightly edging out at 86% compared to May's 84%. For more details on the weather trends during October, check this link: Cork weather in October.
May and November present significantly different weather patterns, despite their similar humidity levels of 84%. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (31°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), creating a pleasant spring atmosphere with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month also sees an average of 74 mm (2.9 in) of precipitation over about 12 days. In contrast, November typically experiences cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F). This month receives slightly more rainfall, averaging 79 mm (3.1 in) across 13 days. For more details, you can check out Cork weather in November.
In May, temperatures in Cork range from a brisk 0°C (31°F) at night to a pleasant 23°C (74°F) during the day, with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month sees about 74 mm (2.9 in) of precipitation over 12 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, December brings colder weather, with temperatures dipping as low as -2°C (28°F) and averaging 7°C (45°F), peaking at a milder 14°C (57°F). This month experiences increased precipitation, totaling 103 mm (4.1 in) across 16 days, while humidity slightly decreases to 83%. For more detailed insights, you can check Cork weather in December.
As May unfolds in Cork, the weather becomes noticeably warmer and more inviting compared to the chillier months of early spring. With temperatures rising to pleasant highs, this month marks a transition into more comfortable conditions, although it can still dip unexpectedly during the night. Rain continues to be a frequent companion, with a handful of damp days bringing an average precipitation level, yet the higher humidity levels elevate the lushness of the surrounding landscapes. Overall, May serves as a refreshing prelude to the summer months, making it a delightful time to experience the vibrant beauty of Cork. For more insights into what to expect throughout the year, check out Cork Climate.