Weather in Galway 🇮🇪
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
August
Avg Temp
18°C
Rain Days
15 days
Sun Hours
8 hrs
Humidity
65%
Europe › 🇮🇪 Ireland › Galway
Updated: March 2026
Is August a Good Time to Visit Galway?
4/10
Fair
August is a fair time to visit Galway (4/10). With 8 daily sunshine hours and only 15 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 5th sunniest of the year in Galway. August suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 15 potential rain days. September offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 15 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
vs July:18°C avg high
Planning a trip to Galway in August? Days warm to 18°C on average while evenings hold at 12°C, giving you a clear sense of what to pack. The month delivers roughly 8 hours of sunshine per day and 98mm of rainfall spread across 15 wet days, so there is plenty of fair weather to work with.
18°C
64°F
Avg High
12°C
54°F
Avg Low
15 days
98 mm total
Rain Days
8h
per day avg
Sunshine
65%
Moderate
Humidity
Temperature in Galway in August
The 6°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 10 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Wind averages 20 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 64°F average high, 54°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Galway in August
Morning12°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon18°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening15°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Galway in August means dressing for 18°C days and 12°C evenings. A mid-weight jacket over a sweater handles 18°C daytime temperatures; the combination stays comfortable all day without overheating. Evening temperatures settle at 12°C, a modest 6°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. European cobblestones reward low-profile walking shoes over flip-flops or heels, with cushioned trainers or leather walking shoes being the practical choice. With 15 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes.
Local tip: Galway's cobbled streets turn slippery in the rain. Waterproof walking shoes with a non-slip sole outperform fashionable footwear on wet stone, and you'll cover significantly more ground in comfort.
Events in Galway in August
August has no major festivals or public holidays in Galway, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for Galway in August
Based on 18°C average highs and 15 rainy days
- Light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings
- Mix of short and long-sleeve layers
- Comfortable walking shoes with good arch support
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Galway in August
- Explore the old town's cobblestone backstreetsMorning (9-11am)At 18°C, conditions are pleasant for unhurried exploration on foot
- Visit hilltop viewpoints for panoramic city viewsLate afternoon (4-6pm)Low sun angle creates dramatic light for photography while temperatures remain comfortable
- Bicycle rental for a half-day city circuitMid-morning startMild 18°C temperatures are ideal for extended cycling without excessive effort
- Boat tour of the river, bay, or canal networkLate morning departureComfortable weather makes open-deck boats viable without wind-chill concerns
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 15 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningAugust brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Try the seasonal farmer's market for local produce and street foodSaturday morning markets typically 8am-1pmAugust seasonal produce is at peak availability, offering dishes not found at other times of year
Why is Galway mild in August?
August in Galway reflects a mid-latitude climate pattern, with temperatures averaging 18°C by day and 12°C overnight. The city sits at 53 degrees north latitude, where the balance between solar radiation and heat loss drives conditions that are neither extreme nor static. Conditions occupy the comfortable middle band of the annual temperature range, where outdoor activity is feasible without the extremes of midsummer heat or midwinter cold. Day-to-night temperature variation of 6°C is moderate and manageable with a single mid-layer. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Galway in August
In August, Galway experiences average highs of 18°C (64°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). Expect around 15 rainy days and 8 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 65%. The 6°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an overshirt or cardigan handles the cooler evenings. UV index averages 10, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
Galway typically sees 15 rainy days in August, with total precipitation of around 98mm. Rain is moderate and manageable. Showers tend to pass quickly, and a light rain layer or foldable umbrella is sufficient protection for most days. For context, the driest month in Galway typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than August.
Pack a warm jacket, sweaters, and layering pieces for Galway in August. Temperatures can drop to 12°C at night, so thermal underlayers are advisable for evening outings. Waterproof footwear is important with 15 rainy days expected. A scarf, hat, and gloves handle the windchill on clear cold days, which often feel colder than the thermometer reads.
August is a reasonable time to visit Galway. Expect 15 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 18°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 8 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Galway in August is 18°C (64°F), and the average low is 12°C (54°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 15°C (59°F). The day-to-night range of 6°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Galway is generally May. May offers the most sunshine at 10 hours per day. Average temperatures reach 15°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around May gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
August is shoulder or low season in Galway, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 8 sunshine hours and 15 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In August, Galway suits a range of activities thanks to cool conditions around 18°C. Mix of indoor and outdoor activities works well given the moderate chance of rain. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 8 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.
August ranks 5th sunniest of the year in Galway, with an average 8 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are February, September, and March. July is the hottest month (18°C avg high); January is the coolest (8°C). From here, temperatures fall 2°C into September. Compared to last month (July: 18°C high, 15 rain days), August is similarly warm and equally dry. August sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Galway, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 4°C | 16 | 4h | View |
| February | 9°C | 4°C | 13 | 5h | View |
| March | 10°C | 4°C | 14 | 7h | View |
| April | 12°C | 6°C | 14 | 9h | View |
| May | 15°C | 8°C | 14 | 10h | View |
| June | 17°C | 11°C | 14 | 10h | View |
| July | 18°C | 12°C | 15 | 9h | View |
| August | 18°C | 12°C | 15 | 8h | View |
| September | 16°C | 11°C | 13 | 7h | View |
| October | 13°C | 8°C | 15 | 5h | View |
| November | 10°C | 6°C | 15 | 4h | View |
| December | 8°C | 4°C | 16 | 3h | View |
January
16 rain days, 4h sun
8°4°
February
13 rain days, 5h sun
9°4°
March
14 rain days, 7h sun
10°4°
April
14 rain days, 9h sun
12°6°
May
14 rain days, 10h sun
15°8°
June
14 rain days, 10h sun
17°11°
July
15 rain days, 9h sun
18°12°
August
15 rain days, 8h sun
18°12°
September
13 rain days, 7h sun
16°11°
October
15 rain days, 5h sun
13°8°
November
15 rain days, 4h sun
10°6°
December
16 rain days, 3h sun
8°4°
Other Months in Galway
Plan Your Trip to Galway
Nearby Destinations
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Galway
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.