Wind forecast Galway today

Wind in Galway right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Galway

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 6 and 23 km/h (4 to 14 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 46 km/h (29 mph) at Sun 17:00. Speeds are in km/h with miles per hour underneath. Direction is where the wind comes from.

Seven-day gust outlook

The windiest day of the week is Fri 9/10 with gusts to 59 km/h (37 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 27 km/h (17 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Galway

Galway, or Gaillimh, is situated on the west coast of Ireland in County Galway, a region with significant Atlantic exposure. The prevailing winds across Ireland are from the west and south-west, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. In coastal areas of County Galway, the mean wind speed at 10 metres can be approximately 6.5 to 8.5 metres per second. While Galway city itself is coastal, its specific exposure varies. Wind speeds are generally higher at greater heights, such as 80 or 120 metres, which are relevant for wind energy applications. Gusts, which are short, sudden increases in wind speed, will always exceed the mean wind speed and can be considerably stronger, particularly during Atlantic depressions. The Wind Agent provides current wind data, a 48-hour table, and 7-day gust forecasts for Galway.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Galway largely mirrors that of County Galway. The strongest and gustiest conditions are typically experienced from November to February, a period when Atlantic depressions are most frequent and intense. During these months, the county's Atlantic coastline, including areas like Galway Bay, can experience significant wind activity. Conversely, the lightest winds are generally observed from June to August. However, even during these calmer summer months, coastal areas may experience a sea breeze effect in the afternoons, which can increase local wind speeds. This diurnal pattern is common along coastlines across Ireland. Offshore buoys and coastal observing stations elsewhere in the county can provide an early indication of approaching weather fronts for the interior.

Exposure and shelter

Galway is a coastal town, and its exposure to wind is directly influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic. While much of County Galway's coastline is exposed, Galway Bay offers some degree of shelter compared to more open coastal areas elsewhere in the county. Wind speeds generally decrease a few kilometres inland, where they might fall to approximately 5 to 7 metres per second at 10 metres height. Local topography, such as buildings within Galway City, can create both shelter and funnelling effects. Shelter occurs on the lee side of obstacles, reducing wind speed, while funnelling can increase wind speed in constricted passages. The specific layout of the urban environment will determine these localised effects.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind information is valuable for a range of activities in Galway. For tourism and festivals & events, understanding wind conditions is crucial for planning outdoor activities and ensuring comfort. The marine sector, including fishing and general sea use in Galway Docks and Galway Bay, relies on wind forecasts for navigation, operational planning, and safety. Building and roofing work, as well as farming activities like spraying and silage timing, are highly dependent on wind speed and direction to proceed efficiently. Wind energy, a sector in County Galway, benefits from precise wind data for resource assessment and operational management. For walking and outdoor sports, including those at Pearse Stadium, wind information helps in preparation and enjoyment.

Near Galway

Galway is in Co. Galway, one of 14 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Athenry (17 km), Claremorris (49 km) and Mace Head (57 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Cloosh Valley Wind Farm, about 27 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Galway

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Set your own limit and watch the odds at the live instrument for Galway, or read how the numbers above are made.