You've probably heard the jokes. If you can see Croagh Patrick, it’s about to rain. If you can’t see it, it’s already raining. While that makes for a great pub quip at Matt Molloy’s, the reality of the weather in westport ireland is actually much more interesting—and a lot more manageable—than the "constant deluge" myths suggest.
Westport isn't just another rainy town on the edge of Europe. It’s a place where the Atlantic Ocean basically dictates the terms of your daily life. Because it sits right on Clew Bay, the town gets the full brunt of the North Atlantic Drift. This is a warm-ish ocean current that keeps the town from ever getting truly freezing, but it also ensures the air is constantly damp and moving.
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Honestly, the weather here doesn't just change by the day. It changes by the hour. You can wake up to a "soft" morning mist, have a coffee in blazing sunshine by noon, and be dodging a gale-force wind by the time you're looking for a spot for dinner.
The Seasonal Reality of Clew Bay
Let's look at the numbers because they tell a story that's different from the "it's always 10 degrees and wet" narrative.
In the depths of winter, say January or February, the temperature usually hangs around $5°C$ to $8°C$. It’s rarely "ice on the windshield" cold, but the humidity makes it feel like the chill is trying to seep into your bones. January 2026, for example, saw an average temperature of about $5.2°C$ with wind gusts hitting $46$ knots. That’s enough to blow the head off your pint if you're sitting outside.
Spring: The Great Awakening
March and April are when things get weirdly beautiful. This is arguably the most underrated time to visit. While the sea is at its coldest—meaning the air stays crisp—the rainfall starts to dip. April is statistically one of the driest months in Westport, averaging about $93$ mm of rain. Compare that to December’s $133$ mm, and you start to see why the locals are so much cheerier in the spring.
Summer: Long Days and "Grand" Weather
June, July, and August are when the town explodes with life. You’re looking at highs of $17°C$ to $19°C$. If it hits $22°C$, the entire town stops working and heads to Old Head or Bertra Beach. The real magic of Westport in summer isn't the heat; it's the light. On the summer solstice in late June, the sun doesn't set until about 10:13 PM. You can literally finish a late dinner and still have enough daylight to walk the Greenway.
Why the Rain Isn't Actually Your Enemy
People obsess over the rain when looking up the weather in westport ireland. But here’s the secret: most of it isn't "rain" in the way New Yorkers or Londoners think of it. A lot of the time, it’s what we call "mistletoe rain" or a "soft day." It’s a fine, heavy mist that doesn't really soak you if you're moving, but it keeps the landscape that impossibly vibrant green that Mayo is famous for.
That said, when a real Atlantic depression rolls in, you’ll know about it. The clouds settle low over the Reek (Croagh Patrick), and the wind starts to howl through the colorful shopfronts of Bridge Street.
Rainfall by the Numbers (Approximate Averages)
- January: $109$ mm (Cool, damp, and breezy)
- April: $93$ mm (The surprise dry spell)
- July: $100$ mm (Mild with occasional heavy showers)
- October: $125$ mm (The start of the storm season)
- December: $133$ mm (The wettest month on record)
Packing for Westport (Without Looking Like a Tourist)
If you pack an umbrella, you’ve already lost the battle. The wind in Westport treats umbrellas like toys, flipping them inside out in seconds.
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Instead, think in layers. A high-quality, breathable waterproof shell is the single most important thing in your suitcase. Brands like Gore-Tex are popular for a reason here. Under that, you want a light fleece or a wool sweater—Aran wool is actually great because the natural oils in the wool repel a bit of the moisture.
Footwear is the other big one. If you’re planning on climbing Croagh Patrick, don't even think about doing it in sneakers if there’s been rain in the last 48 hours. The mountain becomes a vertical stream. You need waterproof hiking boots with serious ankle support. For just walking around town, sturdy leather boots or water-resistant trainers are usually fine.
Microclimates: The Westport Bubble
One thing the weather apps never tell you is that Westport has its own little microclimate. Because it's tucked into the corner of Clew Bay and shielded somewhat by the mountains of South Mayo, it can be significantly milder than nearby Castlebar or the exposed coast of Achill Island.
I’ve seen it pouring rain in Louisburgh while the sun is shining on the Octagon in the center of Westport. It’s part of the charm. You just learn to roll with it.
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Surviving the "Big Winds"
Autumn and winter are storm seasons. This is when the Atlantic really puts on a show. Met Éireann (the Irish weather service) issues Yellow, Orange, and Red warnings during these times. If you see an Orange warning, it’s probably best to cancel that boat trip to Clare Island.
However, there is something incredibly cozy about being in Westport during a storm. The town is built for it. There are dozens of pubs with open turf fires where you can sit and watch the rain lash the windows while you stay perfectly dry with a bowl of seafood chowder.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
To make the most of the weather in westport ireland, you have to stop planning your day around the forecast and start planning it around the windows of opportunity.
- Check the Radar, Not the Forecast: Use the Met Éireann app’s rainfall radar. It shows you exactly where the rain clouds are moving in real-time. If you see a gap, that’s your time to hike.
- Morning is Gold: Often, the clearest skies are early in the morning before the daytime heating builds up clouds.
- Dress for the Worst, Hope for the Best: Even if it looks sunny, throw that rain shell in your backpack.
- Embrace the Indoors: On the truly "washout" days, head to the Westport House estate or the local galleries. The town doesn't stop just because it's wet.
- Talk to the Locals: If you're unsure about the weather for a specific activity, ask the person behind the bar. They’ve lived with these clouds their whole lives and can usually tell you if a clearing is coming.
The weather in Westport isn't something to be endured; it's part of the landscape. It’s the reason the air smells so fresh and the grass is so green. Once you stop fighting it and start layering for it, you’ll realize that there really is no such thing as bad weather in Mayo—just the wrong clothes.
To prepare for your visit, download the Met Éireann app for the most accurate localized tracking and prioritize purchasing a genuine windproof jacket over any other travel gear. If you're planning on hiking Croagh Patrick, ensure your boots are broken in and fully waterproofed at least a week before you arrive.