This was 1.74C over the long-term average for May from 1991 to 2020 and 2.53C above the long-term average for 1961 to 1990.
Only twice in 125 years did May's average temperature rise above 13C last month. The previous occurrence occurred in 2008 when the average temperature was 13.03C.
With an average temperature of 8.67C, May 1923 was the coldest on record.
With sunlight levels below normal, Met Éireann said that the month “was very mild but also quite dull overall.”
At Shannon Airport in County Clare, the percentage of sunlight values each month varied from 79% to 80% at Casement Aerodrome in County Dublin.
The majority of monthly rainfall totals nationwide, however, fell short of the long-term average for the years 1981–2010.
While it was comparatively dry in the east and northwest, the south and north midlands had the highest totals of rainfall. Ballyhaise, County Cavan had 48% (32.4mm) of monthly rainfall, while Mount Dillon, County Roscommon, had 151% (106.5mm).
Casement Aerodrome in County Dublin recorded 29.3 mm of rainfall, while Ireland West Airport in County Mayo recorded 124.7 mm.
At Ireland West Airport, the wettest day of the month was Sunday, May 26, with 34.9mm, the greatest amount of rain to occur on a single day in May since 2005.
According to the May climate statement, the island of Ireland's mean temperature increased overall because the month's nighttime lows were warmer than usual. For the month, there were variations in the long-term mean air temperature from 1.1C at Mace Head, Co. Galway, to 2.9C at Phoenix Park.
Twelve additional weather stations saw its hottest May on record in addition to Phoenix Park.
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