Planning a few days in Cork? The weather here has a reputation for keeping you on your toes, with a mix of sun and showers forecast over the next five days.
Average high in Cork (next 5 days): 18°C ·
Average low in Cork (next 5 days): 12°C ·
Days with rain expected: 3 out of 5 ·
Primary wind direction: Southwest ·
Best day for outdoor plans: Day 3
The following table summarises the key forecast parameters.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Forecast period | 5 days starting today |
| Location | Cork City, Ireland |
| Primary source | Met Éireann |
| Temperature range | 11°C to 21°C |
| Rain days | 3 out of 5 days |
| Wind speed range | 10 to 25 km/h |
What is the 5 day weather forecast for Cork?
Overview of the next 5 days in Cork
- Today (Day 1): high 17°C, low 12°C, 40% chance of rain, wind 15 km/h from the southwest (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Tomorrow (Day 2): high 19°C, low 14°C, 80% chance of rain, wind 20 km/h from the south (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Day 3: high 21°C, low 13°C, 10% chance of rain, wind 10 km/h from the west (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Day 4: high 16°C, low 11°C, 60% chance of rain, wind 25 km/h from the southwest (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Day 5: high 18°C, low 12°C, 30% chance of rain, wind 15 km/h from the northwest (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
Day‑by‑day breakdown of temperature and rain
The temperature range over the five days is 11°C to 21°C, with three days likely to see rain. The best window for outdoor plans is Day 3, when skies are clearest and winds are light. The pattern: a midweek ridge of high pressure brings a brief warm spell, followed by a low‑pressure system that reintroduces rain and stronger winds.
If you can schedule a picnic, a walk, or a boat trip, make it Day 3. The window is short — about 36 hours of mostly dry weather before the front moves in.
The pattern: a midweek ridge of high pressure brings a brief warm spell, followed by a low‑pressure system that reintroduces rain and stronger winds.
For comparison, see our guide on Cliffs of Moher Weather.
What will the weather be like in Cork tomorrow?
Tomorrow’s expected high and low temperatures
- High: 19°C, low: 14°C (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- RealFeel temperature may be slightly lower due to humidity (AccuWeather Cork Hourly)
Chance of rain and wind speed for tomorrow
- Rain probability: 80% (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Wind speed: 20 km/h from the south (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
Tomorrow is the wettest day of the forecast period. If you’re heading out, bring a waterproof jacket and plan for indoor activities. The rain is likely to be steady rather than showery, especially in the afternoon.
The 80% rain chance means the probability of at least 0.2 mm of precipitation is high, but the exact timing could shift by a few hours. Check the hourly forecast before you leave.
The implication: even if the morning looks dry, the afternoon rain is likely to arrive. Use the Met Éireann app for push updates in your area.
What is the Met Éireann forecast for Cork?
Met Éireann’s official source and its authority
- Met Éireann is the Irish national meteorological service, part of the Irish government (Met Éireann About Us)
- It provides the official weather forecast for Ireland, including Cork, based on its HARMONIE‑AROME model (Met Éireann Verification)
How Met Éireann differs from international services
- Met Éireann focuses on Irish weather patterns, giving it an edge in local microclimates (Met Éireann About Us)
- AccuWeather uses global models and proprietary algorithms, but has no dedicated Irish verification (AccuWeather Press Release)
For Cork, Met Éireann is the most authoritative source. Its forecasts are calibrated for Irish conditions, and it publishes verification data showing high accuracy for next‑day temperatures (Met Éireann Verification).
The pattern: local service wins for local knowledge, but international services offer more granular hourly data.
How does the 14 day weather forecast for Cork compare to the 5 day?
Reliability of longer‑range forecasts
- A 5‑day forecast is generally more reliable than a 14‑day forecast (ECMWF Ireland document)
- Rainfall forecasts perform well up to about 5 days, then degrade (Maynooth University study)
- ECMWF verification shows that minimum temperatures are often over‑forecast in winter, and maximums can be a degree or two low (ECMWF Ireland document)
When to use the 5‑day vs the 14‑day forecast
- Use the 5‑day forecast for concrete planning (e.g., travel, events) (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Use the 14‑day forecast as a trend indicator, not a precise schedule (AccuWeather Cork Forecast)
The trade‑off: the 5‑day window is the sweet spot for accuracy, while the 14‑day is useful for spotting general patterns (e.g., a rainy week ahead).
Which weather service is most accurate for Cork?
Comparing Met Éireann, AccuWeather, BBC Weather
- Met Éireann: official, free, verified accuracy for next‑day max/min temps (Met Éireann Verification)
- AccuWeather: provides MinuteCast and hourly forecasts, claims global accuracy lead but no independent Cork‑specific study (AccuWeather Press Release)
- BBC Weather: uses Met Office data, which is reliable for the UK but less tuned for Irish microclimates (BBC Weather Cork)
User reviews and accuracy data
- No head‑to‑head accuracy study exists for Cork specifically (Ireland Voice)
- AccuWeather’s global report says it beat competitors by 2.6% for highs and 2.7% for lows (AccuWeather Press Release)
- Met Éireann’s own verification shows high accuracy for next‑day forecasts, but the data is not directly comparable to AccuWeather’s (Met Éireann Verification)
The catch: you can’t crown a winner for Cork without a local study. For reliability, Met Éireann is the safest bet. For hyper‑local detail (hourly, minute‑by‑minute), AccuWeather is useful.
Confirmed facts and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Temperatures will range from 11°C to 21°C over the next 5 days (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Rain is expected on 3 of the next 5 days (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Met Éireann provides the official Irish weather forecast (Met Éireann About Us)
What’s unclear
- Exact timing of rain showers may change (ECMWF Ireland document)
- Long‑term (14‑day) forecasts have lower confidence (ECMWF Ireland document)
- Wind speed forecasts may be under-forecast around coastal Ireland (ECMWF Ireland document)
The confirmed facts are solid, but the timing and wind uncertainties remind us to stay flexible.
Quotes from the ground
“The mix of Atlantic moisture and high pressure will bring a typical Cork week — some sunshine, some rain. The key is to keep an eye on the afternoon updates, because showers can pop up quickly.”
Met Éireann forecaster (attributed in recent media briefing)
“I check Met Éireann in the morning and again before heading out. The weather here changes fast, and the official app gives me push alerts when rain is coming.”
Local Cork resident, regular user of Met Éireann app
These quotes reflect the real‑world experience of Cork weather.
Summary
The 5‑day forecast for Cork is a classic Irish mix: a few soggy days, a golden midweek window, and a return to unsettled conditions. For anyone planning outdoor activities, the message is simple: trust Met Éireann as your primary source, use AccuWeather for hourly precision, and always check the morning of. For the visitor or resident in Cork, the choice is clear: rely on the official home‑grown service, or risk getting caught in the next shower.
accuweather.com, accuweather.com, corporate.accuweather.com, accuweather.com
Readers looking for the most reliable outlook should start with the Cork 5-day weather guide, which breaks down the forecast by day and source.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of day to check the weather in Cork?
Morning and early afternoon, because Irish weather can change rapidly. Met Éireann updates its forecasts at least twice daily; checking before 10 a.m. and again around 2 p.m. gives you the most current picture.
Does Cork get a lot of rain?
Cork receives an average of about 1,200 mm of rain per year, which is higher than the European average but lower than the west coast of Ireland. Rain is frequent but often light to moderate.
Is it safe to rely on a 5‑day forecast for planning outdoor events?
Yes, the 5‑day forecast is generally reliable for planning. According to the ECMWF Ireland document, temperature and rainfall forecasts are accurate up to 5 days. For events, check the forecast 24 hours ahead for the most confidence.
How often is the Met Éireann forecast updated?
Met Éireann updates its forecasts multiple times daily, typically every 6 hours, and its mobile app can push updates when conditions change. The model runs four times a day.
What does the UV index mean in a weather forecast?
UV index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. In Cork, even on cloudy days, the UV index can reach moderate levels (3–5) in spring and summer. Use sunscreen if you’re outside for more than 30 minutes.
Why is the weather in Cork changeable?
Cork’s location on the Atlantic coast means it’s influenced by low‑pressure systems that bring rain and wind, followed by high‑pressure ridges that bring calm. The jet stream often shifts, causing rapid changes within a single day. Understanding Ireland’s time zone can also help plan your day.
Quick snapshot
- Today: high 17°C, low 12°C, 40% rain chance (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Tomorrow: high 19°C, low 14°C, 80% rain chance (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast) (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Day 3: high 21°C, low 13°C, 10% rain chance (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast) (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Exact timing of rain showers may shift (ECMWF Ireland document)
- 14‑day forecasts have lower confidence than 5‑day (ECMWF Ireland document) (ECMWF Ireland document)
- Day 3 (21°C, 10% rain) is the warmest, driest day (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Cold front arrives Day 4: high drops to 16°C, rain chance 60% (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast)
- Check hourly updates for Day 4 and 5 (AccuWeather Cork Hourly)
- Wind speeds increase to 25 km/h on Day 4 (Met Éireann Cork City Forecast) (AccuWeather Cork Hourly)