Most travelers to Ireland I meet have concerns about the weather. Though Ireland does not have a climate as pleasant as an island in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, this shouldn’t put you off visiting. Once you know what to expect, the Irish weather is not only easily dealt with, but you might even enjoy it!
The Irish Climate and Weather at a Glance:
| Month | Rainfall | Temperature | Hours of Daylight | Notable Weather |
| Winter: (December -February) | 80mm/ 3.1in | 4°C/ 39°F | 8am – 4pm | Rare snowfall | Occasional storms | Strong Winds |
| Spring: (March – May) | 70mm/ 2.8in | 9°C/ 48°F | 6.30am – 7.30pm | Changeable Weather | Mild Temperatures | Occasional Thunderstorms |
| Summer: (June – August) | 55mm/ 2.2in | 13°C/ 55°F | 4.30am – 10pm | Sunny Days | Unpredictable Weather | Occasional Heatwave |
| Autumn: (September – November) | 80mm/ 3.1in | 8°C/ 39°F | 7am – 7pm | Increase in Rainfall | Strong Winds | Occasional Heavy Rain |
You really don’t need to be intimidated by the Irish climate. Though the weather is ever-changing, you won’t need to wait for too long before things become comfortable again. The phrase “4 seasons in an hour” often springs to mind when talking about Ireland.
Even with the changing weather, the climate will be quite stable throughout the year. It is rare for any major storms or natural disasters to happen in Ireland. This stable and wet climate has given Ireland gorgeous natural beauty and is well worth exploring, regardless of the rain.
The Irish Weather
Generally, it is considered better to prepare for a wide range of weather when visiting Ireland. Winter is the coldest season, with occasional ice and snow, summer temperatures typically reach around 25°C (High 70s Fahrenheit). The rain in Ireland is usually light, but will occur between 190 and 230 days per year.
I have met plenty of people who think that Ireland is always in the middle of a torrential downpour, this is not the case. The rain here usually only lasts for a few minutes and then the sun will generally start to shine. While you should be prepared for the rain, you shouldn’t be intimidated by it. In fact, the rain has plenty of benefits for Ireland.
One thing that most visitors fail to prepare for in Ireland however is the wind. Being an island and subject to maritime weather conditions means that the wind can often be more than what you bargained for. This is especially the case if you came here, thinking that an umbrella will be all you’ll need!
There are plenty of things to talk about when it comes to the Irish weather and what to expect. In this article, I want to give you a quick overview of things before we go into more detail on what to expect by month.
Irish Seasons
In previous decades, Irish seasons were more measured on daylight than anything else. With Spring traditionally being from Feb-April, summer from May-July, Autumn from Aug-Oct and Winter from Nov-Jan. This unique seasonal tradition in Ireland has fallen away in recent years.
Spring in Ireland
Spring is from the 1st of March to the end of May. This is when the flowers will start to bloom and when things start to get warmer. Ireland observes daylight savings time, so the clocks will change on the 26th of March. From then, you will notice the days getting longer.
Summer in Ireland
Summer starts on the 1st of June and ends on the 31st of August. These three months are regarded as the warmest during the year and the weather will usually be quite pleasant. Though, there have been heatwaves in the past few years. The common phrase “grand aul stretch in the evening” is used this time of year to describe the long hours of sunlight.
Autumn in Ireland
Autumn will be from the 1st of September to the 30th of November. The weather usually gets cooler and wetter this time of the year. This is just in time for children to go back to school. On the 29th of October, the clocks will go back, meaning the days will start to get a lot shorter this time of year.
Winter in Ireland
Winter lasts from the 1st of December to the end of February in Ireland. The Christmas markets and lights are gorgeous. But the days will be short and often cold with wind. This is the perfect time of year to hide out in a cozy traditional pub.
Irish Rainfall
There is between 150 and 225 days of rain in Ireland, depending on location, with the West Coast getting the more rain than the East. While some light rain is common much of the year, this will rarely be torrential.
Rainfall in Ireland is monitored closely and I have already spoken in detail about the rainfall the country. To summarize, you needn’t be worried about constant heavy rain when visiting Ireland. The gulf stream that brings in all the moisture from the Atlantic also brings it away just as quickly!
Many people I meet who visit Ireland are intimidated by the Irish rain in particular. This shouldn’t be the case. While the rain may not be the most popular aspect of a trip to Ireland, it has a huge benefit to the country and helps to create our beautiful and green natural landscape.
The most common advice you will hear online about how to deal with the Irish weather is to layer up. I completely agree with this advice and will always tell people to bring an outer layer for the rain. You should vary the type of layer for the season.
The Temperature in Ireland
The temperature in Ireland will stay mostly stable throughout the year. Ireland has a mild, temperate climate with cool summers and relatively mild winters. The mean temperature generally ranges from lows of 4°C (39.2°F) in the winter to 15.7°C (60.3°F) in the summer.
It is important to remember that these are just the mean temperatures. It can be common for the temperature to dip below freezing in the winter. Though snow is rare in Ireland, and usually clears in a couple of days, it is known to happen.
Also, during the summer months, the temperature can get quite hot. In the summer of 2022, there were highs of 31°C recorded in Dublin. I remember that period well. I was giving multiple walking tours and nearly came down with heat stroke!
While these temperatures might not seem like the most extreme, you need to remember that Ireland has a damp climate with a lot of wind. This means that wind-chill will make the air seem colder than it is and the humidity can get unpleasant during the summer. Please make sure to take the appropriate precautions.
Daylight Hours in Ireland
As Ireland is further north than the continental United States, many visitors are surprised by just how long the summer days are here. Also, people can be equally surprised as to how long the winter nights are.
In the Winter in Dublin, the sun will rise as late as 8:31am and will set as early as 4:37pm. During the summer, the sun will rise as early as 4:54 and set as late as 9:56.
This means that there are only about 8 hours of sunlight during the shortest winter days, but there will be about 17 hours of sunlight at the height of the summer.
Don’t let the long nights put you off visiting however. There will be plenty to see and do in Ireland, even in the middle of winter! There is a reason why cozy pubs are such a beloved feature of Irish culture.
Extreme Weather
The island of Ireland is usually safe from extreme weather conditions. The stable climate does not present any particular risk to travelers, but it is always good to stay cautious and keep an eye on the weather. Make sure to consult the Irish Meteorological Society’s website before your arrival.
Ireland does not lie on any geological fault line. This means that there are no active volcanoes in Ireland and the island has no record of experiencing earthquakes of any significance. Any hurricanes or storms in the North Atlantic have usually dissipated by the time they hit our shores.
One major threat to the Irish climate in recent years has been flooding. But this is not likely to impede many travelers to the country.
1) Irish Weather in January
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 65.3mm/ 2.5in | 173.8mm/ 7in | 92.5mm/ 4in | 116.7mm/ 5in | 119.7mm/ 5in | 85mm/ 3in | 103.4mm/ 4in |
| Average Temperature: | 4.9°C/ 41°F | 7.3°C/ 45°F | 4.6°C/ 40°F | 5.5°C/ 42°F | 5.9°C/ 43°F | 5.2°C/ 41.4°F | 5.9°C/ 43°F |
January is one of the coldest months in Ireland with mean temperatures of between 4°C – 7°C (39°F – 45°F). This does not take into account wind chill which can make this month seem colder. Also, you should note that this is one of the two months of the year (including February) that are most likely to see snow.
I have a full guide to January in Ireland here.
When visiting Ireland in January, make sure to pack multiple warm layers of clothes. Good shoes are essential, as is at least one warm fleece or jumper and an outer layer for the rain. When you visit Ireland in January, the wind will be more of an issue, so focus on a good hat rather than an umbrella.
Though January in Ireland can be a little dreary, it is actually one of the best times to visit the country. This is the time of year that you will find some of the best deals on flights and accommodation.
Also, when you visit Ireland during the colder months, you will really get a sense for why the local pubs (or “public houses”) can be so popular. In January, you will be able to see events like the traditional music festival in Dublin.
2) February
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 51.3mm/ 2in | 123.7mm/ 5in | 70.3mm/ 3in | 87.8mm/ 3.5in | 87.4mm/ 3.5in | 69mm/ 2in | 75.5mm/ 3in |
| Average Temperature: | 5.2°C/ 41.4°F | 7.2°C/ 44°F | 4.7°C/ 40.5°F | 5.6°C/ 42°F | 5.8°C/ 43°F | 5.2°C/ 41.3°F | 5.9°C/ 43°F |
February, like January, is one of the coldest months of the year, with mean temperatures between 4.5°C – 7.5°C (40°F – 45°F). Despite the unpredictable and often blustery weather, February is often when some of the first plants of the year start to bloom in Ireland.
I have a full guide to visiting Ireland in February, here.
The 1st of February is St. Brigid’s Day in Ireland, which until recent years, was traditionally the beginning of Spring. From 2023 on, there will be a new public holiday this month, so there will likely be more and more things to see and do when you visit Ireland in February going forward.
This month also plays host to Valentine’s Day and so it is a particularly good time to visit Ireland for a weekend away or a short trip. There should still be plenty of deals for flights and accommodation, especially if you intend to travel during the week.
During February in Ireland, you should still expect to experience lots of wind, with the occasional storm visiting the country. Plan ahead and pack lots of layers with you. Focus on bringing good waterproof shoes and an outer layer for rain and wind.
3) March
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 54mm/ 2in | 123.8mm/ 5in | 76.6mm/ 3in | 94.7mm/ 4in | 88.4mm/ 3.5in | 69mm/ 2in | 79mm/ 3in |
| Average Temperature: | 6.6°C/ 44°F | 8.1°C/ 47°F | 6.3°C/ 43°F | 7.1°C/ 45°F | 6.8°C/ 44°F | 6.1°C/ 43°F | 7.1°C/ 45°F |
March marks the beginning of Spring in Ireland, the mean temperatures will rise to between approximately 6.5°C and 8.5°C (44°F – 50°F). This is the month when you will also really start to notice the days getting longer and you will be better able to enjoy outdoor activities.
I have a full guide to Ireland in March, linked here.
You should note however, that the wintery weather will still be around in March. The rainfall will still be high and Ireland has seen some severe storms, including snowstorms, in March in recent years. So make sure to pack the same winter gear for previous months, just in case.
Having said that, when visiting Ireland in March, you will be able to better explore the island. With longer days, you might also need to bring more comfortable clothes, just in case you see the sun shine!
St. Patrick’s Day, Dublin, 2022
The 17th of March is St. Patrick’s Day (or St. Paddy’s Day), the national holiday of Ireland. Today this celebration lasts about a week and countless people from all over the world come to Ireland to celebrate the national holiday.
There will be plenty to see and do in Ireland during Paddy’s week. Just make sure to book your flights and accommodation early as prices will start to go up around this time.
4) April
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 52.7mm/ 2in | 96.7mm/ 4in | 65.9mm/ 2.5in | 72mm/ 3in | 64.7mm/ 2.5in | 72mm/ 2in | 70.4mm/ 3in |
| Average Temperature: | 8.2°C/ 47°F | 9.3°C/ 48°F | 7.9°C/ 46°F | 8.6°C/ 47°F | 8.2°C/ 47°F | 8°C/ 46.4°F | 8.5°C/ 47°F |
The month of April is when you will really start to notice the weather improving in Ireland. With mean temperatures of between approximately 8°C – 10°C (46°F – 50°F). Many of the flowers will start to bloom around this time of year and the hours of daylight start to increase.
I have a full guide to Ireland in April, here.
When visiting Ireland in April, you might still find the need for warmer clothing. There will be the occasional day when a hat and scarf are necessary. But for the most part, Irish people stop using their winter clothes some time in April.
With the longer days, day trips out exploring different parts of the country will become more common and you should absolutely make sure to see the Irish countryside if you can.
Easter will usually start this time of year, so April is normally the beginning of the main tourist season in Ireland. This means that you will likely need to book things like flights and accommodation in advance, but there could still be some last minute deals available.
5) May
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 61.4mm/ 2.5in | 93.5mm/ 4in | 69.2mm/ 3in | 75.3mm/ 3in | 58.4mm/ 2in | 77mm/ 3in | 67.6mm/ 3in |
| Average Temperature: | 8.2°C/ 47°F | 11.5°C/ 53°F | 10.6°C/ 51°F | 11.3°C/ 53°F | 10.3°C/ 51°F | 10.6°C/ 51°F | 11.1°C/ 52°F |
May is generally regarded as one of the best times of the year to visit Ireland. With mean temperatures between 8°C – 12°C (47°F – 55°F) and less rain, the country will start to get more comfortable. This is also the time of year when spring will be in full bloom.
Make sure to visit the Irish countryside and parks when you can during May. This is one of the best times of the year to see the gorgeous Irish scenery at its best. Also, you might be able to see interesting wildlife this time of year. Puffins often migrate to Irish shores in May.
I have a full guide to Ireland in May, linked here.
May is when you will need to start seriously consider bringing clothes for warmer weather in Ireland. While the country is not famous for the sun, you can still get burned on a cloudy day, so plan accordingly.
While the days will be longer and warmer this time of year, the nights will still get cold and the rain is rarely far away. You will probably still need some kind of jacket for Ireland this time of year.
6) June
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 69.1mm/ 3in | 95.3mm/ 4in | 73.8mm/ 3in | 79.6mm/ 3in | 70.2mm/ 3in | 82mm/ 3in | 72.6mm/ 3in |
| Average Temperature: | 13.5°C/ 56.3°F | 13.6°C/ 56.5°F | 13.2°C/ 56°F | 13.7°C/ 57°F | 12.5°C/ 55°F | 13°C/ 55.4°F | 13.7°C/ 57°F |
June is one of the best times to visit Ireland to get the best weather. With mean temperatures of between 13°C – 14°C (55°F – 57°F), you will be able to enjoy comfortable and (usually) sunny weather until around 10pm in Ireland in June.
This is one of the best things about this time of year. The late evenings really lend themselves to things like music festivals and long weekends at the beach this time of year. If you can, try to see one when you’re here.
Though June in Ireland might see more rain than other countries, it will be much less of a concern than in previous months. Even in Ireland, you should still be more concerned with protecting yourself from the sun as opposed to the rain.
One of the best things about June in Ireland is that the tourist season has not fully started. You will still get all of the benefits of the late sunsets and the better weather, but you will see fewer people than you would between the months of July to September. This is a great time to visit.
I have a full guide to Ireland in June, linked here.
7) July
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 54.9mm/ 2in | 99mm/ 4in | 71.1mm/ 3in | 86.5mm/ 3in | 80.8mm/ 3in | 88mm/ 3in | 72.8mm/ 3in |
| Average Temperature: | 15.6°C/ 60°F | 15.3°C/ 59.5°F | 15°C/ 59°F | 15.5°C/ 60°F | 14.3°C/ 58°F | 14.6°C/ 58.3°F | 15.5°C/ 60°F |
by July, the Irish summer will be well underway, with mean temperatures of between 14.5°C – 16°C (58°F – 60°F) it will usually feel in the mid 20°’sC. Though there will be less rainfall this time of year, Ireland still has a humid climate, so be prepared for muggy weather.
Also, you should note that until recent years, the temperatures in Ireland were never enough to warrant any indoor air conditioning. This means that most accommodation you visit will not have any, even during the warmer months.
Irish buildings in general are usually built to trap the heat in. So with the warmer summers that we are all experiencing, you may find some of the traditional cozy pubs a little uncomfortable on a warm summers day in Ireland.
Having said that, July is still a great time to visit Ireland and you will be able to see plenty of great things while you’re here. People will be out and about most nights and there will usually be a great atmosphere in Ireland during the summer months.
I have a full guide to Ireland in July, linked here.
8) August
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 73.1mm/ 3in | 114.9mm/ 5in | 86.1mm/ 3.5in | 107.8mm/ 4in | 95.4mm/ 4in | 87mm/ 3in | 83.7mm/ 3in |
| Average Temperature: | 15.2°C/ 59°F | 15.3°C/ 59.5°F | 14.6°C/ 58.5°F | 15.2°C/ 59°F | 14.5°C/ 56.5°F | 14.4°C/ 58°F | 15.4°C/ 60°F |
The weather in August is usually the best in Ireland for the year. Mean temperatures will be between 14°C and 17°C (58°F – 60°F), but it will often feel much warmer. In 2022, Ireland experienced some of its highest ever recorded temperatures, reaching over 30°C in Dublin!
With this being the case, make sure to pack clothes for warmer weather if you are travelling to Ireland in August. People have been known to come down with heatstroke this time of year, so please take the necessary precoutions.
If you do visit Ireland this time of year you will likely see far more people out and about on the streets than at any other time. The atmosphere in the country during August is fantastic and is really something to be experienced if possible.
One thing that you might be able to see in Ireland in August is the annual Fleadh cheiol (traditional music festival).
I have a full guide to Ireland in August, including how to see the Fleadh, linked here.
9) September
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 60mm/ 2in | 125.4mm/ 5in | 78.3mm/ 3in | 100.3mm/ 4in | 96.4mm/ 4in | 75mm/ 2in | 87.7mm/ 3in |
| Average Temperature: | 13.1°C/ 56°F | 13.9°C/ 57°F | 12.6°C/ 55°F | 13.2°C/ 56°F | 13.1°C/ 55.5°F | 13.1°C/ 55.6°F | 13.6°C/ 56.5°F |
September marks the beginning of Autumn in Ireland. This time of year you will still have milder temperatures, with the mean being 12.5°C – 14°C (55°F – 60°F), but you will get much more rainfall than during the summer months.
This is also the month when the new Irish school year starts. With fate being as cruel as it is, you will often find plenty of sunny days during the month of September. When packing for your trip, make sure to pack clothes that are comfortable in the heat and will perform well in the rain. Sturdy shoes are a must from September onwards.
There will still be plenty of festivals to check out during the month of September, but just make sure to check the weather beforehand. This is the month when most people will probably get caught out in the rain unprepared!
If you want to come to Ireland during September, there should be plenty of deals going for flights and accommodation. As this is technically a shoulder month, there will probably be fewer tourists around.
10) October
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 79.4mm/ 3in | 177.1mm/ 7in | 104.3mm/ 4in | 128.9mm/ 5in | 120.6mm/ 5in | 96mm/ 3in | 122.1mm/ 5in |
| Average Temperature: | 10.2°C/ 50°F | 11.5°C/ 53°F | 9.5°C/ 49°F | 10.2°C/ 50°F | 10.7°C/ 51°F | 10.6°C/ 51°F | 11°C/ 52°F |
October is the end of the main part of the tourist season in Ireland and the temperatures are going to really start to get colder with the shorter days. The mean temperature this time of year will be between 9.5°C – 12°C (49°F – 55°F). There is usually more rainfall in the month of October.
When visiting Ireland during October, make sure to bring warmer clothes. This is when the nights are really going to start setting in early. It is around October that I personally find the prospect of a nice cozy traditional pub all the more appealing.
When visiting Ireland this month, you will usually notice a lot of Halloween decorations. The origins of this holiday actually date to pre-christian Ireland and you will still find people celebrating it in Ireland. Though most people tend to use a more modern twist to the ancient festival.
11) November
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 75.6mm/ 3in | 169.3mm/ 7in | 88.1mm/ 3.5in | 120.3mm/ 5in | 108.6mm/ 4in | 92mm/ 3in | 115.3mm/ 4.5in |
| Average Temperature: | 7.1°C/ 45°F | 9.3°C/ 49°F | 6.6°C/ 44°F | 7.5°C/ 45.5°F | 8.2°C/ 46.8°F | 7.6°C/ 45.6°F | 8.2°C/ 46.8°F |
November is when the weather really starts to get colder in Ireland. The mean temperature will drop to between 6.5°C – 9.5°C (42°F – 50°F). The rainfall will also increase, as will the prevalence of storms. From November on, it is generally recommended to keep a closer eye on the weather forecast.
When visiting Ireland during November, you will need to make sure to bring warmer clothes. Though the temperatures will not seem particularly cold when checking them online, the wind-chill will make it feel much colder. Layering is always a good idea when visiting Ireland make sure to bring jumpers/ fleeces and an outer layer for the rain!
As November is one of the quietest months in Ireland, there will be few other tourists around. You should be able to find better deals when visiting this month. That being said, the climate is still very stable throughout the year and you will likely not experience and major difficulties in exploring the country – at least when it comes to the weather!
12) December
| Location: | Dublin | Kerry | Athlone | Galway | Donegal | Belfast | Wexford |
| Average Rainfall: | 76.9mm/ 3in | 164.9mm/ 6.5in | 94.7mm/ 4in | 123.2mm/ 5in | 116.4mm/ 4.5in | 87mm/ 3in | 109.8mm/ 4in |
| Average Temperature: | 5.3°C/ 42°F | 7.8°C/ 46°F | 4.7°C/ 40°F | 5.6°C/ 42°F | 6.4°C/ 42.5°F | 5.7°C/ 42.3°F | 6.5°C/ 43°F |
December is the darkest month of the year and the mean temperature in Ireland is usually between 4.5°C – 6.5°C (35°F – 45°F). The rainfall will also increase this month and you will need to ensure that you are prepared for the potentially unpredictable Irish winter.
While December in Ireland might not be the most comfortable time of the year, it is one of my personal favorite times in Ireland. The Christmas season will bring many Irish people home to see their families. The atmosphere in cities, towns and villages across the country will be buzzing.
The weeks leading up to Christmas offer some of the best times in the year to enjoy the welcoming Irish culture. Most of the pubs in the country will be packed with people, catching up with friends and family.
One negative about this time of the year is that the Irish people tend to burn themselves out by New years. The main celebration is on Christmas Day, which is spent with family, the lead up to Christmas is often spent with friends.
This means that New Years can be disappointing for many visitors. So, if you are going for this celebration, make sure to go where you know locals will be!
If you do choose to come to Ireland in December, you will find some of the best pub culture in the world. You will also get some of the most friendly welcomes from the locals than at any other time of the year.
FAQs About the Irish Weather:
I get asked many of the same questions about the Irish weather by tourists. Here are a couple of the ones that I find come up most often.
Does it Snow in Ireland?
When Ireland gets snow, it tends to be in January or February, though snow has been known to happen between November to April. Usually, when it does snow it will be very light and will rarely last more than a couple of days.
Why is the Irish Weather so Unpredictable?
The Irish weather is mainly influenced by the island’s position in the Atlantic Ocean. The prevailing winds and currents bring lots of rain and wind in unpredictable patterns. This also has the benefit of giving Ireland weather with few extremes.
What is the Main Weather in Ireland?
The main weather in Ireland is mild, with plenty of rain and wind. Though the weather can be unpredictable at times, there are few extremes in Ireland. This unpredictability lies within a certain set of parameters that can be easily accommodated for with planning and forethought.
