Your Trip to Ireland: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Airports in Ireland Driving in Ireland Best Castle Hotels How to Spend Two Weeks in Ireland The Best Tours in Ireland Top Places to See Things to Do in Ireland Free Things to Do National Museums of Ireland Best Walks to Take Castles to Visit Cliffs of Moher Blarney Stone What to Do Along the Wild Atlantic Way Places to Golf in Ireland Foods to Try Best Irish Drinks The Best Time to Visit Ireland Weather & Climate Your Trip to Ireland: The Complete Guide close Overview Europe Ireland Weather in Ireland: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature By Bernd Biege Bernd Biege Bernd is a travel writer from Germany who has lived in Ireland since the late 1990s and written several German-language tourism guides to the country. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 11/10/20 Fact checked by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara Instagram Emerson College Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Copper Coast, Ireland. Andrea Pistolesi/Getty Images The Irish weather has had some bad press. In fact, one joke quips that the usual way to tell the difference between winter and summer in Ireland is to measure the temperature of the rain. While it is true that there are no real major temperature differences between the seasons, and that rain is likely every second day, the Irish weather is manageable. That is if you are prepared for everything it can throw at you, often on the same day. Temperatures will rarely go below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (zero degrees Celsius) and only occasionally above 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), with June, July, and August being the warmest months, and January and February the coldest. Extremes are not unknown though; the summer of 2006 was one for the ages, with temperatures jumping above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) nine times. On the other hand, rare freezing spells tend to bring the country to a grinding halt and even a sprinkling of snow will have most drivers panicking. The best times to travel to Ireland vary based on opinion. At this point, it should be enough to say that March through to June, and the September and October, ranks pretty high, though even a January trip to Ireland can be nice, albeit with short and often bitterly cold days. Popular Cities in Ireland Malin Head Located in County Donegal, this is the most northernmost point of Ireland and has some wild weather if the winds are high. Temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year, ranging from an average high of 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) in August, to a low of 38 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) in January. January is the wettest month, with rainfall on 19 days, and also one of the darkest months, with just 72 minutes of sunshine per day on average. Belmullet Belmullet, in County Mayo, is a good example of weather along the Wild Atlantic Way. Summers here are reasonably dry, with temperatures averaging 64 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) in August. Temperatures during winter rarely drop below freezing. November through January are the wettest months, receiving an average 20 days of rainfall. Valentia Island Visiting the southwest of Ireland, counties Cork and Kerry? You may expect some of Ireland's warmest summer temperatures in the coastal areas of the Ring of Kerry. Winter temperatures are mild as well, with an average low of 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). This region of Ireland is wetter than many other parts of the country and experiences an extended rainy season that spans October through January. Dublin Dublin is cool and damp throughout the year but is not the rainiest part of Ireland. July is the city's warmest month, averaging 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), but there are minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the year due to the influence of the ocean. Spring in Ireland Temperatures in Ireland are cool from March through May and the weather is unpredictable. While you might wake up to a bright, sunny day, clouds and rain showers often roll through by the afternoon. Of course, true to its nickname, the Emerald Isle is a bright, lush green during the spring months and the sight of lambs frolicking in the field is not uncommon. Spring is actually often drier than the winter months and can be a great time to save money on tours and accommodations. What to pack: Given the unpredictable weather, it pays to be prepared. Pack light, breathable clothes for layering alongside waterproof outerwear. Take sensible footwear for the rugged terrain and plenty of cozy socks to keep your feet warm and dry. Summer in Ireland Summer is the most popular time of the year to visit Ireland. The country's lush landscapes are at their best, and despite what most lore would have you believe, the country experiences plenty of sunny days that are perfect for spending outside. Despite the warmer days, the sea temperatures rarely rise above 68 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), so don't expect to go swimming. What to pack: The secret of coping with the Irish weather lies in taking the correct clothing with you. You should prepare for moderate weather at all times, and be able to supplement basic dress with a warm sweater or rainproof top, even in summer. Be careful on sunny days, especially on the beaches. Even though the breeze will cool you, the sun still burns your skin. Fall in Ireland Autumn in Ireland is cloudy and wet, with minimal sunshine. Winds can be quite strong during this season as well, especially during the later months. Late fall is the among the wettest times of the year, especially in Valentia, which receives an average of 3.3 inches of rain in October. What to pack: Pack appropriate rain gear and plenty of warm clothes for layering. An umbrella is obviously a must, but you might find it more convenient to carry along a jacket with a hood. Winter in Ireland Winter in Ireland is chilly but rarely freezing. Skies are generally overcast and rain is frequent, with occasional spells of higher temperatures that almost can reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius). Snow is rare throughout the country and may fall a few days per year, but doesn't typically stick. Even on clear, cold nights, there will only be a light frost. What to pack: Despite the mild temperatures, the moist air can make temperatures feel much colder than they actually are. Bring warm clothes, including heavily knit sweaters, a heavy jacket, and winter accessories. Waterproof and insulated shoes are strongly recommended as well. Average Monthly Temperature, Rainfall, and Daylight Hours Month Avg. Temp. Rainfall Daylight Hours January 47 F 4 in 8 Hours February 48 F 3.4 in 9 Hours March 50 F 2.9 in 11 Hours April 53 F 2.6 in 13 Hours May 57 F 2.4 in 15 Hours June 61 F 2.7 in 16 Hours July 64 F 3.1 in 16.5 Hours August 64 F 3.1 in 15 Hours September 61 F 3 in 13 Hours October 56 F 4.1 in 11 Hours November 51 F 4.1 in 9 Hours December 48 F 4.3 in 7.5 Hour Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies