Weather in Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is located in the Atlantic Ocean and is typically much warmer than other countries at similar latitudes. The climate in Ireland is much the same as those in Scotland and England, yet is often slightly milder, in both summer and winter. The average annual temperature in Ireland is 10°C - some Irish consider 20°C (68°F) scorching and anything below 5°C (41°F) very cold. Summer in Dublin is particularly warm and festive, while winter in Ireland is not as cold as other parts of Europe. 

From March to May, spring in Ireland is a beautiful time of year and many a tourist is attracted to the flowers that dot the landscapes at this time of year. Temperatures range from 4°C to 15°C (39°F to 59°). May boasts the most sunshine, with about six hours of sun a day. Rainfall in Ireland varies considerably during spring, ranging from as little as 60mm (2.4in) to as much as 100mm (3.9in), and humidity can reach 80 percent. While there is rarely snowfall from early March, the wind in spring is around 17kmh (11mph) so it's best to be prepared for occasional chilly gusts.

Summer in Ireland is warm and, from June to August, the sun often sets well after 10 in the evening. Average temperatures range between 10°C and 19°C (50°F and 66°F), rarely exceeding 20° (69°F). Rainfall ranges from 50mm to 70mm (2in and 2.8in), and humidity is around 80 percent. Wind speeds can reach 15kmh (9mph) and this adds a cool breeze to the summer warmth. 

Autumn in Ireland has many alluring features, with falling red and orange leaves creating idyllic autumn scenes. The temperatures range from 17°C in early autumn to 5°C (63°F to 41°F) before winter. The rainfall becomes heavier in the lead up to winter, with some areas already receiving well over 100mm (3.9in) during late autumn. Winds averaging 18kmh (11mph) add an extra chill to the air. 

Winter is the wettest and coldest season. The days are dark, the temperatures are low, sometimes dipping to 2°C (36°F), and rain can last days on end.

When is the best time to visit Ireland?

The best time to travel to Ireland is during summer, as well as late spring and very early autumn. Summer in Ireland has warm weather and the atmosphere is festive thanks to a host of outdoor events and attractions across the country. June to August is also peak tourist season, so airfare and accommodation will be more expensive than other times of the year and there will be biiger crowds. Late spring (May/June) and early autumn (September) both have much of the pleasant summer weather, but without the drawbacks of high prices and large crowds. 

What to pack for a holiday in Ireland

Ireland is notorious for having four seasons in one day, so bear this in mind when packing. Pack light clothing for spring and summer - think T-shirts and shorts, light jerseys, jeans, some long-sleeved shirts, skirts or summer dresses as well as a pair of trousers or two in case of cooler weather. Pack a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun, and don't forget sandals as well as some breathable shoes for night-time and country walks. Remember that while the Irish consider 20°C (68°F) to be scorching hot, it's always a good idea carry a warm top and a raincoat.

Autumn and winter clothing should be warm and waterproof, and layers are important. Pack warm jerseys and long-sleeved tops, jeans and trousers as well as hats, gloves and scarves for the cold. Footwear should include closed shoes or trainers, and boots will guarantee dry feet.

Climate and weather in Ireland in January

Average temperature in Ireland in January: 3°C to 8°C, 37°F to 47°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in January: 10°C, 50°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in January: 90mm, 3.5in

Climate and weather in Ireland in February

Average temperature in Ireland in February: 3°C to 8°C, 37°F to 47°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in February: 9°C, 48°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in February: 70mm, 2.8in
Events: The Dublin International Film Festival is a platform for the latest Irish films as well as international work.
 

Climate and weather in Ireland in March

Average temperature in Ireland in March: 4°C to 10°C, 39°F to 50°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in March: 8°C, 47°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in March: 80mm, 31in
Events: The St Patrick’s Day festival is filled with grand parades and celebrations.

Climate and weather in Ireland in April

Average temperature in Ireland in April: 5°C to 12°C, 41°F to 54°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in April: 9°C, 48°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in April: 60mm, 2.4in
Note: April is a very unpredictable month, with temperatures fluctuating as the spring shakes off the last of winter cold.
Events: The Cuirt International Literature Festival draws international and local authors and poets together for a five-day feast of literary arts.

Climate and weather in Ireland in May

Average temperature in Ireland in May: 7°C to 15°C, 44°F to 59°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in May: 10°C, 51°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in May: 60mm, 2.4in
Note: May is a great month for warm weather as well as affordable accommodation and airfare rates before the summer.
Events: May is full of great events in Ireland. The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival hosts art exhibitions, readings and concerts for the public, displaying some of the best local and international artistic talent. The Cork International Choral Festival will entertain audiences with the bet choral groups from across the globe and the Fleadh Nua Music Festival is a local competition, with performances from the country’s best folk musicians. Have a good laugh at the Sky Cats Comedy Festival in late May and be sure to book in advance to secure tickets. Finally, the International Literature Festival Dublin will host some of the world’s best authors and poets, and will present readings, seminars and interviews of the latest publications.
 

Climate and weather in Ireland in June

Average temperature in Ireland in June: 10°C to 17°C, 50°F to 62°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in June: 12°C, 54°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in June: 70mm, 2.8in
Note: Warm summer temperatures are ideal for the various summer festivals on the go.
Events: The Cork Midsummer Festival is a live music and art events and is one of the premiere cultural festivals in Ireland. Pack some formal attire for the event of the season at the Irish Derby held in Dublin.

Climate and weather in Ireland in July

Average temperature in Ireland in July: 12°C to 19°C, 53°F to 67°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in July: 14°C, 57°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in July: 60mm, 2.4in
Note: This is peak season so expect the prices to be high and the crowds to be large.
Events: The Galway Arts Festival has been active for over two decades and this one of the most experienced and spectacular displays of the arts, theatre production, music talent and performance art in Ireland. 

Climate and weather in Ireland in August

Average temperature in Ireland in August: 12°C to 19°C, 53°F to 67°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in August: 15°C, 59°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in August: 80mm, 3.1in
Note: August is still peak season, but it's the last month to enjoy the best of the summer weather in Ireland.
Events: The Kilkenny Arts Festival is one of many cultural festivals in Ireland and has an array of theatre productions, music performances, art exhibitions and literary presentations that will show the best of modern art and theatre in Ireland. One of the longest running festivals in Ireland, the Puck Fair, has been celebrating Irish traditions and culture for over 400 years and guarantees to be one of the best events to see in Ireland. The Rose of Tralee is one of the oldest festivals in Ireland, active for over a half-century, and it is a pageant, as well as a food, drink and music festival holding a number of concerts, markets and parades.

Climate and weather in Ireland in September

Average temperature in Ireland in September: 10°C to 17°C, 50°F to 62°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in September: 15°C, 59°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in September: 60mm, 2.4in
Note: Temperatures in Ireland are still warm during September and it's another good time to visit to Ireland and avoid the crowds and peak prices.
Events: The Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival has provided good food and entertainment for over 60 years and continues to improve each year. Culture Night is one of the biggest festivals in Ireland and is a one-night event in Dublin where the city's museums, attractions and galleries are open throughout the night. The Limerick Jazz Festival has brought the best international and local jazz to the public for over three decades, a must see for music lovers. 

Climate and weather in Ireland in October

Average temperature in Ireland in October: 8°C to 14°C, 47°F to 56°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in October: 14°C, 57°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in October: 90mm to 110mm, 3.5in to 4.3in
Note: October is one of the wettest months in Ireland, so take this into account when packing.
Events: The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is one of the oldest and most popular festivals in Ireland and hosts a number of dances, games and, of course, matchmaking nights to entertain locals and tourists alike.

Climate and weather in Ireland in November

Average temperature in Ireland in November: 5°C to 10°C, 40°F to 50°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in November: 13°C, 56°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in November: 80mm to 100mm, 3.1in to 3.9in
Events: The Dublin Book Festival will showcase some of Irelands best modern works by local authors and poets, giving both a taste of the literary arts scene in Ireland and a good reason to visit Ireland in winter.
 

Climate and weather in Ireland in December

Average temperature in Ireland in December: 3°C to 9°C, 37°F to 47°F
Sea temperature in Ireland in December: 11°C, 52°F
Average rainfall in Ireland in December: 100mm, 3.9in
Note: This is the best time to go to Ireland for cheap accommodation and airfares, and there are plenty of indoor attractions to make a winter holiday in Ireland memorable.
Events: The Waterford Winterval is a great way to start the winter holiday in Ireland and offers markets, entertainment and activities for families and guests of all ages. The Winterval sets the trend for the rest of the country and there are many Christmas markets and festivals in Ireland during December across the country. New Year’s festivals in Ireland are memorable but Dublin’s New Year Festival hosts arguably the best music, food and fun in all of Ireland.