Climate in Ireland
Ireland is famous for its rough landscapes, lush meadows and endless expanses. No wonder that the green island is an absolute destination for many of you. Ireland is not exactly known for its high temperatures and many hours of sunshine, but the Gulf Stream brings a mild climate to Ireland. In summer the temperature display climbs up to 20 ° C, in the winter months it drops to 2 ° C. You don’t expect a hot summer here, but the winters are mild and there is seldom snow. The changeable weather is typical for Ireland . Do not be deceived by a clear sky, even these days can surprise you with a rain shower. On the other hand, when the sun shows up and Ireland’s landscape shines in lush green, you should always have your sunglasses ready. In my article “Best travel time to Ireland” you will learn everything about the climate on the Emerald Isle. I will also clarify for you which months are best for a tour of Ireland and which weather awaits you in Dublin .
Climate table for Ireland
| Jan | Feb | March | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. Temperature in ° C | 8 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 9 | 8 |
| Min. Temperature in ° C | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Hours of sunshine per day | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Water temperature in ° C | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 |
| Rainy days per month | 13 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 |
Best travel time for Ireland
According to Justinshoes, the best time to travel to Ireland is from May to September, when it gets warmest. With temperatures of up to 20 ° C, July is considered the warmest month in Ireland. Spring is the driest, May and June have the most hours of sunshine for you. The fewest hours of sunshine fall in the months of November to January, here the sun only shines two hours a day. Ireland lovers like to visit the contrasting island in autumn. So you avoid the high season in the summer months and can still look forward to mild temperatures. In winter you will meet few tourists, because the months November to February are the darkest and coldest months on the island. Compared to other European countries, the winter remains pleasantly mild, snow often only falls in the hill and mountain regions. With 13 rainy days per month, January, July, August and December are the months with the highest rainfall. It remains relatively dry in March with an average of ten rainy days. After the sea has warmed up in summer, you can look forward to water temperatures of 14 ° C in August and September . In March the sea is coldest at 7 ° C.
The best months to travel to Ireland at a glance:
- May : 15 ° C, 7 hours of sunshine, 9 ° C water temperature, 11 rainy days
- June : 18 ° C, 7 hours of sunshine, 11 ° C water temperature, 11 rainy days
- July : 20 ° C, 6 hours of sunshine, 13 ° C water temperature, 13 rainy days
- August : 19 ° C, 5 hours of sunshine, 14 ° C water temperature, 13 rainy days
- September : 17 ° C, 4 hours of sunshine, 14 ° C water temperature, 12 rainy days
The best months to tour Ireland
To discover Ireland’s unique charm, many visitors choose to tour Ireland. The Wild Atlantic Way , the longest coastal road in the world, is particularly popular . The summer months are particularly suitable for active vacationers : with up to seven hours of sunshine and temperatures around 20 ° C, the island shows its most beautiful side. The days are longest in June and the favorable conditions attract many tourists. Hotels can be overcrowded and you will have to share the sights and natural wonders with other curious holidaymakers. Therefore, you should also take a look at the off-season throw. The months of May and September in particular are perfect for a round trip through the beautiful island. In autumn the water temperature is 14 ° C even warmer than in summer. During the low season you should expect that some accommodations in Ireland are already closed. It is best to find out in good time so that nothing stands in the way of your Ireland adventure.
The best time to visit Ireland’s capital: Dublin
What would Ireland be without its charming capital, Dublin ? Beautiful Dublin is located on the east coast of Ireland and has taken the hearts of many visitors by storm. In the evening you can get to know Irish pub culture in one of the countless rustic bars and end the evening with live music. But maybe you are already planning your next adventure on the Emerald Isle. The months June to September are between 17 ° C and 20 ° C the warmest in the Irish capital. However, you have to expect high rainfall during this time too, in July you can expect an average of 13 rainy days. The changeable weather here is often reminiscent of the typical April weather. Rapid showers and sunshine quickly follow one another. In general, you can write the historic city on your travel list at any time of the year. Even in winter Dublin does not lose its charm and enchants with its unique character. Incidentally, Dublin is always a few degrees warmer than its surrounding regions.
Weather in Ireland – spring, summer, autumn and winter
The weather in Ireland may be moody and changeable, but there is one constant: the rain. No matter what time of year you want to experience the beauty of the green shining island – you can never completely avoid occasional showers or entire rainy days. The seasons differ depending on the region : the western part of Ireland is usually more rainy than the east of the island. In the south it is on average up to three degrees warmer than in the north.
Spring
The Irish celebrate the official start of spring on the first of February, with February still being one of the coldest and darkest months on the island.
In spring Ireland lives up to its name as a green island.
The months of April and May are considered real insider tips among connoisseurs . The first strong rays of sunshine turn Ireland back into a colorful backdrop and the dark winter days seem to have been forgotten. March has the fewest rainy days and with up to 15 ° C in May it even gets really warm by Irish standards.
Summer
Between June and September it is the warmest on the green island with an average maximum temperature between 17 ° C and 20 ° C. However, there are no heat records. Ireland’s summers are comparatively cool – perfect for active vacationers and nature lovers, rather unsuitable for all pool mermaids and sun worshipers. July is the warmest month at 20 ° C , with the water temperature being the warmest in September at 14 ° C. The pleasant temperatures attract numerous tourists and, especially during domestic holidays, the popular sights quickly get crowded, hotels are partially booked out. In summer you can look forward to particularly long days , in June there are the longest days with up to 17 hours.
Autumn
September ushers in the popular off-season in Ireland. The temperatures are still mild and you can look forward to some golden autumn days in October . The colorful leaves transform Ireland into a beautiful sea of colors. In September the temperature rises to 17 ° C, in October the maximum temperature is 14 ° C. The main holiday season in Ireland has ended. With a little luck you will have many highlights on your trip through Ireland all to yourself.
Winter
At the end of October to February the days get darker and the weather is often wet and cold. Temperatures are rarely below freezing, and snow usually only falls in the mountains. This weather is not suitable for a road trip along Ireland’s rough coast, but Ireland is also worth a visit in winter. City trips are a great alternative , especially in Dublin you can immerse yourself in a cozy setting. In December, the Christmas market attracts visitors with delicious mulled wine and warm cocoa. The many fairy lights give the city a festive atmosphere.
No matter when you want to visit unique Ireland – Ireland is definitely worth a visit. The Mediterranean climate ensures mild winters and cool summer months, perfect for all nature lovers who want to lose themselves in Ireland’s vast expanses. The months May to September are particularly recommended, as they are tempting with warmer temperatures and long days. Don’t be surprised by the changeable weather – with an umbrella, sunglasses and a good mood you are well equipped for Ireland!
