- What are the seasons in Ireland? Read More
Ireland is home to ever-changing weather and 4 relatively mild seasons, and sometimes you get to experience them all in one day!
Spring is technically the months of March, April and May though the Gaelic calendar has spring staring in February. The Irish countryside comes to life again during spring, with rolling hills and crags bursting with wildflowers, and fields full of fluffy new lambs. April and May are actually some of the driest months, but beware that, as with anywhere and anytime in Ireland, the weather is quite changeable, and you’ll still need warm and rainproof gear. Spring temperatures are on average a a crisp 7-15°C.
Summer ranges across June, July and August, though the Gaelic Calendar starts summer in May. The earlier part of the season are typically the driest and warmest months and the most popular for visitors, but by August, the weather starts to turn, and rainfall tends to increase. Average temperature ranges between 12°C and 18°C. June 21st is the longest day of the year, with some 17 hours of daylight! In fact, around the summer solstice, even at midnight, it’ll seem like twilight. You’ll still get rain though – though usually showers that blow over quickly – be sure to bring the rain gear!
Autumn technically starts in Ireland in September and goes on through to November, though as with the other seasons, the Gaelic Calendar starts autumn in August. Though perhaps less dramatically colourful than Scotland, Irish landscapes are still magical during autumn. The temperature during autumn is on generally between 5-12°C, though it can be up to 15-16 some days. Traditionally, Irish autumn – the harvest season – finishes on Samhain, the festival celebrated on 31st October, and the origin of what we today call Halloween.
Winter in Ireland takes place between December, January and February (with the Gaelic Calendar marking the start in November, and the end on 1 Feb.). Winter months are the darkest and shortest days of the year. Though possible, and varying across the country in amount, Ireland doesn’t get much snowfall, perhaps a couple of dustings with one or two bigger storms each year (though with no more than a few centimetres of accumulation). The daytime temperature during winter in Ireland is on average 3-9°C. Winter is perhaps home to some of Ireland’s most beautiful sunrises and sunsets though!
- What is summer like in Ireland? Read More
Ireland in summer can be absolutely lovely. Warm – though never uncomfortably hot – days and endless sunshine. There are also days that other countries might probably be described as autumnal. Weather can vary though it is usually the case that summer showers blow over quickly, and when the good sunny weather comes, it comes to stay for days on end.
Generally, though Irish weather is mild, and you’ll be able to count on lengthy days that are on average 16 hours long!
- What is the weather like in Ireland in June? Read More
According to the Gaelic Calendar, summer is already well underway by June. June is certainly one of the nicest months of the year. It has some of the driest overall weather with an average rainfall of 40-52 mm or 1.5-2 inches. Temperatures in the 50s° and 60s° F (around 16-18°C). Days are very long – in fact, the longest day of the year is June 21st. June is one of the best months for hiking in Ireland as there is plenty of daylight and the weather is mild. The beginning of June is generally the quietest of the summer season.
*Info based on Shannon Airport on the west coast of Ireland.
- What is the weather like in Ireland in July? Read More
July temperatures have a high of 20° and a low of 13°C (55-68°F), and average rainfall is similar to June, 40-52 mm or 1.5-2 inches. July is often the warmest month of the year, and there continues to be plenty of daylight – 16-17 hours of daylight, sometimes more depending on how far north you are! July is one of the busiest months of the year to visit Ireland, but also usually has some of the best weather.
*Info based on Shannon Airport on the west coast of Ireland.
- What is the weather like in Ireland in August? Read More
August is actually the beginning of fall on the Gaelic calendar, an d though August is still officially summer, it starts to feel more like fall. August has a slightly higher level of precipitation – 43-58mm (1.6-2.2 in0 – though this can very depending on what part of the country you’re visiting. August is the most popular month to visit Ireland. Be sure to be prepared with plenty of layers that you can put on or take off to stay comfortable!
*Info based on Shannon Airport on the west coast of Ireland.
- Is it cold in summer in Ireland? Read More
Yes and no. Though summer is our warmest month, Ireland is not the Mediterranean and the weather can be quite variable. Often temperatures are in the 60s F, with 70F considered quite warm. The best way to enjoy summer in Ireland is to be prepared for a little of everything and have plenty of layers. Do make sure to bring sunscreen as it is indeed possible to get a sunburn in Ireland!
- Does it rain much in Ireland? Read More
It does indeed rain in Ireland. The great thing about rain in Ireland is that it rarely rains all day – instead we get showers interspersed with dry periods of clouds, clear skies and sun. Good chance is that if it’s raining now, wait a bit and usually it’ll clear up! It does rain often here – with higher rainfall on the west coast, and even more so in the northwest – so it’s always good to come prepared with plenty of waterproofs.
No matter what region you’re visiting, summer is the driest season and summer showers usually blow away quite quickly while good weather stretches last far longer.
Shannon’s annual rainfall is 732 mm while Dublin is 493mm and Belfast is 430mm. Compare this to other locations like London (565mm), Paris (590mm), Vancouver (797mm), Oslo (702mm), Chicago (430mm), and New York (620mm).
- What should I wear in Ireland in summer? Read More
Make sure that you wear lots of layers, as the weather can be quite changeable in Ireland, even in summer. Avoid cottons at all cost. Be sure to bring a daypack in which to put extra layers in. Even in summer, you may need to have a hat or gloves while hiking, as mountaintops can be quite cold and windy. It’s important to have waterproofs (not water resistant materials), both waterproof jackets and waterproof pants/trousers. Good boots and wool socks are a must as well.
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- When is peak tourist season? Read More
Peak tourist season in Ireland falls between June until the end of August. July and August are the busiest months of the year and sees the most visitors. However, these visitors are often concentrated in certain regions and iconic spots, and if you avoid these places, you’ll still be able to enjoy the wild spaces of Ireland without the crowds.
- Why should I visit Ireland in summer? Read More
Summer is certainly the most popular time to visit. While this means you’ll share the views and trails with other people, you’ll also benefit from an island buzzing with life and liveliness. The days are long – culminating at the end of June at the Summer Solstice, with up to 18 hours of daylight. Though busy, all hotels, restaurants and activities are open. There are many summer markets, concerts, activities, festivals and fairs throughout the island as well as street fairs, buskers and outdoor activities. It is a time of year when everyone wants to get outdoors!