- 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 the weather like in Ireland in December? Read More
According to the Gaelic Calendar, winter starts on the 1st of November, but according to more conventional calendars, winter is December through February. Highs are up to 9°C and lows are just 4°C (39°-49°F). Precipitation can increase, with an average of 80mm, though some of this can be snow and ice. Though skies may be overcast, showers are generally fleeting. Days are slowly getting shorter, with sunrise between 8.30-9am and sunset between 4-4.30pm, which makes it easier to enjoy Ireland’s lovely sunrises and sunsets. December contains the Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day of the year and also very important to the ancient peoples of Ireland, particularly in the Neolithic Age, who once aligned monuments with this day. The ambience in Ireland in December is often very festive as Christmas, followed by New Years, are important times of the year here.
*Info based on Shannon Airport on the west coast of Ireland.
- What is the weather like in Ireland in January? Read More
January temperatures have a high of 9° and a low of 4°C (39-40°F), and of about 78mm, making the weather very similar to December. The good news is that we’ve passed the Winter Solstice (21st or 22nd December), and the days are progressively getting longer. Sunrise is usually between 8.30-9 am, and sunset around 4.30-5.15 pm. Longer nights often make for some great moonscapes and stargazing, and even the rare chance to see the Northern Lights in northern reaches of the island such as Donegal. Tourism is generally at its least busy at this time of year, and while not everything is open, this is a good time to year to visit popular sites like the Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, or the Kerry Peninsulas and have them largely to yourself.
*Info based on Shannon Airport on the west coast of Ireland.
- What is the weather like in Ireland in February? Read More
February is the shortest month of the year and everyone knows it! In traditional calendars, February is still very much winter. However, on the Gaelic calendar, February 1st, or St Brigid’s Day (or Imbolc, the pagan name for the festival), is actually the start of spring. The tradition is to make St Brigid’s crosses, woven out of rushes or straw, to celebrate the coming of spring, and pay homage to St Brigid, the life-giving pagan goddess-turned-saint. Expect temperatures from 3-8°C (41-51°F), while rainfall drops to an average of 51mm, the lowest monthly average since September. Sunset is not until after 9pm making it easier to spend longer out in the wilds. The terrain is usually less boggy, and the fields are full of wildflowers.
*Info based on Shannon Airport on the west coast of Ireland.
- Does it snow in Ireland? Read More
No, it doesn’t snow much in Ireland, and very rarely in spring. There may be the occasional winter snow, but it’s usually more of a dusting or just a few centimetres than major snows – though the infrequent snowfall in Ireland means that when we do get snow, it can be disruptive.
Coastal regions rarely see snow as the sea temperatures are warmer than the coast meaning coastal precipitation will be rain. Do keep in mind that during the same snowstorm, you’ll see snow just a few miles inland. The main areas of Ireland that get snow are generally inland (in the Irish Midlands), and on higher ground such as hills and mountains.
- 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.
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? Read More
Make sure that you wear lots of layers, as the weather can be quite changeable in Ireland. 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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- Why should I visit Ireland in winter? Read More
From Christmas and New Years festivities and celebrations, to ancient archeology based around the Winter Solstice, great stargazing, beautiful snow dusting the mountains, and the rare possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, visiting Ireland in winter is a rare chance to explore the country without other visitors. While the weather can be chilly and the days are short, hiking and even biking are both very possible. Roads and trails are quiet, and there are few other tourists. Do keep in mind that some businesses close for the parts of the winter, so be sure to research, plan and book ahead.