Ireland: when to go?
océanique climate
Ireland enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by its mildness and stability throughout the year. Thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, the Emerald Isle avoids extremes: no summer heat waves or prolonged winter frost. Temperatures generally range between 4°C in winter and 16°C in summer, creating an environment particularly favorable to the lush vegetation that makes it renowned. The Irish climate is distinguished by three distinct periods: a mild but rainy winter (December-February), a progressive and flowering spring (March-May), and a cool but drier summer (June-September). Precipitation, well distributed throughout the year, is more frequent on the west coast exposed to Atlantic winds. To make the most of your hiking in verdant landscapes, your castle visits, and the warm atmosphere of pubs, choose the period from May to September. It is during these months that you will enjoy the longest days, the most favorable temperatures, and a reduced risk of rain, even though a raincoat is always recommended in Ireland!
- Best period
- May to September
- Good alternatives
- March to April, October to November
- Windy winter
- December to February
Year-round overview
Select a month to plan your trip
Climate in numbers
Monthly temperatures and precipitation
Temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
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Climate zones
Climate varies by region. Discover the unique characteristics of each zone.
Ireland's general climate
FavorableTemperate oceanic climate influenced by the Gulf Stream, characterized by mild temperatures year-round and regular rainf...
Dublin and the East
FavorableSouthwest and Kerry
FavorableWest and Connemara
FavorableNorth Atlantic Coast
FairNorth and Donegal
FairMonth by month
Find detailed climate information for each month of the year.
Temperature
2° — 9°C
Precipitation
124 mm
Average temperature
0.8°C
Rating
Not recommended
By climate zone
Cold and rainy period. Ideal for pubs and museums, avoid prolonged outdoor activities.
Temperature
2° — 9°C
Precipitation
90 mm
Average temperature
0.9°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Slight improvement but still cool and rainy. First flowers in the gardens, cultural visits recommended.
Temperature
3° — 11°C
Precipitation
84 mm
Average temperature
1.2°C
Rating
Fair
By climate zone
Nature's awakening, lengthening days. Ideal for city visits, prepare yourself for variable weather.
Temperature
4° — 13°C
Precipitation
68 mm
Average temperature
1.5°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Vegetation coming back to life, pleasant daytime temperatures. Ideal for discovering Irish gardens and coasts.
Temperature
6° — 16°C
Precipitation
72 mm
Average temperature
1.9°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Excellent month for hiking and Ring of Kerry. Lush landscapes at their peak, less rainfall.
Temperature
8° — 18°C
Precipitation
76 mm
Average temperature
2.3°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Long days with up to 17 hours of daylight. Perfect for the Cliffs of Moher and outdoor activities.
Temperature
10° — 20°C
Precipitation
89 mm
Average temperature
2.7°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Hottest month but remains mild. Excellent for all types of activities, numerous summer festivals.
Temperature
10° — 19°C
Precipitation
104 mm
Average temperature
2.6°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Still pleasant but more humid. Good time for castles and distilleries, with more frequent rainfall.
Temperature
9° — 17°C
Precipitation
104 mm
Average temperature
2.2°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Stunning autumn colours, fewer tourists. Ideal for authentic Irish landscape photography.
Temperature
7° — 14°C
Precipitation
121 mm
Average temperature
1.8°C
Rating
Fair
By climate zone
Frequent rainfall returns, days getting shorter. Prioritize indoor and cultural activities.
Temperature
4° — 11°C
Precipitation
128 mm
Average temperature
1.2°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Dark and very rainy month. Perfect for the cosy atmosphere of Irish pubs and Dublin museums.
Temperature
3° — 9°C
Precipitation
136 mm
Average temperature
0.9°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Wettest and darkest period. Warm Christmas atmosphere in cities; avoid hiking.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about the climate and the best time to visit Ireland
The best months to visit Ireland are May, June, July, August, September. This period offers favourable weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country at its best.
Yes, the oceanic climate in Ireland is known for its variability: all 4 seasons can occur in a single day. Average temperature 9.8°C. Packing layered clothing and a waterproof jacket is essential, regardless of the season.
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year in Ireland, but the wettest and windiest months are December, January, February. Summer (May, June, July, August, September) remains the most stable, though showers cannot be ruled out.
If Ireland is located at northern latitudes, yes: the Northern Lights are visible between September and March, during clear nights. The best conditions are in the middle of winter, with patience and a bit of luck.
Summer (May, June, July, August, September) offers the best conditions for hiking, with long days and mild temperatures. Spring and autumn are also beautiful, but with more unpredictable weather.
If your travel dates don't match the ideal season in Ireland, the Nomadays network brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. Get in touch to find out which destination would be ideal for your dates.
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