Best Time To Visit Ireland

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  • JanAvg Daily: 7 ° CAvg Nightly: 3 ° C
  • FebAvg Daily: 7 ° CAvg Nightly: 3 ° C
  • MarAvg Daily: 10 ° CAvg Nightly: 4 ° C
  • AprAvg Daily: 11 ° CAvg Nightly: 5 ° C
  • MayAvg Daily: 15 ° CAvg Nightly: 7 ° C
  • JunAvg Daily: 17 ° CAvg Nightly: 10 ° C
  • JulAvg Daily: 19 ° CAvg Nightly: 12 ° C
  • AugAvg Daily: 19 ° CAvg Nightly: 12 ° C
  • SepAvg Daily: 17 ° CAvg Nightly: 10 ° C
  • OctAvg Daily: 13 ° CAvg Nightly: 8 ° C
  • NovAvg Daily: 10 ° CAvg Nightly: 5 ° C
  • DecAvg Daily: 8 ° CAvg Nightly: 5 ° C
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Ireland is a country that is entrenched in the culture, history, and mysticism, and a history enthusiast’s paradise with its stone-based architecture and a melting pot of Irish, Gaelic, and Celtic cultures. The untarnished and unvarnished taste of Ireland can be felt everywhere from its landmarks to its uber-modern cityscapes. You can see history everywhere, from the monuments at Bru Na Boinne to the Slea Head in Kerry. Geographically, you will find that Ireland can be a very diverse, yet daunting country with its peninsulas of the southwest, the wilderness of Donegal, and the hills of the southeast.

Ireland also has a lot to offer culturally, you could watch a play in Dublin, visit Trinity College, or even attend a gig at a limerick saloon. Ireland has something for everyone since it is a country emerging as a popular destination, with its hotels and resorts consistently upping their game. As with most countries, it is critical to find out when the weather in Ireland is just right for your visit. Want to know when to travel to Ireland? Read on to find out!

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Quick Facts

  • Best Time to Visit: June – September
  • Low Season: November – February
  • All Seasons: June – September, November – February, March – May, September – October
  • The best time to visit Ireland is between June and September when the temperatures are at their best, but accommodation rates will be at their highest. Rainfall also can be particularly low during this season, allowing the sun to shine through. The influx of tourists will be high in Dublin and Kerry.
  • The low season is between November and February where the cold weather can be felt creeping in. The country is also at its wettest in these few months with the rainfall being incessant at times. There is also a good chance of fog appearing throughout the country. At times, due to the weather, some attractions or tourist destinations may be closed just for the day or even the season.
  • The shoulder seasons of Ireland are from Easter to May and September to October. During the shoulder seasons, the weather is quite good and is known to exhibit a quality that people have dubbed “Indian summer” which means that while it may get hot it might not be unbearable.

Ireland could in theory be visited all year round, however as with most countries it will be better to pay attention to the weather lest your favourite attraction be closed or rendered incomplete on your wish list. June to September may the best time to visit Ireland due to its temperatures attracting quite a bit of sunlight and heat making it perfect for Irish adventures.

Seasonal Overview

1. June to September — Summer / High season

Kilkenny Castle, Ireland
Kilkenny Castle a 12th century castle in Ireland

June to September provides ample sunshine, and lower levels of rainfall. June to September also proves to exhibit high accommodation rates which may be reflected in the prices for hotels and other accommodations rising. However, if one is prescient about it, you might still be able to snag a good deal on accommodations. June to September is when the crowds are in full swing, and this may prove to be slightly problematic with wait times at some attractions being longer than usual.

  • Avg. Temperature:  57 – 61° F / 14 – 16° C (in Dublin)
  • Rainfall: 60 – 70 mm
  • Season: Summer
  • Highlights: Dublin City may be the most happening place in Ireland, and the interesting thing about that may be the fact that it has been happening since the 9th century. The city seems to be a living memory of its time with its elaborate castles and forts.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Ireland in June
Ireland in July
Ireland in August
Ireland in September

2. October to February — Low Season

The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher in the Fog

October to February is definitely considered the low season in Ireland. One can see that some tourist destinations may have reduced hours, while some may even be closed due to the pervasive cold weather that bogs most of the country. There is an eminent fog that adds to the mysticism of the Irish highlands. However it may be important to note, that while the weather can play a spoilsport on the rustic countryside, all city based attractions resume operations as normal. While it may be the low season, accommodations may be available for much more reasonable prices.

  • Avg. Temperature: 41 – 46° F / 5 – 8° C (in Dublin)
  • Rainfall: 80 mm
  • Season: Winter
  • Highlights: Galway City has always been known for its arty and bohemian style that seems to enrapture even the most heretic amongst us. It is deeply steeped in history but yet seems to vibrate with a contemporary vibe that attracts students and youth. Galway was once a medieval capital and this can be seen with remnants of town walls, Claddagh rings, and bridges that arch all across the cityscape.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Ireland in October
Ireland in November
Ireland in December
Ireland in January
Ireland in February

3. March to May — Shoulder Season

Connemara a mountainous coastal region of Galway
The breathtaking coastal landscape of Connemara

Due to the geographical location of Ireland, the shoulder season can be divided into a timeframe of two periods, March to May or more appropriately Easter to May and Mid September to October. While both these shoulder seasons are relatively short in length compared to the other seasons, the shoulder periods boast a hybrid of good rain and sunshine. Temperatures may not be as high they were in the high season but definitely does not drop as low as the winter months. Accommodation rates are definitely lower making it more attractive to travellers who want to save more.

  • Avg. Temperature: 45 – 52° F / 7 – 11° C (in Dublin)
  • Rainfall: 50 – 70 mm
  • Season: Spring
  • Highlights: Connemara may be a collection of bogs, cliffs, and valleys but beauty and magnificence is inherent to it. Connemara is a short scenic coastal route from Galway City.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Ireland in March
Ireland in April
Ireland in May

Published by Erik Jensen, updated on January 28, 2023

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