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Contents
- The climate of Cork
- The Best Time to Visit Cork
- The Worst Time to Visit Cork
- Spring Weather in Cork
- Summer Weather in Cork
- Autumn Weather in Cork
- Winter Weather in Cork
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
Ancient buildings in Cork, Ireland, with dark cloudy skies and mountains in the distance
The climate of Cork
Geographically positioned in Ireland, Cork enjoys a Marine West Coast Climate, also defined as warm summer by the Köppen climate classification, where the short code is Cfb. Climatic variations are closely entwined with the seasonal cycles throughout the year. The average annual temperature swings from lows of 3°C (37.4°F) in the colder months to highs of 19°C (66.2°F) during the summer, a range that can be best described as moderate.
Rainfall presents another significant aspect of Cork's climate, with observations indicating an annual pattern. The driest period ranges from April to June, with the least downpours recorded at 61mm (2.4") in both April and June. A gradual increase in precipitation marks the progression from summer to winter. December witnesses the highest rainfall, measuring an average of 120mm (4.72").
Daylight hours vary significantly as the year unfolds, incorporating the transitions from shorter winter days to longer summer days. January sees the least daylight, with an average of 8.4 hours, while the longest day length occurs in June, extending to 16.6 hours. Correspondingly, the sunshine duration, another key weather parameter, stretches from 2 hours during the gloomier months to 6 hours during brighter summer days.
Rainfall presents another significant aspect of Cork's climate, with observations indicating an annual pattern. The driest period ranges from April to June, with the least downpours recorded at 61mm (2.4") in both April and June. A gradual increase in precipitation marks the progression from summer to winter. December witnesses the highest rainfall, measuring an average of 120mm (4.72").
Daylight hours vary significantly as the year unfolds, incorporating the transitions from shorter winter days to longer summer days. January sees the least daylight, with an average of 8.4 hours, while the longest day length occurs in June, extending to 16.6 hours. Correspondingly, the sunshine duration, another key weather parameter, stretches from 2 hours during the gloomier months to 6 hours during brighter summer days.
The Best Time to Visit Cork
Choosing the ideal time to visit Cork depends largely on personal weather preferences. However, considering the average climatic conditions, the period from May to July proves to be the most favorable. During these months, temperatures range from 14°C (57.2°F) to 19°C (66.2°F), making outdoor activities enjoyable. The precipitation level is also at its lowest, averaging between 61mm (2.4") to 74mm (2.91") per month.
The Worst Time to Visit Cork
In contrast, the most challenging time to visit Cork, primarily due to weather conditions, falls in the winter months from November to January. Average temperatures drop to chilling lows from 4°C (39.2°F) to 8°C (46.4°F). In addition, it is the rainiest season, with rainfall averaging between 101mm (3.98") in November to 120mm (4.72") in December, and prevalent cloudy conditions lead to reduced sunlight hours.
Spring Weather in Cork
The transition from winter to spring in Cork is marked by a gradual rise in temperatures from 8°C (46.4°F) in March to 14°C (57.2°F) in May. Correspondingly, night time temperatures also rise from 3°C (37.4°F) to 7°C (44.6°F) during this period. While rainfall continues, a decline is noticeable, reducing from 87mm (3.43") in March to 61mm (2.4") in April and slightly up to 74mm (2.91") in May. Sunshine hours increase gradually, promising more bright and clear days towards the end of the season.
Summer Weather in Cork
Cork experiences its warmest period during summer, with temperatures climbing to an average high of 19°C (66.2°F) in July. Night time temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 11°C (51.8°F). Despite being summer, rainfall remains a fixture, albeit at lower levels averaging from 61mm (2.4") to 83mm (3.27") over the three months. Long days of summer offer around 16.6 hours of daylight in June, tapering off to 14.6 hours in August.
Autumn Weather in Cork
Autumn ushers in cooler days with average high temperatures descending from 16°C (60.8°F) in September to 10°C (50°F) in November. Night temperatures also show a decrease, moving from 10°C (50°F) in September to 5°C (41°F) in November. Rainfall surges again, escalating from 96mm (3.78") in September to 101mm (3.98") in November. The length of daylight also shrinks considerably, receding from 12.6 hours in September to 8.8 hours in November.
Winter Weather in Cork
Winter months in Cork tend to be cooler, with the coldest month being January, bearing an average low of 3°C (37.4°F). However, the daytime temperatures exhibit a moderate climate, averaging between 8°C (46.4°F) to 9°C (48.2°F). Precipitation levels peak in December, registering an average of 120mm (4.72"), while January records significant rainfall at 118mm (4.65") in spite of being the coldest month. Correspondingly, daylight hours are few, offering only 7.9 hours in December, the shortest daylight period of the year.
Weather in January
January in Cork, Ireland, can expect a chill as winter holds its grip. Surprisingly, it is the month with the highest rainfall recorded, with 120mm (4.72") of precipitation spread over 21 days. As Ireland is known for its mild winters, snowfall is infrequent during this month. Weather in January »
Weather in February
As the calendar moves into February, the weather experiences slight changes, although the predominance of winter can be felt distinctly. With a decrease of 25mm (0.98") in rainfall from January to February, it is an apparent calm before the resplendent spring. Weather in February »
Weather in March
The optimism of spring is echoed in March's weather patterns, with the effects of winter starting to recede. The highlight in March is 10°C (50°F) high temperatures, a two-degree elevation from February's peak. As the lethargy of winter lifts, the city of Cork becomes a bustling hub of activities. Weather in March »
Weather in April
In April, Cork experiences an increased momentum in the shift from winter to spring. Outdoor activities gain popularity, encouraged by the sight of emerging blooms and longer light hours. The rainfall also tides over to more milder downpours, favoring the growth of abundant greenery. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May sets the stage for the transition into the warmth of summer. Cork experiences awakening vibrant life during this time with adequate sunshine hours and mild temperatures. The decrease in rainfall from April to May by 13mm (0.51") makes walking tours an ideal choice for tourists. Weather in May »
Weather in June
Being the first summer month, June welcomes weather suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. The generous amount of daylight optimizes time for experiencing the sights that Cork offers. Temperatures rise moderately compared to May, adding warmth while maintaining comfort in the Irish city. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak summer month in Cork, experiencing the highest temperatures of the year with averages soaring to 19°C (66.2°F). Despite it being the warmest month, the weather remains relatively mild and tolerable for tourists and locals alike. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August reflects a slight dip in temperature from July, beginning the transition into the cooler months. Despite this, it remains an ideal month for sightseeing and exploring Cork's numerous attractions under the generous summer sunshine hours. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September marks the onset of autumn in Cork, but summer's warmth lingers, making it a pleasant time to visit. The decrease in daylight hours from August to September by approximately 2 hours hints at the transition to shorter autumn days. Weather in September »
Weather in October
In October, the autumn vibe is evident, with temperatures dipping and leaves changing color. The city of Cork shoulders the splendid display of fall colors coupled with a dramatic fall in temperature from September. Rainfall gradually increases, adding a sense of melancholy to the picturesque landscapes. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November is a precursor to winter in Cork, with a further drop in temperatures and shorter daylight hours. The city braces for the cold with an increase in rainfall from October to November by approximately 6mm (0.24"), a forecast that calls for cozy indoor activities. Weather in November »
Weather in December
With the arrival of December, Cork ushers in the winter season. December exhibits the lowest sunshine hours of the year, with an average of 2 hours a day, casting a cozy winter ambiance over the city. Christmas celebrations brighten up the city streets, creating a warm contrast to the cold, winter weather. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What month is the coldest in Cork?
During January and February, Cork experiences its lowest temperatures, averaging a high-temperature of 8°C (46.4°F).
How much does it rain in Cork?
In Cork, Ireland, during the entire year, the rain falls for 210 days and collects up to 1063mm (41.85") of precipitation.
What are the months with the least sunshine in Cork?
January, February, November and December, with an average of 2h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.
When is the sea coldest in Cork?
The month with the coldest seawater is March, with an average sea temperature of 9.4°C (48.9°F).
What is the driest month in Cork?
The months with the least rainfall in Cork are April and June Rain falls for 15 days and accumulates 61mm (2.4") of rain.
What are the months with the most sunshine in Cork?
May and June, with an average of 6h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in Cork, Ireland.
When are the longest days in Cork?
With an average of 16h and 36min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Cork.
When is the highest UV index in Cork?
June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Cork, Ireland.
What is the hottest time of year in Cork?
Cork experiences its highest temperatures in July, with an average peak of 19°C (66.2°F) and a low of 11°C (51.8°F).
What month is the sea warmest in Cork?
With an average sea temperature of 16.4°C (61.5°F), August is the month with the warmest seawater in Cork, Ireland.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Cork?
On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from IST to GMT. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, 30. March 2025, at 1:00 am, and the time zone reverts from GMT to IST.
What is the rainiest month in Cork?
December is the month with the most rainfall in Cork, Ireland. Rain falls for 20 days and accumulates 120mm (4.72") of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in Cork?
December has the shortest days of the year in Cork, Ireland, with an average of 7h and 54min of daylight.
When is the lowest UV index in Cork?
December is the month with the lowest UV index in Cork, with an average maximum UV index of 0.
Average temperature
Cork, Ireland
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (19°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are January and February (8°C).
The months with the highest average low temperature are July and August (11°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are January and February (3°C).
Average rainfall
Cork, Ireland
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (120mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are April and June (61mm).
Average rainfall days
Cork, Ireland
- Average rainfall days in January:
21 days - Average rainfall days in February:
18 days - Average rainfall days in March:
18 days - Average rainfall days in April:
15 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17 days - Average rainfall days in June:
15 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
14 days - Average rainfall days in August:
17 days - Average rainfall days in September:
17 days - Average rainfall days in October:
19 days - Average rainfall days in November:
19 days - Average rainfall days in December:
20 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is January (21 days).
The month with the least rainy days is July (14 days).
Average sea temperature
Cork, Ireland
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (16.4°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (9.4°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Cork, Ireland
- Average daylight in January:
8h and 2min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 0min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in May:
15h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
16h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
16h and 1min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in November:
8h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
7h and 5min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 7h and 54min).
The months with the most sunshine are May and June (Average sunshine: 6h).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February, November and December (Average sunshine: 2h).
Average UV index
Cork, Ireland
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 0).
Cork, Ireland
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