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Contents
- The climate of Donegal
- The best time to visit Donegal
- The worst time to visit Donegal
- Spring weather in Donegal
- Summer weather in Donegal
- Autumn weather in Donegal
- Winter weather in Donegal
- 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 pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Donegal
Donegal, a captivating town in Ireland, falls within the Köppen climate classification of Cfb. As a Marine west coast area with a warm summer, it proffers consistent yet mild weather throughout the year. The town’s geographical position along the Atlantic coastline contributes significantly to the persistent chill in the air.
Fluctuations occur with each weather parameter throughout the year. The average high temperatures range from 6.4°C (43.5°F) in January, slightly ascending to 10.9°C (51.6°F) in April, and reaching their zenith at 16.3°C (61.3°F) in July. The climb descends marginally to 15.9°C (60.6°F) in August before falling to 7°C (44.6°F) by December. The average low temperatures rise from 2.9°C (37.2°F) in January to a tepid 10.7°C (51.3°F) in July, then down to 3.6°C (38.5°F) in December.
Humidity relatively remains steady, floating between the 82% mark in April to a high of 88% in January. Rainfall is frequent in Donegal, peaking from 87mm (3.43") in August to a low volume of 34mm (1.34") in April. Snowfall is sporadic, occurring between January to March and in December, with the rest of the months devoid of flurries.
The daylight hours span from a low of 8 hours in January to a maximum of 17.2 hours in June. Sunshine decreases to 3.4 hours on average in December from a high of 6.9 hours in June. Interestingly, the sea temperature remains steady throughout the year, with minimal fluctuations from 9.2°C (48.6°F) in March to 14.8°C (58.6°F) in August.
Fluctuations occur with each weather parameter throughout the year. The average high temperatures range from 6.4°C (43.5°F) in January, slightly ascending to 10.9°C (51.6°F) in April, and reaching their zenith at 16.3°C (61.3°F) in July. The climb descends marginally to 15.9°C (60.6°F) in August before falling to 7°C (44.6°F) by December. The average low temperatures rise from 2.9°C (37.2°F) in January to a tepid 10.7°C (51.3°F) in July, then down to 3.6°C (38.5°F) in December.
Humidity relatively remains steady, floating between the 82% mark in April to a high of 88% in January. Rainfall is frequent in Donegal, peaking from 87mm (3.43") in August to a low volume of 34mm (1.34") in April. Snowfall is sporadic, occurring between January to March and in December, with the rest of the months devoid of flurries.
The daylight hours span from a low of 8 hours in January to a maximum of 17.2 hours in June. Sunshine decreases to 3.4 hours on average in December from a high of 6.9 hours in June. Interestingly, the sea temperature remains steady throughout the year, with minimal fluctuations from 9.2°C (48.6°F) in March to 14.8°C (58.6°F) in August.
The best time to visit Donegal
If temperate weather is high on the list of preferences when planning a visit, the period from June to August is optimal. During this period, the temperature averages between 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F), resulting in a comfortable ambience. The daylight hours are also the longest, reaching up to 17.2 hours per day in June. While rainfall is still a common occurrence, visitors can take advantage of longer daylight hours to explore Donegal's numerous attractions.
The worst time to visit Donegal
Occurring between December and February, the winter months pose a challenge for visitors. With temperatures oscillating between 2.9°C (37.2°F) to 3.1°C (37.6°F), it is the coldest period, coupled with frequent rains from 72mm (2.83") to 77mm (3.03"). Snowfall is unpredictable, and even though it is light, it can make roads slippery. Along with shorter daylight of between 7.4 to 9 hours, these months might not be the ideal time for tourists.
Spring weather in Donegal
March welcomes the spring in Donegal. Temperatures are tepid, gradually rising from 8.5°C (47.3°F) in March to 13.1°C (55.6°F) in May, with lows creeping up from 3.3°C (37.9°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F). These months are less humid, with the relative humidity decreasing from 84% to 82% by April before rising again to 84% in May. Daylight and sunshine hours increase significantly, providing ample time for outdoor pursuits.
Summer weather in Donegal
Hot yet comfortable - this is the best description of summers in Donegal. With peak temperatures ranging from 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F) and lows between 9.2°C (48.6°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F), this period between June and August is undeniably enjoyable. Despite the slight increase in humidity and rainfall that goes up to 87mm (3.43") in August, daylight extends up to an impressive 17.2 hours in June, allowing visitors ample time to explore.
Autumn weather in Donegal
The months of September to November mark autumn in Donegal. A marginal downward trend in the temperature, falling from 14.5°C (58.1°F) in September to 8.6°C (47.5°F) in November, is observed. Rainfall inches up from 49mm (1.93") to 65mm (2.56") as autumn progresses into winter, while daylight reduces progressively from 12.7 hours to 8.5 hours. Despite the decline, the temperatures are bearable, making it a suitable period for visitors.
Winter weather in Donegal
Winter in Donegal, spanning the months of December to February, is marked by the lowest temperatures of the year, with average highs hovering between 6.4°C (43.5°F) and 7.1°C (44.8°F), and average lows of around 2.9°C (37.2°F) to 3.1°C (37.6°F). Though this is accompanied by a higher probability of rainfall, clocking in between 72mm (2.83") to 77mm (3.03"), snowfall is quite light and sporadic. As Donegal is not well-known for winter tourism, these months may not be the prime time for a visit.
Weather in January
January in Donegal, Ireland, greets visitors with the charm of winter. The chill in the air is aptly compensated by the breathtakingly pristine scenery. Heavy coats, gloves, and hats are recommended for outdoor activities. January marks the beginning of the year with an average relative humidity of 88%, creating a relatively moist environment for dwellers. Weather in January »
Weather in February
As the calendar flips to February, a slight change in the climate occurs in Donegal, Ireland. However, the weather continues to favor indoor activities and hot drinks. The snowfall in February, averaging at 28mm (1.1"), often drapes the picturesque town in a white blanket. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March in Donegal, Ireland, witnesses the transition of winter to spring. The delightful onset of spring and the receding chill of winter makes it a month of slight contrasts. The average rainfall for this month stands at 69mm (2.72"), indicating a breadth of rain-laden clouds. Weather in March »
Weather in April
In April, Donegal, Ireland, fully embraces the arrival of spring. There is a notable shift in the weather as winter's cold fades away, replaced by sunnier, warmer days. Although rainfall does decrease from 69mm (2.72") to 34mm (1.34"), a decent amount of precipitation is retained for the month. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May in Donegal, Ireland, is characterized by blooming flowers, budding trees, and occasionally, vibrant rainbows. This month is an excellent time for sightseeing and participating in outdoor activities, thanks to the amiable weather. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June brings the onset of summer in Donegal, Ireland. It offers the most extended daylight duration, up to 17.2 hours, allowing ample time for experiencing this beautiful city. The natural beauty of Donegal is amplified by undoubtedly summer-defined weather. Weather in June »
Weather in July
In July, Donegal, Ireland, is in the middle of the summer season, with maximum average temperatures hitting 16.3°C (61.3°F). The climate is reasonable, with a decent amount of sunshine and blue skies. This month sees the highest number of rainfall days, with nearly 24.3 days of precipitation. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August continues the trend of summer warmth in Donegal, Ireland. The month is characterized by the ongoing blooms of summer and potential for beach visits. The sea temperature, touching an average of 14.8°C (58.6°F) can provide bracing dips for the audacious. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September in Donegal, Ireland, signifies the transition from summer to autumn. The landscape begins to adopt varying hues, rendering it breathtakingly beautiful. Autumn signals its arrival with falling leaves, and a noticeable change in weather conditions. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in Donegal, Ireland, is a profound exhibition of autumn with all its charm and majesty. The trees, showcased in a blend of ochre, burgundy and gold, turn the city into an artist’s palette. The weather remains mildly cool, with receding daylight hours hinting at the gradual approach of winter. Weather in October »
Weather in November
Transitioning into winter, November in Donegal, Ireland, features a range of weather conditions. The first frost typically occurs this month, causing a noticeable dip in the temperature. November remains humid, maintaining the average relative humidity of 87% from October. Weather in November »
Weather in December
Through December, the winter firmly settles in Donegal, Ireland. The holiday season resonates favorably with the cold climatic conditions and shorter days. Snowfall begins to dot the landscape, with an average of 9mm (0.35") in December. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What are the coldest months in Donegal?
January is the coldest month of the year, registering average temperatures as high as 6.4°C (43.5°F) and as low as 2.9°C (37.2°F).
What is the most humid month in Donegal?
With an average relative humidity of 88%, January is the most humid month in Donegal, Ireland.
How much does it rain in Donegal?
In Donegal, during the entire year, the rain falls for 249.6 days and collects up to 779mm (30.67") of precipitation.
When does it snow in Donegal?
January through March, November and December are months with snowfall in Donegal.
When does it snow the most in Donegal?
The month with the most snowfall in Donegal is January, when snow falls for 2.6 days and typically aggregates up to 41mm (1.61") of snow.
How much does it snow in Donegal?
Throughout the year, there are 8.9 snowfall days, and 117mm (4.61") of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Donegal?
January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 3.1h of sunshine.
When is the lowest UV index in Donegal?
January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Donegal, Ireland.
When is the sea coldest in Donegal?
The month with the coldest seawater is March, with an average sea temperature of 9.2°C (48.6°F).
What is the least humid month in Donegal?
The least humid month in Donegal, Ireland, is April, with an average relative humidity of 82%.
What is the driest month in Donegal?
The month with the least rainfall in Donegal is April, when the rain falls for 17.8 days and typically collects 34mm (1.34") of precipitation.
When it does not snow in Donegal?
In Donegal, Ireland, snow does not fall in April through October.
When is the highest UV index in Donegal?
May and June, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the highest UV index in Donegal, Ireland.
When are the longest days in Donegal?
The month with the longest days in Donegal, Ireland, is June, with an average of 17h and 12min of daylight.
What month has the most sunshine in Donegal?
The month with the most sunshine is June, with an average of 6.9h of sunshine.
What time of the year is the hottest in Donegal?
In Donegal, July is known for its average highest temperatures, reaching a high of 16.3°C (61.3°F) and a low of 10.7°C (51.3°F).
What is the wettest month in Donegal?
August is the month with the most rainfall in Donegal, Ireland. Rain falls for 25.2 days and accumulates 87mm (3.43") of precipitation.
What month is the sea warmest in Donegal?
August is the month with the warmest seawater in Donegal, Ireland, with an average sea temperature of 14.8°C (58.6°F).
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Donegal?
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 month with the shortest days in Donegal?
With an average of 7h and 24min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Donegal.
Average temperature
Donegal, Ireland
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (16.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (6.4°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (10.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (2.9°C).
Average pressure
Donegal, Ireland
- Average pressure in January:
1009mbar - Average pressure in February:
1009mbar - Average pressure in March:
1012.8mbar - Average pressure in April:
1014.2mbar - Average pressure in May:
1015.2mbar - Average pressure in June:
1014.8mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1013mbar - Average pressure in August:
1011.4mbar - Average pressure in September:
1013.8mbar - Average pressure in October:
1011mbar - Average pressure in November:
1006.7mbar - Average pressure in December:
1008.5mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is May (1015.2mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (1006.7mbar).
Average wind speed
Donegal, Ireland
- Average wind speed in January:
22.1km/h - Average wind speed in February:
21km/h - Average wind speed in March:
19.9km/h - Average wind speed in April:
16.5km/h - Average wind speed in May:
16.3km/h - Average wind speed in June:
13.9km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
13.6km/h - Average wind speed in August:
15.1km/h - Average wind speed in September:
16.5km/h - Average wind speed in October:
17.4km/h - Average wind speed in November:
18.8km/h - Average wind speed in December:
21.3km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (22.1km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (13.6km/h).
Average humidity
Donegal, Ireland
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (88%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (82%).
Average rainfall
Donegal, Ireland
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (87mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is April (34mm).
Average rainfall days
Donegal, Ireland
- Average rainfall days in January:
21.5 days - Average rainfall days in February:
18.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
19.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
17.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
19.6 days - Average rainfall days in June:
20.9 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
24.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
25.2 days - Average rainfall days in September:
20.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
19.6 days - Average rainfall days in November:
20.8 days - Average rainfall days in December:
21.8 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (25.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is April (17.8 days).
Average snowfall
Donegal, Ireland
The month with the highest snowfall is January (41mm).
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Donegal, Ireland
- Average snowfall days in January:
2.6 days - Average snowfall days in February:
2.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
1.8 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in December:
1.1 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (2.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).
Average sea temperature
Donegal, Ireland
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (14.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (9.2°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Donegal, Ireland
- Average daylight in January:
8h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
9h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
14h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
16h and 1min - Average daylight in June:
17h and 1min
- Average daylight in July:
16h and 4min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 3min - Average daylight in November:
8h and 3min - Average daylight in December:
7h and 2min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 17h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 7h and 24min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 1min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 3min - Average sunshine in March:
4h and 2min - Average sunshine in April:
6h and 2min - Average sunshine in May:
6h and 0min - Average sunshine in June:
6h and 5min
- Average sunshine in July:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in August:
5h and 1min - Average sunshine in September:
4h and 5min - Average sunshine in October:
3h and 3min - Average sunshine in November:
3h and 3min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 2min
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 6h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 6min).
Average sunshine days
Donegal, Ireland
- Average sunshine days in January:
6.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
6.8 days - Average sunshine days in March:
8.4 days - Average sunshine days in April:
9.5 days - Average sunshine days in May:
8.2 days - Average sunshine days in June:
6.1 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
3.9 days - Average sunshine days in August:
3.4 days - Average sunshine days in September:
6.6 days - Average sunshine days in October:
9.2 days - Average sunshine days in November:
5.8 days - Average sunshine days in December:
6 days
The month with the most sunshine days is April (9.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (3.4 days).
Average UV index
Donegal, Ireland
The months with the highest UV index are May and June (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Donegal, Ireland
The months with the most cloud cover are January and August (Cloud cover 70).
The month with the least cloud cover is April (Cloud cover 59).
Average visibility
Donegal, Ireland
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November and December (9km).
The month with the lowest visibility is July (8km).
Donegal, Ireland
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