Climate and monthly weather forecast
Ireland

Ireland has an oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb), with cool and damp conditions throughout the year. Summers are warm, and winters are cold. Ireland is an island nation in northwestern Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Republic of Ireland occupies five-sixths of the portion of the island, while Northern Ireland occupies the rest. The Irish Sea and North Channel separate Ireland from Great Britain in the east. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the north and west, and the Celtic Sea is in the south. The Atlantic Ocean and the warm Gulf Stream current chiefly influence the climate.

Ireland, the Emerald Isle, lies in the high latitudes between 51°N and 56°N but is devoid of extreme temperatures. The mild climate and frequent rainfall produce lush green vegetation, and woodlands occupy a significant area of the island. Much of the terrain is low-lying, and even the mountains do not rise to great heights. The Shannon, Ireland’s longest river at 240 miles, rises in Ulster, bisects the island, and flows in the Atlantic Ocean south of Limerick. The southeastern region of Leinster has the most fertile land in the country. The western coasts are mountainous and rocky, with many islands, peninsulas, and bays. Coastal mountains bound the low plains that span the center of the island. The highest point in Ireland is Carrauntoohil at 1047 meters.

The best time to visit Ireland is during the summer season from June to August. Temperatures are at the warmest of the year during the summer, with ample sunshine. The southeastern region is the sunniest, with long days and average highs above 20°C (68°F). The mild period sees moderate rainfall under partly cloudy skies. The days are occasionally cold in June, but July and August are pleasantly warm. Seawaters near Dublin are at their warmest of the year between 12.8°C (55°F) to 16.1°C (61°F). May and September have acceptable temperatures, but the skies are often cloudy, and the days are short. Irish summers need a jacket or sweater, raincoat or umbrella.

The worst time to visit Ireland is during the cold winter season from December to February. The sunshine hardly lasts for 2 to 3 hours, and the skies are mostly cloudy.
The northern regions are cold, with freezing nights and day temperatures in the 7.2°C (45°F) to 10°C (50°F) range. Frost is standard, but snow is rare. The winter is susceptible to low-pressure systems that bring windstorms in the north. The western region sees ample rainfall and little sunshine in the winter. Cold waves are rare, but the conditions are cloudy and wet most of the time. Stormy conditions occasionally occur in late autumn and winter seasons.

Spring in Ireland begins with cold weather that gradually gives way to milder conditions by May. It is the driest and sunniest part of the year, characterized by alternating periods of rain and shine. Ireland's spring is not defined by constant sunshine, but rather by the island's characteristic running clouds. This season also heralds the blooming of Ireland's lush greenery, providing a picturesque landscape for visitors and locals alike.

Summers in Ireland are warm and pleasant, with temperatures seldom exceeding 25°C (77°F). Inland regions tend to be warmer than the coast, but overall, the entire country experiences similar temperature patterns. The arrival of summer also brings longer days and ample sunshine, especially in the southeastern regions. While rainfall is moderate during this period, it contributes to the vibrancy of Ireland's famed green landscapes.

Autumn in Ireland is characterized by an increase in cloud cover, rainfall, and wind, reducing the amount of sunshine. As the country transitions from the warmth of summer to the cold of winter, temperatures begin to fall gradually. Despite the reduced sunlight and increased rainfall, Ireland's autumn is adorned with vibrant fall foliage, offering stunning views, especially in the country's woodland regions.

Winters in Ireland are cold but not extreme, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The average number of freezing days varies across the country, with 20 days in Dublin and up to 50 days in inland regions. During winter, sunshine is limited to 2 to 3 hours a day, and the weather is predominantly cloudy. However, snow and frost are not common and only occur in certain places for a few days each winter. Despite its chilliness, the Irish winter has its own charm, with cozy fires and festive celebrations creating a unique atmosphere.

January is the coldest month in Ireland, with temperatures frequently dipping below freezing. The daily average temperature ranges from 3°C (37.4°F) to 7°C (44.6°F), but can occasionally fall lower during cold snaps. The number of days with temperatures below freezing is highest during this month, averaging 20 in coastal areas like Dublin and more in the inland regions. In comparison to December, January sees a slight decrease in temperature, and compared to February, it is relatively colder. Weather in January »

February in Ireland is characteristically cold, although temperatures begin to slowly climb compared to January. The average daily temperature ranges between 4°C (39.2°F) and 8°C (46.4°F), with occasional lows falling below freezing, especially in inland areas. Weather in February »

As spring dawns, the weather in Ireland in March experiences a marked shift. Average daily temperatures start to rise, ranging from 6°C (42.8°F) to 10°C (50°F), a significant increase from the colder winter months. Days with temperatures below freezing decrease substantially in March, with coastal regions like Dublin experiencing hardly any. Compared to February, the temperatures in March are moderately higher, signifying the shift from winter to spring. Weather in March »

April in Ireland is distinctly spring-like, with rising temperatures and a gradual decrease in rainfall. Average temperatures range between 8°C (46.4°F) and 12°C (53.6°F), showing a significant warming trend compared to March. Weather in April »

May welcomes the last phase of spring in Ireland, with temperature ranges lying between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F). This warming trend shows a significant increase from April, bringing about an ambiance of early summer. Instances of temperatures falling below freezing are extremely rare, primarily confined to high-altitude areas. Compared to April, May experiences warmer and longer days. Weather in May »

June ushers in the start of summer in Ireland, with average temperatures moving between 13°C (55.4°F) and 18°C (64.4°F), marking a significant warming transition from the spring months. The chance of temperatures dropping below freezing becomes virtually nonexistent, even in the higher-altitude areas. In comparison to May, June sees an increase in average temperatures, indicating the arrival of the warmest season of the year. Weather in June »

July is the heart of the summer season in Ireland, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). This is the warmest month of the year for Ireland, representing a marked difference from the temperate climate of June. Weather in July »

August in Ireland continues the summer season, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C (57.2°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). Although marginally cooler than July, August still offers warm and pleasant weather. The possibility of temperatures dropping below freezing is almost nonexistent. In comparison with July, August experiences slightly cooler days, indicating the gradual transition from summer to autumn. Weather in August »

September signifies the arrival of autumn in Ireland, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C (53.6°F) to 17°C (62.6°F). This marks a noticeable decrease from the warmth of August, indicating the onset of cooler weather. Compared to August, September experiences cooler and shorter days, as summer gives way to autumn. Weather in September »

October in Ireland brings a further transition into autumn, with average temperatures falling between 9°C (48.2°F) and 14°C (57.2°F). This is noticeably cooler compared to the conditions of September, marking the progression towards winter. Compared to September, October experiences significantly cooler and shorter days. Weather in October »

As November rolls in, Ireland embraces late autumn, with average temperatures ranging from 6°C (42.8°F) to 10°C (50°F). This significant decrease from October's temperatures indicates the approach of winter. In comparison to October, November experiences markedly cooler and shorter days. Weather in November »

December marks the beginning of winter in Ireland, with average temperatures dropping between 3°C (37.4°F) and 8°C (46.4°F). This decrease in temperature from November is a clear sign of the arrival of the coldest season of the year. Compared to November, December days are the shortest of the year, due to the winter solstice in late December. Weather in December »