The climate of Clifden
Situated on
Ireland’s west coast,
Clifden enjoys a marine west coast climate with warm summers, formally classified as Cfb under the Köppen climate classification. The weather in this part of Ireland is largely influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in relatively mild temperatures throughout the year, but also high levels of rainfall and humidity. The highest temperatures are typically seen from
June to
August, when the mercury can reach 18°C. The winter months, specifically
December through
February, see the lowest temperatures, hovering around 9°C.
Rainfall in Clifden is a constant throughout the year with December proving to be the month with the highest rainfall, amounting to 137mm. On the other hand,
July sees the lowest rainfall, at 69mm. Rainfall days each month are remarkably consistent, staying between 17 and 24 days. The number of daylight hours varies significantly as per the season, with the longest days observed in June at 16.9 hours, and the shortest in December with 7.6 hours. Despite the longer days in the summer months, Clifden experiences the maximum sunshine hours in
May, when the town is sunny for an average of 6 hours a day.
The best time to visit Clifden
Taking into account the weather data, the best time to visit
Clifden would be between
May and
July. Temperatures during these months range from 14°C to 18°C with the highest number of sunshine hours, peaking at 6 hours per day in May. Additionally, rainfall is relatively low compared to other months, with July experiencing the least amount at 69mm. Furthermore, May and
June boast a higher UV index, which is a positive note for tourists looking for a bit of warmth.
The worst time to visit Clifden
On the other hand, the least favourable time to visit
Clifden would arguably be the winter months of
December,
January, and
February. During this time, temperatures drop to approximately 9°C, and daylight hours are drastically reduced to their shortest, with December seeing only 7.6 hours. Rainfall is also at its highest in December, reaching 137mm and the town experiences precipitation for 24 days on average in these months, leading to fewer clear days.
Spring weather in Clifden
Spring in
Clifden, encompassing the months of
March,
April, and
May, witnesses a steady rise in temperatures from 10°C to 14°C. Despite the increase in temperature, rainfall remains constant with averages around 85mm to 76mm. The daylight hours extend from 11.9 hours in March to 15.9 hours in May, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities. The amount of sunshine per day also increases from 3 hours in March to 6 hours in May, providing a pleasant and warm ambience.
Summer weather in Clifden
Summer in
Clifden (
June to
August) tends to be warm with temperatures peaking at 18°C. The rainfall during these months ranges from 71mm to 69mm. Despite the minor variance in rainfall, these months experience roughly 17 rainy days per month. Though the daylight hours peak at 16.9 hours in June, the amount of sunshine per day drops slightly from 6 hours in
May to 4 hours by August.
Autumn weather in Clifden
Autumn months in
Clifden (
September to
November) witness a slight drop in temperatures from 16°C to 11°C. Rainfall begins to increase, starting from 116mm in September to 136mm in November. Nevertheless, the town still benefits from 12.7 hours of daylight in September, which shortens to 8.6 hours come November. The number of sunshine hours per day remains steady at around 3 hours.
Winter weather in Clifden
Winter in
Clifden, which spans
December to
February, sees the coldest temperatures of the year, fluctuating between 9°C and 3°C. These months also witness the highest levels of rainfall, culminating at 137mm in December. The volume of rainfall is accompanied by the most rainfall days, with each of these months experiencing precipitation for 24 days on average. Daylight hours are considerably shorter during this season, ranging from 8.2 hours in
January to 7.6 hours in December. The number of sunshine hours per day is at its lowest, merely reaching 2 hours in these months.
Weather in January
January in
Clifden,
Ireland portrays the classic image of a winter month, loaded with chilly temperatures and the distinctive possibility of rain. The lowest sea temperature presents a frigid North Atlantic Ocean with 9.9°C. There is a transition from the sun's scarce appearance during the shortest daylight hours of the year to a slight ascend towards more sunlight.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February ushers a hint of season change with an increment in temperatures, yet still in the refuge of winter. Rainfall decreases from 137mm in
January to 85mm making it one of the relatively drier winter months. With the temperature graph on a slow ascent, the daylight hours expand, indicating a move towards the forthcoming spring.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March announces the arrival of spring with an improvement in temperature and increased daylight. A noticeable temperature transition, compared to the chillier
February, makes this month feel slightly warmer. A brighter sun begins its yearly journey with longer presence, melting the last of winter's frost.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April stands out in
Clifden's calendar with its increased temperature and decreased rainfall to 66mm, signifying a substantial weather shift. The warmth of the spring season becomes firmly established, warding off the last strands of winter.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With its arrival,
May sets the stage for the impending summer. Sea temperatures begin to climb, marking the advent of a warmer period. Changes in the weather begin to materialize more concrete signs of summer, albeit interspersed with the reminiscence of spring rains.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Clifden signifies the arrival of summer with the longest daylight hours of about 16.9h, signifying the onset of long and sunny days. The temperature shift becomes substantial, marking the transition from spring into more definitive bouts of summer warmth.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the height of summer in
Clifden,
Ireland, bringing with it moderate temperatures and extended daylight. Cheerful sunlight dominates the landscape without the imposition of extreme heat. This month experiences the warmest sea temperatures at 14.6°C, inviting locals and visitors to coastal activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Weather in
August retains much of
July's summer warmth, though with a slight increment in rainfall to 97mm heralding an approaching change. A distinct temperate weather persists, ensuring continued outdoor activities. As days get shorter, there's a sense of drawing towards the end of summer.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn in
Clifden. The sea temperature begins to retreat from its peak at 15.3°C in
August to 14.8°C. The transition into autumn becomes noticeable with shorter daylight hours and gradual temperature drop.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October imparts a definitive autumnal feel in the air in
Clifden. The earlier signs of fall now turn undeniable with a succession of rainy days, and a sharp drop in sunlight from 4h in
September to 3h. The weather starts cooling down substantially, and daylight hours are noticeably shorter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November nudges the weather chart towards winter in
Clifden with lower temperatures and increased rainfall to 136mm. Bare trees and frequent showers indicate the impending arrival of the year's final season. As daylight hours continue to diminish, the nights grow increasingly colder.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Clifden welcomes winter in its full glory with noticeably colder temperatures. The overall weather conditions become significantly wintry as shorter daylight hours set in with approximately 7.6 hours of daylight. Longer nights dominate, being punctuated by short periods of daily sunshine.
Weather in December » [Resources]