It has been said many times that you don’t visit Ireland for the weather. The normal way to tell the difference between winter and summer in Ireland is to measure the temperature of the rain! However, Ireland does experience its fair share of sunshine too!

While it is true that the temperature doesn’t fluctuate much between seasons and the likelihood of rain every few days is as sure as taxes, the Irish weather is still manageable.

The climate in Ireland is influenced heavily by the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream and the south-westerly winds that drive in from the Atlantic Ocean. To say that the Irish weather is very unpredictable is an understatement.

Best Time to Travel
So when is the best time to visit Ireland? Well, it really all depends on your interests. Outdoor fun is definitely only for the diehards from November to February. Aside from those dates, you could pick any time for a holiday, with substantial savings to be made outside of the tourist season.

The tourist season in Ireland generally runs from Easter to the October Bank Holiday, outside these times, some attractions as well as accommodations might be closed for the season. So always check carefully when planning your trip outside the tourist season – although the peace and quiet to be had, even at major attractions, can be hugely rewarding.

Some Stats
The general impression is that it rains quite a lot of the time in Ireland but in fact two out of three hourly observations will not report any measurable rainfall. The average number of wet days (days with more than 1mm of rain) ranges from about 150 days a year along the east and south-east coasts, to about 225 days a year in parts of the west.

The table shows mean climate figures for the Dublin Airport weather station over a thirty-year period. Climate statistics based on the counties of Northern Ireland vary slightly but are not a whole lot different.

No where in Ireland is that warm but the warmest and most dry places to be found would be in the south. Places like Wexford, Kerry, Cork and Waterford etc. The coldest, windiest and wettest weather found in Ireland is in the north. PLaces such as Donegal and Derry.

Sunshine hours in Ireland map:

Listed below is an estimation of the temperatures in Ireland throughout the year:

January: 8 ºC – 46 ºF
February: 8 ºC – 46 ºF
March: 10 ºC – 50 ºF
April: 13 ºC – 55 ºF
May: 15 ºC – 59 ºF
June: 18 ºC – 64 ºF
July: 20 ºC – 68 ºF
August: 19 ºC – 66 ºF
September: 17 ºC – 63 ºF
October: 14 ºC – 57 ºF
November: 10 ºC – 50 ºF
December: 8 ºC – 46 ºF

The weather in Ireland can be summed up as being mild, moist and very changeable with a lot of rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. It is advisable that whatever time of year you plan to visit the Emerald Isle, ensure you bring your umbrella and plenty of raingear. During the winter months warm clothing is essential and during the summer months light raingear and sun factor are an absolute must. So pack wisely and get out and about and enjoy what Ireland has to offer, whatever the weather!

Some Links
• Met Éireann – The Irish Weather Office
• Met Office – Northern Ireland

Tags: ireland, irish weather