Ireland
The best time to visit
When to go to Ireland
Go from May to September for the mildest weather, the longest days and the greenest scenery. There is no dry season, so showers are likely any month, but spring and summer give the best odds of bright spells.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Dublin. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jul.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
The quietest, cheapest stretch of the year.
In short
The year at a glance
Ireland is famously green for a reason: it is mild and wet all year, kept gentle by the Atlantic. Dublin anchors the ratings, where the best stretch runs from late spring to early autumn, when the days are long and the weather at its kindest.
Summer is the peak, with warm, light evenings and a full calendar, though even then a dry day is never guaranteed. Winter is dark and damp rather than cold, with cosy pubs and quiet sights making up for the short daylight.
Month by month
Ireland month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Dublin.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C / 46°F | 3°C / 37°F | 63 mm | Good 47 | Cold with a little rain. |
| February | 8°C / 46°F | 3°C / 37°F | 50 mm | Good 48 | Cold and dry. |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 4°C / 39°F | 54 mm | Great 58 | Cool and dry. |
| April | 12°C / 54°F | 5°C / 41°F | 51 mm | Great 66 | Cool and dry. |
| May | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 55 mm | Ideal 78 | Cool with a little rain. |
| June | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 57 mm | Ideal 91 | Mild with a little rain. Dublin hotels in June |
| July | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 54°F | 50 mm | Ideal 98 | Mild and dry. Dublin hotels in July |
| August | 19°C / 66°F | 12°C / 54°F | 66 mm | Ideal 91 | Mild with a little rain. Dublin hotels in August |
| September | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 50°F | 57 mm | Ideal 87 | Mild with a little rain. |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 8°C / 46°F | 80 mm | Great 72 | Cool with a little rain. |
| November | 10°C / 50°F | 5°C / 41°F | 73 mm | Good 56 | Cool with a little rain. |
| December | 8°C / 46°F | 4°C / 39°F | 77 mm | Good 48 | Cold with a little rain. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Dublin and the east
The driest corner of a wet country, best from May to September for the city and the nearby coast and mountains.
The Wild Atlantic Way
The western coast and cliffs are dramatic year round but kindest in summer, when the long days suit the scenic drives.
The countryside and castles
The green heart of the island is at its most vivid from late spring, when the hedgerows and fields are thick and green.
Go for
Best time to visit Ireland for
Road trips and coast
June to August for the Wild Atlantic Way, with the longest days and the best chance of clear skies.
Cities and culture
May to September for Dublin, Galway and Cork, with mild weather and lively festivals.
Green landscapes
Late spring, when the countryside is at its greenest after the winter rains.
Quiet and value
Autumn and winter, outside the holidays, for cheaper, atmospheric trips with fewer crowds.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
St Patrick's Day, March
The whole island, and Dublin especially, throws its biggest celebration in mid March.
Long summer evenings, June
Around midsummer the light lingers past 10pm, perfect for the coast and the countryside.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Ireland
Compare hotels and rentals around Dublin, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Ireland?
Does it always rain in Ireland?
Is Ireland worth visiting in winter?
Where else, and when
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