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When to go · Ireland

Best time to visit Ireland

Weather by month for Dublin, the best months to go and how Ireland's regions differ, scored from 10 years of climate data.

Weather by month

Ireland weather by month

Average highs and lows, rain days, sunshine, sea temperature and our month score out of 10.

Weather by month in Dublin and month scores for Ireland
Month High / low Rain days Sunshine Sea temp Score
January 8°C / 4°C 13 days (63 mm) 4.1 h/day 7°C 1.5/10
February 9°C / 4°C 13 days (66 mm) 5.4 h/day 8°C 2.1/10
March 10°C / 4°C 15 days (80 mm) 7.1 h/day 8°C 2.9/10
April 12°C / 6°C 12 days (63 mm) 9.2 h/day 11°C 4.6/10
May 15°C / 9°C 13 days (65 mm) 11.0 h/day 14°C 5.9/10
June 18°C / 11°C 13 days (73 mm) 11.4 h/day 16°C 6.9/10
Best month: July 19°C / 13°C 15 days (79 mm) 10.1 h/day 17°C 7.0/10
Best month: August 19°C / 13°C 13 days (82 mm) 9.7 h/day 17°C 7.1/10
September 17°C / 11°C 13 days (83 mm) 8.2 h/day 16°C 6.4/10
October 14°C / 9°C 14 days (88 mm) 6.2 h/day 14°C 4.6/10
November 11°C / 6°C 13 days (87 mm) 4.5 h/day 11°C 2.6/10
December 10°C / 5°C 15 days (95 mm) 3.3 h/day 9°C 1.6/10

Figures for Dublin; the country's best months are weighted across its cities. Best months are highlighted. How we score months

Month by month

Ireland in each month

January

Tough weather 1.5/10

8°C / 4°C · 13 rain days · 4.1 h sun · sea 7°C

January is the coldest month in Dublin, with highs of 8.3°C and lows of 3.7°C. Rain falls on about 12.8 days. It scores 1.5 and our verdict is avoid. Cold, grey and wet days make touring the countryside hard work. Go only if you want a city break and don't mind the weather.

Figures ↑ Where to go in January →

February

Tough weather 2.1/10

9°C / 4°C · 13 rain days · 5.4 h sun · sea 8°C

February is still cold, with highs of 9.1°C and lows of 4°C. Expect rain on about 12.9 days. It scores 2 and our verdict is avoid, because it is too chilly and damp to enjoy time outdoors. If you must travel now, plan mostly indoor sightseeing.

Figures ↑ Where to go in February →

March

Tough weather 2.9/10

10°C / 4°C · 15 rain days · 7.1 h sun · sea 8°C

March warms a little, to highs of 10.1°C, but it is wet. Rain falls on about 14.5 days and totals 80 mm. It scores 2.7 and our verdict is avoid. Walks and coastal drives are often spoiled by rain and wind, so wait a month if you can.

Figures ↑ Where to go in March →

April

OK 4.6/10

12°C / 6°C · 12 rain days · 9.2 h sun · sea 11°C

April is when Ireland starts to become worth a trip. Highs reach 11.6°C and rain falls on about 12.1 days, the fewest of any month. It scores 4.5 and our verdict is ok. Bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket, as it is still cool.

Figures ↑ Where to go in April →

May

OK 5.9/10

15°C / 9°C · 13 rain days · 11.0 h sun · sea 14°C

May is noticeably milder, with highs of 14.9°C and lows of 8.6°C. Rain falls on about 12.7 days. It scores 5.9 and our verdict is ok, and it is a sensible choice if you want pleasant weather before the peak months. Pack a rain jacket all the same.

Figures ↑ Where to go in May →

June

Good 6.9/10

18°C / 11°C · 13 rain days · 11.4 h sun · sea 16°C

June is a good time to go. Highs reach 17.6°C and rain falls on about 13.3 days. It is the sunniest month in our data and scores 7.2, with a verdict of good. It is one of the best months for hiking, cycling and road trips.

Figures ↑ Where to go in June →

July

Best time 7.0/10

19°C / 13°C · 15 rain days · 10.1 h sun · sea 17°C

July is the warmest month, with highs of 19.2°C and lows of 13.1°C. It also has the most rain days, about 15.1, so showers are likely. It still scores 7.1 and our verdict is good. Sea temperatures reach 16.6°C, which suits only hardy swimmers.

Figures ↑ Where to go in July →

August

Best time 7.1/10

19°C / 13°C · 13 rain days · 9.7 h sun · sea 17°C

August has the top score of the year, 7.3, and our verdict is good. Highs are 18.9°C and rain falls on about 13.2 days. The sea is at its warmest, around 17.2°C. It is a strong choice for outdoor plans, but bring a waterproof.

Figures ↑ Where to go in August →

September

Good 6.4/10

17°C / 11°C · 13 rain days · 8.2 h sun · sea 16°C

September stays mild, with highs of 16.9°C and lows of 11.2°C. Rain falls on about 12.7 days, though the monthly total rises to 83 mm. It scores 6.7 and our verdict is good. It is a good option if you want summer-like weather a little later in the year.

Figures ↑ Where to go in September →

October

OK 4.6/10

14°C / 9°C · 14 rain days · 6.2 h sun · sea 14°C

October cools to highs of 14.1°C and gets wetter. Rain falls on about 14 days and totals 88 mm. It scores 4.5 and our verdict is ok. You can still travel well, but expect more rain and plan some indoor options.

Figures ↑ Where to go in October →

November

Tough weather 2.6/10

11°C / 6°C · 13 rain days · 4.5 h sun · sea 11°C

November is a poor time to go. Highs drop to 10.7°C, rain falls on about 12.7 days, and the total reaches 87 mm. It scores 2.6 and our verdict is avoid. Wet, dull days make walks and scenic drives much less rewarding.

Figures ↑ Where to go in November →

December

Tough weather 1.6/10

10°C / 5°C · 15 rain days · 3.3 h sun · sea 9°C

December is the worst month in our data, with a score of 1.4 and a verdict of avoid. It is the wettest month, with about 15 rain days and 95 mm of rain. It also has the least sunshine. Highs are 9.5°C. Only go if a winter city break is your plan.

Figures ↑ Where to go in December →

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FAQ

When to go to Ireland

What is the best month to visit Ireland?

August is the best month, with June a close second. Based on Dublin weather from 2015–2024, August scores 7.3 out of 10 and June scores 7.2. August has highs of 18.9°C and the warmest sea at 17.2°C. June has the most sunshine of the year, at 11.4 hours, and less rain than August: 73 mm against 82 mm.

Is Ireland good to visit in July?

Yes, July is a good month, with a score of 7.1. It is the warmest month in Dublin, with highs of 19.2°C and lows of 13.1°C. The downside is rain. July has 15.1 rain days, one of the highest counts of the year. Pack a rain jacket even in summer.

Is September a good time to visit Ireland?

Yes, September is still a good month, with a score of 6.7. Dublin highs average 16.9°C and the sea is still 15.8°C. Rain days drop to 12.7, but total rain rises to 83 mm, and sunshine falls to 8.2 hours. After September, conditions get worse quickly. October scores only 4.5.

Should I visit Ireland in December or January?

No, it is best to avoid both months if weather matters to you. December scores 1.4 and January scores 1.5, the lowest of the year. December is the wettest month in Dublin, with 95 mm of rain over 15 rain days and just 3.3 hours of sunshine. January is cold, with highs of 8.3°C and lows of 3.7°C.