Weather and seasons

21 questions, answered plainly.

What is the best month to visit Ireland for dry walks and long evenings?

Late May into June, with September as the runner up.

What should I pack for Ireland in summer if the forecast keeps changing?

Pack for four seasons in one bag and the forecast stops mattering.

What does Met Eireann mean by a yellow, orange or red weather warning?

The colours are fixed, and they describe impact, not just weather.

How rainy is Ireland in each season, in actual rain days and temperatures?

Rain falls in every season, and the totals differ less between seasons than between coasts.

Is Ireland worth visiting in winter, and what should I expect to be closed or quiet?

Yes, if the trip is built for it: cities, galleries, trad sessions and long pub lunches carry a winter week well, and beds cost less outside the Christmas period.

When are Ireland's sunsets latest, and how much daylight will I get in June?

The latest sunsets come in the days just after the summer solstice, not on it.

What is the weather usually like in Ireland at Christmas and New Year?

Mild, dark and damp is the honest summary.

How much colder and wetter is the west coast than Dublin?

Wetter much more than colder.

How far ahead can I trust an Irish weather forecast?

Work on this scale.

What should I wear for coastal walking in wind and rain?

Build the outfit around staying dry rather than staying warm, because wind and rain together do the damage on an Irish headland.

Can I swim in the sea in Ireland, and when is the water warmest?

Yes, and people do in every month, but set your expectations by a cold water country.

When is peak season in Ireland for prices, crowds and booking pressure?

July and August are the core of it, with June close behind and St Patrick's week a sharp spike in the middle of March.

When is the shoulder season, and what do I gain or lose by choosing it?

For most visitors the shoulder runs from April to May and from September into October, and it is the better bargain on the island.

What is the best month for wildflowers, gardens and green countryside?

Mid May into early June, when three calendars overlap.

What is the best season for surfing on the west coast?

Autumn, September to November, is the season most west coast surfers would choose.

What weather risks matter most for ferries, small boats and island trips?

Wind is the risk that decides the day, ahead of rain.

How should I change a day plan when an orange weather warning is issued?

An orange warning is a plan changing event, not a detail.

Does Ireland get snow often enough that I need winter driving gear?

No.

What is the best time of year for photography and clear Atlantic light?

Late spring and early autumn give the most reliable clear light, with winter as the photographer's private season.

Why can the weather feel so different between two places on the same day?

Geography is the short answer.

What is County Kildare like in winter?

Inland and low lying, Kildare takes the softer Irish winter: frosty mornings and cold snaps on the Curragh rather than snow, which falls on a few days in most winters and rarely…

Useful pages: The best time to visit Ireland · Irish weather, month by month · What to wear · Weather in Ireland · Experiencing the Irish coastline · Ireland's national parks · Outdoor adventures in Ireland · Travel notices · Ireland photography tips · Ireland weather guide

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