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. In May the air is often at its clearest after rain, the evenings run long and the sun is still low enough in the morning and evening to model a headland. September and October bring the same low angled light back, with sunrise and sunset at workable hours and Atlantic fronts scrubbing the air clean between systems. Winter shortens the day to about seven and a half hours, but the sun never climbs high, so the light stays directional all day and a cleared storm leaves the coast empty. Work the edges of the day, shoot in the hour after a shower passes, and use Met Éireann's forecast to place yourself on the coast the system is clearing towards.
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
Sources
- Met Éireann: long term climate averages 1991 to 2020, rainfall and sea temperature data, met.ie
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