What is the weather like in Ireland?

October 20, 2025

What is the weather like in Ireland?

How easy is it to adapt to a new climate? Do you prefer the heat or the cold? Are you a lover of landscapes, nature, or chocolate? Before choosing the island as your next destination, it’s worth asking yourself these questions, because here, you can experience all four seasons of the year in a single day! You will soon understand why umbrellas are almost disposable and how important it is to check the weather forecast every morning before leaving home.

One of the first things we do before traveling to Ireland is ask about the weather. We think that adapting to a new temperature cannot be that difficult and we are excited to experience the change. The truth is that almost none of us come from a country with a climate as particular as the Irish one, so it takes a little longer than expected to get used to it.

However: thanks to its climate, this country remains covered in vegetation all year round, which gives it the name “Emerald Isle.” The climate is temperate, quite humid, and receives warm westerly winds, which makes the winters mild and the summers cooler compared to other countries at the same latitude.

Temperatures

The warmest month in Ireland remains July, with average highs of around 19°C in Cork.

In 2025, heat peaks of up to 28°C were recorded in some regions of the country. Residents took advantage of every ray of sunshine to enjoy the outdoors and work on a tan, something Irish people value greatly, as they love to show off a golden hue on their skin.

For those from Latin America, accustomed to Caribbean beaches and warm climates, these temperatures may seem cool, but many Europeans consider the island an ideal destination to enjoy the summer between June and August, even for swimming in the sea. In July 2025, the average water temperature in Cork was 15.8°C, while in winter it dropped to around 7–9°C.

When is the best time to travel to Ireland?

It depends on the type of experience you are looking for:

Spring (March to May): Longer days, blooming landscapes, and temperatures between 8∘C and 15∘C. It is one of the best times to travel the country without as much rain or as many tourists.

Summer (June to August): Warmer weather (up to 20∘C), festivals, outdoor music, and plenty of life on the streets. Ideal for those who want to enjoy long days and explore the entire island.

Autumn (September to November): Spectacular colors, cool weather, and fewer crowds. Temperatures between 10∘C and 14∘C.

Winter (December to February): The coldest and darkest, with temperatures from 3∘C to 8∘C, although it rarely drops below 0∘C. Perfect for enjoying cozy pubs, Christmas markets, and foggy landscapes.

The rain in Ireland

There is a belief that it rains every day in Ireland, which would make the days gray and melancholic, but that is not true! What is true is that the downpours do not usually last long.

On average, the number of wet days varies between 150 per year in the east and southeast and 225 in the west. The months with the most rain are December and January, while April and June tend to be the driest.

Climate in Ireland by city

Dublin: Drier than the west, with about 730 mm of rain per year. Average annual temperature: 10°C.
Drogheda: Similar climate to Dublin, with mild winters, cool summers, and moderate rainfall year-round.
Cork: Wetter (up to 1200 mm/year) but slightly more temperate.
Galway: Windy and humid, ideal for lovers of the Atlantic climate.
Belfast: Similar temperatures to Dublin, but slightly colder in winter.
Limerick: Temperate, with rainfall spread throughout the year.

What clothes to wear in Ireland?

The secret is to dress in layers. The weather changes several times a day, so it’s best to be able to adapt easily:

Waterproof jacket or windbreaker (a must).
Sweater or fleece for cool days.
Light T-shirts or blouses underneath, for when the sun comes out.
Scarf, hat, and gloves in winter.
Comfortable, waterproof shoes for walking on wet streets or trails.
Hat or cap and sunscreen, even in summer: the sun can be strong even in cool weather.

Conclusion

The weather in Ireland can be challenging at first, but that’s also part of its magic. Here you never know if you’ll have sun, rain, or wind on any given day, and that’s precisely what makes for a story to tell. The good thing is that there are no extreme temperatures, so with the right clothing, it’s easy to get used to.

Thanks to so much rain, the island stays green and full of life year-round, and that’s something the Irish care about and value greatly. Plus, talking about the weather is almost like a ritual: you’ll always find someone willing to discuss it with you. So, rather than worrying, enjoy the fresh air, the incredible landscapes, and the experience of living on the famous “Emerald Isle.”

If you want to learn more about Ireland, start your trip here.