Best Time to Visit Ireland: Seasonal & Monthly Breakdown

The best time to visit Ireland is whenever you want to go. We mean it: any time of year really is a great time to visit the Emerald Isle. Not only is Ireland green all year round (no need to worry about missing those rolling green hills), but its moderate temperature means it's much more mild than other parts of the world in the winter. 

So if you go when your schedule allows, you’re sure to have a great time! Keep reading to find out what to expect at different times of the year, including a month by month breakdown so you’ll know what to expect when planning your trip to Ireland.

Quick Answer: When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland is anytime of the year. There’s no wrong time to visit! Whether you’re tracing your ancestry, looking for a cozy pub to enjoy a pint of Guinness and a trad session, or hoping to take a hike along a stunning coastal cliff walk, there are an array of options available to you all year long.

There are, however, some differences to think about when planning your trip. For example, the shoulder season is less touristy and hotel prices are often lower, but you may find that some destination restaurants close in the off season. Some things to consider when choosing a time to travel include your overall budget, the length of the day, and the accessibility of visiting Ireland’s smaller islands–to name just a few.

Cheapest Time to Visit Ireland

The cheapest time to visit Ireland is in the off season, which runs from November through February. 

The days are the shortest at this time of year, and the temperatures are at their lowest. Temperatures in Ireland in winter average between 39°F to 47°F.  It can be quite chilly, but it is generally more mild than winter in the northeast United States, for example. 

Late autumn and winter in Ireland is the best time to take advantage of the low rates at high end hotels, like Ashford Castle in County Mayo. There’s also less competition for tickets and shorter lines at the most popular tourist sites around the country, like Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin. And what could be better than curling up with a book in a warm, cozy pub and enjoying a pint or an Irish coffee? 

One of the highlights of this time of year is the lead up to Christmas! A lot of places around the country break out their decorations right after Halloween, and there’s an air of celebration and revelry everywhere. Ireland is a great place to celebrate Christmas away from home; be sure to check out hotel packages for a holiday getaway with the family. 

Be sure to plan ahead, though: many hotels and restaurants close in January and February–especially outside Ireland’s major cities.

Peak Tourist Season in Ireland

Peak tourist season in Ireland is during the summer months, from about June through the beginning of September. It’s the part of the year with the most daylight; Ireland can have between 16 to 18 hours of sunlight in peak season. While Irish summers are less hot than in the United States, it is still possible to experience four seasons in one day…but the summer is your best bet for the most ideal vacation weather. 

However, those longer, milder days draw travelers like bees to honey! Peak season in Ireland can be quite crowded (though even in the bustling cities, it’s never quite as crowded as, say, Times Square) with tourists. As a result, hotel prices are higher, and there’s more competition for accommodation throughout the country. You’ll also be competing with wedding parties, which tend to book out the smaller to medium sized country hotels in their entirety on weekends. 

The (not so) secret is not to avoid Ireland in peak tourist season, it’s just really important to plan ahead to avoid disappointment. See the country in full bloom, take a boat tour around one of Ireland’s small islands or go whale watching, or even try surfing or horseback riding on the beach! This is the ideal time of year to spend as much time as possible in nature.

Ireland’s Climate

Ireland’s climate is classified as temperate oceanic, characterized by milder winters that tend to be windy and cool, and generally warm summers. Ireland tends to be a bit milder than other countries that share the same latitude due to wind patterns and currents in the north Atlantic, and has a relatively abundant amount of rainfall (hence the everpresent green fields).

What this means for travelers is that Ireland never gets quite as cold in the wintertime nor as hot in the summer as the US or other European countries. Sounds like a win-win to us!

Locals will often tell you that Ireland often has all four seasons in one day. This means that the weather is highly changeable, and it may be raining one minute, followed by rainbows and sunshine the next. Practically speaking, this means your packing list will be similar no matter what time of year you make your trip to Ireland. Bring a raincoat, a warm sweater, and wool socks for your hiking boots just in case!

Best Time of Year to Visit Ireland: Seasonal Breakdown

By now you’ve likely taken the hint that the best time to visit Ireland is whenever it suits you. Below, we’ve provided a seasonal breakdown so you will know what to expect once you’ve chosen your dates.

Spring in Ireland

Highlights: Early spring, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, & baby animals

Spring in Ireland, in accordance with the ancient Celtic festival Imbolc, begins on February 1st. It’s also celebrated as St. Brigid’s Day, recently made a bank holiday in the country. Visiting Ireland in spring is fabulous, as you’ll get to see buds pop and flower’s bloom early. Spring in Ireland also means baby lambs, and there are some places around the country where you can not only visit baby lambs, you can arrange to hold one and feed it from a bottle.

The official Irish tourist season begins in March, which is apropos because St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17th. You’ll find celebrations all over the country in the lead up to this national holiday, including cultural events featuring Irish literature, dancing, trad music, and street parades.

Irish spring weather does have its fair share of rain, but it rarely lasts all day. Temperatures range from the mid-50s to about 60 during the day. 

Summer in Ireland

Highlights: Gorgeous beaches, outdoor festivals & markets, & long days

It should come as no surprise that summer in Ireland is your best bet for the warmest temperatures and the longest periods of daylight–it can stay light out until 10pm! Summer in Ireland is incredible for any and all outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and swimming. Ireland has a number of gorgeous stretches of beaches in all four corners of the country. Surfing is especially popular in places like Sligo. 

Ireland also boasts a more modern tradition of outdoor festivals, like the Electric Picnic, Fleadh Cheoil, and the Galway International Arts Festival. A lot of the villages along the Wild Atlantic Way, like Bantry and Skibbereen, have fantastic farmer’s markets in the summer as well.

Like any time of year in Ireland, you’ll experience a mix of blue skies, sunshine, clouds, and a bit of rain. Temperatures tend to be in the mid to high 60s, and rarely break 70 degrees. 

Autumn in Ireland

Highlights: Halloween, harvest season, Autumn nights

If you didn’t already know that Halloween originated in Ireland as a pagan festival–now you know! Derry is home to the largest Halloween festival in the country, with the entire city joining in the festivities. The Púca Festival in Ireland’s Ancient East, centered around Trim and Athboy, features events and activities around Samhain and the harvest and is worth going to for a very Irish flavored celebration of this ancient harvest festival.

Temperatures in the autumn range between 50 and 57 degrees, with cool–often chilly–nights. Days are shorter, so cozy nights are key! 

Winter in Ireland

Highlights: Christmas markets, cozy pubs, fewer crowds

Winter in Ireland is an ideal time to visit if you’re looking for a more relaxed, intentional trip. There are fewer crowds, and more availability at hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Ireland has no peers when it comes to Christmas decorations, and there are a number of Christmas markets with plenty of locally made gifts and food to enjoy. Everything feels like a celebration in the leadup to Christmas in Ireland.

Though temperatures rarely go below 40F and above 47F, the damp cold can make it seem a bit colder. It’s the best time to find a snug at a pub and curl up with a good book or to work on that novel! Warm up with some hot tea and a cheese toastie and start a conversation with a local. 

Be sure to plan ahead for hotel and dinner reservations, however, as some independent hotels and restaurants close for a period in January and February.

When to Visit Ireland: Month by Month

Planning your trip and not sure when to visit Ireland? Here’s a month by month overview that will give you an idea of what to expect so you can plan your trip according to your needs.

The weather in Ireland tends to be unpredictable, but temperatures are rather mild, so we recommend outdoor activities all year round. We’ve highlighted some of the many festivals celebrated all year round below, as well as the temperature ranges. 

Ireland in January

Average Temperature: 36°F to 48°F

Monthly Highlights: Out to Lunch (Belfast), Temple Bar Trad Fest, fewer crowds

If you’re looking for a more relaxed, laid back vibe, January is a great time to visit. Fewer tourists means more space and opportunity to visit all of the main attractions while enjoying more personal time with guides. Many of the independently owned hotels and restaurants close in January, so if you have a specific desire to stay or eat somewhere, you might want to wait until after mid-February.

Ireland in February

Average Temperature: 39°F to 48°F

Monthly Highlights: St. Brigid’s Day (first day of spring!), Dublin Film Festival

Spring comes a bit earlier than you might expect in Ireland! Expect more mild winter temperatures than in many parts of the United States. Most boutique hotels will reopen around Valentine’s Day. Take advantage of low prices at five star hotels!

Ireland in March

Average Temperature: 39°F to 50°F

Monthly Highlights: St. Patrick’s Day, Doolin Writers Weekend

March kicks off the official tourism season in Ireland, and the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th is a great date to organize a trip around. Dublin is the epicenter of the festivals held all over the island, but you’ll find fun for the entire family every place you go. More regular ferry service to Ireland’s many small islands starts up again in March as well.

Ireland in April

Average Temperature: 45°F to 55°F

Monthly Highlights: Cúirt International Festival of Literature (Galway), Riverfest (Limerick), Waterford Festival of Food

April is a gorgeous time of year, with buds on the trees and flowers blooming all around. Schools in Ireland have two weeks off for the Easter holiday, so keep this in mind when booking hotels and restaurant reservations. 

Ireland in May

Average Temperature: 48°F to 59°F

Monthly Highlights: Bealtaine, International Literature Festival Dublin, Festival of Garden and Nature (Ballintubbert), Birr Festival of Music, Fastnet Film Festival, Listowel Writers Week

If you’re a garden lover, definitely plan a trip to Ireland in May. The days are long, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy a stroll or an evening hike after dinner before the sun goes down. May through September is when the weather in Ireland is at its best. 

Ireland in June

Average Temperature: 50°F to 63°F

Monthly Highlights: Bloomsday, Borris House Festival of Writing & Ideas, Foyle Maritime Festival (Derry), Dalkey Book Festival, Clifden Summerfest

Lovers of literature might want to head to Ireland in June, when Dublin goes all out for James Joyce during the annual celebration of his novel, Ulysses, on June 16th. Summer is in full swing now, so find yourself a writing or yoga retreat, spend time out on the water in a kayak or looking for whales, or ride a horse along the beach in Donegal.

Ireland in July

Average Temperature: 59°F to 62°F

Monthly Highlights: Galway Film Fleadh, Earagail Arts Festival (Donegal), Belfast TradFest

Film, art, music, summer sun? What’s not to like about Ireland in July? On a clear day, the sun is out until almost 10pm, so get out there and get moving. 

Ireland in August

Average Temperature: 57°F to 66°F

Monthly Highlights: Fleadh Cheoil, Kilkenny Arts Festival, Puck Fair

Peak temperatures and peak tourism characterize August in Ireland. The Fleadh Cheoil is the largest celebration of traditional Irish music in the country, and its location changes every year. Musicians travel from all around the world to take part, and if you are a music lover, this is the absolute best time to visit. You won’t even have to go to a pub for craic agus ceol, because the music spills out into the streets during this annual festival.

Ireland in September

Average Temperature: 52°F to 60°F

Monthly Highlights: Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, Sounds from a Safe Harbour (Cork), Galway Oyster Festival

Things start to slow down a bit on the tourist front, as kids go back to school and people go back to their autumn routines. For many, September can be an ideal time to visit Ireland because you can experience the warmer temperatures with the long days–and fewer people. 

Ireland in October

Average Temperature: 50°F to 57°F

Monthly Highlights: Halloween, Dingle Food Festival, Bram Stoker Festival, Púca Festival

There’s really nothing better than Halloween in Ireland, and there are opportunities to dress up and celebrate in the weeks leading up to the holiday as well. Derry, in the north of Ireland, is the place to go for the merriest of celebrations, and the Púca Festival marks the occasion in the place where pagan tradition from which Halloween arose actually began ages ago. 

Ireland in November

Average Temperature: 43°F to 52°F

Monthly Highlights: Samhain Festival, Dingle Lit, Christmas markets

The air may be more brisk, but the fires never felt so cozy as they do in November in Ireland. The Irish start getting ready for Christmas a bit early here, as there is no major holiday after Halloween is over. This means public spaces are decorated early, and the Christmas markets start popping up. Why not take a little trip and get your holiday shopping done early? 

Ireland in December

Average Temperature: 39°F to 46°F

Monthly Highlights: Christmas, peace & quiet

Why not gather in Ireland in December with the family for Christmas? There are fewer international tourists at the time of year, but locals do celebrate the holiday with big dinners, annual fancy afternoon teas, and long weekends at cozy, rural hotels. Many Irish people don’t go back to work until after the sixth of January, however, so make sure you check opening times when visiting any restaurants or shops during your trip.

Worst Times to Visit Ireland

It’s always a good time to visit Ireland! Don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise.

Enjoy the Ireland Year Round with a Bog & Thunder tour

Bog & Thunder offers private itinerary planning services and hosts small group, guided tours all year round in Ireland!

If you’d like to meet new people and travel with a small group, this year we’re offering tours that visit all four provinces of Ireland:

Ireland with Akasha Richmond
May 25th to June 5th (Leinster & Munster)

“Guess What? I’m Irish!” An Epic Irish Adventure with writer/comedian Youngmi Mayer
August 1st to 9th (Leinster & Ulster)

Artisan Ireland (collaboration with Zingerman’s Food Tours)
September 16th to 25th (Connacht, Munster)