Ireland's Best Visiting Month: When To Go And Why

Ireland is a beautiful country to visit all year round, but the best month for you to go depends on what type of trip you want to have. If you're looking for warm weather, head to Ireland during the summer months of June, July, and August. However, be warned that this is also the peak season for tourists, so you'll have to put up with bigger crowds and higher prices. If you're looking for a quieter and cheaper trip, the spring and autumn months are a better option. You'll still get to enjoy the stunning Irish countryside and mild weather, without the crowds and high prices of summer. If you don't mind the cold and rain, winter in Ireland is also a magical time, with Christmas markets, snowy landscapes, and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

Ireland in spring: March, April, and May

Spring in Ireland falls in the "shoulder season", which is a great time to visit the country as you'll encounter fewer crowds and more affordable prices. The weather is also mild, with longer days and plenty of dry spells, though you should always be prepared for rainfall!

March

March is a pricier time to visit Ireland, as it is the month of St. Patrick's Day (March 17) when the country erupts in festivities to celebrate its patron saint. Expect crowds in all the cities and a party-like atmosphere over the whole weekend, with live music and dancing, and the streets awash with people in green. The St. Patrick's Day Parade takes centre stage in towns and cities across the country, with the biggest parade in Dublin. The thermometer edges up to 10°C (50°F) and days are much lighter, but the weather can be very changeable.

April

In April, the weather picks up, the days are longer, and there are average highs of 13°C/55°F and average lows of 4°C/39.2°F. The only issue with April, aside from the potential for bad weather, is that schools get two weeks off, which results in a shortage of accommodation in some places.

May

May is one of the best times to visit Ireland, as it is the shoulder season with mild weather, long days, and fewer tourists. The weather can be good, with mean temperatures ranging between 9.0°C/48.2°F and 13.0°C/55.4°F. It's a great time to take advantage of the long daylight hours and more pleasant weather to explore the Irish countryside.

Ireland in summer: June, July, and August

Weather

Summer in Ireland falls across June, July, and August. While the season is the warmest time of year, the Irish weather can be quite unpredictable. Temperatures can soar to 25°C (77°F), or they can be misty and rainy – or anything in between. The good news is that summer months have the longest daylight (sometimes up to nearly 18 hours), with some of the driest average weather. Even at its warmest temperatures, Ireland is never excessively hot, making it an ideal place to hike, bike, kayak, or run.

Things to do

There are endless things to do in Ireland in summer, thanks to the long days and generally better weather. From walks and hikes to summer festivals, beaches, coastal drives, and much more, there's plenty to choose from.

Walks and hikes

There are some mighty walks in Ireland, and the early sunrise means you can tackle a trail before the crowds flock to it later in the day. The long days and generally better weather also mean there's plenty of time to soak up the views. Just make sure to pack water and sunscreen!

Beaches

There are plenty of beaches in Ireland to flock to during the summer months. Each coastal county tends to have one or two beaches that people tend to miss, so keep an eye out when planning your trip. ALWAYS use caution when entering the water and never do so if you're uncertain.

Summer festivals

Plenty of festivals take place during the summer months in Ireland. If you're looking for live music, there's everything from concerts to full-blown music festivals, like Sea Sessions in Donegal. There are also some unique festivals, like the Puck Festival in Kerry and the Galway Arts Festival, to name a few.

Attractions

Summer in Ireland is the perfect time to explore. If you're not sure what to see or do, check out the counties of Ireland, where you'll find everything from unique places to visit to some of the more well-trodden tourist trails.

Ireland in autumn: September, October, and November

Ireland is a beautiful country to visit in autumn, with its quaint villages, lush green landscapes, stunning coastline, historic castles, and pub culture. The country's high season for tourism falls in June, July, and August, so visiting in autumn is a great way to beat the crowds and take advantage of lower prices. The weather in Ireland during September, October, and November can be mild and pleasant, with the chance to catch a stunning sunset in the evenings. Here's what you need to know about visiting Ireland during these months:

September

September in Ireland can offer settled weather patterns and bright evenings, making it an ideal time for a small-group tour or outdoor activities such as watersports. The average temperature high is 15°C (59°F), and the average low is 9°C (48°F). While rainfall is common, showers tend to be light and temporary, and you may even spot some spectacular rainbows! The ocean temperature usually peaks in late August or early September, making it a great time for a refreshing dip.

In terms of what to pack, it's a good idea to bring a mix of lightweight and long-sleeved synthetic clothing, a medium-weight layer, a lightweight rain jacket, and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Bug spray is also recommended for the late summer months.

September is harvest time in Ireland, so you'll find an abundance of fresh produce, including apples, pears, tomatoes, herbs, potatoes, and zucchini. It's also the perfect time for wild food foraging, with blackberries, hazelnuts, edible greens, and mushrooms readily available.

There are plenty of fun events and festivals to enjoy in September, such as the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, the Dublin Fringe, the Clifden Arts Festival, and the National Ploughing Championship.

October

October sees a decrease in tourist numbers compared to September, so you may find even fewer crowds during this month. The weather in October can be cooler and wetter, but there is still plenty of charm to be found in Ireland's landscapes and attractions.

November

By November, the country enters its low season, with fewer tourists and colder, wetter weather. However, it's a great time to enjoy indoor attractions, cosy pubs, and tearooms. The days are shorter, but there is still plenty of natural beauty to explore, and you can take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds.

Ireland in winter: December, January, and February

Winter in Ireland is a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and experience the country's culture and natural beauty without the influx of tourists. The winter months are the country's low season, so you can expect lower prices and fewer crowds at popular attractions. That said, some seasonal attractions may be closed, and the weather will be cold and wet.

December

December marks the arrival of Christmas in Ireland, with most towns and villages adorned with festive lights and decorations. The average temperature is usually around 5°C/41°F, but there's also a good chance of rain and strong winds. The days are slowly getting shorter, with sunrise between 8:30–9:00 am and sunset between 4:00–4:30 pm, making it easier to enjoy Ireland's stunning sunrises and sunsets.

January

January temperatures are similar to December, with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C (39°-49°F). The days are getting longer again, with sunrise between 8:30–9:00 am and sunset around 4:30–5:15 pm. The longer nights are great for stargazing, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in northern reaches of the island, such as Donegal.

February

February is the shortest month of the year, and winter is still very much present. Expect temperatures from 3°C–8°C (41°F–51°F) and rainfall of around 51mm, the lowest monthly average since September. Sunset doesn't occur until after 9 pm, giving you more daylight hours to explore. The terrain is usually less boggy, and the fields are full of wildflowers.

Things to Do in Winter

Despite the colder, wetter weather, there's still plenty to see and do in Ireland during the winter months. Here are some ideas:

• Visit Christmas markets in Belfast or Dublin.
• Curl up by a turf fire with a hot drink in a cosy castle or manor house.
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Dublin and ring in the new year with the locals.
• Go hiking or biking—the shorter days and colder temperatures limit the amount of time you can spend outdoors, but it's still very possible.
• Visit popular sites like the Giant's Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, or the Kerry Peninsulas, which will be less crowded during winter.
• Take a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping at towns like Galway, Donegal, and Portrush.
• Sample delicious Irish cuisine, such as Irish charcuterie and cheese, or indulge in a traditional pint of Guinness at a local pub.
• Explore ancient monuments, many of which are aligned with astronomy and the Winter Solstice, an important day in the ancient pagan calendar.

So, if you don't mind the cold and the chance of rain, winter can be a great time to visit Ireland and experience the country's unique culture and natural beauty without the crowds.

Best months to visit Ireland

Ireland is a year-round destination, with a mild, temperate climate. However, the best months to visit Ireland depend on what you want to get out of your trip.

Spring (March, April, May)

Spring is a great time to visit Ireland if you want to avoid the crowds of summer. You can expect warmer temperatures and spring flowers in bloom, with fuchsias lining the roads on the west coast, particularly in Kerry.

March is a pricier time to visit, as it's the month of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and crowds will be at their peak. However, if you visit in April or May, you'll find lower prices and fewer tourists, with May offering comfortable temperatures and the trademark green Irish countryside in all its glory.

Summer (June, July, August)

Summer is the peak season in Ireland, with the warmest weather and the longest days. However, this is also the busiest time of year, with crowds and higher prices for flights and accommodation.

June, in particular, is a popular month to visit, with good weather and long daylight hours. July and August are the busiest months, with Irish schools and colleges closed for the summer, so you'll be competing with the domestic market for accommodation and attractions.

Autumn (September, October, November)

Autumn is a great time to visit Ireland if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices. September and October offer long days with mild temperatures, and you can take advantage of the fall colours and the many festivals during these months, including food and music festivals.

November is the wettest month of the year, and some hotels outside the cities may be closed for annual renovations, but it's a good time for a city break, with Christmas markets starting in many towns and cities.

Winter (December, January, February)

Winter is the quietest time of year in Ireland, with fewer tourists and lower prices. However, the weather is cold and rainy, and some attractions may be closed.

December is a fairly cold month, but you can expect festive cheer with Christmas markets, cosy pubs, and picturesque frost-covered landscapes. January and February are also cold, with the potential for snow, but they offer good deals for budget travellers.

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