The essentials
When to go to Ireland, in brief
May to September: the sweet spot
Long days (up to 17 h of light), 15 to 20°C, green meadows. May-June for dry, September for calm.
May and June, the best months
The driest and sunniest, before the summer rush. My favorite slot for the west coast and Kerry.
St Patrick's Day in March
On 17 March the whole country parades. Dublin and Galway make it a festive weekend, though the weather stays cool.
Rain, everywhere and often
No dry season. The west coast (Kerry, Connemara) is wetter, the east (Dublin) a touch drier.
September, the quiet autumn
11 to 16°C, uncrowded sites, golden light. Ideal for driving the Ring of Kerry without the crowds.
Winter, dark and wet
October to January are the wettest, short days. The trade-off is low prices and warm pubs.
The verdict
The best periods
May - Sept
Long days, green countryside, the kindest weather. May-June for dry, September for calm and color.
April & Oct
Shoulder seasons: cool but bright, first blooms or last leaves, soft prices, fewer crowds.
Nov - Feb
The wettest months, short days (7-8 h), damp cold. Except for Christmas, St Patrick's Day and pub atmosphere.
Month by month
The full calendar
Tap a month for the detailed guide: weather by region, where to go, festivals.
3 to 8°C
Cold, wet, short
3 to 8°C
Cool, rainy
4 to 11°C
St Patrick's, cool
5 to 13°C
Spring, bright
8 to 16°C
Dry, sunny
11 to 18°C
Dry, long days
13 to 22°C
Warmest, crowds
13 to 21°C
Warm, busy
11 to 18°C
Calm, golden
8 to 14°C
Autumn, rainy
5 to 11°C
The wettest
3 to 9°C
Cold, Christmas
Climate
Climate by region
| Region | Dry season | Wet season | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin & East | Summer: 16-22°C, drier | Winter: 5°C, rainy | Ideal May-Sept |
| Southwest (Kerry, Cork) | Summer: 15-20°C, green | Very wet all year | Ideal May-June and Sept |
| West (Connemara, Galway) | Summer: 14-19°C, windy | Rainy, Atlantic storms | Ideal May-Aug |
| North (Donegal, Causeway) | Summer: 13-18°C, cool | Winter: cold, wet | Ideal June-Aug |
Calendar
The key events of the year
St Patrick's Day
The national holiday and its parades nationwide. Galway and Dublin run three days of concerts and processions.
🇮🇪 Nationwide
Galway International Arts Festival
Two weeks of theatre, music and visual arts that take over the western city.
🇮🇪 Galway
Galway Races
Ireland's biggest racing festival, a week of races, music and fashion.
🇮🇪 Galway
Galway International Oyster Festival
The world's oldest oyster festival: tastings, shucking contests and seafood.
🇮🇪 Galway
Our analysis
Ireland does not promise sun, but a shifting light and a countryside of rare green. The simple rule: aim for May to September for mildness and long days, with a clear preference for May-June and September.
May to September, the fine season
This is the prime window. Days stretch to 17 hours of light in June, the meadows green over, and temperatures climb to 15-20°C. May and June are the driest and sunniest, perfect for driving the Ring of Kerry or exploring Connemara. July and August stay the warmest, up to 22°C, but also the busiest and priciest.
September, the smart month
My firm take: if you can, travel in September. Sites empty out, the light turns golden and temperatures stay mild, around 11-18°C. It is also the time of the Galway Oyster Festival, late in the month. The west coast can be savored then without the summer crowds.
Rain and winter
There is no dry season in Ireland. Rain falls all year, more often in the west, and peaks from October to January. November is usually the wettest month. Winter stays dark, with only 7 to 8 hours of daylight. You go for Christmas, St Patrick’s Day and the warmth of the pubs, not for sun-drenched landscapes.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Ireland? +
From May to September: long days, 15 to 20°C, green countryside. May and June are the driest and brightest, September offers calm and autumn colors.
Which is the wettest month? +
November is usually the wettest, followed by October to January. The west coast (Kerry, Connemara) stays rainier than the east all year.
Can you visit Ireland in winter? +
Yes, for Christmas, St Patrick's Day and the pub atmosphere. But days last only 7 to 8 hours, it is cold and wet, and rain is frequent.
Which are the warmest months? +
July and August, with 16 to 22°C by day and up to 17 hours of light. They are also the busiest and priciest.
When is St Patrick's Day in 2026? +
The main parade is on 17 March 2026, with festivities from 14 to 17 March in Dublin and Galway. The weather stays cool, around 4 to 11°C.
Do you need to book far ahead? +
For July, August and St Patrick's Day, yes: book lodging and a car two to three months ahead, especially on the west coast where options are limited.
Marie Laurent · Southeast Asia specialist
Updated June 1, 2026