Weather and climate in Ireland: Mild temperatures year-round. Frequent rain and drizzle. Cool, damp winters. Rarely below freezing. Moderate, mild summers. Frequent overcast skies. Rain gear essential. High humidity levels. Variable daily weather. Coastal regions experience wind.
Mild temperatures year-round.
Ireland enjoys a mild, temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, characterized by temperatures ranging from 39 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and 54 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. The country's climate is notably moderated by the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, which help to prevent extreme temperature fluctuations. For more detailed information on this captivating weather pattern, you can explore the climate and weather insights provided by International Living. This consistent climate makes Ireland an appealing destination for those who appreciate moderate weather conditions year-round.
Frequent rain and drizzle.
Ireland experiences frequent rainfall and drizzle throughout the year, with December and January being the wettest months, and the western half of the country receiving the highest amount of rainfall due to its oceanic influence and the Gulf Stream. On average, it rains about 150 to 225 days a year in Ireland, with some areas in the west seeing up to 250 days of rain annually. For more detailed insights into the weather patterns, you can explore the Ireland Weather by Month on the Causeway Coast website.
Cool, damp winters.
In Ireland, winters are marked by a cool, damp climate featuring frequent clouds and rain with occasional sunny spells. Temperatures typically average around 5°C in January, and it is not uncommon for overnight temperatures to drop below freezing, leading to ice and frosts. Inland areas tend to experience colder conditions, with temperatures slightly above freezing at night, while coastal regions enjoy milder temperatures, ranging from 8 to 10°C. To understand more about this distinctive climate, explore the informative resources available on Ireland's Climate. This website elaborates on the various weather patterns that characterize Ireland's yearly climatic conditions, providing valuable insights into what one might expect during the winter months.
Rarely below freezing.
In Ireland, winter temperatures rarely drop far below freezing, with mean daily temperatures in January and February ranging between 4 and 7°C (39.2 and 44.6°F). Temperatures below -10°C are very uncommon in the lowlands. Overnight temperatures often drop below freezing point, but severe freezes are rare. Coastal regions are often frost-free, contributing to the milder climate experienced across the country. For more details about the climatic conditions in Ireland, you can visit the Climate of Ireland page on Wikipedia.
Moderate, mild summers.
Ireland's climate is characterized by mild, moist, and changeable weather, with warm summers where mean daily temperatures range from 12.3°C (54.1°F) to 15.7°C (60.3°F). The sunniest months are May and June, with average sunshine duration of 5 to 6.5 hours per day. For more detailed insights into the unique characteristics of the climate, you can visit the Irish Weather page, which provides comprehensive information about Ireland's atmospheric conditions.
Frequent overcast skies.
Irish skies are completely covered by cloud roughly half of the time, with the cloudiest parts generally being the west and northwest of the country. Coastal areas tend to receive more sunshine compared to inland regions due to less convective cloud development. For more in-depth information, you can visit the Climate of Ireland page on Wikipedia.
Rain gear essential.
For Ireland's rainy climate, essential rain gear includes a waterproof and breathable jacket, such as one with a Gore-Tex membrane, and waterproof trousers with features like adjustable hoods, double flaps over zips, and easy-to-use leg openings to protect against heavy rain and wind. Discover more about the importance of having the right gear on waterproof clothing video, which showcases how effective weather-resistant apparel can enhance your outdoor experience.
High humidity levels.
Ireland experiences high humidity levels, with average annual relative humidity ranging from 75% to 87% in different regions, particularly high in the morning and decreasing slightly in the afternoon. The highest humidity is typically observed in December, with some areas reaching up to 83% humidity. For more detailed information on Ireland's humidity levels, you can visit the Current Results Weather and Science Facts website to explore further insights into the country's climate characteristics.
Variable daily weather.
Ireland's weather is characterized by the 'four seasons in a day' principle, meaning it is mild, moist, and highly changeable, with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes, influenced by the warming effect of the Gulf Stream.
Coastal regions experience wind.
Coastal regions in Ireland, particularly the north and west coasts, are recognized as some of the windiest areas in Europe. However, research suggests that wind speeds and storminess along the Irish coast are likely to decrease by up to 3% by the end of this century. Notably, significant wave heights are also expected to decrease by up to 10%. For more information, you can explore the findings on the Climate Change Post website, which delves into the implications of these changes for the region.