The weather in Ireland is infamous and fickle. As with most things when it comes to traveling, it will depend on what you want to see and do, as that will determine both the time of year and weather. That said, Ireland’s climate is mild enough that you can visit year-round. It’s likely you’ll experience rain at some point during your vacation, however, your chances of seeing beautiful sights in sunlight is just as great.
We put together this helpful chart to help you decide on the ideal timing for your Ireland trip.
Our Recommendation: Spring and Fall
When asked when the best time to visit Ireland is, we typically recommend either late Spring (April-May) or early Fall (September-October), as these months will provide the longest days with up to nearly 15 hours of daylight. With more hours to explore, you can fit more of Ireland’s gorgeous scenery into your itinerary. You will typically see less crowds during these months as compared to the peak summer season, which is an added bonus. If you time your trip right, you may even be able to attend a memorable St. Patrick’s Day festival in the Spring or even venture to Londonderry in Northern Ireland in the fall for some spook-tacular Halloween festivities that are fun for the entire family.
Summer in Ireland
June – August in Ireland has the longest daylight hours (up to 18 hours) but also is the busiest time for the tourist season. This is also reflected in pricing as demand goes up. However, if you are looking to see the colorful Emerald Isle in all its glory, this may be the best time to visit. Atlantic Puffins can be seen soaring from the Cliffs of Moher in summer, which is a delightful experience. You can even embark off the coast of Ireland with a kayak or canoe tour, allowing you to explore nearby coves, caves, islands and marine life such as dolphins.
Winter in Ireland
During the winter season, the temperatures in Ireland drop but on average, they stay above freezing. There’s no need to worry about attempting to drive on snowy country roads as snow is not common in Ireland. Some of the world’s best Christmas markets are in Europe, so you may be able to catch some spectacular displays of lights, music and Irish fare on your travels during this time of year. Keep in mind that tours and attractions can be closed around the holidays, particularly December 25 and 26. If there is something that is a must-see while traveling through Ireland, make sure to talk to your Personal Travel Specialist to decide the best time to visit. Holiday availability can be limited but is not impossible.
If you are thinking of booking a holiday trip to Ireland, we encourage you to contact us today! It’s never too early to start planning.
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Packing for Ireland
No matter when you plan to visit Ireland, you’ll want to plan accordingly. Basic attire would include a warm sweater, rain jacket and comfortable shoes. While it may be tempting to pack an umbrella, this can get tricky when the wind picks up or when you are strolling through crowds. Sunscreen is also highly recommended – just because there is a cool breeze doesn’t mean you can’t get burned!
We’ve put together a helpful packing guide with more tips to help you prepare for a smart and comfortable trip.
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