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Best time to visit Cork: month by month
Short answer
The best time is May to September, with highs of about 15–20°C and long evenings. Rain falls in every month (12–21 rainy days), so pack layers and a waterproof whatever the season; winters are mild at about 8–10°C.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 3°C | 13 | low |
| Feb | 10°C | 5°C | 13 | low |
| Mar | 11°C | 4°C | 14 | medium |
| Apr | 12°C | 5°C | 12 | medium |
| May | 15°C | 8°C | 15 | medium |
| Jun | 18°C | 11°C | 14 | high |
| Jul | 20°C | 13°C | 14 | very high |
| Aug | 20°C | 12°C | 13 | very high |
| Sep | 18°C | 11°C | 14 | high |
| Oct | 14°C | 9°C | 21 | high |
| Nov | 11°C | 6°C | 14 | low |
| Dec | 9°C | 5°C | 17 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from 11°C in March to 15°C in May, with lows of 4–8°C. Gardens bloom and crowds are light.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Mild and the driest-feeling period, with highs of 18–20°C and lows of 11–13°C. The busiest time for Cobh, Blarney and Kinsale.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September is still about 18°C; October (14°C) is the wettest month, with about 21 rainy days, and November cools to 11°C.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild but damp and short-dayed, with highs of 8–10°C and lows of 3–5°C. Quiet and cheaper, with Christmas markets in December.
Events worth planning around
- St Patrick's Day parade (17 March)
- Cork Midsummer Festival (June)
- Cork Jazz Festival (October bank holiday weekend, end of October)
- Glow Christmas festival (December)
When to avoid
There is no bad month, but October and the winter months bring the most rain and the shortest days. Book well ahead, or avoid, the Jazz Festival weekend if you want normal hotel prices.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Cork?
May to September, with highs of 15–20°C and long days.
Does it rain a lot in Cork?
Yes, there are 12–21 rainy days every month, often short showers. Pack a waterproof.
When is the Cork Jazz Festival?
Over the October bank holiday weekend at the end of October; hotels fill up and prices rise.