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Best time to visit Ireland: month by month
Short answer
The best time is May to September, with highs of about 15–20°C and very long days in June. Rain is common all year (10–19 rainy days a month), and July and August are the busiest and most expensive months.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 4°C | 12 | low |
| Feb | 10°C | 5°C | 12 | low |
| Mar | 11°C | 5°C | 13 | medium |
| Apr | 11°C | 5°C | 11 | medium |
| May | 15°C | 8°C | 13 | medium |
| Jun | 18°C | 12°C | 11 | high |
| Jul | 20°C | 13°C | 13 | very high |
| Aug | 19°C | 13°C | 12 | very high |
| Sep | 18°C | 12°C | 13 | high |
| Oct | 15°C | 10°C | 19 | medium |
| Nov | 11°C | 7°C | 10 | low |
| Dec | 9°C | 5°C | 16 | 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 lambs and bluebells. Quieter roads and good value.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Mild, with highs of 18–20°C and lows of 12–13°C. Up to 17 hours of daylight in June; peak crowds in Kerry and Dublin.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September is still about 18°C; October (15°C) is the wettest month, with about 19 rainy days; November cools to 11°C.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild but damp and short-dayed, with highs of 8–10°C and lows of 4–5°C. Some seasonal attractions and Skellig boats are closed.
Events worth planning around
- St Patrick's Festival, Dublin and nationwide (around 17 March)
- Bloomsday, Dublin (16 June)
- Galway International Arts Festival and Galway Races (July)
- All-Ireland hurling and football finals, Croke Park (summer)
- Cork Jazz Festival (end of October)
When to avoid
If you dislike crowds and high prices, avoid July and August and St Patrick's week in Dublin. In winter, short days and closures of some attractions limit touring in the west.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Ireland?
May to September, with highs of 15–20°C and long days. May and September are quieter than July and August.
Does it rain a lot in Ireland?
Yes, there are 10–19 rainy days a month, but showers are often short.
Is Ireland worth visiting in winter?
Yes for Dublin, pubs and quiet landscapes, but days are short and some attractions close.