Ireland's Weather and Climate: What to Expect Year-Round

Ireland experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and changeable weather. The country's location in the North Atlantic ensures it rarely experiences extreme temperatures, with winters typically mild and summers cool.

12/15/20252 min read

three rocks near duck in water
three rocks near duck in water

2024 Climate Statistics

Ireland recorded 2024 as its fourth warmest year on record with an average temperature of 10.72°C, which is 1.17°C above the 1961-1990 average. The highest temperature reached 26.6°C at Phoenix Park on June 24, while the lowest was -7.3°C at Athenry on January 18.

Seasonal Breakdown

  • Winter (December-February)

Average temperature: 6.73°C (0.73°C above recent averages) Winter 2024/25 was mild overall with significant storm activity. Storm Darragh in December and Storm Éowyn in January brought extreme winds, with Éowyn generating Ireland's highest recorded wind speeds in the digital climate record: 99.5 knots (184 km/h) at Mace Head.

What to Expect:

  • Temperature range: 2-8°C

  • Short days (sunrise around 8:30 AM, sunset around 4:30 PM in December)

  • Occasional frost and rare snow

  • Rainfall: 66-100mm monthly

  • Spring (March-May)

Spring brings longer days and milder temperatures, though March can still be quite wet.

What to Expect:

  • March: 4-10°C with approximately 70mm rainfall

  • April: 5-11°C with 50-72mm rainfall

  • May: 9-15°C, one of the sunniest months

Days extend significantly, with daylight saving in March adding evening brightness.

  • Summer (June-August)

Summer 2024 was the coolest in nine years with average temperature of 14.50°C (0.28°C below recent averages). Several Arctic air masses in early June contributed to below-average temperatures.

What to Expect:

  • June-July: 12-19°C

  • August: Similar range with potential for cool spells

  • Extended daylight (bright until past 9 PM)

  • Rainfall: 70-80mm monthly

  • Occasional warm days reaching mid-20s°C

  • Autumn (September-November)

Autumn 2024 was mild and dry with average temperature of 11.27°C (0.48°C above average).

What to Expect:

  • September: 10-17°C

  • October-November: Cooling to 5-12°C

  • First frosts typically appearing mid-September

  • Two named storms affected Ireland during autumn 2024

  • Rainfall Patterns
    Ireland's rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with the west and northwest typically receiving more precipitation than the east. 2024 was relatively dry overall, ranking as the 41st driest year since 1941.

Regional Differences

Sunny Southeast: Counties like Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford experience the best weather with more sunshine hours daily.

West and Northwest: Higher rainfall and stronger winds, particularly during Atlantic storm season.

East Coast: Generally drier with Dublin receiving less rainfall than western counties.

Climate Change Impact

Irish climate projections indicate continued warming with increased likelihood of extreme weather events. Rainfall patterns are expected to change with more intense rainfall events and longer dry periods. Sea surface temperatures across the North Atlantic have remained at near-record highs, contributing to higher atmospheric moisture and occasional intense rainfall leading to flooding.

Essential Packing

  • Waterproof jacket with hood: Essential year-round

  • Layered clothing: Temperature fluctuations throughout the day

  • Sturdy umbrella: For frequent drizzle

  • Warm layers: Even summer evenings can be cool