Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Ireland? You are in the right place. In this article, we will walk you through the best time to go to Ireland and tell you everything you need to know about this incredible country.
Ireland is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors. From its stunning scenery to its rich history and culture, there’s something for everyone in Ireland. But when is the best time to visit?
Planning your trip to Ireland last minute?
Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Ireland in advance to ensure availability! Here are our top picks for your trip!
Top experiences and tours in Ireland:
- Cliffs Of Moher + Galway From Dublin (Top pick!)
- Guinness Storehouse Ticket (Often sells out)
- Northern Ireland tour from Dublin (Highly recommend NI!)
- Wicklow Mountains tour from Dublin (Multiple stops!)
Top Hotels In Ireland:
- The Dean Cork (Modern with indoor pool)
- Jurys Inn Dublin Parnell Street (Over 11,000 reviews + epic location)
- The Lodge At Ashford Castle (Pretty and historical)
- Slieve Donard (Luxury castle hotel in Northern Ireland!)
We will cover it all in this post. From the least crowded time to visit Ireland, to the cheapest time and what to expect in the high season.
If this is your first time traveling to Ireland here is an Ireland packing list and some mistakes to avoid when visiting Ireland.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Ireland?
When considering when to go to Ireland remember that best and worse are very subjective. The best time to visit Ireland is whenever you can because it’s stunning in different ways all year round.
What is best for you depends on your Ireland itinerary, what you like doing, your tolerance to crowds and changeable weather, your budget, and your circumstances. It will also depend on whether you are visiting Northern Ireland or Southern Ireland as the temperates can be different.
However, if you have the privilege to choose the best time to vacation in Ireland are May and September. During these two months, the crowds are less, it tends to be cheaper, most tourist attractions are still open and the weather tends to be more stable.
October is a good month particularly if you are looking for fall colors. Keep in mind though that you might find some of the main tourist attractions shut.
In our experience, the best time of year for Ireland travels in May and September.
When Is The Worst Time To Go To Ireland?
Again let me say worst is as objective as best. For some worst means the most expensive, for some, it means the busiest, for some it means the worse weather. We could go on and on here.
In our personal opinion, December to February is the worst time to go to Ireland. It’s dark and grey, often raining, and the sunset as 3 pm. We just find it a bit depressing and there are so few daylight hours to enjoy the country.
However it is still green, it is cheap to travel then and you will find very little in terms of crowds.
If you have the luxury of choosing when to do it’s best not to travel to Ireland in these months.
What Is The Cheapest Month To Travel To Ireland?
Like with most destinations the cheapest time to visit Ireland is when no one else is. The off-season in Ireland tends to run from November to February and this tends to be when you will find a deal.
Now this depends on where you are going and when. Staying in Dublin over Christmas will not be cheap for example. Staying in an area at a time there is a huge festival or celebration will again not be cheap.
However, November to February is generally the least crowded time to visit Ireland ignoring the Christmas and New Year period, and tend to be the cheapest.
If you are wanting to know how much a trip might cost you we have a blog post for you. How Much Does A Trip To Ireland Cost? Breakdown By Budget!
What Is Rainy Season In Ireland?
Ireland is green and lush for a reason, it rains a lot. Unless you travel there during a heatwave the chances are you will encounter rain. It is more common to visit and have rain than it is not to have a rainy day.
In general, though December and January tend to be the months where it rains the most. August can also be a month that sees a lot of rainfall.
Our advice is whenever you go expect it to rain and be prepared. Ireland is one of those countries where some days it can feel like you get all four seasons in one day. It can be miserable and rainy in the morning and bright sunshine in the afternoon.
What Month Is The Best Weather In Ireland?
The best weather months in Ireland are again so subjective. It really depends on what the best weather for you is.
For the purpose of this question, we will assume you mean good weather which means you get out and about and explore. May and June tend to have good weather and more sun but It’s not too hot. April and September also tend to be good for outside exploring.
If you are looking for the hottest time then July and August are generally best. And for those cozy nights in front of the fire you need January and February.
Most feel that June tends to be the best time of year to travel to Ireland.
High And Low Season For Ireland
As with most places, the high season in Ireland tends to be when the children are off school. So late June to early September is considered peak season.
The Ireland off-season is from late October to February. Here the weather is often at its worse and a lot of the tourist attractions will not be open.
However, in our mind, the best season to visit Ireland is when you can.
Visit Ireland In Summer If You:
Like the sun, don’t mind crowds, and want to do lots of things. In summer Ireland comes alive in all ways possible.
Temperatures range from 13°C and 18°C (55°F-64°F) and you will have daylight hours from early morning to late evening. You can pack a lot in if you go in the summer months.
You will also find all the tourist attractions fully open and boat trips to some of the outer islands will be in full force. In the summer months, the Ireland tourist season is in full swing.
Visit Ireland In Winter If You:
Are looking for a bargain. Ireland’s off-season can be the perfect time to find deals. This is definitely the cheapest time to visit Ireland.
The downside is it will be windy and wet but you are unlikely to see temperatures dip to freezing or snow, but it can. The average temperature is between 4°C and 8°C (39°F-47°F).
If you are a photographer the winter light in Ireland can be incredible and you see all the tourist attractions and scenery from a different perspective.
It’s also the perfect time to experience the local culture and sit in front of a roaring fire in front of one of the many Irish pubs.
Many will say the best time of year to visit Dublin is the summer but we feel that winter is perfect especially if you are someone who doesn’t like crowds.
Visit Ireland In Fall If You:
Want to go foilage hunting? The fall season is perfect if you want to experience the wonderful fall colors in Ireland. We love to visit in October.
Autumn in Ireland is for most a perfect time to visit. The daily average temperatures generally range between 11-18°C (51-64°F). September is also one of the months with the lowest rainfall.
Unlike winter you will also get a decent amount of daylight hours and nothing beats the autumn sunsets.
Visit Ireland In Spring If You:
want to go hiking in Ireland, spring is the perfect weather for that. Spring is our favorite season to visit Ireland.
You will find it less crowded than in the summer and less rainy than in the fall. Average highs are up to 11°C and lows are just 4°C (40°-50°F).
The best thing about spring in Ireland though is all the flowers that begin blooming. Expect to see tulips and daffodils everywhere, it’s so pretty.
The days start to get longer and the weather starts to warm up. For us, spring is the best season to visit Ireland.
When To Go To Ireland By Month:
Ireland In January
If you are wondering when to go to Ireland for peace and quiet then consider January. The Christmas and New Year festivities are over and things get back to normal.
The low season in Ireland is a great time to visit if you are looking for cheaper prices and quieter locations.
In terms of festivals you have the TradFest music festival in Dublin towards the end of this month so things might get busier around that time.
The temperatures range from 4°C to 8°C (39°F to 46°F). If you don’t mind hit-or-miss weather January in Ireland can be delightful.
Ireland In February
Much like Ireland in January the weather in February can be unpredictable. Average highs are around 8°C and average lows are 2°C.
You will find February in Ireland one of the least crowded times to visit Ireland but you also might find some of the more rural areas are closed down.
You will find it one of the cheapest months to go to Ireland and the perfect time to visit one of the cities.
The Dublin International Film Festival takes place in Dublin towards the end of the month and rugby fans are likely to be filling the bars as Six Nations Rugby starts.
February in Ireland is perfect for those that wnat things quiet and don’t care too much about the weather.
Ireland In March
We are still in the low season in Ireland and while the average temperatures rise a little 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) it is still unpredictable.
The days start to get a little longer and this is perhaps the last month you can grab a low-season bargain.
However, keep in mind March 17th is St Patricks Day and let’s just say the Irish know how to party. Prices may go up around this time and accommodation might be harder to find, especially in the cities.
March in Ireland starts to feel springlike and you might find there is less doom and gloom as there can be in winter. Some feel this is the best time of year to travel to Ireland.
Ireland In April
Most feel that this is the best time to travel to Ireland. The landscapes seem to come alive with color, the days start getting longer and the temperatures rise.
Temperatures range from 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F). April in Ireland offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and exploring gardens and national parks.
Seasonal attractions will start to open to accommodate the two-week Easter break around this time. Prices will be higher at this time but outside of this, you may still find a deal.
The Circuit of Ireland International Rally, Irish Grand National, and the World Irish Dancing Championships all take place in April.
This can be the best time of year for Ireland and it could also constantly rain but that’s just the game you play with Ireland.
Ireland In May
If you are an outdoor person and want to go hiking in Ireland May can be the best time to go to Ireland. You will see a rise in prices but you also see a rise in temperatures so win-win.
The weather continues to improve, and May in Ireland brings longer days, making it perfect for exploring the countryside and coastal regions. Temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F).
The Cork International Choral Festival takes place as does the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and Listowel Writers’ Week. It’s an Arty time.
This is one of the best months to visit Ireland as you get better weather, medium prices, and the crowds while growing are not at their peak.
Ireland In June
Considered the best month to go to Ireland by many. Ireland in June offers mild temperatures, longer daylight hours, and a chance to enjoy outdoor festivals and activities. Temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F).
The gardens are really in full force and at their best. June in Ireland is beautiful.
It’s also the best time of year to go to Ireland if you love a good festival. Not only are there many music festivals happening but Dublic seems the Bloomsday cultural festival. You also have Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride, Cork Midsummer Festival, and Cat Laughs Comedy Festival.
Going to June in Ireland will ensure you never run out of things to do.
Ireland In July
Summer is in full swing, and the days are long, providing ample time to explore Ireland’s natural beauty and immerse yourself in cultural events. Ireland in July sees temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
It is the best month to go to Ireland if you want good weather. July is definitely one of the best weather months in Ireland.
Ireland’s tourist season is in full swing so expect prices to be high and places to be crowded. July in Ireland is bustling and there is always something happening.
Galway International Arts Festival takes place in late July and is worth a visit.
Ireland In August
August is the high season in Ireland, the weather tends to be at its best, the crowds at their highest, and prices can be jaw-dropping. But August in Ireland is alive and vibrant with something always happening.
It’s a great time to visit popular tourist attractions and enjoy the lively atmosphere. August in Ireland temperatures range from 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F).
The Dingle Regatta is held in early August and it is also the month of the Kilkenny Arts Festival. You will never run out of things to do in Ireland in August.
You might also be surprised at how many amazing beaches there are in Ireland. August in Ireland is perfect beach weather.
Ireland In September
As autumn approaches, September offers mild temperatures and a chance to witness the changing colors of the landscapes. It’s an ideal time for hiking, photography, and attending cultural festivals.
Temperatures range from 11°C to 17°C (52°F to 63°F). Most feel September is the best month to visit Ireland.
September is the last month to visit Skellig Islands and most of the wildlife boat tours won’t operate beyond this month.
Ireland in September gives you all the advantages of the summer season without the huge crowds particularly if you go towards the end of the month. This is also the month when the food festivals starts the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival has been the most popular.
September is the best time to travel to Ireland.
Ireland In October
If you can deal with shorter days and colder weather October is the best time to vacation in Ireland. Autumn is in full swing, and October showcases the stunning fall foliage. It’s a great time for scenic drives, visiting historic sites, and indulging in seasonal cuisine.
October in Ireland sees temperatures range from 9°C to 14°C (48°F to 57°F). This is when fall foliage is generally at its best so if you are looking for that it is the best time of year to go to Ireland.
It’s obviously Halloween which means there is always something happening. It is also the Dublin Theatre Festival, the Cork Jazz Festival, and the Belfast International Arts Festival.
There is so much to do in Ireland in October.
Ireland In November
November is the off-season in Ireland. You find some hotels in more rural areas shut, not all tourist attractions will be open and it can be the wettest month of the year.
It is the best time of year to go to Ireland if you like things quiet and aren’t too bothered about the weather and short daylight hours.
It’s a quieter time with opportunities for indoor activities, museum visits, and exploring Irish history. November in Ireland sees temperatures range from 6°C to 10°C (43°F to 50°F).
If you are looking for a bargain this is the month you will find it, it is one of the cheapest months to go to Ireland. This is especially true if you go towards the beginning of the month before all the Christmas markets open.
Ireland In December
The festive spirit fills the air in December with Christmas markets and celebrations. It’s a cozy time to visit Ireland, enjoy warm hospitality, and experience the enchanting atmosphere of the holiday season.
December in Ireland sees temperatures of range from 4°C to 8°C (39°F to 46°F).
Some think this is the worst time to go to Ireland as the weather tends to not be great, there are few daylight hours and it can be more expensive than you think due to Christmas.
If you are up for a party though this can be the best time of year to visit Dublin for example as everyone will be in the festive spirit.
December in Ireland sees temperatures range from 4°C to 8°C (39°F to 46°F). You will need your scarf and gloves and don’t forget an umbrella.
As you can see the best time to visit Ireland is as individual as the people who visit. It is entirely down to you and your preferences, This incredible country has something to offer whenever you choose to visit.
Ireland is one of your favorite places and whenever you visit we know you will have a great time. We hope you have a great vacation and come back and tell us all about it.
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