Ireland Travel Seasons, Temperatures and Rainfall

High Season

Ireland's High Travel Season: June - August, Christmas

Of course high season encompasses the summer months and prices on everything from airfare to cars and Irish B&Bs to Irish Castle Hotels are at a premium -- topping $700 per night for one of our Deluxe Irish Castles.

Many people think that travel over Christmas is at the low-season prices but it's not and many B&Bs aren't open for the holidays therefore I try not to book new travelers during this period. If you've been to Ireland before or have traveled often to Europe then by all means let us know and we'll arrange for a nice hotel to enjoy the seasonal festivities abroad.

Book early for high season as rates go up quickly when planes begin to fill.

Shoulder Season

Ireland Shoulder Travel Season: April - May, September

Shoulder is the area between high and low, still highly popular and many tourists but prices on everything from airfare to Ireland and Irish accommodations to Ireland car rentals are lower and more attractive.

Weather is becoming increasingly warmer and clearer in the springtime, flowers are starting to bloom and Ireland is waking from winter. In the fall you'll feel the cool chill in the air, fireplaces sparked up in pubs and the locals start to relax a bit after their busy summer season.

Book early though - seasoned travelers book this season out well in advance, knowing that rates are low.

Low Season

Ireland Low Travel Season: January - March, October - December

Some airlines only offer seasonal service from the U.S. but for those willing to take that extra flight will save significantly on their airfare to Ireland and up to 50% off Irish Castle Hotels. Ireland automatic car rentals are only slightly more than manual transmission, perfect for those who cannot drive stick shift.

Weather tends to be temperate as the Gulf Stream moves over to the southern coast of Ireland, bringing warmer weather than we typically have here in Philadelphia. Days are obviously shorter so you have less time to tour during the day before settling in to your Irish B&Bs and enjoying the pub nightlife.

Good values can be found at the last minute so don't book too far in advance -- maybe a month, two at most.

  • Make the best of rainy weather - pack a lightweight waterproof coat and warm shoes/boots.
  • Weather changes hourly -- this day started overcast and cold and ended with us dining outside.
  • The Cliffs of Moher are spectacular regardless of the clouds.
  • And when the sun does come out, you are guaranteed wonderful photos.
  • Even the most foggy days have been some of the most memorable.
  • Mornings tend to start very foggy but the sun tends to burn off the mist.
  • Even rainy days don't stop the fun! Crossing the Sheehy Mountains, we stopped for some 'wine in the clouds.'
  • What started out as a rainy day for Slieve League turned into a gorgeous day -- but my raincoat was handy!

Ireland Climate : Based on Dublin Statistics

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Av/Tt
Max(°C) 8 8 10 13 15 18 20 19 17 14 10 8 13
Max(F) 46 46 50 55 59 64 68 66 63 57 50 46 55
Min(°C) 1 2 3 4 6 9 11 11 9 6 4 3 6
Min(F) 34 36 37 39 43 48 52 52 48 43 39 37 43
Rain(mm) 67 55 51 45 60 57 70 74 72 70 67 74 72
Rain(in) 2.7 2.2 2 1.8 2.4 2.3 2.8 3 2.9 2.8 2.7 3 3