When to go to Ireland? The best months and those to avoid

When to go to Ireland To enjoy the most beautiful landscapes, avoid the busiest periods and benefit from pleasant conditions? This is one of the first questions to ask yourself before organizing a stay on the island.

Ireland has an oceanic climate. The weather can therefore change rapidly, regardless of the season. A rainy morning can give way to beautiful sunshine a few hours later.

However, some periods are more favorable than others. May, June and September are among the best months to visit Ireland, in particular thanks to a good balance between day length, visitor numbers and weather conditions.

TAKE THE TEST

Ireland or Scotland: which destination suits you best?

5 questions, less than a minute.

Question 1 of 5

Which landscape appeals to you the most?

Wild mountains, lochs and valleysCliffs, ocean and major coastal roads

Question 2 of 5

What kind of atmosphere are you looking for?

Highlands, castles and whiskyPubs, music and welcoming villages

Question 3 of 5

Your ideal day

A hike with spectacular viewsA road trip punctuated by small ports and beaches

Question 4 of 5

Which setting do you dream about the most?

Skye, Glencoe and the CairngormsConnemara, Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way

Question 5 of 5

For your next trip, you prefer…

A spectacular and mountainous landscapeA friendly atmosphere and an ever-present coastline

July and August also offer long days, but coincide with the peak tourist season. Conversely, November, December, and January are less suitable for a long road trip due to the short days and generally wetter weather.

Here is our guide to choosing when to go to Ireland depending on your travel plans.

So here, in summary, is our month-by-month advice on when to go to Ireland.

Period	Strengths	Our opinion
March	Saint Patrick's Day, March 17th: Cool and changeable weather	Good for a city break in Dublin
April	One of the driest months, reasonable visitor numbers	A good option before the peak season
May	Among the driest and sunniest months	One of our favorite months
June	Longest days, mild temperatures	Ideal for a road trip
July and August	High season: crowds and higher prices	Book very early
September	Sites still open, but visitor numbers are down.	A very good option
October and November	Shorter days, wetter weather	More suitable for a city break
December to February	Short days, Christmas atmosphere in December	For Dublin and the Christmas markets

What is the best time to go to Ireland?

For a first trip, the period between May and September generally remains the most interesting.

The days are long, the landscapes are particularly green, and the majority of tourist sites operate on their high season schedules.

But not all of these months offer exactly the same advantages.

May and June represent an excellent compromise. The days are long and the number of visitors is generally lower than in July and August.

Met Éireann's climate data also indicates that May and June are, on average, the sunniest months in Ireland. This makes it a great time for our small-group tour of Ireland.

September This is another very good option. The days are gradually getting shorter, but the main sites remain accessible and the crowds are starting to decrease.

Going to Ireland in the spring: March, April and May

Spring is gradually transforming the Irish landscape. The days are getting longer and the countryside is regaining its colours.

March

March marks the beginning of the tourist season.

The weather remains cool and changeable. Some days can be very pleasant, while others still feel like winter.

The month is obviously marked by the Saint Patrick, celebrated on March 17th. Dublin then attracts a huge number of visitors.

March can be a good time for a city break or to experience the atmosphere of St. Patrick's Day, but it's not necessarily our first choice for a big road trip. All the dates and our tips are in our guide to the Saint Patrick's Day in Dublin.

April

April becomes a particularly interesting time to travel.

The days are significantly longer and visitor numbers remain reasonable. Climate data also shows that April is among the driest months on average in Ireland.

The weather remains unpredictable, but this is a period to consider for travellers who wish to discover the island before the start of the high season.

May

May is one of our favorite months to discover Ireland.

The days are long, nature is particularly beautiful and the major sites are generally less crowded than in the middle of summer.

May is one of the most interesting months in terms of weather. Along with April, it is among the driest months on average, while May and June are the sunniest.

For a road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way, in Connemara, Kerry or Donegal, May therefore offers an excellent compromise. Our 10-day itinerary on the Wild Atlantic Way and our Connemara guide will help you prepare it.

Going to Ireland in the summer: June, July and August

Summer is the most popular time to travel to Ireland.

The very long days allow you to enjoy the landscapes more and to visit more places.

June

June is probably one of the best choices if you're looking for when to go to Ireland for a road trip.

The days are almost at their maximum length and temperatures are generally mild.

The late afternoon light is particularly welcome for exploring rural areas. This allows you to take more time in Connemara, Kerry, or along the Atlantic coast.

June, along with May, is also one of the months with the highest average number of hours of sunshine.

July

July offers long days and generally pleasant temperatures.

It's a great time for hiking, boat trips, and road trips.

On the other hand, tourist numbers are increasing sharply. The most popular regions, such as Kerry, Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, and Dublin, are welcoming more visitors. For quieter sites, see the most beautiful cliffs in Ireland.

The best-located accommodations can also be booked well in advance.

It's also important to avoid assuming July guarantees good weather. The Irish climate remains variable, and a waterproof jacket is essential, even in summer.

August

August remains a very good time to discover Ireland, especially for families travelling during school holidays.

Most attractions are fully operational and the days are still long enough to plan some great stops.

As in July, however, attendance is high.

In tourist areas, it is best to book accommodation and some activities several months in advance.

Traveling to Ireland in September

September is one of the months we most recommend.

Visitor numbers gradually decrease after the summer holidays. The roads become quieter and it is often more pleasant to visit the main sites.

The days are still long enough to enjoy a road trip.

September is particularly suitable for couples or travellers who are not dependent on school holidays.

This is an excellent time to discover Connemara, Kerry, Donegal or the Wild Atlantic Way.

Going to Ireland in autumn: October and November

Autumn brings a completely different atmosphere.

The landscapes take on warmer colors and the cities gradually become calmer.

October

October can still be suitable for a trip, especially during the first half of the month.

On the other hand, the weather is gradually becoming more humid and the days are getting shorter.

Climate averages show that October is among the wettest months of the year in Ireland.

For a trip combining cities and nature, October is still a possibility. However, for a road trip primarily focused on landscapes and hiking, we would recommend an earlier period.

November

November is much less favorable for major circuits.

The days are getting shorter and the weather conditions are generally less suitable for long days outdoors.

This doesn't mean you should absolutely avoid Ireland. Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and Galway are all perfectly worth exploring during this period. Belfast, in particular, is a good gateway to... Northern Ireland.

On the other hand, for a first major trip dedicated to landscapes, we would rather choose spring, summer or early autumn.

Visiting Ireland in winter: December, January and February

Winter also has its charm.

The cities are quieter, the pubs are particularly welcoming, and this period allows you to discover a different atmosphere.

However, the days are much shorter.

December is on average the least sunny month in Ireland. It is also the wettest month nationally according to Met Éireann's climate normals.

For visiting Dublin for a few days, this is not necessarily a problem.

For traversing the west coast, going on long hikes or following a route with many stages, the constraints become more significant.

Winter is therefore more suitable for a city break than a first big road trip around the island.

What are the rainiest months in Ireland?

Rain is part of the Irish climate and can occur throughout the year.

However, there are significant differences between regions.

The west generally receives more precipitation than the east. Annual averages reach approximately 1,000 to 1,400 mm in the west, compared to 750 to 1,000 mm in much of the east. Mountainous regions can receive significantly more precipitation.

At the national level, December is on average the wettest month, followed in particular by October, November and January.

Conversely, April and May are the driest months on average.

This obviously doesn't mean that a trip in May will necessarily be dry or that it will rain every day in December. Variability remains a key characteristic of the Irish climate.

To consult official climate data before your stay, you can find the information at Met Éireann, the Irish meteorological service.

When is the best time to go on a road trip in Ireland?

For a road trip, we prefer the period between April and September.

The long days allow you to explore the scenic routes at a leisurely pace. To choose your stops, consult our essentials for a road trip in Ireland and our advice for rent a car.

This is especially true on the west coast. In Connemara, Kerry or Donegal, distances may seem short on a map, but the small roads and numerous stops easily lengthen the days.

To fully enjoy a coastal route, May, June and September probably offer the best balance.

To help you plan your itinerary, also check out our Tailor-made trips to Ireland.

You can also consult our guide to planning your trip to Ireland to find our advice on the car, budget, accommodation and preparing your stay.

When is the best time to go to Ireland to avoid the tourists?

If you wish to avoid the peak season, opt for May, June or September.

May is particularly interesting before the start of the summer holidays.

June benefits from extremely long days while generally remaining calmer than July and August.

September is finally an excellent alternative after the peak season.

To enjoy popular sites like the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, or certain places in Connemara, consider starting your days early.

Which months should be avoided for a first trip to Ireland?

There is really no month during which it would be impossible to visit Ireland.

However, if your main goal is to explore the landscapes and take a long road trip, November, December, and January are the months we least recommend..

The days are shorter and the weather may limit some outdoor activities.

At the other extreme, July and August should not be avoided for weather reasons., However, these dates coincide with the busiest period. Therefore, booking accommodation and activities requires more advance planning.

The best month ultimately depends more on your priorities than on any absolute rule. Still undecided about your destination? Read on. Ireland or Scotland.

When is the best time to go to Ireland depending on your type of trip?

For a first road trip, Choose May, June or September.

If you are looking for the longest days, June is preferable.

To travel with family during the school holidays, July and August remain the most practical months.

Side hiking, The period from May to September generally offers the most suitable conditions, while maintaining waterproof equipment.

To visit Dublin or Belfast, All seasons are possible.

Finally, to take advantage of fewer tourists, May and September are particularly interesting.

Finally, for a stay mainly devoted to the landscapes of the west, avoid the heart of winter if possible.

Are you travelling with children? Find our ideas for traveling to Ireland as a family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Ireland?

May, June, and September offer the best balance between day length, visitor numbers, and weather. May and June are, on average, the sunniest months.

What is the rainiest month in Ireland?

According to Met Éireann's averages, December is the wettest month, followed by October, November, and January. The west also receives more rain than the east.

What is the driest month in Ireland?

April and May are generally the driest months. However, no month guarantees good weather: always pack a waterproof jacket.

Is it possible to visit Ireland in winter?

Yes, especially for a city break in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, or Galway. For a long road trip on the west coast, however, the short days and wet weather are more of a constraint.

When is the best time to go to Ireland to avoid the crowds?

May, June, or September are ideal. At popular sites like the Cliffs of Moher or the Ring of Kerry, start your days early as well.

What time of year is best for a road trip in Ireland?

From April to September, the long days allow for leisurely driving. May, June, and September remain the most balanced months for the west coast.

So, when is the best time to go to Ireland?

If we had to choose just three months, we would choose May, June and September.

May offers green landscapes, still reasonable visitor numbers and is on average one of the driest and sunniest months.

June offers exceptionally long days and is an excellent time for a road trip. To plan your trip, follow our itinerary, for example. Ireland in 10 days.

September, on the other hand, offers a good balance between visitor numbers, day lengths, and landscape exploration.

But one thing must be kept in mind when searching when to go to Ireland No period guarantees a full week of sunshine. The oceanic climate is precisely part of the island's character.

So pack a waterproof jacket, keep your schedule flexible enough, and don't let a few showers stop you from enjoying the scenery.

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL

Do you want to experience this trip?

Our local team creates your tailor-made itinerary in the UK and Ireland.

Create my trip