When is The Best Time to Visit Ireland in 2025?

Hello from Ireland! 👋

My name is Danielle and I advise our small-group tour guests about all things Ireland.

In this guide, I've compiled all of our team's expert advice on the best months to experience Ireland, highlighting the unique charms of each.

The good news is that Ireland is a stunning destination to visit at any time of the year.

Visit in spring and you experience St. Patrick's Festival. Come in summer and you can wander wild beaches and go swimming. Fall/autumn brings its own mellow charms.

My personal recommendation is to design your Ireland trip around the best flight and hotel deals you can find. Because temperatures in Ireland don't vary massively between seasons, you are free to explore Ireland whenever suits you best.

So, whether you're a looking for outdoor adventure in the wilderness or a traditional Irish music tour, join me as we discover the perfect time to visit Ireland!

First up, the question on everyone's lips...

...What's The Weather Like in Ireland? 🌤️

Sun.

Rain.

Fog.

Frost.

We Irish love to talk about the weather.

Pull up a stool in any pub across the island and you are bound to hear conversations centred on the topic; recent unholy downpours to cloudless skies (and everything in between).

That's because the Irish climate is summed up by two simple words: CHANGEABILITY and TEMPERATE.

#1. Changeability

Unlike most other places in the world, we tend not to have long periods of any type of weather in Ireland, be it good or inclement. Our climate is ever-changing.

You've heard the phrase 'Four Seasons In One Day'? In Ireland, it can sometimes feel more like four seasons in one hour!

The upside of all this is that, if you do experience a rain shower, it's likely that there will be some sunshine along very soon afterwards.

I advise all of our guests to prepare by packing a high quality, lightweight, rainproof jacket.

You can find details of what clothes to bring to Ireland here.

#2. Temperate

The second word to learn about weather in Ireland is: TEMPERATE.

It rarely snows in Ireland and we rarely experience heatwaves or drought.

Even though Ireland's latitude is comparable to Canada's Hudson Bay and southern Alaska, there is only, on average, a 10°C (14°F) difference in temperature between summer and winter in Ireland.

Ireland's climate is mild. Extremely so!

Any week where the temperature averages above 25°C (80°F) feels hot to Irish people.

Winter temperatures rarely drop far below freezing point (some coastal regions are frost-free and livestock can graze outside on grass year-round).

Why causes this mild and temperate climate?

The single biggest influence on Ireland's climate is the island's position in the Atlantic Ocean. Prevailing southwesterly winds deliver diverse weather systems every few days (hello changeability!).

But the Gulf Stream moves in the same direction, bringing warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to heat up Ireland's coastline and negate icy extremes.

This results in a moderate, temperate climate year-round.

Should I Visit Ireland in Spring? 🌼

After a long and dark winter, life starts to return to the Irish landscape during springtime.

Colourful daffodils shoot up from flower beds.

The scent of wild garlic wafts through woodlands.

Lambs frolic in the fields.

An effervescent green-ness shines from the rolling hills.

Are you a bargain hunter? A great reason to visit Ireland in either March or April is that you are likely to find deals on hotels and flights during that period.

Airlines — such as Ireland's national carrier, Aer Lingus — often offer discounts on flights to Ireland during March and April.

Average March/April Temperatures in Ireland 🌡️

Ireland's average March/April temperatures range from 4°C (40°F) to 11°C (52°F).

St Patrick's Day in Ireland ☘️

Festivities around St Patrick's Day dominate March in Ireland.

Even though St Patrick's Festival centres on cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick, parades and parties happen in almost every town and village across the island.

Personally, I come from the countryside and I think the most charming St Patrick's Day parades are to be found in the most unexpected places.

April in Ireland 🌷

April can be an especially pleasant spring month to visit Ireland.

The weather begins to warm up and our days lengthen. Average daily rainfall tails off as April goes on.

Even more colour returns to the landscape. You'll notice wild bluebells and primroses blossom.

Easter in Ireland 🐰

Easter is widely celebrated in Ireland. Local people attend church, if religious. Others just eat chocolate eggs!

Even though Good Friday is not a national holiday, it is common for pubs and workplaces to close, particulary in Northern Ireland. Good Friday is the last Friday before Easter.

🚐 Best Guided Tour of Ireland in Spring

Included in our 7 Day Driftwood Treasure Ireland Tour is a fun visit to a working sheep farm; newborn lambs are at their cutest in spring!

Alternatiively, read my full guide to Ireland in March and April 

Should I Visit Ireland in Summer? 🌻

Summer starts in Ireland in May.

Temperatures climb upward, but thankfully not to the extreme levels seen elsewhere.

Another big plus of visiting Ireland during summer is the lack of crowds and overtourism.

The off the beaten track sites and attractions that our tour itineraries visit often remain quiet and peaceful, even at the height of summer.

Long Hours of Daylight 🌄

'A grand stretch in the evenings.'

If you visit Ireland in summertime, you will no doubt hear this phrase uttered at some point.

It refers to the fact that Irish summer evenings seem to go on forever. Long hours of daylight and short nights.

First-time visitors to Ireland in June are often amazed that the sun sets as late as 11pm, rising again as early as 4.30am.

The reason is Ireland's physical location at high latitudes above the equator.

Blink and you'll miss the night!

Things To Do in Ireland in Summer

Irish history or literature fan? Or maybe you just love people-watching?

If either describes you, then you'll love the Bloomsday Festival.

The entire city of Dublin seems to be in Edwardian fancy dress for this citywide celebration of James Joyce and his most famous book, Ulysses. 

The 16^th of June is when it all happens.

Average Summer Temperatures in Ireland 🌡️

July is the warmest month in Ireland. Average daytime temperatures hit a balmy 16°C (60°F).

During settled summer weather, Ireland enjoys frequent highs in the mid 20s centigrade (80°F and above).

Even better, sea temperatures top out at around 15°C (59°F) in July and August.

Summertime is the perfect season to hit Ireland's many beautiful beaches for swimming and surfing!

🚐 Best Guided Tour of Ireland for Summer

Our 5 Day Vagabond Edge of the World Tour is action-packed and made for summer adventures.

Read our summer in Ireland guides:

• ✅ Ireland in May
• ✅ Ireland in June
• ✅ Ireland in July
• ✅ Ireland in August

Should I Visit Ireland in Fall/Autumn? 🍂

Autumn/Fall in Ireland can be a fantastic time to visit Ireland.

Tours departing in September and October are a consistently popular choice among our guests.

Average Autumn/Fall Temperatures in Ireland

Temperatures in Ireland during Fall/Autumn average a range range from 11°C (52°F) to 14°C (57°F).

Ireland in September

September is usually a warm and settled month with frequent 'Indian summers' extending through the month.

Oysters. Apples. Wild mushrooms. If you're keen to explore Irish food and drink, September is the month to target. September is primetime for seafood, harvests and foraging.

🧐 Read our comprehensive guide to Ireland in September

🚐 Best Guided Tour for Ireland in September

Explore Ireland's amazing Atlantic coastline on our 8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way Tour.

Ireland in October

Dipping temperatures in October are offset by explosions of autumnal colour across Ireland's woodlands and mountains. The Irish countryside blushes with russets, browns and reds. Enjoy a hike in the crisp, clear autumn air before returning to a cosy, crackling fireside.

🧐 Read our fully-updated guide to Ireland in October

Some heritage sites and island boat services begin to shut for the winter in October. Please check with our friendly staff in advance.

🚐 Best Guided Tour for Ireland in October

A visit to the natural wonderland of Wicklow Mountains National Park makes our 6 Day Driftwood Great Southern Ireland Tour an extremely scenic choice for those travelling in late Fall/Autumn.

Should I Visit Ireland in Winter? 🏔️

Although our Vagabond and Driftwood tours don't run during the winter months (November- February), Ireland during winter can be a charming place.

Make sure you wrap up! Although Ireland only rarely sees heavy snowfall, temperatures drop over winter.

Wind chill and humidity are both a factor in Ireland in winter. The actual temperature is always somewhat higher than what you feel.

Quality time spent beside a warm fire in a cosy Irish pub is all the more appealing during winter!

Average Winter Temperatures in Ireland

Temperatures on average range from 8°C (46°F) to 5°C (41°F).

Christmas in Ireland

Visiting Ireland in December? Much of Ireland shuts down for at least a week following Christmas Day.

Offices often stay closed until the first working day of the New Year. Public transport can operate reduced services or not all. This is true regardless of listed public holidays.

Rural areas outside Dublin and other major cities are most strongly affected by disrupted services over Christmas.

🎄 Read our seasonal guide to Irish Christmas traditions  

Public Holidays in Ireland 🏖️

Public holidays in Ireland are known locally as 'bank holidays'. This is because banks close their doors (ATMs thankfully remain open for business).

Public transport and opening hours at visitor attractions may be affected during public holidays in Ireland.

All bank holidays are for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, except where stated otherwise.

• 1^st January - New Year's Day
• St. Brigid's Day - First Monday in February
• 17^th March - St Patrick's Day
• Good Friday (Not an official national holiday but many businesses close for the day)
• Easter Sunday
• First Monday in May (Republic of Ireland only)
• Last Monday in May (Northern Ireland only)
• First Monday in June (Republic of Ireland only)
• 12^th July (Northern Ireland only)
• First Monday in August (Republic of Ireland only)
• Last Monday in August (Northern Ireland only)
• Halloween - Last Monday in October (Republic of Ireland only)
• 25^th December - Christmas Day
• 26^th December - St Stephen's Day/Boxing Day

Festivals in Ireland in 2025 🥳

Celebrating everything from seafood and craft beer, to comedy and literature, here are a few noteworthy festivals happening in Ireland 2024:

• ☘️ March 2025 - St Patricks Day Festival- Island-wide celebration of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
• 🦪 April 2025 - Galway Food Festival - 5 days of open-air markets and food trails in Ireland's foodiest city
• 😹 May 2025 - Cat Laughs Comedy Festival Kilkenny- A comedy festival in Kilkenny featuring well known comedians
• 🎩 June 2025 - Bloomsday Festival - Participatory Dublin street festival celebrating James Joyce's Ulysses
• ✒️ July 2025 - West Cork Literary Festival - Celebrate the written word in one of Ireland's most stunning regions
• 🌹 August 2025 - Rose of Tralee Festival - Traditional beauty pageant with street celebrations
• 💖 September 2025 Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival- Europe's biggest, most fun singles event
• 👻 October 2025 - Púca Festival - Where better to celebrate Halloween than Ireland?

Questions? I'd love to hear from you!

Email our friendly staff via enquiries@vagabond.ie