Climate and best seasons to visit Ireland. Actual weather forecast

The weather in Ireland is very unpredictable. The main climate-forming factor is the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the fact that the country is located on fairly extreme latitudes, its characteristic sweltering heat is not experienced here. The average annual air temperature is just over 10°C. In addition, the water temperature in the sea rarely drops to low values. This is all thanks to the North Atlantic current. Due to the fact that all the uppermost points of the relief are located in close proximity to the coast, a big part of Ireland remains protected from the strong winds that bring oceanic air masses.

Spring in Ireland is characterized by bright colors of the local flora. The fields are covered with amazing turquoise decoration and the air gradually warms up. The average temperature in March is about 12°C and by mid-May, the air warms up to 17°C. It should be noted that with the onset of March, the weather is rather gloomy. There are not more than 3 hours of sunshine in a day. However, by the end of spring this figure doubles. As in any other time of the year in Ireland, the weather in spring is quite volatile. The clear sunny weather may well be replaced by cold pouring rain. In general, there are at least 10 rainy days for every spring month in Ireland. The water temperature during this period is pretty cool; not more than 9°C.

With the onset of summer, the air temperature gradually increases. In June, it reaches an average of 18°C and by mid-summer the air warms to 20°C. The same temperature may drop or rise by 1-2°C in August. It is worth noting that not every summer in Ireland is warm. Quite often, the average seasonal summer air temperature does not exceed even an index of 15-16°C. Rainy days in a month remains at least 10. In July, rain is a rarity, sometimes falling only once a day. However, the water can warm up to 15°C. The unpredictability of the weather persists even in this season so you always need to be at alert as a sunny morning may well end up gloomy, and a clear evening, suddenly cold and rainy. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

With the arrival of spring, the bright green landscape of the flora gradually changes to golden. It also becomes a little cooler. In September, the air temperature is still quite comfortable; sitting on an average 18°C. In October however, the figures go down to 15°C and in November the air rarely warms up more than 10°C. During the night time in the same month of November, the temperature can drop down to 4°C. The amount of sunny hours also decreases. If in the beginning of spring the sun shines about 4 hours a day, then by the end of autumn, this figure is almost reduced in half. Each month is characterized by no less than 12 rainy days.

Ironically, Ireland has the least precipitation in winter. Snow falls quite rarely and the amount of monthly precipitation does not exceed 55 millimeters. Even if it does snow, it is very little because of the mildly warm climate. The average air temperature in the daytime during the winter months is approximately 8°C. Notwithstanding, it is worth noting that the coldest winter in Ireland was recorded about a century and a half ago. The temperature then, dropped to -19°C. Such an occurrence is however absolutely uncharacteristic for the climatic zone of the country. In December and January, the number of sunny hours does not exceed 2 hours. In February however, about 3 hours of sunshine can be observed daily.

Every year, Ireland is visited by about four million tourists. Most tourists come here for tranquility, peace and reunion with nature. However, depending on the chosen time of year, tourist visitations can vary. The peak of the tourist season falls between the beginning of May and the end of October. It is during the May holidays that most tourists come. At this time of the year in Ireland, you can participate in water sports or golf, go fishing, or conduct an active excursion program on a bicycle. The decline of the tourist season is noticed in the periods; from the end of October and the middle of April. This is due to the fact that it is at this time of year in Ireland that the lowest temperatures are witnessed and also, the number of sunny hours per day is not so much. Weather variability does not reach its peak.

During the New Year and Christmas holidays, there are also a lot of tourists coming to Ireland. These holidays are celebrated quite colorfully and cheerfully by the locals so the journey at this time will be the best opportunity to not only get acquainted with indigenous traditions and customs, but also soak up in the Irish fervor. If however, your goal is to get acquainted with the local natural and historical sites, then the best time to travel is during the second half of May, the first weeks of June, and the first days of September. At this time, the warmest and most stable weather is recorded. Of course, no one can exclude precipitation. But then again, the average number of sunny hours in the daytime during these periods is definitely greater.

Most often, tourists come to Ireland for the sake of golf. Thanks to the mild and warm climate, this aristocratic game can be played all year round, but the majority of passionate players gather during the summer months. It will please you to know that it is possible to purchase a one-day ticket in advance and visit a golf course at any other time without being a member of the golf club. Ireland is famous all over the world for its delightful high-quality language schools; hence, this type of tourism is popular here. The peak of activities in the language schools falls on the off-season school holidays and in the summer. Such an educational program as this can be combined with a sightseeing tour.

From the end of May to the end of September, the weather in the country is considered the warmest and sunniest. Therefore, if you want to go on a delightful sea cruise, it is worth visiting the country during this period. It is worth noting that not only do most of the tourists go on cruises on the coastal waters of Ireland, but they also take part in international tours which allow ships to travel between Northern and Western Europe. In Ireland, many holidays are celebrated quite colorfully and beautifully. The anniversary of the Battle of Boyne River which is celebrated annually with parades and theatrical performances is held on June 12th. At the beginning of May, a delightful holiday festival dedicated to the art of the Cathedral quarter is organized. There is also in the beginning of September, the famous dance music festival and in December, an opportunity is presented for tourists to visit the exhibition of horses in the sports center of Odyssey Arena. This event attracts not only connoisseurs from all over Ireland, but also from around the world.