Loading...Ireland’s lush landscape is a popular destination for travelers, but like many other spots, it does have its high and low seasons. These are typically due to factors such as seasonal changes, weather, and availability of open attractions, but as with any travel destination, visiting Ireland at any time of the year can be enriching and exciting.
Summer: The Peak Season
Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit Ireland as travelers will be able to experience both the natural landscape and historical attractions while enjoying pleasant weather. Ireland’s latitude means that it has long summer days – sunrise is at 6am and sunset is after 10pm – which means that travelers can pack lots of activities into every day. Furthermore, some attractions and sites are only open for the summer season, which gives visitors an even bigger selection of things to do.
Ireland’s summers rarely get too hot, with temperatures remaining in the 60s and low 70s. This makes experiencing the landscape easier than it is in some places with hot summers. Of course, visitors may have both colder and warmer days during their stay, so most people prefer to dress in layers.
However, since July and August are Ireland’s most popular travel months, travelers can expect prices and fares to be at their highest. Furthermore, since these are peak travel months, visitors can expect less availability at inns and hotels, and greater crowds at attractions. Early summer, such as June, can be a way to avoid the largest crowds.
Spring and Fall: Mid-peak Season
Spring or fall are ideal times for trips to Ireland because they allow travelers to avoid peak-season prices, while also still enjoying relatively pleasant weather. September is a popular month because temperatures are still mild, the days aren’t too short (sunset is around 8pm), and the largest crowds have come and gone. May is also a popular month, as there is less of a chance of rain as there is in earlier spring, and since students are still in school, the largest crowds haven’t yet descended.
That being said, visitors at these times do have a larger chance of rain than visitors during the summer. It is nearly impossible to predict the ever-changing weather, but the risk will be well worth it to some. Of course, certain events – like St. Patrick’s Day in March – will attract visitors regardless of the weather.
Winter: The Low Season
Visiting Ireland in the low season also means better deals on accommodations and flights, and can lead to a different experience of the country. However, winters in Ireland can be cold because of its windiness. Temperatures often remain above freezing and there is little lasting snowfall, but the wind can make things feel significantly colder.
While Ireland’s summer days are long, its winter days are rather short. The sun is usually down by 4pm, which is why many attractions close for the season. Visitors looking to see Ireland in the winter may want to stick to the cities, as these areas will always have things to see and do.
Watch “When Is The Best Time To Visit Ireland”:
