Climate For Walkers

The Irish Climate is influenced by the relatively warm waters of the Gulf Stream, and with the prevailing southwesterly winds coming from the Atlantic, the climate of Ireland is equable and temperatures are fairly uniform over the whole country.

In July and August it can be surprisingly warm in Ireland with average temperatures of around 15ºC -18ºC, occasionally as high as 30ºC. It can become humid as the temperature rises and sudden and heavy, though usually short, thunder storms are not uncommon.

In winter clouds and rain are more common with the occasional warm sunny days. Heavy snow falls are rare although the tops of mountains may be covered with snow for much of the winter. Average temperatures in Ireland in January and February (usually the coldest months) are about 5ºC.

Ireland has a good climate for walking. The temperate climate means that it is not oppressively hot in summer, nor very cold in winter (snow rarely lies for long, even on the higher hills). But the weather does dictate some care in your selection of clothing. Good raingear is essential, as is some good weatherproof clothing for windy days. The ground is often boggy and sometimes slippery, so good waterproof footwear with moulded rubber soles is recommended.