When we think of Ireland, we usually imagine green hills and meadows that stretch as far as the eye can see. But what makes these lands so fertile and picturesque? It’s the climate, of course.
The Irish climate is very similar to that of Great Britain, but it seems to have slightly milder winters and cooler summers. Incidentally, here you can experience all four seasons in one day!
As they jokingly say here, «If you don’t like the weather in Ireland, just wait five minutes, it will change».
And seriously, thanks to the high humidity, the island country manages to keep its green vegetation all year round, which makes Ireland one of the most picturesque places in Europe. In addition, Ireland does not experience extreme heat or cold, making it a very comfortable place to live or visit. This is especially true for hypertensive and hypotensive people.
Weather by season of the year
In the summer, Ireland is not as hot as other parts of the world. The average temperature ranges from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. It is this climate that creates the perfect conditions for growing greens and ripening fruit and berries.
Autumn on the Irish Isle is a magical time when the leaves of the trees take on the most incredible colours, from yellow and orange to red and purple. Temperatures during this period of the year are around 10-15 degrees Celsius.
Winter in Ireland can bring rain, blizzards and cold winds, but also gorgeous snow-covered landscapes. Temperatures here usually range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, but can sometimes drop to -5 degrees Celsius.
In spring, nature awakens from its winter hibernation and everything starts to green up and bloom. The air temperature at this time of year reaches about 10-15 degrees Celsius.
In general, Ireland’s climate can be described as moderately oceanic, which means that it is quite humid and cloudy, but at the same time it creates ideal conditions for vegetation and animal life. Many species of wildlife can be found on the island such as deer, foxes, badgers, squirrels and many other animals.
But apart from nature, the climate also influences the culture and lifestyle of the people of Ireland. Rainy days are often spent in cosy pubs, where you can enjoy traditional Irish beer and music. And summer days are spent outdoors, picnicking, fishing and walking in the green hills.
Climate of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland, just like the rest of Ireland, has a temperate oceanic climate, but with some differences. The climate in Northern Ireland is cooler and windier than in the south. It often rains here, but winters are milder than in the south. The mountainous areas of Northern Ireland can get snow in winter, which creates picturesque winter scenery.
One of the features of Northern Ireland’s climate is high humidity, which combined with the cool temperatures can create some inconvenience for residents and tourists. However, the same makes the region very green and abundant in vegetation. Northern Ireland is also home to a variety of wildlife including rabbits, badgers, red-bellied deer and many other animals.
Northern Ireland also has its own unique culture, which has developed under the influence of Irish and British cultures. Many beautiful castles and forts can be found here, as well as traditional Irish pubs where you can sample authentic Irish beer.
Overall, Northern Ireland has a different climate to the south of Ireland, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. It creates its own unique atmosphere and environment, which also attracts many people to the region.
Ocean Water Temperature
The average water temperature in Ireland varies depending on the season and geographical location. During the winter months (December – February), water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast can reach 8-10 °C, while the east coast and Dublin Bay can be slightly higher at around 10-12 °C.
During the summer months (June to August), water temperatures rise and can reach 15-18 °C in the Atlantic Ocean, but in some parts of the coast, such as Kildare Bay, temperatures can rise to 20 °C.
Swimming in the ocean is only comfortable in a wetsuit.
It can be said that the water temperature in Ireland is considered cool, especially when compared to the southern regions of Europe. However, thanks to the Gulf Stream currents, the water temperature in Ireland is slightly higher than in other regions with the same latitude.
Comfortable clothing for travelling
When you pack your luggage for a trip to Ireland, you should consider the changeable weather, so clothing that can be used to dress in layers to be ready for different conditions is recommended. Here’s a list of items that may be useful in Ireland:
- A jacket or coat with a hood to protect against rain and wind for all seasons of the year
- Waterproof boots or trainers for long walks in all seasons.
- Warm clothes: jumper, scarf, hat and gloves for cool evenings and cold weather.
- Light clothing: t-shirts, shirts, shorts or skirts for warmer weather
- Jeans, trousers or loafers for comfort and convenience when walking in all seasons
- Umbrellas and mackintoshes for protection from the rain
- Sunglasses and sun cream to protect you from the sun. Ireland has a very bright sun at all times of the year.
- A rucksack to carry your belongings when walking and hiking
- Swimming costume (in the summer if you plan to swim in the ocean)
- A camera or smartphone for taking photos of scenery and sights
In Ireland, scenic walks and hiking are quite common, so comfortable and functional clothing will be especially useful.
Why are the Irish so lightly dressed in cold weather?
There are several reasons why the Irish can stay warm even while wearing light clothing in cold weather:
- Acclimatisation: the Irish are used to their climate and can easily adapt to changes in temperature. In addition, their bodies can switch quickly between producing heat and expending it.
- Nutrition: Irish cuisine is rich in calories, which can help the body retain heat. Also, Irish cuisine is high in spices, which can increase circulation and speed up the metabolism.
- Lifestyle: many Irish people lead an active lifestyle, which helps them stay fit and stay warm. They also take frequent walks outdoors, which helps them adapt to the weather conditions.
- Warm sea winds: this weather phenomenon in Ireland is due to the Gulf Stream. The sea winds soften the feeling of cold, which can make the weather feel warmer than it actually is.
- Abrupt changes in weather: Ireland often experiences weather extremes, where it can be both sunny and warm, and cool and rainy in the same day. Because of this, the Irish are used to dressing in layers so that they can easily add or remove clothes depending on the change in weather.
The Irish climate is something special that affects every aspect of life on the island. It creates the perfect conditions for vegetation, animal life, and lifestyle and culture. But the most important thing to note is that Ireland’s climate creates an atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. It is unique and unrivalled, and this is one of the many reasons why Ireland attracts tourists from all over the world.