Northern Ireland

Climate in Northern Ireland

Ireland has a temperate oceanic climate, with weather that is generally mild, wet and changeable. Northern Ireland enjoys warm summers and mild winters, warmed up all year by the North Atlantic Current. Extreme heat and extreme cold are both rare. Inland areas tend to be colder in winter and warmer in summer than the coast. Northern Ireland is cloudier and cooler than England on average, because of the hilly nature of the terrain and the proximity to the Atlantic. July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging around 64ºF (18ºC). The highest temperatures occur inland and rainfall is more frequent in the mountains of Sperrin, Antrim, and Mourne, as is snow. Rain is possible at any time of year, with December and January being the wettest months.

Most travellers visit Northern Ireland between May and September, when it is warmest. The summer months of June to August are the most popular. Winter, between November and February, is generally avoided because it is the wettest as well as the coldest time of year. Late spring and early autumn - May and September - are good times to visit for those travelling on a budget as the weather is still pleasant but prices tend to drop outside of the peak season.