Ireland is known for its cool, rainy climate, with mild temperatures year-round. Many visitors wonder, does it snow in Ireland? The answer is yes, Ireland does get snow, though usually not very much. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Irish winters and examine just how much snow Ireland typically receives.
Climate in Ireland
Ireland has a temperate oceanic climate, which is characterized by mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, and a lack of temperature extremes. The climate is influenced by the country’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of the Gulf Stream.
- Winters: Winters in Ireland are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 4 to 7 degrees Celsius (39 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below freezing, especially in the north and west of the country.
- Summers: Summers in Ireland are warm, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it is important to note that the weather in Ireland can be changeable, and it is not uncommon to experience rain or wind at any time of year.
- Rainfall: Ireland receives an average of 120 days of rain per year, with the wettest months being October and November. The driest months are April and May.
- Wind: The prevailing wind in Ireland blows from the southwest, and can be strong at times, especially along the coast.
Overall, the climate in Ireland is mild and changeable. It is a great place to visit any time of year, but be sure to pack your rain gear!
Here is a table of the average monthly temperatures and rainfall in Dublin, Ireland:
| Month | Temperature (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 80 |
| February | 5 | 70 |
| March | 7 | 60 |
| April | 10 | 50 |
| May | 13 | 40 |
| June | 16 | 30 |
| July | 17 | 20 |
| August | 17 | 20 |
| September | 15 | 15 |
| October | 12 | 100 |
| November | 9 | 110 |
| December | 6 | 90 |
Does it Snow in Ireland?
Ireland’s climate is classified as temperate oceanic. This means winters are cool and wet rather than bitterly cold. Heavy snowfalls are rare across most of the country. However, light snow is not uncommon, especially in inland areas and at higher elevations.
The west coast of Ireland, warmed by the Gulf Stream, sees the least snow. Cities like Galway and Cork might only get a dusting of snow once every few years. Inland areas and the east coast are somewhat colder in winter and thus more likely to see light snowfalls.
Dublin gets light snow an average of 5-6 days per winter season. The snow depth usually remains under 2 inches (5 cm) and melts fairly quickly. Heavier snows of 4+ inches (10+ cm) happen approximately once per decade in the capital.
The highest elevations get the most snow. Mountains like Carrauntoohil in County Kerry or Slieve Donard in County Down may see snowfalls over 12 inches (30 cm) in harsher winters. The upper elevations in Wicklow, southern Donegal, and other mountainous areas also tend to get more snow.
Does All of Ireland get Snow?
No, not all of Ireland gets snow. The amount of snow that falls in Ireland varies depending on the region. The mountainous areas in the west and north of the country tend to get more snow than the rest of the country. The capital city, Dublin, rarely gets snow, and when it does, it usually melts within a day or two.
The average annual snowfall in Ireland is about 30 centimeters (12 inches). However, there have been years when the country has received much more snow, such as in 2010, when there was a record-breaking snowfall of 80 centimeters (31 inches) in some areas.
The snowiest month in Ireland is January, followed by February and December. The snowiest day on record in Ireland was on February 11, 2018, when there was a snowfall of 58 centimeters (23 inches) in the town of Clifden, County Galway.
If you are planning to visit Ireland during the winter months, it is a good idea to check the weather forecast before you go. You may also want to pack warm clothes and snowshoes, just in case.
When Does It Snow in Ireland?
Snow does fall in Ireland, but it is not a common occurrence. The months in which snow is most likely to fall are December, January, and February. However, snow has been reported in Ireland as early as November and as late as April.
The amount of snow that falls in Ireland varies from year to year and from region to region. In general, the higher the elevation, the more likely it is to snow. The mountainous regions of Ireland, such as the Wicklow Mountains and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, are more likely to see snow than the coastal regions.
Even when it does snow in Ireland, it rarely accumulates to a significant depth. The snow usually melts within a few days. However, there have been some notable snowstorms in Ireland, such as the “Blizzard of ’82” and the “Snowstorm of 2010”. These snowstorms caused widespread disruption and damage.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of when it snows in Ireland:
- January and February: These are the months in which snow is most frequent in Ireland. The average temperature in Ireland during these months is around 40°F (4°C), and it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below freezing. Snowfall is most likely to occur in the northern and western parts of Ireland, where the mountains are higher and the temperatures are colder.
- December: December is also a month in which snow can occur in Ireland, but the chances are not as high as in January or February. The average temperature in Ireland during December is around 44°F (6°C), so it is more likely to rain than snow. However, there is always a chance of snow, especially in the north and west of the country.
- November and March: Snow is also possible in November and March, but it is less likely than in January, February, or December. The average temperatures in these months are around 47°F (8°C) and 49°F (9°C), respectively, so it is more likely to rain than snow. However, if the weather is cold enough, snow can occur in any month of the year.
It is important to note that the chances of snow in Ireland vary from year to year. Some years, there may be no snow at all, while other years there may be several snowfalls. The amount of snow that falls also varies from year to year. In some years, the snow may only last for a few hours, while in other years it may stay on the ground for days or even weeks.
The snowiest part of Ireland is the Wicklow Mountains, which can receive up to 50 days of snow per year. Other areas that are likely to get snow include the Northern Mountains, the Donegal Highlands, and the Kerry Mountains.
If you are planning a trip to Ireland during the winter months, it is a good idea to be prepared for the possibility of snow. Pack warm clothes and boots, and be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
Does it Snow in Dublin, Ireland?
Yes, it does snow in Dublin, Ireland, but it is not a common occurrence. The average number of days with snow in Dublin is 16, and the average snowfall is 1 inch. The most snow Dublin has ever received in one day was 10 inches, in 1982. Snow usually falls in Dublin during the winter months, from December to February. However, it is possible for it to snow in other months as well.
The reason why it doesn’t snow very often in Dublin is because it has a mild oceanic climate. The Atlantic Ocean moderates the temperature, so it doesn’t get as cold as other places at the same latitude. Additionally, Dublin is located on the east coast of Ireland, which is sheltered from the prevailing winds. This means that the snow that does fall in Dublin is usually light and doesn’t stay on the ground for very long.
If you are planning to visit Dublin in the winter, it is a good idea to pack warm clothes and be prepared for the possibility of snow. However, don’t expect to see a lot of snow, and don’t be surprised if it rains instead.
Does it Snow in Southern Ireland?
Yes, it does snow in Southern Ireland, but it is relatively rare compared to other parts of the country. The climate in Ireland is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, which help to moderate temperatures throughout the year.
Southern Ireland, also known as Munster, includes counties such as Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford. These areas typically experience milder winters than other parts of the country due to their proximity to the sea and the Gulf Stream.
However, when cold weather systems do move through the region, they can bring snowfall. This usually occurs during the winter months, from December to February, and tends to be more common in higher elevations such as the mountains of Kerry and Tipperary.
In recent years, there have been a few significant snow events in Southern Ireland, causing some travel disruptions and school closures. In March 2018, a severe storm brought heavy snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures across much of the country, including the south. However, such extreme weather events are not the norm in this region.
Overall, while it is possible for Southern Ireland to receive snowfall, it is not a regular occurrence and tends to be less severe than in other parts of the country. Visitors to the region during the winter months should still be prepared for colder temperatures and the possibility of icy roads or transport disruptions.
How Much Snow Does Ireland Get?
To give some perspective on typical Irish snowfall, here are the average seasonal snow totals for a few Irish cities:
- Dublin – 2 inches (5 cm)
- Cork – 1 inch (3 cm)
- Galway – Trace amounts
- Belfast – 4 inches (10 cm)
- Sligo – 3 inches (8 cm)
As you can see, no part of Ireland averages heavy snowfall. The most snowfall in a season usually ranges from 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) and is confined to higher elevations in the east and north. By comparison, cities in the snowy northeastern United States may get 50 inches (127 cm) or more per winter.
While uncommon, there have been exceptions with extreme snowstorms dumping over a foot (30 cm) of snow across Ireland, such as in 1982, 2010, and 2018. But these blockbuster snow events are the exception rather than the norm.
What is Winter Like in Ireland?
Though heavy snow is unusual, Irish winters have their fair share of cold rain, raw winds, and overcast skies. Frost and freeze events are common as temperatures dip to around the freezing mark.
December and January are typically the coldest months, with average highs in the low 40s Fahrenheit (5-8°C) and average lows in the low-mid 30s Fahrenheit (1-3°C). The winter solstice brings short days, with sunrise around 8:30 am and sunset as early as 4:15 pm.
Precipitation comes year-round, though winter is often the wettest season. Ireland gets an average of 4-6 rainy days per week in winter. Snow may mix in with rain, but snow rarely sticks around for more than a few days at lower elevations.
The famed Irish greenery fades to shades of brown and grey in winter. Trees are bare and the landscape appears harsher, especially on gloomy overcast days. Yet there is beauty to be found in windswept beaches, waves crashing on rocky cliffs, and cozy pubs glowing warmly against the elements.
Though winter may feel dreary at times, life continues on. There are still festivals and events, football matches, and weekends at the pub. Irish culture embraces both the light and dark sides of its climate.
Does Ireland Get More Snow Due to Climate Change?
Climate change has brought shifting weather patterns across Europe and the rest of the world. Ireland has seen an increase in winter storm activity over the past decades. Intense storms may become more likely to produce snowfalls on the larger end of the scale for Ireland.
However, overall snowfall averages have not increased dramatically. Part of this may be due to Ireland’s temperate maritime climate. Even as winters cool slightly, temperatures often remain near the point of freezing rather than dipping far below it.
Strong shifts toward colder winters with heavier snow would require major changes in the ocean currents that warm Ireland, such as the Gulf Stream weakening. While possible long-term, this does not appear to be occurring yet.
So in summary – Ireland will likely continue to see a mix of rainy, breezy winters with cold snaps and some light snow. An occasional snowstorm may dump larger amounts, though heavy prolonged snow remains rare. Ireland’s relatively mild winters appear to be holding steady, for now at least.
If you’re planning for a winter wonderland, check out how to Plan a European Trip in 2023
Does it Snow in Ireland? – FAQs
Q: Does it Snow in Galway?
Yes, it snows in Galway, Ireland, but it is rare. The average January temperature in Galway is 6.8 °C (40.6 °F), which is cold enough for snow to fall. However, the city is located on the west coast of Ireland, which means that it is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean moderates the climate, making Galway’s winters milder than inland areas of Ireland.
On average, there are 1 snowy days in Galway in December. The most snow that has ever fallen in Galway in one day is 12 inches (30 cm). Snowfall is usually heaviest in the mountains and hills surrounding Galway.
Q: Does it Snow in Cork, Ireland?
Yes, it does snow in Cork, Ireland, although it is not a very common occurrence. The climate of Cork is classified as a temperate oceanic climate, which means that winters are mild and summers are cool. This type of climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, which helps to moderate temperatures throughout the year.
In general, Cork experiences more rainfall than snowfall, with an average annual precipitation of around 1,200 millimeters. However, there are occasional winter storms that bring snow and ice to the city, particularly in the higher elevations. The coldest months in Cork are typically December through February, with average low temperatures ranging from 4-6°C (39-43°F).
While snow is not a regular occurrence in Cork, it can cause disruptions to daily life when it does occur. Like most areas that don’t experience frequent snow, the city may not be fully equipped to handle heavy snowfall, which can lead to transportation delays and school cancellations. It’s always a good idea to check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out during periods of snow and ice.
Q: Does it snow in ireland in december?
The answer to the question “Does it snow in Ireland in December?” is yes, but it is not guaranteed. The average temperature in Ireland in December is 5°C (41°F), and the average snowfall is 2-3 days. However, there have been years when there has been no snow in December, and there have been years when there has been more than 2-3 days of snow. The amount of snow that falls in Ireland in December depends on a number of factors, including the location, the elevation, and the prevailing weather patterns.
Conclusion
While not considered a very snowy country, Ireland does indeed get occasional snowfall, especially in the east and north. Most years see light dustings mainly confined to higher ground. The snow tends to melt fairly quickly at lower elevations.
A few times a decade, Ireland will see snowstorms drop enough snow to coat the landscape white even along the coasts. But these heavy snows of over 4 inches (10 cm) are the exception. Seasonal snowfall totals above a foot (30 cm) are very rare outside the higher mountains.
So if visiting Ireland in winter, be prepared for typical winter weather but not necessarily mounds of snow. Pack waterproof shoes, warm layers, and rain gear. And be ready to experience the beauty of Ireland in all kinds of weather!
Ireland is known for its cool, rainy climate, with mild temperatures year-round. Many visitors wonder, does it snow in Ireland? The answer is yes, Ireland does get snow, though usually not very much. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Irish winters and examine just how much snow Ireland typically receives.
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Hi, I’m Kemp Alexander and I’m an adventurous travel blogger. I’m a passionate explorer who loves discovering new cultures, experiencing unique customs, and capturing my journeys through stories. Whether it’s trekking through the mountains of Thailand or eating local delicacies in South America, every journey is an opportunity to uncover something new. I’m a vibrant traveler with a knack for capturing the beauty of each destination in all forms: visually, mentally, emotionally. Through my blog I take readers on unforgettable trips to far-off places around the world while providing helpful insight for their own journeys. Follow me on my incredible adventures!