Does it Snow in Ireland: The Ultimate Guide to Winter in Ireland

Does it snow in Ireland? This is the question we all want answers to, but the good news is you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re traveling to Ireland in winter, there is a good bit you’ll need to know. From how to pack for the chilly weather to handling driving after it snows in Dublin, we’ve got a lot to go over. So, let’s get started!

Does it Snow in Ireland?

Alright, let’s get right into it. Yes, it does snow in Ireland! It doesn’t occur often and when it does, it typically doesn’t accumulate to much, but it does happen from time to time.

It’s also good to know that while it does snow in some parts of the country, Dublin and the surrounding areas are typically milder and don’t get as much snowfall as other parts of Ireland.

How To Get Around Ireland in December

Public transportation in Ireland, especially during the winter months, can be a bit tricky. Buses and trains may be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather.

I highly recommend renting a car for your trip if you’re able to drive on the left side of the road and have experience with driving a manual vehicle. This will give you more flexibility with your itinerary and allow you to avoid any potential travel delays or cancelations with the public transportation system.

If renting a car is not an option, then make sure to check the bus and train schedules before making any plans and give plenty of time for potential delays. It’s also never a bad idea to have backup transportation options in case your original plan falls through.

And, as always, check the weather before heading out for the day to make sure you can safely make your way around Ireland in December.

So don’t let the winter season deter you from visiting Ireland! It may be cold and potentially snowy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time to visit this beautiful country during one of its less busy seasons!

Snow in Ireland – Winter Road Conditions

However, during the winter months, you may experience some sleet or freezing rain which can make driving conditions tricky so it’s always important to be prepared. Ensure that your rental car is equipped with snow tires or chains and never under any circumstances should you drive through a flooded road.

If the weather does happen to take a turn for the worse during your trip, make sure to keep an eye on road conditions via the AA Roadwatch website and only venture out if it is safe to do so. And, as always, drive slowly and carefully.

Irish drivers aren’t well-known for driving this way, but it’s best to maintain a controllable speed and ensure safety is your top priority.

It may seem like fun to go out road-tripping in Ireland (and it is, trust me, I’ve done it and I can’t recommend it enough!), but the roads can be slick, especially in the winter months, and guardrails aren’t nearly as common as they are in places like North America.

Snow in Ireland – Public Transportation

As for public transportation in Ireland, it does run all year round but can be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather. In Dublin, the LUAS trams and DART trains typically run as scheduled, however, buses may experience delays or cancelations.

Make sure to check the TFI Real Time Ireland app (Transport for Ireland) before heading out for the day and give yourself plenty of time for potential delays.

And while you may experience some snow in Ireland during the winter months, it’s not nearly as common as you may think. Snowfall does occur but typically only a handful of times each year and even then, it doesn’t usually stick around for long.

If your train or bus is delayed due to weather, chances are you’ll be able to depart within 24 hours without a problem.

Things To Do in Ireland in Winter

Need some fun ideas for your winter trip to Ireland? Check out these amazing things to do!

• Go on a pub crawl in Dublin
• Drive the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way
• Take a walk in Glendalough National Park (or any of the mountainous regions)
• Visit the Cliffs of Moher (here are the 9 BEST Tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher)
• Attend an Irish football or hurling match
• Catch a Trad on the Prom show in Galway
• Visit historical sites such as Newgrange or the Rock of Cashel
• Visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
• Take a tour of the Jameson Distillery in Dublin

Winter may not be peak tourism season in Ireland, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to do and see during this time!

Grab a pint at one of Dublin’s famous pubs, explore the stunning landscapes in Kerry or Galway, and don’t miss out on the chance to attend a traditional Irish sport match.

And while it may be cold outside, Ireland has tons of indoor activities as well such as visiting historical sites or even just cozying up with a warm drink at a cozy pub.

The locals aren’t typically as up for taking to the roads in inclement weather, but there’s no doubt that you’ll find them tapping along to a catchy tune in any pub across the country.

Tips for Visiting Ireland in Winter

If I’ve sold you on visiting Ireland this winter, that’s awesome! Just be sure to read the tips below before you jet off to the airport.

☘️ Make sure to pack warm clothes! It can get pretty cold in Ireland during the winter.

☘️ Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. The weather can go from sunny and mild one day to cold and rainy the next.

☘️ Bring a coat, scarf, and gloves!

☘️ Make sure your rental car is equipped with a spare tire (and all the tools you need to put it on), a flashlight, food, water, and a warm blanket. If you get a flat tire or break down on the side of the road, you’ll want to be well prepared. You can always pick up some supplies at Aldi.

☘️ Bring cash for food and small purchases– ATMs aren’t always easy to use when exchanging for foreign currency, so pick up some euros at the airport when you arrive or before you leave from your local bank (though rates will be better once you get to Ireland)

☘️ Ensure that your boots are water-resistant, at the very least. Streets, especially in the cities, don’t have particularly great drainage, so stepping in puddles will be a part of your daily routine.

☘️ If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to plan ahead! Ireland isn’t exactly known for its gluten-free soda bread or vegetarian shepherd’s pie.

Dublin Weather by Winter Month

Now that we’ve gone over where it is most likely to snow in Ireland as well as when, how much, and what winters are like in Ireland, let’s jump into the monthly average weather reports so you know what you’re getting yourself into if you decide to visit in the winter.

If you are planning to visit Dublin, here is what you can expect in terms of weather this winter.

November

Come November, the temperatures have already dropped substantially from the late summer season, and much of the foliage has since passed. The average high temperature is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is about 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

As for precipitation, let’s not forget where we are… Ireland is consistently rainy throughout much of the year, so it’s only natural that there is an average of 24 days of rain throughout one of Dublin’s “drier months”.

November also sees a drop in sunshine hours (going down to about 2 per day owing to the consistent cloudy skies), so it’s probably a good idea to keep moving and treat yourself to a good ol’ Irish coffee whenever you need one!

December

As December rolls around, the temperatures continue to drop with a new average of around 44 degrees Fahrenheit (6-7 degrees Celsius). The chance of precipitation is about the same as that of November, with rainy days equivalenting to around 23 days of the month (yikes!)

Sunshine? Forget about it… you’ll be lucky to see an hour or two at the most. Also, just to be clear, I am discussing actual sunshine at this time. Daylight hours are different, which I’ll discuss more below.

The amount of sunshine you’ll receive is only an hour or two, whereas daylight hours are far higher and are based on sunrise and sunset times.

But, this is also a great time to pick up some unique Irish souvenirs since so many stores and shops in Dublin have winter sales and specialty products on display for the holidays!

January

January is the coldest month in Dublin, with average temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (around 2-5 degrees Celsius). It’s also still quite rainy, with an average of 24 days of precipitation for each month. And don’t expect too much sunshine either… you’ll see about 1-2 hours a day.

By now you’re probably thinking, “why would any of this want to make me visit Ireland in winter?” and you definitely have a good point… but don’t worry! I cover all of that at the end of this post.

February

Ah, February in Dublin, Ireland. It’s brutally cold (temperatures averaging 40 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s windy, and it’s usually precipitating freezing rain (slush, I mean slush… not snow). Not exactly the time for a day trip up to the Giant’s Causeway!

Instead, you’ll find dozens of locals gathering in the cozy pubs lining the Temple Bar district and every cobblestone street around the city.

Do your part, grab a pint and start dancing to the local bands that own a seat in most of these pubs all over the city as the sun starts to go down (but be careful, it’s far too easy to start watching the sun come up while you’re still dancing!)

Ireland Weather by Winter Month

Now that we’ve tackled the city of Dublin, let’s jump into what you can expect in Ireland, on average, each month of the winter season.

It’s a running joke in Ireland that pretty much anywhere you go it’s possible to experience all four seasons in one day, and having been there myself, I can honestly say they aren’t wrong.

November

Temperatures are going to remain relatively consistent throughout the country except for when you’re in the mountains like we previously discussed.

November has an average of around 44 degrees Fahrenheit and is on the “drier” side when it comes to how much precipitation the country receives. You’ll also usually get an extra couple of hours of sunlight, so it’s best to take advantage of outside time as much as possible during this time of the year.

Don’t let that fool you though! The winter weather may not have quite set in yet, but it’s just around the corner.

December

Winter is officially here! Average temperatures have dropped into the low 40s and stay there rather consistently, sunshine hours are dwindling to around two or three per day (at a maximum), and cold rain is kind of a constant at this point in the year.

It’s best to get yourself optimistic and excited for the winter holidays since most tours have shut down for the year, and most locals are getting ready to enjoy their cozy indoor time at the local pubs.

Needless to say, it’s going to be wet, windy, and cold, so an enthusiastic outlook is going to be essential if you are to have a fun winter trip to Ireland!

January

We’re about halfway through winter and things, well… aren’t quite looking up just yet. Temperatures have dropped into the high-30s Fahrenheit and sunshine hours are near zero at this point.

☘️ Pro Tip: If you’re a photographer, this is the best time to visit Ireland. You can still find incredibly beautiful places to visit all over the country that I can almost guarantee won’t have anyone else there (think the Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey, etc.) where you’ll be able to score amazing, dramatic photographs without boatloads of tourists. Plus, you won’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn to do it!

February

We can see the light at the end of the tunnel! No… literally. Sunshine hours are starting to make a reappearance in the middle of the day, but temperatures remain consistent with January.

It’s still cold, wet, and windy, but March is right around the corner which brings in warmer weather, more sunshine, and the beginning of Ireland’s beautiful spring season.

☘️ Pro Tip: Between March and May is the best time to visit Ireland if you want to photograph the new grass springing up and excited sheep grazing everywhere you look!

Daylight Hours in Ireland

Of course this varies by month, but since we’re on a winter theme here we’ll stick with that. Here is a quick breakdown of how much daylight you can expect in Ireland on a monthly basis according to World Data.

As you can see, December has the lowest number of daylight hours whereas February has the highest. The closer you get to spring, the higher number of daylight hours you typically have!

November

Sunrise: 7:48AM

Sunset: 4:31PM

This equates to 8 hours and 43 minutes of daylight, on average, in November in Ireland.

December

Sunrise: 8:31AM

Sunset: 4:08PM

This equates to 7 hours and 37 minutes of daylight, on average, in November in Ireland.

January

Sunrise: 8:29AM

Sunset: 4:38PM

This equates to 8 hours and 9 minutes of daylight, on average, in November in Ireland.

February

Sunrise: 7:40AM

Sunset: 5:37PM

This equates to 9 hours and 56 minutes of daylight, on average, in November in Ireland.

FAQ

Does All of Ireland Get Snow?

It’s actually the opposite… most of Ireland does not get snow except for the rare occasion. But, one place in Ireland where you can almost guarantee to see snow each winter season is the Wicklow Mountains National Park which is just over an hour’s drive south of Dublin (making it the perfect day trip from Dublin if you want to see some snow!)

With Lugnaquilla Mountain hitting a peak of over 3,000 feet, it’s actually unusual to not see snow here in the winter months.

While most of Ireland receives rainy or slushy weather in the winter due to the above-freezing temperatures, the Wicklow Mountains are high enough in elevation to receive snow owing to the colder climate.

As for the rest of Ireland, snow does fall sporadically throughout the country but it’s not a guarantee in any particular region.

Does It Snow in Dublin, Ireland?

While snow does occasionally fall in Dublin, it’s not a frequent occurrence. Dublin has an oceanic climate due to its location directly over the Atlantic Ocean, so the majority of precipitation that falls here reaches the city as rain or a slushy mixture on those days teetering the line just above freezing temperatures.

In fact, it’s on an exceedingly rare occasion for there to be enough accumulation to actually go cross-country skiing or build a snowman in Dublin.

The last time it snowed enough near Dublin to build a snowman was about 12 years ago when a massive cold front swept its way through the city. You can read all about it in the Irish Times!

Does It Snow in Dublin in December?

There is no guarantee that it will snow in Dublin during the month of December, but statistically speaking it does have a higher chance than in other months.

The average temperature in Dublin during December hovers around 44 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius), which often results in snow mixed with rain or just chilly rain showers.

But, while this is the primary outcome of December precipitation in Dublin, there is a higher chance of snowfall in December. But again, it’s not a guarantee and almost definitely won’t be enough to partake in winter sports or build a snowman.

How Often Does it Snow in Dublin, Ireland?

The answer to this question really varies year by year as there is no set pattern for how often it does snow in Dublin. Some years the city may receive little to no snowfall at all, and some years the city could receive up to a week’s worth of days where it snows.

On average, snowfall in Dublin occurs only a few times at the most per winter season, with the accumulation rarely adding up to more than an inch or two.

But even with these rare occurrences, the city does have a fleet of snow plows and salt trucks ready to handle any icy conditions. So while it’s not a guarantee, be prepared for the possibility of snow in Dublin during the winter months.

Does It Snow in Galway?

Just like in Dublin, snow does fall occasionally in Galway, but it’s not a frequent occurrence. The city of Galway also has a maritime climate, so most of the precipitation that falls here is very similar to that of Dublin where you’ll mainly receive rain or a slushy mixture.

Galway does have higher elevations in its surrounding areas, such as the Twelve Bens mountain range which is about an hour northwest of Galway, which does receive snow snows far more regularly owing to the high mountain peaks.

But in the city center and coastal regions of Galway, expect rain or slush instead of snow during the winter months.

Does It Snow in Cork, Ireland?

Snow does fall occasionally in Cork as well, but just like Galway and Dublin, it’s not likely to happen during your visit. The city of Cork has similar temperatures to Dublin with averages ranging in the mid 40’s Fahrenheit (around 4 degrees Celsius), so don’t hold your breath waiting for snow.

If you’re hoping for a winter wonderland, check out these 73 Best Places to Visit in Europe in January!

If you do plan on visiting Cork (particularly for the iconic Blarney Castle), be sure to take a peek at the 16 Best Places to Stay in Cork Ireland before you go.

Does it Snow in Southern Ireland?

Yes, it does snow in southern Ireland, but only on the rarest of occasions.

The majority of snowfall that Ireland sees occurs in the mountains and higher elevations of the country, so if you’re hoping to see snow during your winter visit to Ireland, you may want to plan a trip to one of its mountainous regions.

How Common is Snow in Ireland?

It depends on where you are. If you’re in a city like Cork, Galway, or Dublin, it’s not very common to see snow during the winter months. It’s actually quite rare.

But if you’re in one of Ireland’s mountainous regions, such as the Wicklow Mountains, Twelve Bens in Connemara National Park, or even Killarney National Park, it does snow more frequently.

When Does it Snow in Ireland?

Snow does fall occasionally during the winter months, usually between December and March, but there is no set pattern for when exactly it does snow.

In fact, some winters may go by with little to no snowfall at all in the cities, while other winters could see several days of snowfall.

How Much Snow Does Ireland Get?

It really depends on where you are in the country. The cities of Cork, Galway, and Dublin typically receive an inch or two of snow at the most during the winter season.

But Ireland’s mountainous regions can see up to a couple of feet of snowfall during the winter months, making them popular destinations for snowshoeing and other winter sports.

How Often Does it Snow in Ireland?

Typically between 1-3 days during the winter season in the cities, but it can snow in Ireland for upwards of 50 days in the mountainous regions on a good year!

Does it Snow in Ireland at Christmas?

With Christmas being in December, there is a chance that you’ll see snow in Ireland at Christmas.

However, if you are planning on spending the majority of your time near Dublin on a short stopover on your way to the best places in Europe to spend New Years, then it’s exceedingly rare that you’ll see snow.

But, if you’re visiting Ireland for at least 10 days, you’ll have plenty of time to venture out into the more mountainous regions to get a taste of snow in Ireland!

Where is Least Likely to Get Snow in Ireland?

The cities and coastal regions are the least likely places to receive snow in Ireland. For example, there’s a very small chance that you’ll pop into the Cliffs of Moher or be wandering around your Dingle accommodation and see snow.

The same goes for County Donegal on Ireland’s northwestern coastline even though it gets mighty cold up there.

Where is Most Likely to Get Snow in Ireland?

The mountains are the most likely to get snow in Ireland! If you’re looking for a snowy getaway this winter season, you aren’t going to find it in Limerick. You need to hop on a train or in your car and make a swift getaway to Ireland’s elevated landscapes to see snow.

The higher the mountains, the higher the chance of snow. So, check out Mt. Carrauntoohil at 3,406 feet (the highest mountain in Ireland), Mt. Beenkeragh at 3,308 feet, or Mt. Caher at 3,281 feet which are all found within the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks range just west of Killarney National Park.

There are plenty of other mountains that you could see snow at, as well, but these are the top three highest in Ireland offer the best chance of seeing snow.

How Long Does the Snow Last in Ireland?

The snow does not typically stick around for very long in the cities and coastal regions on the rare occurrence that any snow does fall and actually happens to stick.

In Dublin, for example, if a couple of inches were to fall, they would likely only last between 24-72 hours since temperatures average in the mid-40s Fahrenheit.

This isn’t cold enough to keep snow from melting, so it’s pretty normal to watch the snow melt within a day or so. But, snow does have the potential to stick around for a few days or even longer in the mountains during colder spells.

Why does Ireland Rarely get Snow?

Ireland’s location on the Atlantic Ocean means it does experience milder temperatures throughout the year compared to other parts of Europe, so snowfall does tend to be less frequent.

That’s not to say that it never snows in Ireland, it just means that precipitation is primarily going to fall in the form of icy rain or sleet.

When the temperatures do drop to freezing or below, snow in Ireland is absolutely possible, it’s just that the temperatures don’t drop to below freezing very often.

Does it Hail in Ireland?

Yes, hail does occasionally fall in Ireland during the spring and summer months, but it can fall at any time of the year.

You can keep an eye out for weather warnings during your travel dates, but don’t worry about it too much as it isn’t very common.

How Cold are Winters in Ireland?

When it comes to Ireland in the winter, it’s important to remember that it does get cold. It is an island country, after all. But, it doesn’t normally get extremely cold like other regions in Europe or North America.

On average, the temperatures range from the high-30s Fahrenheit to the upper 40s during the winter season with some days being colder and others being milder. It does tend to stay fairly rainy throughout the winter months as well.

What are Winters like in Ireland?

Wet, cloudy, and cold. It’s the unfortunate reality of visiting Ireland in the winter months, but many people say, myself included, it can actually be one of the best times of the year to visit!

If you don’t mind inclement weather, then you can score amazing deals on flights and accommodations, and get a front-row seat at a Trad on the Prom show in Galway if you so please.

When was Ireland’s Biggest Snowfall?

According to the Irish Post, the “Big Snow” occurred in 1947 when endless snowfall took place for weeks at a time between January and March.

Snow drifts reached heights of up to 15 feet on the roads and the frigid temperatures were so relentless that it is believed that around 600 people lost their lives due to this neverending snowstorm.

Similarly, in 1963, Ireland experienced some of the coldest temperatures in its history after a Scandinavian cold front swept down from the north and blundered Ireland with consistent snow and dwindling temperatures.

Will it Snow in Ireland in 2026?

There is no predicting whether or not it will snow in Ireland in 2026, but there is always a chance.

It’s actually more likely to snow in January or February of 2026 since these two months are Ireland’s coldest months offering the lowest temperatures for the year, on average.

Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Ireland?

In my opinion (and I know I’m not alone), winter is absolutely a good time to visit Ireland! Not only is it the best time to grab cheap flights from practically anywhere in the world, but you can also find insanely beautiful bed and breakfasts at half the price of their summer rates.

If you’re looking to visit Ireland on a budget (yes, Ireland is quite expensive, unfortunately), then the off-season is the best time to go.

Plus, it doesn’t matter whether you celebrate Christmas or not, Ireland has some gorgeous holiday festivals that truly rival those of Munich, Germany!

Belfast, Cork, Kilkenny, and Galway all host spectacular events year after year with food stalls, beer stations, ice skating rinks, traditional music, carnival rides, and more. They’re perfect for everyone from couples to families, and even solo travelers!

Or, if you would prefer to escape the chaos of city life for a bit, then what better place to do it than in the Irish countryside? The Irish know how to do it up right when it comes to cozy waterfront cottages, hot Irish coffee with whiskey and Irish cream liquor, and traditional folk music.

You can capture incredible photographs of otherwise overcrowded tourist destinations, avoid the overbearing tourist season altogether, and even make time to chat with the locals which is often undoable during the busy peak season months.

Winter is a great time to visit Ireland for a boatload of reasons, and now that you know that it does snow in Ireland on occasion, perhaps it’s the perfect match for your travel preferences!

Is It Worth Visiting Ireland in Winter?

It is 100% worth visiting Ireland in winter! Not just for all of the reasons I previously mentioned, but also because it’s totally off-the-beaten path. Everyone you know might be researching the 25 Best Places in Europe for New Years Celebrations or why Lagos, Portugal in December sounds like the ultimate warm-weather vacation.

But, I can practically guarantee you that you’ll be one of the few people aiming to visit Ireland in the winter. In fact, most tourists tend to avoid Ireland outside of May through September.

if you’re looking to get a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience in Europe, then visiting Ireland in winter should be considered at the very least.

What Should I Pack for Ireland in Winter?

I also have a complete Ultimate Ireland Packing List, which has an entire section on what to pack for Ireland in winter if you would like a more detailed rundown than the list below.

Depending on how long you’ll be visiting for, here is everything that you should pack (this is a one-week packing list, so you may need more or less depending on how long you’re going for, if your accommodations have laundry facilities, etc.)

• 5-7 pairs of underwear
• 5-7 pairs of socks (3 of them being tall and extra warm)
• 1-2 bras
• 1 sports bra
• 2-3 pairs of pants
• 2-3 long sleeve shirts
• 1-2 sweaters
• 1 zip-up fleece or 1 hooded sweatshirt
• 1 winter jacket
• 1 warm scarf
• 1 pair of gloves (preferably touch screen sensitive)
• 1 winter hat
• A day backpack
• A reusable water bottle with a filter
• 1 pair of sunglasses or tinted eyeglasses
• A pair of warm, water-resistant boots (your feet will thank you)

I also have an entire winter packing list for Europe! Just fill out the form below and I’ll send my free downloadable PDF directly to your inbox!