When is the best time to visit Southern Ireland?
The southern part of Ireland is extremely beautiful in every season (so you can't really go wrong) but figuring out the best time to visit this spectacular part of Europe largely depends on what kind of holiday you want to have. Similar to its Northern counterpart, this extraordinary region is full of breathtaking landscapes and quaint villages all waiting to be explored from traipsing along the rugged Ring of Kerry to settling down for a pint or two in one of Cork's historic pubs. By knowing exactly what to expect from each season you can maximise your trip and make sure it's an unforgettable one.
Winter in Southern Ireland
Best for: exploring cities, visiting breweries, castle hopping
If you're looking to fully escape the crowds in Southern Ireland then travelling during the months of December, January, and February is the way to go but you will have to deal with the unpredictable and relatively bad weather, as well as the increased chance of snowfall and shorter days. If all of this doesn't bother you then there are still plenty of memorable experiences to be had in Southern Ireland during winter. While you might find yourself reluctant to head outside (and in 4°C weather we can't really blame you), now's a good time to explore this region's ancient cities and their iconic attractions such as the Blarney Castle in Cork.
If you want to brave the cold, journeying through national parks or making your way to the coast will also promise a peaceful, albeit often wet, adventure as the landscapes remain largely free of fellow travellers. This allows you to connect with the special places you visit and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this stunning region.
Spring in Southern Ireland
Best for: multi-day walks, exploring beaches and seaside towns, waterfall chasing
The month of May is often considered to be the best time to visit Southern Ireland as you can escape the peak crowds of summer but the weather hasn't reached its winter lows yet. With spring well and truly underway, you'll be treated to lush landscapes and countrysides bursting with wildflowers in full bloom. While you do need to be prepared for a sometimes unexpected light shower (always carry an umbrella with you), May offers generally great weather with sunny days and temperatures averaging around 11°C.
If you can't make it to Southern Ireland in May, the months of March and April also present a fairly good time to travel but be wary of larger crowds in popular destinations and lingering peak season accommodation prices.
Summer in Southern Ireland
Best for: walking through Killarney National Park, exploring the Ring of Kerry, soaking up the sun on various beaches
While you might have to fight for tourist-free photos of iconic landscapes or charming cities, summer is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors in Southern Ireland. With temperatures averaging around 15°C and rainfall only expected once or twice in each month, heading outside should be high on your priority list. Whether you want to visit Blarney Castle to make a wish while walking backwards up the Wishing Steps or kiss the famous Blarney Stone, wander a local market to pick up some fresh produce for a tasty and stomach-filling picnic, or head out on a day trip to Killarney National Park and stumble across the cascading Torc Waterfall that's guaranteed to not only take your breath away but also take up all of the available space in your camera roll, you can't deny that summer and Southern Ireland go hand in hand.
Autumn in Southern Ireland
Best for: hiking, trying local cuisine, autumnal festivals
While travelling to Southern Ireland in September might see some lingering crowds at popular destinations, planning your holiday for either October or November will ensure you have national parks and famous attractions largely to yourself. Like in Spring, Southern Ireland's landscapes really come to life in Autumn with vibrant reds, oranges, and browns littering the countryside. It can rain quite a lot during Autumn so pack your umbrella, a waterproof coat, and a pair of wellies to maximise the time you spend outside. This is another great season for combining outdoor adventures such as autumnal festivals with indoor ones so plan plenty of pub days and make heaps of restaurant reservations so you can both feel Ireland's welcoming hospitality and munch on some pretty delectable local dishes.
Average temperatures in Southern Ireland
MONTH |
AVERAGE HIGH |
AVERAGE LOW |
March to May |
11°C |
6°C |
June to August |
16°C |
10°C |
September to November |
13°C |
9°C |
December to February |
8°C |
4°C |
Read more about what to do in Southern Ireland
Click to return to Southern Ireland FAQs
Read more about Europe
Jan 28, 2018
5 budget destinations in Europe you...
The art to exploring Europe on a budget comes down to choosing the right...
Dec 09, 2022
Slice of life: this Austrian café...
A very special café in Vienna is bridging the gap between generations, one cake at...
Jun 05, 2019
How to spend the perfect day in Minsk...
Explore one of Eastern Europe’s most underrated cities with this definitive 24...
Mar 15, 2018
6 local experiences to help you learn...
Being able to communicate a little more than the basics when visiting somewhere...
Sep 05, 2019
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
From witnessing Bolivia's salt flats, to staring in wonder at the cherry blossoms...
Dec 14, 2021
5 of the best walks in Europe – The...
For anyone seeking a truly rewarding holiday, the Great Walks of Europe offer a...
Sep 02, 2022
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
Whether you’ve always wanted to get off the beaten track in Romania, watch the...
Dec 31, 2022
23 new travel experiences for 2023
It’s a new year, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for another adventure!
Dec 07, 2022
Mountains and minarets: a sustainable...
This year, we’re encouraging travellers to find fresh experiences in lesser-known...
Aug 13, 2022
What to expect on your visit to...
You begin at Auschwitz where so many prisoners once did, beneath the rusted metal...
Apr 12, 2022
Prague in 48 hours: plan your visit
Some cities are so ornamental, so historic and beautiful, that it’s hard to look...
Mar 25, 2022
Czech it: Exploring the creepy side...
A haunting clock, a church made of bones, and a rendez vous with the Green Fairy?...
Oct 23, 2022
England or Wales? The UK destination...
Choosing where to holiday next is tough these days...
Apr 10, 2022
Where to celebrate Pride in Europe 2023
Get ready for parades, parties and a whole lot of pizzazz.
Sep 06, 2022
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
From rum tasting in Cuba, to gondola riding along Venice’s many canals. Here's...
Sep 04, 2022
The top 10 destinations to travel in...
We're looking at where to travel in May, a balmy, sunshine-in-a-bowl sort of month...
Jul 26, 2022
What is Greece known for? A deep dive...
Greece is known for many things including the invention of democracy, mythology...
Aug 23, 2020
The top 10 destinations for travel in...
Europeans, here are our recommendations for your close-to-home adventures this...
Jul 01, 2021
Our guide to the best Christmas...
Many would agree that it’s the most magical time to be in Europe...
May 15, 2022
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
From hiking in US national parks to going on safari in South Africa, here's your...
Aug 31, 2022
Navigating the Western Balkans as a...
The Balkans is a beautiful – but complicated – part of the world. Blogger Chantel...
Mar 01, 2022
10 reasons why you should visit the...
Remote, wild and insanely beautiful. Find out why you should add the Faroe Islands...
Aug 26, 2022
Ahmed has travelled on over 30...
Intrepid traveller Ahmed El Sherif has been on 32 Intrepid trips – yep, 32! – with...