Summer temperatures generally ranging from 60F/15C to 70F/20C.
Spring and Autumn temperatures are generally 50F/10C and
Winter temperatures are between 40F/5C and 46F/8C.
Coldest months: January and February with average temperatures of 40 degrees F
Warmest months: July and August with mean temperatures of 59 degrees F
Sunniest months: May and June, averaging five to seven hours of sunshine per day.
Average annual rainfall:
- 800-1200mm (31 to 47 inches) in low lying areas
- 750mm (30 inches) in some Eastern areas
- 1500mm (59 inches) in parts of the west
- 2000 mm (79 inches) or more In mountainous areas
It is a good idea to take layers of clothing with you each day and to change whenever the temperature does. As a general rule, always take rain gear with you and remember that the higher you go, the cooler it gets.
Traditionally the peak season for visiting Ireland is in July and August, but don't be put off coming to Ireland earlier or later in the year, as the weather can be just as good if not better. The chances are that over a week or so in Ireland the weather will be varied, with some good and some not so good days, no matter what the time of the year. Another point to remember is that while it does rain in Ireland, it is not as bad as some people make out - it is quite often "soft rain".
January & February. These months feel traditionally cold and unpleasant. Due to the gulf stream, it never really freezes and snow is very, very rare. If there is a high pressure the days can be sunny and wonderfully clear. However the days are still very short in these months so they aren't the best for a cycling holiday even if the weather is okay.
March and April. The days are getting longer, and especially April counts as one month with least precipitation (believe it or not), especially around Easters there seems to be always a nice spell with sun-shine. But it can potentially be still quite grim, and temperatures do still feel quite cold. Nature however awakes with brilliant yellow gorse bushes everywhere.
In May there can be some excellent spells of spring sunshine. There is considerable range in the conditions in this month, it can even be variable on a daily basis - you may experience rain, hail and sunshine all in the same day - which can add interest to the scenery and your cycle. There is usually a good spell of high pressure in May, which lasts a week or so and brings sunny & warm weather to the whole country, and guests have been known to go away with sun-burns.
June is traditionally together with May and September one of the best month to visit Ireland for weather - and the month when the days are longest - with the sun setting as late as 23.00. As the days are long, and if there is some settled weather it can get hot inland, but along the coast there tends to be a constant sea-breeze cooling you down. The sun can burn too - sun cream and sunglasses are strongly advised. (This applies from April onwards). Late May, start of June sees the wild rhododendron in bloom, with a mass of pink/purple flowers, an absolutely amazing sight.
July & August. These months are with a mean temperature of 15.2° C and 14.9° C the warmest, but are also with the wettest months. If you still want to avoid the peak season try to come in the first two weeks in July, before the school holidays start in the UK and on the European Continent.
September. The weather in this month is not as hot as July or August, but is usually fine and very comfortable for cycling. The trees start to turn to their autumn colours later in the month.
October. We don't get many cyclists at all in this month - despite the fact that the autumn colours are usually at their best in early October. But after the first week the weather tends to turn cold and wet, and the days get progressively shorter (the sun sets about 6pm). For these reasons we don't advise you to take your bicycling vacation after the first week of this month.
November & December. These months are characterised by short days, and usually cold and wet weather, with frequent storms - not the best time to come to Connemara.
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