Have you ever wanted to know "Why does it rain so much during the summer in Ireland?" Maybe you’re planning to visit or maybe you’re just curious, either way, you've come to the right place.
We’ll explore the reasons behind Ireland's rainy summer, discuss the country's climate, and answer the burning question, "Is Ireland the wettest country in Europe?" To answer that question lets start with this.
Where Is Ireland on the Map? All You Need to Know About Irish Weather
Ireland is a beautiful island located in the North Atlantic, known for its lush green landscapes, charming villages, and, of course, its unpredictable weather. You’ll find us to the west of Great Britain, to the north-west of France and to the extreme east of The United States and Canada. We are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea, and the Celtic Sea. Our geographic location plays a crucial role in our climate, contributing to the frequent rainfall.
Does It Rain a Lot in Ireland?
Yes, it does rain a lot in Ireland. But the amount of rainfall can vary depending on what part of the country you’re in. The west coast, particularly in areas like Galway, Mayo and Kerry, tends to be wetter than the east coast, where Dublin is located. The prevailing winds from the Atlantic bring moist air that rises over the mountains, leading to heavy rainfall on the western side of the island. These are our most popular summer raincoats for men and women.
Does It Rain a Lot in Northern Ireland?
Yes, it rains a lot in Northern Ireland as well. Like the rest of the island, Northern Ireland experiences a temperate maritime climate, heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. This means mild temperatures and frequent rainfall throughout the year. The western parts of Northern Ireland, such as County Fermanagh and County Tyrone, tend to receive more rainfall compared to the eastern parts, such as Belfast and County Down.
This pattern is similar to the Republic of Ireland, where the west is wetter due to the strong westerly winds that bring moist air from the Atlantic. While the rain can be persistent, it often comes in the form of light showers rather than heavy downpours, and it's not unusual to see a mix of weather conditions in a single day. On the plus side the frequent rain contributes to the lush, green landscapes helps paint the charm of Northern Ireland.
Climate of Ireland: A Brief History
Ireland’s climate has always been a bit of a mixed bag, largely due to its location in the North Atlantic. Over the centuries, Ireland has seen a range of weather patterns that have shaped its lush landscapes and vibrant culture.
Going way back to the last Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago, Ireland was covered in ice. As the glaciers retreated, they left behind a landscape primed for lush greenery and rich soils. This was the beginning of Ireland's mild, temperate climate, which we’re all familiar with today.
Did you know Ireland was known to the Romans as "Hibernia”? The name comes from the Latin word "hibernus," meaning "wintry." This name likely reflected the Romans' perception of Ireland as a cold and remote land. Unlike their conquests of Britain, the Romans never invaded or settled in Ireland, but they were aware we existed through trade and exploration.
Fast forward a few millennia, and you’ve got the Medieval Warm Period (around 900 to 1300 AD). During this time, temperatures were slightly warmer, which meant more stable weather and better conditions for agriculture. Life was relatively good, and Ireland’s population thrived.
But, of course, good things don’t last forever. The Little Ice Age crept in around the 14th century and lasted until the mid-19th century. This period was marked by cooler temperatures and more unpredictable weather. Harsh winters and wet summers became the norm, which made farming challenging and life a bit tougher for the Irish people.
Despite these changes, Ireland's climate has remained consistent in modern times: mild, wet, and unpredictable. The Gulf Stream, a warm Atlantic Ocean current, plays an important role in keeping our temperatures relatively moderate compared to other places at similar latitudes.
Today, the Irish weather is still a hot topic. While we’re seeing more extreme weather patterns globally, Ireland's climate remains relatively steady, albeit with a few more rainy days thrown in for good measure.
How Many Days Does It Rain in Ireland?
On average, it rains about 150 to 225 days a year in Ireland. This means you can expect it to rain nearly every second day or 3 or 4 days out of the week. On the west coast is tends to rain more compared to the east, with some places in the west seeing up to 250 days of rain annually.
How Is Summer in Ireland?
What months are summer in Ireland? Summer in Ireland spans from June to August. During these months, the weather can be quite variable. While you can enjoy long daylight hours and occasional warm spells, rain showers are never too far away. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), but it’s not uncommon for temperatures to spike higher on particularly sunny days. The warmest day of the year in Ireland in 2024 so far was June 25th, with temperatures reaching 26.7°C in The Phoenix Park Dublin.
Why Is It Raining in Ireland in Summer?
Imagine Ireland is like a sponge sitting near a big, wet sponge (the Atlantic Ocean). Because it's so close to this big wet sponge, it keeps getting wet all the time. The air over the ocean is full of water, and when that air moves over Ireland, it brings a lot of clouds and rain.
Also, high up in the sky, there’s something called the jet stream. Think of it as a super-fast river of air. This river of air often flows right over Ireland, and it brings along big weather systems that can make it rain even more. So, Ireland gets a lot of rain in the summer because it's near the ocean and under the jet stream's path.
What Is the Rainiest Month in Ireland?
The rainiest month in Ireland is typically December. However, in terms of summer, August often sees the most rainfall. This is due to the remnants of tropical storms and hurricanes that can move across the Atlantic, bringing heavy rain to the island.
What Causes Heavy Rain in the Summer?
Heavy rain in the summer can be caused by several factors:
Atlantic Low-Pressure Systems: These systems bring moist air from the ocean, leading to widespread and often heavy rainfall.
Convectional Rainfall: Warmer summer temperatures can cause convection, where warm air rises and cools, leading to heavy showers and thunderstorms.
Remnants of Tropical Storms: Occasionally, remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms reach Ireland, bringing intense rainfall.
The Myth of Leprechauns and the Pot o' Gold at the End of the Rainbow
No discussion of Irish weather would be complete without mentioning the myth of leprechauns and their pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. According to some scholars, the word leprechaun comes from the ancient Irish-Celtic god and cultural hero Lugh. Lugh was originally the god of the sun and light, and then he became a great warrior ruler of ancient Ireland. Part of the story says they hide their pots of gold at the end of rainbows, which are a common sight in rainy Ireland.
So, why does it rain so much during the summer in Ireland? The answer lies in its unique geographical position, the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, and the presence of low-pressure systems and tropical remnants. While Ireland may not be the wettest country in Europe, Norway holds that title, it certainly receives its fair share of rain, contributing to its famously green and beautiful landscapes.
Whether you're planning a visit or just curious, understanding the climate and weather patterns can help you better appreciate the Ireland's charm. And remember, even if the weather is forecasted to be warm, don't forget to pack your raincoat! If you only explored outside in Ireland when it was dry you’d hardly get out at all. You can pick up a great new raincoat online here and here or in one of our 4 stores in Westport, Galway City or Killarney.
