When is the best time to visit Ireland is a question we are often asked. Ireland is captivating in every season – each month offering something unique — longer spring days, lively summer evenings, colourful autumn landscapes and ever-changing weather. If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Ireland, we’ll guide you through the highlights of each part of the year, from weather patterns and crowd levels to beautiful scenery and the most enjoyable months for touring.
Whether planning your first trip or returning to discover more, our small-group tours (maximum 13 guests) and private tailor-made itineraries help you explore Ireland in an immersive, relaxed, personal and truly authentic way.
“We have been to Ireland twice before and were looking for something a little different… Larry, our guide, made all this happen to our delight – every day of our 12 days with him.” — Ro Weldon (Google review)
What Is the Best Month to Visit Ireland?
There isn’t just one “best” month — Ireland’s seasons all offer something special depending on what you’re looking for: mild weather, fewer crowds, long evenings, beautiful scenery or lively culture.
Best Months for Weather
May, June, July, August and September bring the mildest weather and longest days – ideal for outdoor exploring and scenic touring (May and June are the driest). Temperatures are comfortable rather than hot (generally max 23c/74f). We do hit the odd day of late 20C/low 80sf. But hey, chill out! Our luxury Mercedes fleet is fully air-conditioned. And, though rain can fall at any time, these months often offer Ireland’s best overall conditions.
Another question we are regularly asked is why don’t all our hotels have a/c? It’s because we generally don’t need it – opening a window suffices most of the time.
Ireland at Its Most Beautiful
For scenery lovers, April–June and September–October are gloriously photogenic. Temperatures go to 15°/55° in April. Daylight is from before 5am to after 10pm. Irish summer sunsets are truly stunning- lasting close to an hour. So, you get to enjoy sunset with after dinner strolls in April and on your way back from the pub in June!
Spring offers lively colours. The countryside is a blaze of lilac rhododendron and yellow as daffodils and gorse (furze) burst into flower.
It’s lambing season, which is truly a joy to watch as they gambol around the fields with their almost 4 million brethren! We see them up close and cuddly when we visit a working sheep farm on tour.
Early autumn brings soft light, russet leaves and rainbows across the landscapes. Temperatures range from 12-17°c/53-63°f. The curtain is drawing on the long days, but that means you don’t have to stay up late for stunning sunsets. Rainbows and star filled nights are more plentiful.
“I had a great experience staying in beautiful hotels and participating in the exciting activities… My experience exploring Northern and Western Ireland on the Anam Croí tour is one I will never forget.” — Justin Rezendes (Google review)
Weather in Ireland by Season
Ireland’s weather can shift quickly, creating atmospheric skies and lush, green landscapes year-round.
Rainiest Months Within the Travel Season in Ireland
October is typically the rainiest month on the touring calendar. Showers pass quickly, often revealing striking skies and dramatic coastal views. Only in Ireland will you have your “windshield wipers slapping time” whilst wearing your sunglasses!
Driest Months
April–June usually offer the most settled weather, making them popular periods for scenic routes and outdoor experiences. Daylight increases to 14 hours in April and the light can be perfect for getting scenery shots as the cooler air is clearer.
Fun fact – our temperate climate gives us the fastest grass-growth in Europe!
When to Avoid Crowds in Ireland
If you prefer quieter moments at scenic stops and historic sites, choose the shoulder seasons – April and October are also the months we offer a 10% discount:
- April & May — Bright days, spring colour and lighter visitor numbers. But – spoiler alert- some visitor attractions don’t open until mid-late April. However, there are still plenty of ‘must-sees’ along with some hidden gems we’ll uncover for you. Craicometer level: 8.5
- September & October — Warm early-autumn days and a relaxed feel. All the Irish kids are back in school in the last week of August. This means great photo ops with uncluttered background and more time and space to take it all in.
Even in busier months, our small group sizes (max 13) help ensure your touring days remain calm and unhurried.
Why July and August Are Wonderful Months to Visit Ireland
These months can sometimes be overlooked, yet they offer some of Ireland’s most enjoyable touring conditions — especially with a small-group format.
Mild, Comfortable Touring Weather
While Irish weather is always changeable, July and August often bring:
- The warmest temperatures of the year
- Bright spells ideal for coastal touring
- Comfortable conditions for time outdoors
Rain is still part of Ireland’s charm, even in summer — but long, bright days help ensure plenty of time to explore. And it’s not as busy as you might expect. Many Irish people head overseas during June, July and August. And, we time our visits to big ticket places like the Cliffs of Moher, to avoid the crowds.
Long, Bright Evenings
Summer evenings stretch late into the night, creating:
- Slow, glorious golden sunsets along the Wild Atlantic Way
- Beautiful views
- Ample unhurried exploration time
It’s one of the biggest joys of travelling to Ireland in these months.
A Vibrant Summer Atmosphere
Festivals, traditional music, lively towns and blooming landscapes all add to the sense of warmth and celebration. More music and entertainment in more venues (free in the pubs) and on more evenings each week.
Why Small Groups Matter in Peak Season
With just 13 guests or fewer, we can:
- Arrive at popular sites at quieter times
- Visit hidden places large coaches can’t reach
- Create a more personal, relaxed touring experience
Guests frequently comment that July and August feel surprisingly peaceful with us.
“We had an amazing trip! Larry made Ireland come alive for us with his warm hospitality, stories, singing and jokes along the way.” — 2025 guest on a summer tour Tripadvisor
Cheapest Time to Visit Ireland (Within the Touring Season)
Many travellers search for the cheapest time to visit Ireland, usually referring to flights or hotel pricing. While our tours focus on personal service and value for money rather than lower-cost travel, certain months do make overall trip planning more affordable.
Best-Value Months for Travel Costs
March, April, May and October often provide a nice balance of:
- Good flight availability – most airlines start ramping up the frequency of flights around February. Seat sales commonly advertised in January give great bargains for travel up to the end of March and sometimes into April. Our scheduled 6, 7 and 12 day tours are discounted for Spring, saving you up to €300 per person.
- Comfortable weather – not too hot or cold
- Lighter footfall – though even in summer, we have our ways to avoid the crowds
These months are ideal for travellers seeking favourable conditions without peak-season busyness.
Is Ireland Expensive to Visit?
Ireland can feel more expensive during summer due to high demand. Travelling in spring or early autumn can reduce some costs — but the most important factor is the experience you receive.
Our small groups, expert guides and carefully curated itineraries provide a smooth, welcoming and deeply authentic Irish experience, with many inclusions to make the journey easy and enjoyable.
How Many Days Do You Need in Ireland?
6–7 Days
Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to explore a specific region at a relaxed pace. Our 6-day and 7-day tours are designed with this timeframe in mind.
10–12 Days
Perfect for travellers wanting a more complete look at Ireland’s landscapes, culture and history. Our 12-day All-Ireland tour includes both the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Private Custom Ireland Tours
For families, couples or groups of friends, we work with our clients to create bespoke tours entirely around your requirements, interests and preferred pace.
“Anam Croí Tours were simply the best!!!… my family said repeatedly that our Ireland experience would not have been so exceptional if not for Larry.” — Kelly Grace (Google review)
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Time for Your Ireland Trip
There are many wonderful reasons to visit Ireland:
- Best weather: May–September
- Most beautiful scenery: April–June, September–October
- Longest days: May–August
- Fewest crowds: April, May, September, October
- Most vibrant months: July & August
No matter when you travel, our small-group public tours (maximum 13 guests) and private custom itineraries offer a warm, personal and deeply authentic way to experience the real Ireland.
“I can hardly articulate how extraordinary our recent six day tour with Anam Croí was… Larry made us laugh, ensured we were well fed, and made the trip seamless. I highly recommend seeing Ireland with Anam Croí!” — Daryl Ragan (Google review)
Looking for more information, about things like what to pack for Ireland? Check out our FAQs.