Weather in Ireland in February + Things To Do And Travel Tips

Visiting Ireland in February? I got you covered!

Ireland in February is undoubtedly cold, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t charming and beautiful. 

The wintery weather creates picturesque landscapes across the country, as well as lower crowds and cheaper deals, making it the perfect month for a budget-friendly holiday. 

Furthermore, in February, you’ll find plenty of things to do and festivals to experience, creating an even better adventure for all visitors.

So, if you’re planning to visit Ireland in February, continue reading to find out everything you need to know, from weather to festivals to what to pack.

Visiting Ireland in February at a glance

👉 Weather

February in Ireland is one of the coldest months as the weather tends to be wet and cold. However, don’t forget that Irish weather is known for its unpredictability, so be prepared for all kinds of weather.

👉 Average temperatures

The average temperature in Ireland in February is around 5 degrees Celsius, with average highs at 8 degrees Celsius and average lows at 2 degrees Celsius.

👉 Season

February is considered off-season, so expect fewer crowds, cheaper flights, and accommodation, and generally more budget-friendly deals.

👉 Daylight Hours 

February in Ireland has shorter days as the sun rises at around 07:40 and sets at 17:40. So you’ll need to keep the limited daylight hours in mind.

The pros and cons of Ireland in February

✔️ The pros 

👍 Budget-friendly Prices

Generally, as February is in the off-season, prices tend to be lower, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a budget-friendly holiday.

👍 Better Value Accommodation Deals

Ireland offers plenty of fantastic accommodation options, which are also cheaper in February as there’s less demand from both foreign and domestic tourists.

👍 Cheaper Flights

February is one of the cheapest months to fly in Ireland since most airlines offer cheaper deals due to the lower demand.

👍 Less Crowd

Most popular attractions during February have a relatively small amount of visitors, creating the perfect opportunity for travelers to explore Ireland at a relaxed pace.

❌ The cons

👎 Limited Daylight Hours

As already seen above, February has limited daylight hours, so it will be essential to arrange your itinerary accordingly if you wish to explore attractions like the Cliffs of Moher or Killarney National Park.

👎 Wintery Weather

If you’re not a big fan of wintery weather, February will surely be a difficult month to visit Ireland since it is a month of cold, rainy, and windy weather. Nevertheless, when prepared correctly, visiting this beautiful Emerald Isle can still be an enjoyable time.

👎 Closed Attractions

Due to the wintery weather, many attractions, especially outdoor landmarks like Skellig Michael, tend to be closed. Also, since February is in the off-season, many other museums and attractions have limited visiting hours.

👎 Less Festivals and Events

February is generally a quiet month, so you might not find many festivals or events to experience. But still, you can find many live music events in pubs that can surely immerse you in Ireland’s lively culture.

The weather in Ireland in February in different parts of the country

📍 Dublin

Dublin in February is usually less wet than other parts of Ireland. The average temperature is around 5 degrees Celsius, with the average rainfall level at 48.8 millimeters.

📍 Belfast

The temperatures in Belfast in February are similar to Dublin, with 5 degrees Celsius, the average long-term temperature, but generally, Belfast is more wet. The average rainfall level is around 70.26 millimeters.

📍 Galway

Generally, the west of Ireland can get rainier than the east due to its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean.

So Galway’s long-term average rainfall level in February is 87.8 millimeters, but the long-term average temperature is a bit higher than in Dublin as it sits at around 6 degrees Celsius.

📍 Kerry

The temperatures in Kerry in February are relatively higher than in other parts of Ireland, with the long-term average at 7 degrees Celsius. But, the weather can be very wet and wild as the long-term average rainfall level is 123.7 millimeters.

📍 Cork 

The temperatures in Cork in February are even higher, with the long-term average at 9 degrees Celsius. But, similarly to Kerry, the weather can be very wet, with the long-term average rainfall level at 116.8 millimeters.

Festivals and Events in Ireland in February

🎊 St Brigid’s Day

St. Brigid’s Day, also known as Imbolc, is a traditional Irish holiday on February 1st, celebrating the country’s patron saint.

Although it is a national bank holiday, the best destination to see the country’s devotion towards St Brigid is Kildare, a town near Dublin that holds a series of events in her honor.

🎊 Éigse na Brídeoige

Éigse na Brídeoige is an annual cultural festival on the first weekend of February in the Gaeltacht areas of Iveragh in South Kerry.

Each year, the festival celebrates a different theme and delves into an aspect of the area’s rich social and cultural heritage.

The theme can be a person, a place, an organization, or any other aspect of that heritage and is celebrated through lectures, seminars, and field trips.

The weekend also includes music, songs, and poetry.

🎊 Valentine’s Day

St Valentine’s Day is a worldwide celebration of love and is similar in Ireland as people share their love with gifts, love letters, and chocolates.

But, an interesting fact is that Ireland hosts one of St Valentine’s relics at Dublin City’s Carmelite Church.

So, to celebrate the saint behind this unique day of love, be sure to visit this unique church on Whitefriar Street.

🎊 The Gathering

The Gathering is an annual musical festival in Killarney that brings together the best and boldest traditional musicians, singers, and dancers.

For one weekend, the town is filled with toe-tapping, roof-raising celebrations, and festivities honoring Irish culture.

Specifically, this year, from February 28 to March 3, at the Gleneagle Hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to witness concerts, céilís, sessions, workshops, and a late-night festival club. 

🎊 Dublin Chinese New Year

Every February, Dublin joins the celebrations for the Chinese New Year with an annual festival of arts, culture, and exchange between Asian and Irish traditions and contemporary ideas innovatively and excitingly.

🎊 Dublin Film Festival

The Dublin Film Festival is the biggest in the country, offering an elevated cinema experience to all film lovers.

The festival is known for presenting the best in contemporary and classic world cinema, bringing the world to Ireland as well as showcasing Ireland to the world.

This year, the festival will start on the 22nd of February and last until the 2nd of March.

Things to do in Ireland in February

💡 Explore Dublin’s many beautiful attractions

While the temperatures may still be chilly, Dublin in February has an undeniable charm. From the stunning architecture of Trinity College to the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar, there is no shortage of things to do in Dublin. 

For instance, as mentioned earlier, the city comes alive with celebration during St. Valentine’s Day, offering romantic walks along the iconic River Liffey and visits to its many fantastic historical and cultural sites like Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Whitefriar Street Church. 

In other words, February in Dublin is truly a time of discovery and romanticism, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to experience the beauty of Ireland.

💡 Enjoy a pint at a local pub

One cannot visit Ireland without indulging in the quintessential Irish experience of enjoying a pint at a local pub. Also, since in February, the temperatures drop, for a cozy evening, the warm and inviting atmosphere of a pub is even more enticing.

Furthermore, whether you stumble upon a historic pub with centuries-old charm or a trendy spot with live music, the pub culture in Ireland is something to be savored. 

So, grab a Guinness and settle in by the fireplace as you mingle with friendly locals and fellow travelers and engage in conversation and storytelling to immerse yourself in Irish culture. 

💡 Venture to one of Ireland’s many hiking trails

While, in February, the weather tends to be cool and crisp, Ireland’s nature is nothing short of breathtaking.

From the rugged cliffs of the famous Cliffs of Moher to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Killarney National Park, there are trails to suit all levels of experience and fitness. 

So, when the weather is dry, be sure to go on an adventure through Ireland’s verdant countryside since February’s quieter tourist season allows for a more serene and intimate experience on the trails. 

If you wish to challenge yourself, go for the Devil’s Ladder and Carrauntoohil Loop in the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. Otherwise, opt for a stroll along the easier paths, such as the Spinc Walk in the Wicklow Mountains.

💡 Visit Ireland’s many significant museums

When the weather turns cool and rainy in February, Ireland’s numerous museums offer the perfect escape for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. From ancient artifacts to modern art, there is something to pique everyone’s interest. 

For instance, immerse yourself in Ireland’s rich history at the National Museum of Ireland or explore the captivating stories of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast Museum. 

For art lovers, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Ireland showcase an impressive collection of works from both local and international artists. 

Additionally, February often sees special exhibitions and events, making it an ideal time to visit for delving into Ireland’s past and present, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s vibrant heritage.

💡 Go for a road trip

In February, Ireland’s rolling green landscapes and charming villages will surely beckon you to venture on a memorable road trip. When the weather is milder, this is the perfect time to explore the country’s stunning scenery at your own pace since the tourists are fewer. 

So, wind your way along the Wild Atlantic Way, a breathtaking coastal route stretching across the west coast, or journey through the enchanting landscapes of the Ring of Kerry.

On the way, be sure to stop in quaint towns to enjoy warm cups of tea in cozy pubs or explore historic sites like ancient castles or monastic ruins. 

Of course, the weather in February can be unpredictable, but with a well-prepared itinerary and some warm layers, you can easily overcome this challenge and immerse yourself in Ireland’s ever-changing landscapes and dramatic vistas. 

What to pack for Ireland in February

Due to the weather’s unpredictability during February, packing needs to be done carefully. So be sure to have a complete packing list before starting!

First, start with a waterproof and windproof jacket to protect you from occasional rain and chilly winds. 

And then, simply remember that layering is the key to all your problems when it comes to Ireland’s weather.

So pack sweaters, thermal tops, and long-sleeve shirts, and bring a mix of pants and jeans, along with comfortable walking shoes for exploring the countryside, as well as a good pair of waterproof boots to navigate muddy trails and damp streets.

Also, don’t forget to pack a sturdy umbrella and a warm hat, scarf, and gloves to stay cozy in case of colder temperatures. 

Additionally, as the weather can change quickly, it’s always a good idea to be prepared with a foldable rain poncho and multiple pairs of socks. 

Ireland in February Travel Tips

Although we’ve gone through the most important details you should remember before your trip to Ireland in February, here are some last travel tips for an even further smoother journey.

📌 First, as mentioned many times already, the weather can be very unpredictable, so it’s best to check the weather forecast regularly and have a flexible itinerary to make the most of any sunny days. 

📌 Secondly, although February is not peak tourist season, meaning you can expect fewer crowds and potentially better deals on accommodations and attractions, it is still essential to book your accommodations and any popular tours or activities in advance. 

📌 Additionally, before visiting Ireland, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette, such as driving in Ireland on the left-hand side of the road and tipping in restaurants and taxis. 

📌 Finally, embrace the chance to discover Ireland’s indoor attractions, such as museums, traditional pubs, and cozy cafes, which can offer shelter from the wintery weather. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Ireland in February

Final Thoughts: Is February a good time to visit Ireland?

February in Ireland is undoubtedly cold, but it offers fantastic experiences, allowing travelers to easily immerse in Ireland’s culture, traditions, history, and natural beauty.

So, if you’re planning a trip to this stunning country this month, be assured that you’ll have an incredible time. Just remember to pack plenty of layers!