Climate and Weather on the Dingle Peninsula

sunburst through clouds near Annascaul

Bhí aimsir mhaith ann - the weather was good. Aimsir bhog - soft, wet, weather

Mild Temperate Climate 

Ireland enjoys a mild temperate climate all year thanks to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, a current of warm water and air that flows from the Gulf of Mexico towards Europe. The warming effect of the Gulf Stream is strongest around the Irish coast. With Dingle Peninsula being a long narrow strip of land on the south west this warming effect is even more noticeable. Average temperatures throughout the year for Ireland range from about 2°C-19°C (36°F-66°F). For the Dingle Peninsula the averages range from 7°C -16°C (44°F- 61°F). Frost and snow are rare especially at the western end of the peninsula. When it does snow it is usually only visible on the mountains and higher ground as it melts quickly at sea level.

Best Time to Travel

People often ask 'when is the best time of year to travel to the Dingle Peninsula?' The answer is anytime.Traditionally the warm months of July and August are the peak of the tourist season with highest temperatures (mean temperature 15 - 16°C) and highest visitor numbers. Late spring (mean temperature 10°C) and early autumn (mean temperature 12°C ) are also very popular with long bright days and a breeze to keep the rain cloud away.  However even in the months of November, December and January the temperature can be comfortable for exploring and sight-seeing with a mean winter temperature of 7- 8°C. The peninsula can be at its wildest and most beautiful in winter, particularily if you like windswept beaches and unspoiled nature.

how to dress for Dingle Peninsula weather

The Atlantic Coast is famous for unpredictable weather and whatever time of year you come be prepared for rainfall. Showers of rain can pass in ten minutes giving way to glorious sunshine or gentle mist can envelop everything for hours in ‘almost rain’ which caresses your face lightly and dampens your hair. The ancient landscape of the Dingle Peninsula is beautiful in all weather, moody and magical in mist and rain, dramatic and windswept in storms, and (as a result of plenty of rain) glorious, lush and technicolour in bright sunlight. 

How to dress for the weather on Dingle Peninsula? It is possible to experience four seasons in a single day - so the best piece of advice is to travel prepared . Layers of clothing, a rainproof jacket and shoes will make you flexible and free to enjoy whatever nature brings all year round, with a warm coat and hat being advisable for the winter months.

Finn Melon

monthly mean temperature for Dingle Peninsula

The temperature on Dingle Peninsula is greatly affected by the moderating effect of the sea, and height above sea level. Mean annual temperatures generally range between 10°C and 12°C with the higher values in low lying coastal zones. July is normally the warmest month, followed by August and June; the coldest month is January followed closely by February and December.

JAN

 

7 - 8°C

 

  (44 - 46°F)

FEB

 

7 - 8°C

 

  (44 - 46°F)

MAR

 

8 - 9°C

 

  (46 - 48°F)

APRIL

 

9 - 10°C

 

  (48 - 50°F)

MAY

 

12°C

 

  (53°F)

JUNE

 

14°C

 

  (57°F)

JULY

 

15 - 16°C

 

  (59 - 61°F)

AUG

 

15 - 16°C

 

  (59 - 61°F)

SEPT

 

14 - 15°C

 

  (57 - 59°F)

OCT

 

12°C

 

  (53°F)

NOV

 

9 - 10°C

 

  (48 - 50°F)

DEC

 

7 - 8°C

 

  (44 - 46°F)

Finn Melon

Monthly daily average sunshine hours for Dingle Peninsula

There is a big difference in length between a winter day and a summer day on the Dingle Peninsula. A June day is over 18 hours long while a December day can be less than 7 hours long. During mid summer nights, there is an extended twilight.

 

JAN

  2

     MAY

6 - 6.5

    SEPT

4 - 4.5

FEB

  2.5

     JUNE

5.5 - 6

    OCT

3

MARCH

  3.5

     JULY

5

    NOV

2

APRIL

  5.5

     AUG

5

    DEC

1.5

Finn Melon

Rainfall for Dingle Peninsula

ANNUAL RAINFALL

The highest rainfall occurs on the high mountainous ground which forms the central spine of Dingle Peninsula. The areas with lowest rainfall are west of Dingle town around Ventry on the south coast  and from Castlegregory out along the Maharees on the north coast.

Lowest 1200mm
Highest 2800mm
Average 1600mm

SEASONAL RAINFALL

The driest seasons on Dingle Peninsula are Spring and Summer, with an average of approximately 350 mm, Autumn and Winter have  averages of approximately 550 mm.

MONTHLY RAINFALL

 The driest months on the Dingle Peninsula are April, May, June and July, with an average of approximately 125 mm each month.

 Providers

Directory links to related businesses, events and providers on the Dingle Peninsula