Ireland in February 2022/23 (Locals Honest Guide)

Thinking about visiting Ireland in February and worried that the weather will be terrible and you won’t get to see any of the sights? Chillllll!

So, while February isn’t the best time to visit Ireland, in my opinion, it still has an awful lot going for it.

There’s plenty of things to do in Ireland in February and, although the weather can be fairly unpredictable, it’s an OK month for explorin’.

In the guide below, you’ll find info on everything from the weather in Ireland in February to things to know before you book. Dive on in!

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Ireland in February

Photos via Shutterstock

For many, the often all-over-the-place weather in Ireland plays a big part in the overall success of their trip, and it’s for this reason that some people avoid Ireland in February altogether.

Here are some speedy chunks of info to give you a quick sense of what to expect from this month.

1. The weather

As is the case with January, the weather in Ireland in February can be a bit all over the place. February is still winter in Ireland and the days can be chilly, wet, and blustery with average highs of 8°C and average lows of 2°C (more on the weather below).

2. The days are still short

In February, the sun rises at 07:40 and sets at 17:37, which isn’t too bad. However, it does means that you’ll need to have your Ireland itinerary mapped out properly, so that you make the most of your time.

3. It’s quieter (and you can nab a deal!)

February is still off-peak season in Ireland, and the result is that it’s much quieter, with many tourists opting to visit during the summer months. February can be a good time to nab a deal on accommodation, with hotels and B&Bs looking to fill beds.

4. There’s loads to do

So, slightly all-over-the-place weather and shortish days aside, there’s still plenty of things to do in Ireland in February, from museums and historical sites to areas of outstanding natural beauty and more, as you’ll discover below.

**5. Make an informed decision**

Picking when to visit Ireland isn’t easy, and there’s an awful lot to consider, so it’s well worth spending some time comparing what it’s like in Ireland during the other months, when you have a second:

The pros and cons of spending February in Ireland

Photos by The Irish Road Trip

One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from people planning a trip to Ireland tends to revolve around the advantages and disadvantages in X, Y or Z month, and it’s a fair question.

For many, when you travel to Ireland will likely play a big part in the overall success of your trip. Below, you’ll find what I think are the pros and cons of visiting Ireland in February, having spent 32 Februarys here…

The advantages

Prices: If you’re visiting Ireland on a budget, February tends to be easier on the bank account
Flights: According to numerous online resources, February is one of the cheapest times to fly to Ireland
Hotels: Accommodation tends to be cheaper, as there’s less demand from foreign and domestic tourists
Crowds: Ireland’s usually busy attractions will be much less crowded (the likes of the Guinness Storehouse and the Giants Causeway will always draw the crowds, though)

The disadvantages

Time: The days are shorter. At the start of February in Ireland, the sun rises at 07:40 and sets at 17:37
Weather: As it’s still winter, the weather can be a very mixed bag, with stormy weather common (see below)
Closed attractions: Some seasonal attractions in Ireland may still be closed during February
Events + festivals: February is another quiet one for festivals in Ireland, with very few taking place

What to expect from the weather in Ireland in February

Photo left: MNStudio. Photo right: mark_gusev (Shutterstock)

The weather in Ireland in February is very unpredictable. In years past, we’ve had everything from snow storms and flooding to freakishly mild weather and everything in between.

Here’s what the weathers been like during previous years. Note: this data comes from MET Eireann, Ireland’s Meteorological Service

February 2021

The weather in Ireland in February 2021 was wet but reasonably mild
Rainfall was above average across the country and it rained between 17 (Malin Head) and 25 (Roche’s Point) days of the month
The first half of the month was cool, while the second half was mild, with an average temperature of 6.6 °C

February 2020

The weather in Ireland in February 2020 was wet, windy and wild
Storm Dennis hit in the middle of the month and brought some wintery showers and cold weather with it
Rainfall for the month was above average, with 16 weather stations in Ireland recording their wettest February on record
The average temperature for the month was 6.0 °C

Average temperature in Ireland in February

Photo left: shutterupeire. Photo right: Kristin Greenwood (Shutterstock)

Average high temperatures can rise to a cool 8°C, while the average lows tend to hover around 2°C. You can be reasonably confident that the average temperature in Ireland in February during your trip will be below 5°C.

Reasonably confident, but not certain – so pack appropriately! Those from colder temperate climates should find the weather in Ireland in February OK to handle while those from more tropical regions may find Ireland’s February climate quite chilly.

The average temperature in previous years

2021: 6.6 °C
2020: 6.0 °C
2019: 8.3 °C

Things to do in Ireland in February

Photo by niall dunne (Shutterstock)

Although it’s still off-season, there’s still endless things to do in Ireland in February. While some attractions in the more off-the-beaten-track towns may be closed, most remain open.

If you’re in search of things to do in Ireland in February, hop into our counties in Ireland section – it’s packed with the best places to visit in every county! Here are a handful of suggestions to get you started:

**1. Embark on a well planned road trip**

Malin Head: Photo by Lukassek (Shutterstock)

One of the key things to remember when planning a trip to Ireland in February is that the days are short, so a good plan of action is needed to ensure that you make the most of your time here.

The handiest way to do this is to follow a mapped out route, like our 5 days in Ireland or our 7 days in Ireland guides (you can change the days if you’re visiting for less time).

2. Have back-up plans ready to rock

Photo by neuartelena (Shutterstock)

It’s worth having a handful of indoor attractions ready-to-go, so you’ve somewhere interesting to drop into if it does start raining, as often happens during winter in Ireland.

If you hop into our counties of Ireland hub, you’ll find guides to each county. Each section is bursting with a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions.

3. Spend dry, chilly days exploring on foot

Photo by EMFA16 (Shutterstock)

Hikes and walks are some of the more popular things to do in Ireland in February, as the days are now considerably longer than January, which allows for early and lateish hikes/walks.

There are endless walks in Ireland, with something to suit every fitness level. Find walks in the county you’re visiting right here.

4. And wet and wild nights in a cosy pub

Photo left: Google Maps. Right: The Irish Road Trip

There are few things that I enjoy as much as a wet winters evening whittled away in a decent cosy pub. Luckily, there are heaps of pubs in Ireland to choose from.

However, not all are equal. When you can, try and opt for the more traditional pubs, as these tend to have the most character.

5. Visiting Dublin in February

Photos via Shutterstock

There’s countless things to do in Dublin in February. If the weather’s good, head off on one of the many walks in Dublin.

If the weathers crap, there’s plenty of things to do in Dublin in February when it’s raining, from castles and great food to museums and more. See out 2 days in Dublin and 24 hours in Dublin guides for an easy-to-follow itinerary.

What to pack / what to wear in Ireland in February

Photo by Eimantas Juskevicius (Shutterstock)

We’ve had a lot of questions in the past from people asking what to wear in Ireland in February. Your best bet?! Pack for the things you’ll be doing.

If you’re here on a city break and looking to visit fancy restaurants, you’ll want to bring some formal wear.

If you’re planning on nipping into pubs and regular restaurants, you can pack casual gear, like jeans or pants and shirts and t-shirts or a jumper. Ireland is pretty casual.

If you’re visiting and planning on hiking and walking, bring your outdoor gear and dress for the weather. Here’s a rough guide of what to pack for Ireland in February:

The essentials

A waterproof jacket
Hiking boots (or shoes) if you’re planning an active trip
An umbrella (you can pick one up when you arrive)
Waterproof trousers/pants if you’re planning outdoor excursions
A hat, scarf, and gloves
Plenty of warm socks

FAQs about spending February in Ireland

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are the best things to do in Dublin in February?’ to ‘Does it snow?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What can you expect from the weather in Ireland in February?

The weather in Ireland in February can be unpredictable. In 2021 it was mild, with an average temperature of 6.6 °C. In 2022 it was wet, windy and wild, with and average temperature of 6.0 °C.

Are there many things to do in Ireland in February?

Yes! You’ve scenic drives, hikes, walks, museums and much, much more. However, you need to plan your time in advance, as the days are still short (the sun rises at 07:40 and sets at 17:37).

What is the average temperature in Ireland in February?

Keith O'Hara

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