Donegal Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Donegal.
Climate overview of Donegal
Donegal, Donegal County, Ireland, has a moderate seasonal temperature range, with July reaching 19°C (66°F) and February cooling to 8°C (46°F).
Rain/snowfall is high, totalling around 1393 mm (55 in) per year. December is the wettest month and April the driest. The most sunshine falls in May, with an average of 6.8 hours of daily sunshine.
Donegal Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Donegal — and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Donegal
In Donegal, seasonal changes bring about a moderate variation in temperatures. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 19°C (66°F) in July, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 8°C (46°F) during cooler months like February.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) in July to around 3°C (37°F) during February.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Donegal
Donegal is known for its substantial rain/snowfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1393 mm (55 in). Year-round, Donegal has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, December, with 132 mm (5.2 in), and the driest month, April, with 96 mm (3.8 in), is minimal. For more details, please visit our Donegal Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Donegal
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Donegal. While May receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 6.8 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 1.3 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Best Time to Visit Donegal
The weather does bring rainfall during this period, between 107 mm (4.2 in) and 124 mm (4.9 in). Looking for inspiration on where to travel this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Donegal
What is the best time to visit Donegal?
July and August typically offer the most optimal weather in Donegal. In contrast, January, February, March, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions.
What temperatures can I expect in Donegal?
Daytime highs range from 8°C (46°F) in February to 19°C (66°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from 3°C (37°F) to 12°C (54°F).
How much rain does Donegal get?
Annual rainfall is around 1393 mm (55 in). December is the wettest month with 132 mm (5.2 in), while April is the driest with 96 mm (3.8 in).
How sunny is Donegal?
Donegal receives around 1,342 hours of sunshine per year. May is the sunniest month with 203 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 39 hours.
Donegal 3-Day Forecast
Donegal 3-Day Forecast
Donegal on the map
Donegal is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.
Popular this month
Where to go in July — average daytime high across popular destinations.
Cork
19°C (66°F) Kilkenny
20°C (68°F) Dublin20°C (68°F) Kenmare
19°C (66°F) Galway20°C (68°F) Killarney19°C (66°F) Westport19°C (66°F) Doolin18°C (64°F) 
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