Weather in January in Ireland
Thinking about venturing to Ireland this January and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:
What is the weather like in Ireland in January?
January in Ireland generally has cold temperatures, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to heavy. During January, winter is in full swing.
Temperatures
The average maximum temperatures are cold and range from 8°C in Donegal to 11°C in Portmagee. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 7°C in Portmagee and 3°C in Donegal. In general, this month stands out as the coldest period throughout the year. Given the lower temperatures, it's essential to be well-prepared. Packing the right winter clothing and necessary accessories can make a significant difference in ensuring your comfort and well-being during this chilly season.To explore the conditions in Ireland in more detail, check the map below.
Precipitation
In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Ashbourne with an average of 69 mm to heavy rainfall in Kincasslagh with 187 mm.Average sunshine
Most areas see fewer sunny days, with a projection of about 56 hours of sunshine in Dublin. This reduced sunlight makes it ideal for those who prefer dimmer, overcast conditions over bright sunny days.For more details on the yearly climate, visit our Ireland climate page.
Where to go in Ireland in January
Select a Month of Interest
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Ireland, check out our Ireland's climate page.
Popular destinations
What is the weather like in January for the 5 most popular destinations in Ireland?
Dublin
In January Dublin generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 4°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
Killarney
In January Killarney generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 3°C and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
Galway
In January Galway generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 10°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 4°C and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
Kenmare
In January Kenmare generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 9°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 3°C and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
Cork
In January Cork generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 10°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 5°C and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at other destinations in Ireland.
Is January the best time to visit Ireland?
Given the typically poor weather conditions in Dublin, January may not be the ideal time to visit Ireland.
Generally speaking, July and August provide perfect weather in Dublin. On the other hand, the weather in January, February and December tend to be poor.
Interested in more climate information?
We have much more information about the climate in Ireland.
Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Ireland? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Ireland.
Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.