ClimateForecastJanuaryFebruary >>

Ireland weather in January

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.

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.

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. The city Dublin usually sees around 56 hours of sunlight, indicating fewer sunny days.

For specific regional insights in Ireland for January, refer to the map provided below. For an in-depth overview of the yearly weather conditions, do visit our Ireland climate page.

Where to go in Ireland in January

Find the average weather conditions in January for the most popular destinations in Ireland on the map below. Click on a destination dot for more detailed information.

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Legend perfect weather pleasant tolerable unpleasant poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C and 29°C and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm a month).

Popular destinations in Ireland

What is the weather like in January for the 5 most popular destinations in Ireland?

Average weather in 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.

Dublin
minimum temparatureMax temperature minimum temparatureMax temp
maximum temparatureMin temperature maximum temparatureMin temp
sun hoursMonthly sun hours sun hoursSun hours
precipitationMonthly rainfall precipitationRainfall
rain daysMonthly rainy days rain daysRainy days
conditionsWeather conditions conditionsWeather
10°C 
4°C 
51 hours 
77 mm 
17 days 
poor 
9°C 
4°C 
56 hours 
71 mm 
18 days 
poor 
10°C 
4°C 
71 hours 
64 mm 
15 days 
poor 
Climate in Dublin

Average weather in 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.

Killarney
minimum temparatureMax temperature minimum temparatureMax temp
maximum temparatureMin temperature maximum temparatureMin temp
sun hoursMonthly sun hours sun hoursSun hours
precipitationMonthly rainfall precipitationRainfall
rain daysMonthly rainy days rain daysRainy days
conditionsWeather conditions conditionsWeather
10°C 
4°C 
40 hours 
128 mm 
23 days 
poor 
9°C 
3°C 
44 hours 
122 mm 
23 days 
poor 
10°C 
3°C 
61 hours 
112 mm 
19 days 
poor 
Climate in Killarney

Average weather in 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.

Galway
minimum temparatureMax temperature minimum temparatureMax temp
maximum temparatureMin temperature maximum temparatureMin temp
sun hoursMonthly sun hours sun hoursSun hours
precipitationMonthly rainfall precipitationRainfall
rain daysMonthly rainy days rain daysRainy days
conditionsWeather conditions conditionsWeather
10°C 
4°C 
35 hours 
113 mm 
22 days 
poor 
10°C 
4°C 
45 hours 
108 mm 
22 days 
poor 
10°C 
3°C 
60 hours 
101 mm 
18 days 
poor 
Climate in Galway

Average weather in 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.

Kenmare
minimum temparatureMax temperature minimum temparatureMax temp
maximum temparatureMin temperature maximum temparatureMin temp
sun hoursMonthly sun hours sun hoursSun hours
precipitationMonthly rainfall precipitationRainfall
rain daysMonthly rainy days rain daysRainy days
conditionsWeather conditions conditionsWeather
10°C 
4°C 
40 hours 
138 mm 
23 days 
poor 
9°C 
3°C 
44 hours 
132 mm 
23 days 
poor 
10°C 
3°C 
61 hours 
120 mm 
20 days 
poor 
Climate in Kenmare

Average weather in 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.

Cork
minimum temparatureMax temperature minimum temparatureMax temp
maximum temparatureMin temperature maximum temparatureMin temp
sun hoursMonthly sun hours sun hoursSun hours
precipitationMonthly rainfall precipitationRainfall
rain daysMonthly rainy days rain daysRainy days
conditionsWeather conditions conditionsWeather
11°C 
6°C 
56 hours 
101 mm 
20 days 
poor 
10°C 
5°C 
57 hours 
96 mm 
21 days 
poor 
10°C 
5°C 
69 hours 
84 mm 
18 days 
poor 
Climate in Cork

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. Interested in the weather conditions in a specific month? Select the month below.

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  • 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 climate conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.