Weather in Ireland in February: What to Expect with Nifty Tips

Updated On: April 20, 2024 by   Aya Radwan

Planning a visit to Ireland in February, yet somewhat on the fence about the weather? You’re definitely not alone! The weather in Ireland in February is not as cold as it was in January, but it’s still during the winter season and needs proper preparation. This being said, visiting the island during February has its perks, from warmer and longer days to having various landmarks all for yourself to enjoy. This blog post will gear you up with weather expectations, itinerary suggestions, and nifty tips to prepare you for your trip to Ireland in the second month of the year.

What is the Weather Like in Ireland in February?

“If February brings no rain, there will be neither hay nor grain.”

-Irish Proverb.

As this Irish proverb informs us, the weather in Ireland in February needs to have rain, or there won’t be any crops to reap. Generally, we can expect Ireland’s weather to be full of rain with frequent snow in February. This weather forecast gives you about ten hours of daylight to explore the island’s beautiful landscapes.

Ireland in February: Cold and Windy Days

In February, Ireland is known for its cold, windy days. The wind can be very strong at times. It makes the air feel colder than it really is. You will often see ice and snow during this month, too. Temperatures won’t go higher than 8°C (46°F) most times. Sometimes, they drop to as low as 2°C (36°F)! The Irish Sea also gets quite chilly, with average water temperatures near 8°C or about 46°F. Dressing up warmly and wearing layers can help keep you cosy on these cold, gusty February days in Ireland.

Ireland in February: Frequent Snow and Rain

The weather in Ireland in February might resemble that of January. However, rain begins to dry in February; you can expect about 60 MMA. At night and before sunrise, the island experiences below-freezing conditions. It’s important to be prepared for wet weather during your visit. The average rainfall levels in Dublin can reach up to 48.8 mm, so bringing waterproof clothing and an umbrella is a good idea. The capital city becomes incredibly cold with freezing rain, so if you can avoid outdoor activities during such weather, we highly recommend it.

Since February is the island’s second coldest month after January, you can expect to see snow, especially in higher elevations. However, a snow cover that lasts for days is a rare occurrence in Ireland. So, while it’s important to come prepared, snowfall might not hinder your plans unless you’re planning a trip to the Giant’s Causeway; you must come prepared with extra warm clothing. Observe weather forecasts before heading out, and consider indoor activities if the conditions are severe.

Ireland in February: Around 10 Hours of Daylight

After a month of short daylight in December, it feels good to get those daylight hours back in February. So, you have a decent amount of time to explore and enjoy different sites around the island. We still recommend indoor activities in Ireland in February; while it is tempting to go on a long drive over the Wild Atlantic Way or face the mighty ocean from atop the Cliffs of Moher, the weather can still be chilly, and it’s easy to get sick.

Suppose you plan on taking a road trip during this weather. In that case, we recommend checking the weather forecast for your destination, packing accordingly, and being open to possible weather changes and trip cancellations. It’s worth noting that while rain and snow are common around Ireland during the winter season, the island is rarely covered in snow, except for high altitudes like mountain ranges like the Wicklow Mountains. Main cities rarely have snow cover, so wandering around, visiting museums and local shops, and having a warm cider at a local pub will engulf you in mesmerising Irish vibes.

What to Pack for Your Ireland in February Trip?

When visiting Ireland in February, it’s important to be prepared for the cold, windy weather and frequent snow and rain. You can enjoy your time in Ireland in February with the proper warm and waterproof clothing. It’s also important to plan for indoor activities and always check the weather forecast before travelling.

Bring Warm and Waterproof Clothing

Warm and waterproof clothing is a must if you plan on hiking or camping on your trip, regardless of the season, and they become indispensable during winter travelling. If you plan to visit Ireland in February, pack warm and waterproof clothing, including a sturdy coat, hats, scarves, gloves and waterproof footwear. Your footwear must also be comfy if you plan on walking or exploring national parks, where there’s a lot of walking and possible mud puddles.

Plan for Indoor Activities

When visiting Ireland in February, it’s important to plan for indoor activities due to the cold and unpredictable weather. We get it; it might sound rather timid or lack the excitement of road trips and long beach walks. It can be tempting to stay cuddled in a warm hotel room and play board games all day, but we promise you, there are amazing indoor activities you can enjoy in Ireland’s cities and villages; just pick your destination.

Dublin

If you’re in Dublin, head to the city’s Trinity College Library, walk down Grafton Street or visit one of the city’s famous parks near your hotel for wonderful natural scenery. Dublin City Hall is another great location to check out before walking down O’Connell Street or visiting one of the city’s interesting museums. If you’re up for exploring Dublin’s cityscape, you can walk along the River Liffey before settling in the Temple Bar, one of the city’s numerous cosy pubs, for a warm cider or a refreshing stout.

Belfast

Staying in Belfast? No worries, the city is rich in exciting activities to entertain you and enjoy your Irish getaway. What’s more famous to visit in the city than the Titanic Museum, right up the entire quarter dedicated to the fallen ship? Looking for more excitement? How about exploring some of the filming locations of renowned TV shows, such as Game of Thrones or Vikings? You must be famished after all this exploration, so why don’t we recommend some of the city’s best restaurants and cafés? If you want a drink, we bring you the best pubs in the city.

February in Ireland is the ideal time to enjoy theatre performances or live music gigs that take place throughout the country. You can partake in cooking classes or whiskey tastings to discover local flavours. There are different opportunities to visit historic sites such as castles or ancient ruins, with guided tours available even during winter months. It’s advisable to be careful when visiting the Irish countryside and come prepared with sturdy and comfortable rain boots.

Check Weather Forecasts Before Visiting Ireland in February

Before heading to Ireland in February, it’s important to check the weather forecasts. This will give you an idea of what to expect during your trip and help you prepare accordingly. As we’ve mentioned, the weather in Ireland in February is better than in January, but still rather cold with possible rain and snowfall. It’s also important to check the weather forecast after arriving in Ireland, as it can change daily. Remember that some cities might get slush, where rain mixes with snow and fills the streets.

Festivals Worth Attending in Ireland in February

If you visit Ireland in February, you’ll know nothing will stop the locals from having the best time during various festivals. There are music, religious, dance, and even linguistic festivals.

Brigit Festival (1st – 5th February)

Celebrating the Celtic goddess Brigit, Dublin’s streets fill with ladies impersonating the ancient deity. Saint Brigit represents healing, magic, and inspiration and symbolises the awakening of new ideas.

John McFadden Festival (2nd – 5th February)

In honour of Irish fiddler John McFadden, County Mayo welcomes visitors to listen to his music accompanied by singing, more music and dancing. The Newport Festival enters its second year in 2024.

Take Off Festival (14th – 16th February)

Dance artists from Ireland and Europe gather for this exciting dancing festival in Cork. Warm-up and forget the freezing weather as you experience different forms of dancing, including Irish dancing, contemporary dance, and hip-hop.

Mother Tongues Festival (16th – 17th February)

Are you looking for an exciting way to learn a bit of Gaelic? Come to Dublin for two days to witness the diverse linguistics of the Irish language. You will enjoy different forms of art incorporating the island’s linguistic diversity. There are workshops, discussions, live performances and storytelling in more languages.

Belfast TradFest (23rd – 25th February)

TradFest occurs twice a year in Belfast, once during summer and again during winter. If you’re vacationing in Ireland in February, you might enjoy this festival’s lectures, live music, workshops, talks and sessions.

You can visit Ireland in February and still enjoy roaming the island. You might need to take extra precautions and pack heavy clothing, but the Emerald Isle remains an enjoyable destination.

FAQs