Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Ulster, Ireland, is characterized by a Cfb Köppen-Geiger classification, indicative of a temperate oceanic climate. This region experiences a diverse temperature range, with minimum extremes reaching as low as -5°C (23°F) in February, while averaging around 10°C (50°F) throughout the year. The warmest month, June, can bring maximum temperatures soaring to 29°C (84°F), highlighting the region's capacity for relatively warm summers. Overall, Ulster's climate offers a unique balance of cooler winters and mild summers, influenced by its maritime surroundings.
In Ulster, Ireland, temperature patterns exhibit a pronounced seasonal variation characterized by relatively mild winters and warm summers. January and February are typically the coldest months, with minimum temperatures dropping to -5°C (23°F) and average temperatures hovering around 6°C (42°F). As spring approaches, March shows a slight warming trend, with maximum temperatures rising to 17°C (63°F) by the end of the month. April and May mark a significant transition, where temperatures steadily increase, with max values reaching 25°C (78°F) in May. The summer months of June and July feature the warmest temperatures, with maximums peaking at 29°C (84°F) in June and averaging around 28°C (83°F) in July. As autumn arrives, temperatures begin to cool, with September still offering pleasant high temperatures of 25°C (77°F), while October and November bring a decline in both minimum and maximum temperatures, signaling the onset of winter. December closes the year with colder temperatures, reminiscent of January, as the cycle renews.
Killybegs experiences a minimum temperature of -3°C (27°F) in March and peaks at 26°C (79°F) in July, while Bundoran sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) in March and a higher maximum of 28°C (84°F) in June. Donegal has the coldest recorded minimum at -5°C (23°F) in February, but enjoys warm summers with a maximum of 27°C (82°F) in June. For more detailed temperature insights, visit monthly temperatures in Killybegs, monthly temperatures in Bundoran, and monthly temperatures in Donegal.
Ulster, Ireland, experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, marked by significant rainfall predominantly in the winter and late summer months. January sees an average of 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain over 13 days, while February is notably wetter with 117 mm (4.6 in) falling across 16 days. March maintains a high level of precipitation at 105 mm (4.1 in), but as spring advances into April, there's a decrease to 58 mm (2.3 in), highlighting a brief reprieve before summer. The following months of May and June receive 78 mm (3.1 in) and 99 mm (3.9 in), respectively, continuing the trend of notable rainfall.
Summer typically brings its own challenges, particularly in August, which is the wettest month with an average of 142 mm (5.6 in) over 20 days, contributing to a humid climate. The transition into autumn doesn't see much respite, with September experiencing 97 mm (3.8 in) and October rising again to 118 mm (4.7 in), observed over 18 days. November and December maintain similar patterns, averaging 106 mm (4.2 in) and 118 mm (4.7 in), respectively, solidifying Ulster's reputation for consistent, if unpredictable, rainfall throughout the year.
In Ulster, Ireland, the duration of sunshine displays a clear seasonal trend, with notable increases as the year progresses from winter to summer. The year begins with a modest 70 hours of sunshine in January, which reflects the cold, shorter days typical of winter. As February arrives, a significant jump to 138 hours occurs, signaling the gradual lengthening of daylight. This upward trajectory continues into March with 184 hours, and by April, sunshine hours escalate dramatically to 295 hours, effectively heralding the arrival of spring.
The peak of sunshine is reached during the summer months, with May boasting 381 hours and June slightly trailing at 363 hours. July remains comparably bright with 368 hours, ensuring that late spring and summer serve as Ulster’s sunniest periods. However, this abundance of sunlight begins to wane in August as it drops to 320 hours, before a steady decline continues into autumn. By the time November rolls around, sunshine hours fall sharply to 109 hours, and December is particularly dim, with just 78 hours of sunlight, encapsulating the return to winter’s shorter days. This cyclical pattern emphasizes Ulster's dynamic climate, where daylight varies significantly throughout the year.
The UV Index in Ulster, Ireland, reflects significant seasonal variation, thereby influencing sun safety precautions throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains low at 1 and 2 respectively, with burn times of approximately 45 minutes, indicating minimal risk of harm from UV radiation. As spring approaches in March, the UV Index rises to 4 with a moderate exposure category, reducing burn time to 30 minutes. April continues this upward trend, reaching an index of 5. This marks the transition into the sunnier periods, where precautions begin to be more relevant.
Summer brings the highest UV Index readings, peaking at 8 in June and July, categorized as "very high," with burn times plummeting to just 15 minutes. Despite a slight dip to 7 in August, the risk remains substantial, urging individuals to adopt protective measures. As fall sets in, the UV Index retreats to moderate levels in September and October, dropping back to 5 and 3 respectively, before settling back to low levels of 2 in November and 1 in December. This cyclical pattern highlights not only the need for increased awareness during the summer months but also the importance of adapting sun protection strategies across the changing seasons.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Ulster, Ireland, showcases a pronounced seasonal variation, with a clear progression from shorter days in winter to extended daylight during the summer months. In January, the average daylight lasts approximately 7 hours, gradually increasing through February to 9 hours. By March, daylight expands to 11 hours, and as spring advances into April, the duration reaches 14 hours. This trend continues into May, where daylight peaks at 16 hours, emphasizing the lengthening days leading up to summer.
June marks the zenith of daylight with an impressive 17 hours, providing ample sunlight for outdoor activities. As summer transitions into autumn, the amount of daylight begins to gradually decline, falling back to 16 hours in July and then to 14 hours in August. By September, daylight measures 12 hours, decreasing further to 10 hours in October. The cycle completes in November with 8 hours and returns to 7 hours in December, reminiscent of the beginning of the year, underscoring the seasonal rhythm of daylight in this Irish region.
The climate in Ardara, Ireland, features a cool, temperate environment with mild summers and chilly winters. Temperatures range from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in March to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) in July. Precipitation is significant year-round, peaking in August with 170 mm (6.7 in) and averaging higher during the winter months. Sunshine hours are most abundant in May and July, reaching up to 389 hours, while winter months see considerably less sun, with January providing only 64 hours. For more information, visit Ardara climate.
Ballyshannon, Ireland, experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around 6°C (42°F) and considerable precipitation, peaking in August at 157 mm (6.2 in). The region enjoys the most sunshine in May and July, exceeding 335 hours, while the wettest months see less sunshine and cooler averages. For detailed climate statistics, visit Ballyshannon climate.
Buncrana, Ireland, experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and cool summers. Temperatures range from a January low of -1°C (30°F) to a July high of 27°C (80°F), with an average yearly high around 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is prevalent throughout the year, peaking in August with 125 mm (4.9 in), while May sees the most sunshine at 399 hours. Overall, the climate can be described as wet with a temperate seasonal variation, making it suitable for diverse flora. For more details, visit Buncrana climate.
Bundoran, Ireland, boasts a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild temperatures and significant precipitation throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a chilly 6°C (42°F) in winter to a warm 15°C (59°F) in summer, with July often reaching maximums of 28°C (83°F). Rainfall is prevalent, peaking in August with 157 mm (6.2 in) and averaging around 63 mm (2.5 in) during the driest month of April. Sunlight hours increase notably in spring and summer, with May enjoying up to 365 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Bundoran climate.
Donegal, Ireland, experiences a temperate maritime climate with a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. Winter months like January and February can see lows around -5°C, while summer months like July and August typically reach highs of 27°C. Precipitation is abundant, particularly in late summer and early autumn, with August averaging 164 mm of rain. Sunshine is most plentiful in late spring and summer, peaking in May and July with around 385 and 367 hours, respectively. For more detailed information, visit Donegal climate.
Dunlewy, Ireland experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. January temperatures range from -2°C to 13°C, while July sees highs of 26°C. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, peaking in February with 138 mm, and December with 154 mm, while sunshine hours increase from a low of 69 in January to a high of 401 in May. This combination of moderate temperatures and consistent rainfall creates lush landscapes typical of the region. For more details, visit Dunlewy climate.
Gweedore, Ireland experiences a temperate oceanic climate characterized by mild temperatures year-round. Winter temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) in January to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while summer sees maximums reaching up to 23°C (74°F) in July. The region receives substantial rainfall, peaking in October with 197 mm (7.8 in) and averaging around 128 mm (5.1 in) in January. Sunshine hours vary significantly, with the sunniest months being May and June, each boasting over 370 hours. For more detailed information, visit Gweedore climate.
Killybegs, Ireland experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and cool summers. Average temperatures range from a low of -3°C (27°F) in March to a high of 26°C (79°F) in July, with significant precipitation year-round, peaking in October at 176 mm (6.9 in). Sunshine hours increase from a mere 64 in January to a maximum of 365 in July, contributing to the warm summer feel. However, the winter months tend to be overcast and wet, with January receiving 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain. For more detailed information, visit Killybegs climate.
In conclusion, Ulster, Ireland, exemplifies a climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight duration. The transition from colder, shorter days in winter to the warm, extended daylight of summer highlights the region's dynamic environmental patterns. As residents and visitors engage with Ulster's changing weather, understanding these climatic elements becomes essential for promoting safety and maximizing enjoyment of the region's natural beauty. With such notable differences throughout the year, Ulster offers a diverse experience shaped by its unique climate, inviting continued exploration and appreciation across all seasons.