Last updated: March 17, 2025
In January, Donegal, Ireland, experiences a dynamic climate marked by maximum temperatures reaching 13°C (56°F) and a steady average of 5°C (42°F). Temperatures can dip as low as -5°C (24°F), creating a chill in the air. The region receives a significant 95 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation spread over 16 days, contributing to the lush landscape for which Ireland is famous. With an humidity level of 84%, the month often feels damp and cool, making warm clothing essential for those venturing outdoors. Whether you're exploring the rugged coastline or enjoying the tranquil countryside, be prepared for the varied weather conditions that January brings to this enchanting part of Ireland.
January in Donegal, Ireland, ushers in winter's chill, typically marked by minimum temperatures dipping as low as -5°C (24°F). Despite the cold, the average temperature hovers around a brisk 5°C (42°F), while daytime highs can reach a relatively mild 13°C (56°F). As the month unfolds, you can observe a gradual warming trend leading into February, which mirrors the average temperatures of January but hints at slightly higher maximums. This early part of the year sets the stage for the transition into spring, with temperatures slowly climbing as each month progresses, showcasing a gradual shift from frosty starts to milder afternoons, and heralding a vibrant seasonal change ahead.
In January, Donegal experiences a precipitation total of 95 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, marking the start of the year with a noticeable amount of rain. While this is less than what the following months bring, it sets the stage for the wet winter ahead, as February escalates to 142 mm (5.6 in) and March holds steady with 128 mm (5.0 in), indicating a trend of increasing rainfall early in the year. Notably, precipitation peaks during the summer months, especially in August with a substantial 164 mm (6.5 in) across 22 days, showcasing Donegal's characteristic variability. This pattern of fluctuating precipitation highlights the region's robust climate, where the winter and early spring months transition smoothly into a wetter and more vibrant summer.
In January, Donegal experiences a consistent humidity level of 84%, mirroring the following month, February. This high moisture content in the air sets the stage for a damp winter, which lingers through March at 83%. As the seasons shift towards spring, humidity remains stable at around 84% in April, before dipping slightly in May and June to 83%. However, a notable rise occurs in the summer, with July and August balmy at 86%, followed by a peak in September and October at 87%, reaching its zenith in November at 88%. As the year winds down, humidity drops back to 84% in December, creating a cyclical pattern of moisture that characterizes Donegal's extraordinary climate.
In January, Donegal, Ireland experiences a low UV Index of 1, indicating minimal risk for sunburn with a comfortable burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of low exposure continues into February, where the UV Index nudges up slightly to 2, yet the burn time remains the same. As spring approaches in March and April, the UV levels rise to 4 and 5 respectively, shifting into the moderate category with shorter burn times of 30 minutes. By May, the sun's intensity increases significantly, pushing the UV Index to 7—a high exposure category—with a burn time dropping to just 25 minutes. The peak of summer in June and July sees the UV Index soar to 8, signaling a very high risk and reducing burn time to a mere 15 minutes. As autumn sets in, the UV levels gradually decrease, with September reverting to 5, and settling back to low values—2 in November and 1 in December, each allowing for extended burn times of 45 minutes. These seasonal patterns highlight the importance of sun protection as the sun's intensity fluctuates throughout the year. For more insights, visit Donegal UV Index.
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In Donegal, Ireland, the January sunshine paints a modest picture with just 67 hours of sunlight, setting a serene yet subdued tone for the year. As winter surrenders to spring, the days begin to lengthen dramatically; February nearly doubles the sunlight, showcasing 138 hours. By March, this upward trend continues, reaching 183 hours, while April bursts forth with a vibrant 297 hours as the landscape awakens. The sun reaches its peak in May with an impressive 385 hours, only to slightly dip in the summer months of June and July, maintaining a robust average of around 360-367 hours. As autumn approaches, sunlight gradually wanes, starting with 323 hours in August and declining to 270 hours in September. The final quarter of the year sees a steep drop, plunging to 75 hours by December, echoing the seasonal cycle of light and darkness that defines this enchanting region.
In January, Donegal, Ireland enjoys a 24% chance of sunny weather, a notable start to the year compared to the relatively grim prospects in the following months. As winter transitions into spring, February sees a slight dip to 21%, before the chances of sunshine plummet dramatically to just 11% in March. Fortunately, the sun begins to peek out more often as April rolls around, with the likelihood climbing to 35%—the highest of all the winter and early spring months. Following this peak, the chances of sunny days fluctuate, with May offering 29% and June dropping back down to 16%. Overall, while January may not promise abundant sunshine, it does set the stage for brighter days ahead as the seasons change.
In Donegal, Ireland, January marks the beginning of a gradual increase in daylight, with 7 hours illuminating the winter landscape. As the month progresses into February and March, the daylight duration swiftly climbs to 9 hours and reaches 11 hours, hinting at the arrival of spring. By April, the days grow significantly longer, offering 14 hours of sunlight, peaking in June with an impressive 17 hours. This extended daylight not only boosts outdoor activities but also enhances the natural beauty of the region. As summer wanes, daylight begins its descent, tapering off to 14 hours in August and gradually diminishing to 12 hours in September. The trend continues into autumn and winter, with October at 10 hours before returning to 8 hours in November and down to 7 hours again by December. This rhythmic shift in daylight underscores the seasonal changes in Donegal, inviting both locals and visitors to relish in the vibrant cycles of nature throughout the year.
In January, Donegal experiences an average wind speed of 3.8 m/s (8 mph), setting the stage for a month characterized by brisk, invigorating breezes that make the coastal landscape all the more enchanting. As the year progresses into February, the winds pick up momentum, averaging 5.6 m/s (13 mph), creating a notable shift that brings a lively energy to the scenery. This trend of variable wind speeds continues, peaking in March at 4.6 m/s (10 mph) before tapering off slightly in April and May, both hovering around 3.4 to 3.7 m/s (8 mph). The summer months, surprisingly calm, feature a remarkable drop with July reporting only 2.5 m/s (5 mph), ideal for enjoying the tranquil beauty of Donegal without the typical gusts. However, as autumn arrives, the winds begin to pick up again, culminating in November's average of 4.9 m/s (11 mph) before the year winds down with December's steady 4.7 m/s (11 mph). This ebb and flow of wind speeds not only shapes the weather patterns but also enriches the natural charm of Donegal throughout the year.
The weather in Donegal changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Donegal and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing the weather between January and February, we see remarkable similarities and some notable differences. Both months experience a minimum temperature of around -5°C (24°F) and maintain an average of 5°C (42°F), but February edges slightly warmer with a maximum of 14°C (58°F) compared to January’s 13°C (56°F). Precipitation increases in February, reaching 142 mm (5.6 in) over 17 days, in contrast to January's 95 mm (3.7 in) across 16 days. Despite the increase in rain, the humidity remains consistent at 84%. For a more detailed look at February weather in Donegal, visit Donegal weather in February.
In comparison to January, March experiences slightly milder temperatures, with an average of 6°C (43°F) compared to January's average of 5°C (42°F). Both months have the same minimum temperature of -5°C (24°F), but March sees a higher maximum temperature of 17°C (62°F) compared to January's 13°C (56°F). However, March also brings increased precipitation, totaling 128 mm (5.0 in) over 18 days, whereas January records 95 mm (3.7 in) spread over 16 days. Humidity levels remain quite similar, with January at 84% and March at 83%. For more specific weather details, you can check out Donegal weather in March.
January and April present a notable contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) at their lowest to a mild average of 5°C (42°F), peaking at 13°C (56°F). This month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 95 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, all while maintaining high humidity levels of 84%. In comparison, April sees a slight increase in temperatures, with minimums around -2°C (28°F) and averages climbing to 8°C (47°F), reaching a comfortable maximum of 20°C (69°F). Additionally, April has less total precipitation, averaging 65 mm (2.6 in) over 14 days, but retains the same humidity of 84%. For more details on the specific conditions during this month, check out Donegal weather in April.
January weather in Donegal is characterized by colder temperatures, with an average of 5°C (42°F) and daytime highs reaching only 13°C (56°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 95 mm (3.7 in) over about 16 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, May brings a noticeable warmth, with average temperatures rising to 11°C (52°F) and maximums peaking at 25°C (77°F). Despite a slight reduction in precipitation to 85 mm (3.4 in) over 14 days, humidity remains similar at 83%. The transition from January to May highlights a significant shift toward milder and more pleasant weather, making May a much more inviting time to enjoy the outdoors. For more details, you can check Donegal weather in May.
In January, the weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and average highs reaching only 13°C (56°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 95 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, coupled with high humidity at 84%. In contrast, June brings milder weather with a minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F) and maximums rising to 27°C (82°F). Although June has slightly higher precipitation at 114 mm (4.5 in) over 17 days, the humidity remains similar at 83%. For more specific details on June weather, you can check Donegal weather in June.
In January, the weather is characterized by chilly temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), reaching a maximum of 13°C (56°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 95 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, July brings warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to an average of 15°C (58°F), peaking at 27°C (81°F). While July sees slightly more precipitation at 108 mm (4.2 in) over 17 days, the humidity also rises to 86%. For a closer look at the weather specifics during this vibrant summer month, visit Donegal weather in July.
In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). This month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 95 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, and the humidity is relatively high at 84%. In contrast, August experiences milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). The summer month also brings more rain, with 164 mm (6.5 in) of precipitation over 22 days, coupled with slightly higher humidity at 86%. For a closer look at this seasonal transition, you can check Donegal weather in August.
In January, the weather is decidedly colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). The month experiences 95 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 16 days, accompanied by a high humidity of 84%. In contrast, September offers milder conditions, where temperatures vary from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a comfortable maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging around 12°C (55°F). Rainfall increases slightly to 112 mm (4.4 in) over 18 days, with humidity slightly elevated at 87%. For more insights on the weather during early autumn, check out Donegal weather in September.
When comparing the weather in January and October, notable differences emerge in temperature and precipitation patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F). This month also sees about 95 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over 16 days and maintains an humidity level of 84%. In contrast, October experiences milder conditions, with temperatures varying from 0°C (32°F) at night to a comfortable 19°C (67°F) during the day, averaging around 10°C (50°F). Precipitation increases to 139 mm (5.5 in) spread over 20 days, accompanied by a slight rise in humidity to 87%. For more detailed information on October's weather, check out Donegal weather in October.
January and November exhibit similar temperature ranges, with January having a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), while November's temperatures are slightly milder, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F). In terms of precipitation, November is generally wetter, receiving 116 mm (4.6 in) over 20 days compared to January's 95 mm (3.7 in) across 16 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in November at 88%, compared to January's 84%. For a detailed overview of weather conditions, you can check Donegal weather in November.
In comparing the weather between January and December, January tends to be slightly colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while December features milder conditions with temperatures between -2°C (28°F) and 13°C (55°F). Additionally, January experiences less precipitation overall, totaling 95 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, compared to December's 131 mm (5.2 in) across 21 days. Both months share a similar humidity level of 84%, but the increased rainfall in December contributes to a wetter atmosphere. For more detailed information on December's conditions, you can visit Donegal weather in December.
January in Donegal ushers in a notable shift in weather patterns compared to other months. With its chilly average temperature and the potential for frost, the month often feels stark, contrasting sharply with the milder conditions of spring and summer. The high humidity and frequent precipitation create a notably damp atmosphere, resulting in over half the month experiencing rainy days. While January may lack the warmth and sunshine of late spring, it possesses its own rugged charm, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of a winter landscape. For a deeper understanding of how January weather fits into the broader climate context, explore Donegal Climate.