February is still winter in Ireland, and the weather is generally cold to cool with moderate rainfall. For those looking to visit, we would recommend Dublin, Kerry's Killarney National Park, the Cliffs of Moher, and Cork. Read on to find out more about travel and weather, including temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and tips for February.
Ireland Weather in February: Overview
Averages:
- Temperature range: 3–9°C (37–48°F)
- Rainfall: 9 cm (3 inches)
- Rainy days: 15
- Sunshine hours/day: 2
- Humidity: around 77% (wet and quite humid throughout)
February's weather in Ireland is mostly cool through to cold, with it being a winter month. The weather can be a little bit volatile, and while some days can drop to around freezing point, there's also a chance of temperatures reaching well above the average high of 9°C (48°F).
February is slightly less rainy than January, with there being approximately 15 rainy days in the month, and an average rainfall of 9 cm, or 3 inches. Due to Ireland's northern location on the globe and oceanic cloud, there are only 2 hours of sunshine per day in February on average.
February Climate Comparison (Averages) for Ireland's Top Tourism Areas
| City/Area | High (ºC) | Low (ºC) | Rain (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin (main city, Irish culture, bars, Guiness) | Cool | Cold | Low |
| Galway (harbor city, history, architecture) | Cool | Cold | Moderate |
| Cork (foodie capital, architecture, history) | Cool | Cold | Moderate |
| Limerick (culture, old buildings, museums) | Cool | Cold | Moderate |
| Killarney (national park scenery, hikes, castle, abbey) | Cool | Cold | Moderate |
| City/Area | High (ºC) | Low (ºC) | Rain (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin (main city, Irish culture, bars, Guiness) | 9 | 2 | 5 |
| Galway (harbor city, history, architecture) | 9 | 4 | 9 |
| Cork (foodie capital, architecture, history) | 8 | 3 | 10 |
| Limerick (culture, old buildings, museums) | 9 | 3 | 8 |
| Killarney (national park scenery, hikes, castle, abbey) | 8 | 3 | 12 |
| City/Area | High (ºF) | Low (ºF) | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin (main city, Irish culture, bars, Guiness) | 48 | 36 | 2 |
| Galway (harbor city, history, architecture) | 48 | 39 | 4 |
| Cork (foodie capital, architecture, history) | 46 | 37 | 4 |
| Limerick (culture, old buildings, museums) | 48 | 37 | 3 |
| Killarney (national park scenery, hikes, castle, abbey) | 46 | 37 | 5 |
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The Best Places to Visit in Ireland in February
February is a quiet time of the year to visit Ireland, with the weather being a little unpredictable and largely cold. If you are okay with the wintry weather, this means that you will be able to enjoy some of the best sights without crowds, and you'll still be able to see the best of Ireland.
For those visiting in February we recommend visiting Dublin and seeing its museums, heading to the famous Cliffs of Moher, venturing into Killarney National Park in Kerry, and spending some time in Cork.
1. Learn about Dublin at its Award-Winning Museums
Dublin is home to some of the best museums in the world, and a rainy day in February is the perfect time to explore. Start off at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, covering the history of Irish diaspora. It has been voted Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 World Travel Awards, so you definitely can't go wrong.
For a more local history museum, check out the Little Museum of Dublin, and for those more interested in archaeology, there is the National Museum of Archaeology for a unique look at very early Irish history through artefacts. Here you will find the Bog Bodies exhibit, about Iron Age bodies that were found preserved in a bog, believed to have been sacrifices.
If you are into art, there is also the Irish Museum of Modern Art, as well as the National Gallery, home to both Irish and international artists' work.
There are enough museums to keep you busy, no matter whether rain or shine prevail outside during your time in Dublin!
2. Visit Killarney National Park in Kerry
While you are in Ireland, you definitely need to check the weather to ensure you have a dry day to spare at Kerry's Killarney National Park, a beautiful and world-renowned national park.
The park is home to a mix of wide-open spaces with beautiful mountain-scapes, impressive coastal viewpoints, and forests. Whether you prefer to hike or cycle, the park has paths for you to explore. It is also possible to drive to many of the viewpoints.
We recommend starting off at the visitor center, inside Killarney House, to figure out which routes are best for you to take, and to see some of the exhibits about the area.
Make sure you wrap up warm, but this park is not one to miss regardless of the weather.
3. Walk around the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland's best known tourist attractions, with rugged landscapes marking the western edge of Europe, and impressive sights over both the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands.
For the best views over the sea, we would recommend visiting at sunset (which is around 4 or 5pm in February, but we recommend checking ahead for the precise time depending on which day you're hoping to visit).
You can park at the visitors' center, and start there for some information about the area before setting off on your walk.
4. Enjoy an Irish Pub in Cork
Ireland is home to many beautiful pubs, where you'll be able to enjoy traditional Irish food in a friendly atmosphere with a pint of real Guinness, in the place where Guinness is made!
Given that the sun sets early, we recommend going for an evening when you'll be able to cozy up inside, after having spent the day walking around Cork. Cork is Ireland's second-largest city, and its foodie capital.
For those who like castles, there are the Blackrock Castle Observatory and the Blarney Castle and Gardens to explore, as well as Elizabeth Fort. Each of these have informative exhibits to give background on their strategic importance.
Low Season: Less Expensive and Less Crowded
One of the main reasons to visit Ireland in February is because this is the quietest time of the year to do so. Due to the weather, and the fact that most of Europe has gone back to school and work following Christmas breaks, there are fewer tourists in Ireland at this time of the year.
This also means that costs for accommodation and travel are generally lower.
What to Wear in February
February is a cold and rainy time of the year to visit Ireland, so we suggest bringing plenty of layers if you are planning to visit. An additional fleece or a thermal layer is a good idea if you're planning on being outside in the national parks, as well as a waterproof layer or an umbrella.
We recommend bringing gloves as well as a scarf and a hat, especially if you'll be exploring the outdoors, for younger members of the family in particular if you are traveling with kids.
Contact Global Highlights to Plan Your Ireland Tour
Ireland has plenty to do and see, and Global Highlights can help you put together your ideal itinerary including transport, accommodation, and tickets to the biggest sights. Take the stress out of planning your trip, and let our experts arrange your trip to Ireland in February. Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.
