Weather in Ireland in April is cool, bright and changeable: expect daytime highs of about 11°C to 13°C (51°F to 56°F), nights of 4°C to 6°C (39°F to 43°F), and rain on 10 to 13 days of the month, based on Met Éireann’s long-term station averages.
In April, Ireland experiences mild temperatures, regional rainfall, moderate winds, and extended daylight hours, characteristic of its spring season.
Overview of the Weather in Ireland in April
- Temperature: Average daily temperatures range from lows of 5°C (41°F) to highs of 12°C (54°F).
- Rainfall: Varies by region; for example, Dublin Airport averages 54 mm (2.1 inches) with 10 wet days, while Valentia in Kerry sees about 97 mm (3.8 inches) over 13 days.
- Wind Speed: April experiences moderate winds, with average speeds of around 17 to 19 km/h (10 to 12 mph) at most stations.
- Sunshine: About 5 hours of sunshine a day, or roughly 150 to 160 hours over the month.
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 to 15 hours per day; in Dublin the sun rises around 7:00 AM on 1 April and just before 6:00 AM by 30 April, and sets between 8:00 PM and 8:50 PM.
April Weather in Ireland: A Closer Look
Temperature
April signifies the heart of spring in Ireland, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 12°C (54°F). Coastal areas, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, tend to be milder, while inland regions may experience slightly cooler conditions.
Nights show the difference best: Valentia on the Kerry coast averages an April low of 6.3°C (43°F), against 4.1°C (39°F) at Casement Aerodrome in west Dublin. Shannon Airport has the warmest afternoons of Met Éireann’s main stations, averaging 13.3°C (56°F).
| Station | Low / high (°C) | Rainfall | Wet days | Sunshine (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin Airport | 4.6 / 12.1 | 54 mm | 10 | 5.3 |
| Casement Aerodrome, Dublin | 4.1 / 12.4 | 52 mm | 10 | 5.1 |
| Shannon Airport, Co Clare | 5.7 / 13.3 | 59 mm | 11 | 5.1 |
| Malin Head, Co Donegal | 5.8 / 10.8 | 63 mm | 12 | 5.1 |
| Belmullet, Co Mayo | 5.8 / 12.2 | 72 mm | 13 | 5.2 |
| Cork Airport | 4.9 / 11.8 | 77 mm | 11 | 5.3 |
| Valentia, Co Kerry | 6.3 / 12.5 | 97 mm | 13 | 5.2 |
Here is how the main stations compare side by side, from the driest to the wettest:
Rainfall
Rainfall varies across Ireland in April. Eastern regions like Dublin receive about 54 mm (2.1 inches) over 10 days, making them relatively drier. In contrast, western areas such as Valentia in Kerry experience far more rainfall, averaging 97 mm (3.8 inches) over 13 days during the month.
April is still one of the drier months of the year, though. At Valentia only May and June are drier, and its April total is little more than half of the 174 mm that falls there in January, according to Met Éireann.
Wind Speed
April experiences moderate winds, with average speeds of around 17 to 19 km/h (10 to 12 mph) at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports. Coastal regions, especially along the west, may experience stronger gusts due to Atlantic weather systems.
Malin Head on the north Donegal coast is the breeziest of the main stations, averaging 27 km/h (17 mph). Gales are rare by April: Dublin Airport averages just 0.1 days of gales in the month, compared with 2.3 in January.
Sunshine
April is brighter than many visitors expect. Dublin Airport averages 5.3 hours of sunshine a day in April, the same as July, and Valentia averages 5.2 hours, more than it gets in July or August.
Daylight Hours
Daylight extends significantly in April, with approximately 13 to 15 hours of light daily. The sun rises around 7:00 AM at the start of the month and before 6:00 AM by the end, and sets between about 8:00 PM and 8:50 PM, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities.
The clocks have already gone forward by April, so evenings stay bright well into the evening. That makes it a good month for longer walks and drives, such as a spring climb of Croagh Patrick.
How April 2026 Compared
Last April was warmer and wetter than normal. Met Éireann’s climate statement for April 2026 puts the national mean temperature at 9.69°C (49°F), 0.81°C above the 1991 to 2020 average and the 12th warmest April since 1900. Rainfall was 113% of normal, ranging from just 20.2 mm at Casement Aerodrome to 151.1 mm at Valentia.
The warmest day reached 21.3°C (70°F) at Claremorris, Co Mayo, on 24 April, while Storm Dave brought gusts of 111 km/h (69 mph) to Roches Point and Valentia on 4 April. In other words, April can deliver both T-shirt afternoons and a proper Atlantic storm in the same month.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Ireland?
For most travellers, yes. April brings longer evenings, gardens and hedgerows coming into bloom, and fewer crowds than the summer months, while frost is uncommon, with Dublin Airport averaging 2.4 nights of air frost in April. The trade off is changeable weather, so plan a mix of outdoor and indoor stops, whether that is a trip along the west coast or a few day trips from Dublin by train.
Keep an eye on school holidays too. Easter falls early in 2027, on 28 March, so check the Easter school holiday dates before booking, as attractions and accommodation are busier during the break.
What to Pack for Ireland in April
- A waterproof jacket with a hood, since showers can arrive with little warning.
- Layers you can add or remove, such as a light fleece or jumper over a T-shirt.
- Waterproof or quick-drying shoes for walking.
- Sunglasses and sun cream for bright spells, as UV levels rise through spring.
If you are travelling light, our city break packing list for rain and walking covers the essentials for a small bag.
Ireland vs Northern Ireland Weather in April
While both regions share similar climates, subtle differences exist:
- Temperature: Northern Ireland’s average temperatures are slightly lower, particularly along the north coast; Malin Head, just across the border in Donegal, averages a high of 10.8°C (51°F), compared to 12.1°C (54°F) at Dublin Airport.
- Rainfall: Northern Ireland experiences marginally higher rainfall than Dublin, with Malin Head averaging 63 mm (2.5 inches) in April, compared to Dublin’s 54 mm (2.1 inches).
- Wind: Both regions experience moderate winds in April, with coastal areas experiencing higher gusts.
- Daylight: Daylight hours are similar, with both regions experiencing about 13 to 15 hours of daylight during April.
In summary, while Ireland and Northern Ireland share comparable April weather patterns, Northern Ireland tends to be slightly cooler and marginally wetter.
For figures for a particular town in Northern Ireland, the Met Office publishes station climate averages for Belfast and other locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Weather in Ireland in April
How warm is Ireland in April?
Daytime highs average 11°C to 13°C (51°F to 56°F) and nights 4°C to 6°C (39°F to 43°F). Warm spells happen: in April 2026 the temperature reached 21.3°C at Claremorris.
Does it rain a lot in Ireland in April?
Expect rain on 10 to 13 days, usually as showers rather than all day rain. Dublin averages 54 mm for the month and Valentia in Kerry 97 mm.
Does it snow in Ireland in April?
Rarely, and it seldom settles. Dublin Airport averages about one day of snow or sleet in April, and Valentia less than one in three Aprils.
How many hours of daylight does Ireland get in April?
Around 13 hours at the start of April, rising to almost 15 hours by the end. In Dublin, sunset moves from about 8:00 PM to 8:50 PM.
Is April or May better for visiting Ireland?
May is a little warmer and sunnier, but April is quieter and often cheaper outside Easter. See the weather in Ireland in May to compare.
