In August, Ireland experiences mild to warm temperatures, moderate rainfall, gentle winds, and extended daylight hours, characteristic of its late summer season.
Quick answer: the weather in Ireland in August usually means daytime highs of 17°C to 19°C (63°F to 66°F), nights of 11°C to 13°C (52°F to 55°F), around 5 hours of sunshine a day and rain on 12 to 16 days of the month. The east is driest and the west coast is wettest.
- Driest area: Dublin Airport averages 73 mm (2.9 inches) of rain in August.
- Wettest area: Valentia in Co Kerry averages 114 mm (4.5 inches).
- Daylight: about 15.5 hours on 1 August, falling to under 14 hours by 31 August.
- August 2026: Met Éireann recorded a national mean of 16.27°C, the ninth warmest August since 1900.
Overview of the Weather in Ireland in August
- Temperature: Average daily temperatures range from lows of 11°C (52°F) to highs of 19°C (66°F).
- Rainfall: Varies by region; for example, Dublin averages 73 mm (2.9 inches) over 12 days, while Valentia in Co Kerry sees about 114 mm (4.5 inches) over 16 days.
- Wind Speed: August experiences gentle winds, with average speeds around 15 to 20 km/h (9 to 12 mph).
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 14 to 15 hours per day; sunrise around 5:41 AM, sunset near 9:20 PM.
August Weather in Ireland: A Closer Look
Temperature
August continues the summer warmth in Ireland, with average temperatures ranging from 11°C (52°F) to 19°C (66°F). Coastal areas, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, tend to be milder, while inland regions may experience slightly warmer daytime temperatures.
August is almost as warm as July. At Dublin Airport the average high is 19.1°C in August against 19.5°C in July, and on the Kerry coast at Valentia, August is actually a touch warmer. Hot spells do happen: Casement Aerodrome in Dublin reached 31.2°C on 12 August 2026, the highest August temperature on record at any Dublin station.
Rainfall
Rainfall varies across Ireland in August. Eastern regions like Dublin receive about 73 mm (2.9 inches) over 12 days, making them relatively drier. In contrast, western areas such as Valentia in Co Kerry experience higher rainfall, averaging 114 mm (4.5 inches) over 16 days during the month.
Here is how the main weather stations compare, from Dublin around to Donegal and across the border:
| Station | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Rain days (1 mm+) | Sunshine per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin Airport (Co Dublin) | 19.1°C (66°F) | 11.2°C (52°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 12 | 5.0 hours |
| Cork Airport (Co Cork) | 18.4°C (65°F) | 11.6°C (53°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 12 | 5.1 hours |
| Shannon Airport (Co Clare) | 19.1°C (66°F) | 12.4°C (54°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 14 | 4.6 hours |
| Valentia (Co Kerry) | 18.0°C (64°F) | 12.8°C (55°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 16 | 4.6 hours |
| Belmullet (Co Mayo) | 17.7°C (64°F) | 12.4°C (54°F) | 100 mm (4.0 in) | 16 | 4.6 hours |
| Malin Head (Co Donegal) | 17.1°C (63°F) | 12.4°C (54°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 16 | 4.7 hours |
| Northern Ireland (area average) | 18.3°C (65°F) | 10.7°C (51°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 15 | 4.4 hours |
Heading west for the scenery? Our west coast of Ireland travel guide covers the routes, and it pays to plan a few indoor options for the wetter days.
Wind Speed
August experiences gentle winds, with average speeds around 15 to 20 km/h (9 to 12 mph). Coastal regions, especially along the west, may experience slightly stronger gusts due to Atlantic weather systems.
Wind matters most if you are planning a boat trip. Sailings to islands like Skellig Michael are cancelled when the swell is too high, so check our guide to the best time to visit Skellig Michael and keep a spare day in your plans.
Daylight Hours
Daylight remains ample in August, with approximately 14 to 15 hours of light daily. The sun typically rises around 5:41 AM and sets near 9:20 PM, providing extended daylight for outdoor activities. Those are the times in Dublin at the start of the month, though. By 31 August, sunrise is closer to 6:32 AM and sunset is around 8:17 PM, so the evenings shorten by about an hour over the month.
The chart below shows how quickly the evenings shorten across the month in four cities:
What Was the Weather Like in August 2026?
August 2026 was warmer and drier than normal. According to Met Éireann’s climate statement, the national mean temperature was 16.27°C, which is 1.01°C above the 1991 to 2020 average and the ninth warmest August since records began in 1900. Rainfall was 84% of normal overall.
- Hottest day: 31.2°C at Casement Aerodrome, Co Dublin, on 12 August.
- Sunniest station: Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford, with 200.7 hours of sunshine.
- Wettest station: Newport, Co Mayo, with 111.5 mm of rain.
- Strongest gust: 67 km/h (36 knots) at Malin Head, Co Donegal, on 5 August.
It capped what Met Éireann called the hottest summer in Ireland since records began. A warm August is not guaranteed, though, and low pressure brought heavier rain to much of the country in the last week of the month.
Ireland vs Northern Ireland Weather in August
While both regions share similar climates, subtle differences exist:
- Temperature: Northern Ireland’s average temperatures are slightly lower, with daily averages around 14.5°C (58°F), compared to Ireland’s average of 15.3°C (59.5°F).
- Rainfall: Northern Ireland experiences higher rainfall than the east coast, averaging 99 mm (3.9 inches) in August, compared to Dublin’s 73 mm (2.9 inches).
- Wind: Both regions experience gentle winds in August, with coastal areas experiencing higher gusts.
- Daylight: Daylight hours are similar, with both regions experiencing about 14 to 15 hours of daylight during August.
In summary, while Ireland and Northern Ireland share comparable August weather patterns, Northern Ireland tends to be slightly cooler and wetter than the east of Ireland.
The two also take their August bank holiday on different days. Ireland’s falls on the first Monday of August, while Northern Ireland’s is the last Monday of the month. The Ireland bank holiday dates and Northern Ireland bank holidays pages have the exact dates.
Is August a Good Time to Visit Ireland?
August is one of the most reliable months to visit Ireland for long, mild days, but it is also peak season. Schools are off, so attractions, ferries and accommodation are busier and prices are higher. Booking ahead for the bank holiday weekend and for popular spots in Kerry, Galway and Dublin is a good idea.
If you are travelling with children, our 7-day family itinerary for Ireland works well for an August trip. Golfers will also find August among the better months in our Ireland golf weather guide.
What to Wear in Ireland in August
Pack for mild days, cool evenings and at least some rain:
- Layers: t-shirts plus a light jumper or fleece for evenings, which can drop to 11°C to 13°C.
- Rain jacket: a light waterproof is more useful than an umbrella on windy coasts.
- Comfortable shoes: waterproof walking shoes for trails, cliffs and wet city streets.
- Sun protection: sunglasses and sunscreen, as long days add up even under cloud.
For a short city trip, this Ireland city break packing list shows how to fit it all into one small bag.
Weather in Ireland in August: FAQs
Is August hot in Ireland?
Not usually. Average highs are 17°C to 19°C (63°F to 66°F), so August feels mild rather than hot. Heatwaves above 25°C happen in some years, such as the 31.2°C recorded in Dublin in August 2026, but they are the exception rather than the rule.
Does it rain a lot in Ireland in August?
Expect some rain. Dublin gets 1 mm or more on about 12 days in an average August, while western coasts like Kerry, Mayo and Donegal see rain on about 16 days. Much of it falls as showers with dry, bright spells in between.
Is July or August warmer in Ireland?
They are almost the same. July is marginally warmer in Dublin, Cork and Shannon, while coastal stations such as Valentia and Malin Head are slightly warmer in August, according to Met Éireann’s 1991 to 2020 averages.
How long are the days in Ireland in August?
Days are long. Dublin gets about 15 hours 40 minutes of daylight on 1 August and about 13 hours 45 minutes by 31 August, with sunset moving from 9:20 PM to 8:17 PM.
When is the August bank holiday in Ireland?
The August bank holiday in Ireland is the first Monday of August, which is Monday 2 August in 2027. Northern Ireland’s summer bank holiday is the last Monday of August, which is Monday 30 August in 2027.
