In February, Ireland experiences cool temperatures, frequent rainfall, and limited daylight hours, characteristic of its late winter season.
Expect the weather in Ireland in February to bring daytime highs of 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F), lows of 2°C to 5°C (36°F to 41°F), rain on 11 to 18 days depending on where you are, and days that stretch by almost two hours over the month.
Quick answer: February weather in Ireland at a glance
- Mildest spot: the Kerry coast, where Valentia averages a high of 9.9°C and a low of 5.1°C.
- Driest spot: the east, with Dublin Airport averaging 52 mm (2.1 inches) of rain.
- Wettest spot: the south-west, with Valentia averaging 137 mm (5.4 inches) of rain.
- Snow: possible but short-lived; Dublin Airport sees snow or sleet on about 3 days and lying snow on less than 1 morning in an average February.
- Sunshine: about 2.3 to 2.9 hours a day on average.
All averages here are Met Éireann’s 1991 to 2020 station averages, checked in October 2026.
Overview of the Weather in Ireland in February
- Temperature: Average daily temperatures range from lows of 2°C (36°F) to highs of 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F).
- Rainfall: Varies by region; for example, Dublin averages 52 mm (2.1 inches) over 11 days, while Valentia in Co Kerry sees about 137 mm (5.4 inches) over 18 days.
- Wind Speed: February remains among the windiest months, with average speeds around 22 km/h (14 mph).
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 9 to 10¾ hours per day; in Dublin, sunrise around 7:46 AM, sunset near 5:33 PM by mid-month.
February Weather in Ireland: A Closer Look
Temperature
February is slightly milder than January, with average temperatures ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 10°C (50°F). Coastal areas, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, tend to be milder, while inland regions may experience slightly cooler conditions.
Frost is the clearest sign of that split. Dublin Airport averages about 7 nights of air frost in February, while Valentia on the Kerry coast averages about 2.
Rainfall
Rainfall varies across Ireland in February. Eastern regions like Dublin receive about 52 mm (2.1 inches) over 11 days, making them relatively drier. In contrast, western areas such as Valentia in Co Kerry experience higher rainfall, averaging 137 mm (5.4 inches) over 18 days during the month.
Here is how six Met Éireann weather stations compare in an average February:
Wind Speed
February remains among Ireland’s windiest months. Average wind speeds are around 22 km/h (14 mph), with coastal regions, especially along the west, experiencing stronger gusts due to Atlantic weather systems.
Exposed headlands feel it most: Malin Head in Donegal averages almost 9 days of gales in February, compared with about 1 at Dublin Airport. If a storm warning is issued, our guide to weather and travel apps for Ireland covers the best ways to keep an eye on it.
Daylight Hours
Daylight increases noticeably in February, with approximately 9 to 10¾ hours of light daily. In Dublin, the sun rises around 7:46 AM and sets near 5:33 PM in mid-February, providing more daylight for outdoor activities compared to January.
By 28 February, Dublin gets about 10 hours 44 minutes of daylight, close to 1 hour 47 minutes more than on 1 February. For more on planning around short days, see our guide to visiting Ireland in winter.
Does It Snow in Ireland in February?
Yes, but rarely for long. Dublin Airport averages about 3 days of snow or sleet in February, yet snow is lying on the ground at 9 AM on less than 1 morning in an average February. Hills and the north see more of it than coastal towns. Our guide on whether it snows in Ireland covers where and when snow is most likely.
How February 2026 Compared
February 2026 was mild, wet and dull, according to Met Éireann’s climate statement for February 2026:
- Temperature: The national mean of 7.21°C was 1.21°C above the 1991 to 2020 average.
- Rainfall: Rainfall was 119% of normal, and Dublin Airport had its wettest February on record with 133.7 mm.
- Sunshine: Every station was below average, and Dublin Airport had its dullest February since 1947.
- Extremes: The highest temperature was 14.8°C at Moore Park, Co Cork, and the lowest was -5.2°C at Markree, Co Sligo, and Athenry, Co Galway.
One month is not a forecast, but it shows how far a single February can stray from the averages above.
Planning a Trip to Ireland in February
February has a public holiday of its own. St Brigid’s Day falls on the first Monday in February, which is Monday 1 February in 2027, so expect a busier long weekend. If you are travelling with children, check the February midterm in our Irish school holiday dates.
Pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers and shoes that can handle wet ground, whatever the forecast says on the day. Our Ireland city break packing list keeps it to one small bag.
Ireland vs Northern Ireland Weather in February
While both regions share similar climates, subtle differences exist:
- Temperature: Northern Ireland’s average temperatures are slightly lower, with daily averages around 5.0°C (41°F) at Belfast International Airport, compared to 5.3°C (42°F) at Dublin Airport.
- Rainfall: Northern Ireland experiences marginally higher rainfall, averaging 63 mm (2.5 inches) at Belfast International Airport in February, compared to Dublin’s 52 mm (2.1 inches).
- Wind: Both regions are subject to strong winds in February, with coastal areas experiencing higher gusts.
- Daylight: Daylight hours are similar, with both regions experiencing about 9 to 10¾ hours of daylight during February.
Northern Ireland figures are the Met Office’s 1991 to 2020 averages for Belfast International Airport. Heading north? Our Northern Ireland packing list covers what to wear.
In summary, while Ireland and Northern Ireland share comparable February weather patterns, Northern Ireland tends to be slightly cooler and wetter.
February Weather in Ireland: FAQs
Is February a good time to visit Ireland?
February suits travellers who want quieter sights and lower prices and do not mind short, damp days. Expect highs of 8°C to 10°C and plan indoor options for wet afternoons.
What is the warmest part of Ireland in February?
The south-west coast is mildest. Valentia in Co Kerry averages a high of 9.9°C and a low of 5.1°C in February, compared with 8.5°C and 2.2°C at Dublin Airport.
Is February colder than January in Ireland?
No, the two are very close. Dublin Airport averages a mean temperature of 5.3°C in February and 5.2°C in January.
How many hours of daylight does Ireland get in February?
Dublin gets about 8 hours 57 minutes of daylight on 1 February and about 10 hours 44 minutes on 28 February.
How much sunshine does Ireland get in February?
Between 2.3 and 2.9 hours a day on average, depending on the station. Dublin Airport is the sunniest of the main stations at 2.9 hours a day.
