Weather in Ireland in January

In January, Ireland experiences cool temperatures, frequent rainfall, and limited daylight hours, characteristic of its winter season.

Overview of the Weather in Ireland in January

• Temperature: Average daily temperatures range from lows of 2°C (36°F) to highs of 8°C (46°F).
• Rainfall: Varies by region; for example, Dublin averages 62 mm (2.4 inches) over 12 days, while Galway sees about 116.7 mm (4.6 inches) over 16 days.
• Snowfall: Rare, typically confined to higher elevations.
• Wind Speed: January is among the windiest months, with average speeds around 27 km/h (17 mph).
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 8 hours per day; sunrise around 8:20 AM, sunset near 4:40 PM.

January Weather in Ireland: A Closer Look

Temperature

January is Ireland’s coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 8°C (46°F). Coastal areas, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, tend to be milder, while inland regions may experience slightly cooler conditions.

Rainfall

Rainfall varies across Ireland in January. Eastern regions like Dublin receive about 62 mm (2.4 inches) over 12 days, making them relatively drier. In contrast, western areas such as Galway experience higher rainfall, averaging 116.7 mm (4.6 inches) over 16 days during the month.

Snowfall

Snow is uncommon in Ireland during January, typically occurring in higher elevations. Lowland areas rarely see significant snowfall, and when it does occur, it usually doesn’t accumulate substantially.

Wind Speed

January ranks among Ireland’s windiest months. Average wind speeds are around 27 km/h (17 mph), with coastal regions, especially along the west, experiencing stronger gusts due to Atlantic weather systems.

Daylight Hours

Daylight is limited in January, with approximately 8 hours of light daily. The sun typically rises around 8:20 AM and sets near 4:40 PM, influencing the scheduling of outdoor activities.

Ireland vs Northern Ireland Weather in January 2025

While both regions share similar climates, subtle differences exist:

• Temperature: Northern Ireland’s average temperatures are slightly lower, with daily averages around 4.8°C (41°F), compared to Ireland’s average of 5°C (41°F).
• Rainfall: Northern Ireland experiences marginally higher rainfall, averaging 88.5 mm (3.5 inches) in January, compared to Dublin’s 62 mm (2.4 inches).
• Wind: Both regions are subject to strong winds in January, with coastal areas experiencing higher gusts.
• Daylight: Daylight hours are similar, with both regions experiencing about 8 hours of daylight during January.

In summary, while Ireland and Northern Ireland share comparable January weather patterns, Northern Ireland tends to be slightly cooler and wetter.