The weather in Ireland in January is cold, wet and windy, but rarely freezing: Met Éireann’s 1991 to 2020 averages give a national mean of 5.3°C (42°F), with daily highs of about 8°C (46°F) and lows of about 2°C (36°F).
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 Shannon Airport in Co Clare sees about 104 mm (4.1 inches) over 17 days.
- Snowfall: Rare, typically confined to higher elevations.
- Wind Speed: January is among the windiest months, with average speeds of about 18 to 27 km/h (11 to 17 mph) at Met Éireann’s main stations.
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 8 hours per day; in mid-January, sunrise is around 8:30 AM and sunset around 4:35 PM in Dublin.
- Sunshine: Scarce, at about 1.5 to 2 hours of bright sunshine a day.
Figures checked against Met Éireann’s 1991 to 2020 climate averages in October 2026.
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.
You can see that in the numbers. Valentia in Co Kerry averages a daily high of 9.8°C (50°F) and only about 2 nights of air frost in January, while Dublin Airport averages 8.0°C (46°F) and about 7 frosty nights. February is barely warmer, with a national mean of 5.5°C.
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 experience higher rainfall: Shannon Airport averages about 104 mm (4.1 inches) over 17 days, and Valentia Observatory in Co Kerry about 187 mm (7.4 inches) over 21 days during the month.
Nationally, January is one of the four wettest months of the year, with about 130 mm of rain or more on average, alongside October and November and behind December.
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.
Dublin Airport averages about 3 days with snow or sleet in January, yet snow is lying on the ground at 9 AM on fewer than 1 day (0.7) in a typical January.
Wind Speed
January ranks among Ireland’s windiest months. Average wind speeds range from about 18 km/h (11 mph) at Shannon Airport to 27 km/h (17 mph) at Belmullet in Co Mayo, with coastal regions, especially along the west, experiencing stronger gusts due to Atlantic weather systems.
Gales are most common on exposed northern and western coasts. Malin Head in Co Donegal averages about 10 days with gales in January, compared with about 2 at Dublin Airport.
Daylight Hours
Daylight is limited in January, with approximately 8 hours of light daily. In Dublin, the sun rises around 8:40 AM and sets around 4:15 PM on 1 January, while by 31 January it rises around 8:10 AM and sets around 5:05 PM, influencing the scheduling of outdoor activities.
The good news? You gain about 1 hour 20 minutes of daylight over the month. Long dark evenings also leave plenty of time for things to do in Dublin at night, and clear winter skies are your best chance of catching the Northern Lights in Ireland.
Sunshine
Sunshine is in short supply. Dublin Airport averages 1.9 hours of bright sunshine a day in January, Cork Airport 2 hours and Valentia just 1.5 hours, and most stations record around 9 or 10 days with no sun at all.
Weather in Ireland in January by Region
Here is how Met Éireann’s main weather stations compare in an average January. The west and south get far more rain, while the east is drier but frostier.
| Station | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Wet days (1 mm+) | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Air frost days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin Airport (Co Dublin) | 8.0°C (46°F) | 2.3°C (36°F) | 61.8 mm | 12.5 | 1.9 | 7.1 |
| Casement (Co Dublin) | 8.0°C (46°F) | 2.4°C (36°F) | 65 mm | 12.3 | 1.7 | 6.8 |
| Cork Airport (Co Cork) | 8.2°C (47°F) | 3.2°C (38°F) | 131.3 mm | 16.7 | 2 | 3.8 |
| Shannon Airport (Co Clare) | 8.9°C (48°F) | 3.3°C (38°F) | 103.8 mm | 16.9 | 1.7 | 5.2 |
| Valentia (Co Kerry) | 9.8°C (50°F) | 5.1°C (41°F) | 187 mm | 20.8 | 1.5 | 2.4 |
| Belmullet (Co Mayo) | 8.9°C (48°F) | 3.9°C (39°F) | 136.9 mm | 20.1 | 1.4 | 3.1 |
| Malin Head (Co Donegal) | 8.2°C (47°F) | 3.7°C (39°F) | 118.9 mm | 18.8 | 1.3 | 2 |
Ireland vs Northern Ireland Weather in January
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 Armagh, compared to Ireland’s national average of 5.3°C (42°F).
- Rainfall: Northern Ireland experiences marginally higher rainfall than Dublin, with Armagh averaging about 73 mm (2.9 inches) in January, compared to Dublin’s 62 mm (2.4 inches). The west of the Republic is far wetter than both.
- 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 than Dublin and the east coast.
Northern Ireland figures are 1991 to 2020 averages calculated from the Met Office Armagh station record. Heading north? This Northern Ireland packing list covers what to wear in the cities and the countryside.
What Was January 2026 Like?
Averages only tell you so much, so here is how the most recent January turned out. According to Met Éireann’s climate statement for January 2026, the national mean temperature was 5.31°C, 0.51°C below the 1991 to 2020 average, making it the coldest January since 2021.
- Rain: Rainfall was 123% of average nationally, and Dublin Airport had its second wettest January on record (223% of average).
- Frost and snow: Frost was widespread, and some snow settled at times in the north and northwest early in the month. The lowest air temperature was -5.3°C at Athenry, Co Galway, on 4 January.
- Storms: Storm Chandra brought strong winds and heavy rain on 26 and 27 January, with a top gust of 130 km/h (70 knots) at Malin Head.
In other words, expect a mix: mild, wet spells most of the time, with a few cold, frosty snaps and the odd named storm.
What to Pack for Ireland in January
Ireland in January is all about layers and waterproofs. Here’s the short version:
- A waterproof jacket with a hood, since rain falls on 12 to 21 days of the month depending on where you are.
- Warm layers such as a fleece or wool jumper for highs of around 8°C (46°F).
- Waterproof shoes or boots for wet pavements and muddy walks.
- Hat, gloves and scarf for frosty mornings and windy coasts.
- A small umbrella, although the wind often makes a hood more useful.
For a full list, see our Dublin day trip packing list. And if you’re planning a longer winter trip, our guide to visiting Ireland in winter covers daylight, driving and travel planning.
Staying into early February? St Brigid’s Day 2027 falls on Monday 1 February, the first bank holiday of the year in Ireland.
Weather in Ireland in January: FAQs
Does it snow in Ireland in January?
Sometimes, but not much. Dublin Airport averages about 3 days with snow or sleet in January and less than 1 day with snow lying, and snow is more likely on high ground and in the north and northwest.
What is the coldest month in Ireland?
January is the coldest month in Ireland, with a national mean temperature of 5.3°C (42°F) over 1991 to 2020. February is close behind at 5.5°C.
How many hours of daylight does Ireland get in January?
About 7.5 hours at the start of January, rising to almost 9 hours by the end of the month. In Dublin, daylight grows from 7 hours 35 minutes on 1 January to 8 hours 53 minutes on 31 January.
Where is the mildest place in Ireland in January?
The southwest coast. Among Met Éireann’s main stations, Valentia in Co Kerry is the mildest in January, with a mean temperature of 7.4°C (45°F), but it is also the wettest, at about 187 mm of rain.
Is January a good time to visit Ireland?
It can be, if you plan for short days and rain. Pack waterproofs, plan sightseeing for the roughly 8 hours of daylight, and keep indoor options such as museums, castles and pubs for wet afternoons.
