Weather in Ireland in March is cool, changeable and getting brighter by the week. Met Éireann’s 1991 to 2020 averages put daytime highs at around 10°C (50°F), nights at 3 to 5°C (37 to 41°F), and rain on roughly 11 to 17 days of the month, depending on where you are.
In March, Ireland transitions from winter to spring, experiencing mild temperatures, regional rainfall, brisk winds, and increasing daylight hours.
Good to know for 2027: St Patrick’s Day falls on Wednesday 17 March, the clocks go forward on Sunday 28 March, and Easter comes early this year, with Good Friday on 26 March and Easter Sunday on 28 March.
Overview of the Weather in Ireland in March
- Temperature: Average daily temperatures range from lows of 4°C (39°F) to highs of 10°C (50°F).
- Rainfall: Varies by region; for example, Dublin averages 51 mm (2.0 inches) over 11 days, while Valentia in Kerry sees about 116 mm (4.6 inches) over 16 days.
- Wind Speed: March experiences moderate winds, with average speeds around 21 km/h (13 mph) at Dublin Airport.
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 to 13 hours per day; sunrise around 7:13 AM, sunset near 6:02 PM at the beginning of the month, extending to longer daylight by month’s end.
- Sunshine: About 3.7 hours of sunshine a day on average, so expect plenty of cloud between the bright spells.
March Weather in Ireland: A Closer Look
Temperature
March marks the beginning of spring in Ireland, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C (39°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. At Valentia in Kerry, March nights average 5.5°C (42°F), while Dublin Airport drops to 3.0°C (37°F).
Rainfall
Rainfall varies across Ireland in March. Eastern regions like Dublin receive about 51 mm (2.0 inches) over 11 days, making them relatively drier. In contrast, western areas such as Valentia in Kerry experience higher rainfall, averaging 116 mm (4.6 inches) over 16 days during the month.
Wind Speed
March experiences moderate winds, with average speeds around 21 km/h (13 mph) at Dublin Airport. Coastal regions, especially along the west, may experience stronger gusts due to Atlantic weather systems. Belmullet in Mayo averages 24 km/h (15 mph), and Malin Head in Donegal sees around 7 days of gales in a typical March.
Daylight Hours
Daylight increases significantly in March, from about 10 hours 48 minutes on 1 March to almost 13 hours by 31 March. The sun typically rises around 7:00 AM and sets near 6:00 PM at the beginning of the month, extending to longer daylight by month’s end, providing more time for outdoor activities.
The big jump comes on Sunday 28 March 2027, when the clocks go forward an hour and sunset in Dublin moves from 6:50 PM the evening before to 7:52 PM. If you’re heading up a mountain, our guide on when to climb Croagh Patrick covers daylight and weather for hill days.
Frost, Snow and Hail
Snow is possible but rarely sticks around. Dublin Airport averages 2.4 days of snow or sleet in March, but only 0.3 days with snow lying on the ground in the morning. Frost is more common inland and in the east: Dublin Airport records about 6 nights of air frost, against just 1 at Valentia. Hail showers are a March classic too, turning up on about 2 days at Dublin Airport and 3 at Shannon.
March Weather Around Ireland, Station by Station
The west and south get far more rain than the east in March. Valentia averages 116 mm, Cork Airport 92 mm and Belmullet 91 mm, while Dublin Airport gets just 51 mm. If you’re touring the west coast of Ireland, pack for showers on most days.
| Station | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Wet days (1 mm+) | Sunshine per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valentia, Co Kerry | 10.8°C | 5.5°C | 116 mm | 16 | 3.4 hrs |
| Cork Airport | 9.8°C | 3.9°C | 92 mm | 13 | 3.6 hrs |
| Belmullet, Co Mayo | 10.5°C | 4.9°C | 91 mm | 17 | 3.5 hrs |
| Malin Head, Co Donegal | 9.4°C | 4.6°C | 81 mm | 15 | 3.4 hrs |
| Shannon Airport, Co Clare | 10.9°C | 4.0°C | 76 mm | 13 | 3.6 hrs |
| Casement, Co Dublin | 10.3°C | 3.1°C | 52 mm | 10 | 3.4 hrs |
| Dublin Airport | 10.1°C | 3.0°C | 51 mm | 11 | 3.7 hrs |
Ireland vs Northern Ireland Weather in March
While both regions share similar climates, subtle differences exist:
- Temperature: Northern Ireland’s average temperatures are slightly lower, with daily averages around 6°C (43°F), compared to Ireland’s average of 7°C (45°F).
- Rainfall: Northern Ireland experiences marginally higher rainfall than Dublin, averaging 61 mm (2.4 inches) in March at Belfast International Airport, compared to Dublin’s 51 mm (2.0 inches).
- Wind: Both regions are subject to moderate winds in March, with coastal areas experiencing higher gusts.
- Daylight: Daylight hours are similar, with both regions experiencing about 11 to 13 hours of daylight during March.
In summary, while Ireland and Northern Ireland share comparable March weather patterns, Northern Ireland tends to be slightly cooler and wetter than Dublin, although the west coast of Ireland is wetter still.
St Patrick’s Day is a bank holiday on both sides of the border, so check the Northern Ireland bank holidays for 2027 if you’re crossing over for the long weekend.
What Was March 2026 Like?
March 2026 was mild and relatively wet overall. According to Met Éireann’s climate statement, rainfall was 108% of the long-term average and the national mean temperature was 7.97°C. Kerry hit 19.1°C on 19 March, the highest March temperature since 2012, while Malin Head recorded a gust of 115 km/h on 25 March.
That mix of a warm spell and a stormy week in the same month is typical. March can swing from frosty mornings to near-summer afternoons, so it pays to check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Ireland?
March is a good time to visit if you don’t mind changeable weather. Flights and hotels are usually quieter than in summer, the evenings are getting longer, and St Patrick’s Day brings parades and festivals all over the country. The trade off is cool temperatures and frequent showers, so plan a mix of indoor and outdoor stops.
Golfers can play in March, but courses can be soft after rain. See our Ireland golf weather month by month guide for the best times to tee off.
What to Pack for Ireland in March
- A waterproof jacket with a hood: showers can arrive with little warning, especially in the west.
- Warm layers: a fleece or light jumper for mornings around 3 to 5°C (37 to 41°F).
- Waterproof shoes or boots: paths and fields are often wet after rain.
- Hat and gloves: useful on windy coasts and for early starts.
- Sunglasses: low spring sun can be bright between showers.
Heading over for the parades? Our St Patrick’s Day packing list covers what to bring for a day standing out in the March weather.
Weather in Ireland in March: FAQs
How cold is Ireland in March?
Ireland is cool rather than cold in March. Average highs are about 10°C (50°F) and average lows range from 3°C (37°F) at Dublin Airport to 5.5°C (42°F) at Valentia, based on Met Éireann’s 1991 to 2020 averages.
Does it snow in Ireland in March?
It can, but snow rarely settles. Dublin Airport averages 2.4 days of snow or sleet in March and well under one day of lying snow.
What is the driest part of Ireland in March?
The east is driest. Dublin Airport averages 51 mm of rain in March and Casement Aerodrome 52 mm, compared with 116 mm at Valentia in Kerry.
When do the clocks go forward in Ireland in 2027?
The clocks go forward one hour at 1am on Sunday 28 March 2027. That gives you an extra hour of evening light for the rest of your trip.
Is St Patrick’s Day weather usually good?
St Patrick’s Day weather is typical March weather: cool, breezy and often showery, with sunny spells. Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket for the parade.
