Cork, Ireland’s vibrant southern city, has a mild oceanic climate with cool, rainy winters and mild, relatively wet summers. Temperatures rarely reach extremes, and the weather is famously changeable – rain, sun, and fog can all appear in a single day. The city’s lush landscapes and moderate climate make it a year-round destination for travellers.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Cork experiences an oceanic climate, characterised by mild temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Winters, from December to February, are cool and damp, with average temperatures around 5–6°C. Frost is rare, and snow is uncommon, usually light and not persistent. Summers, from June to August, are mild and relatively wet, with average highs of 17–19°C. Hot days are rare, and temperatures seldom exceed 25°C. The city’s proximity to the Atlantic brings frequent rain showers, especially in autumn and winter, and fog is common, particularly in the mornings and during the colder months.
Rainfall is well-distributed year-round, with December being the wettest month and April the driest. Cork receives around 1,430 mm of rain annually, so an umbrella is always advisable. Sunshine is modest by European standards, with about 1,430 hours annually and the sunniest months being May and June, each averaging 6 hours of sunshine per day. Winds are generally moderate, often stronger in autumn and winter, adding to the city’s brisk, fresh atmosphere. Daylight hours are shortest in winter (about 8 hours) and longest in summer (up to 17 hours), allowing for extended outdoor activities during the warmer months. The city’s climate is rarely harsh, but visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions at any time of year.
| Average climate data for Cork, Ireland | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 19 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 119 | 92 | 87 | 62 | 74 | 61 | 64 | 84 | 95 | 106 | 102 | 119 | 1,065 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 21 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 210 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 12 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Average UV index | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
The best time to visit Cork is from June to August, when temperatures are mild (17–19°C), daylight is long, and the city hosts numerous festivals and outdoor events. These months offer the most pleasant conditions for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying Cork’s lively atmosphere, though a rain jacket is still recommended.
The least favourable time to visit is from November to February, when Cork is at its coldest (5–9°C), wettest, and daylight is limited. Frequent rain, fog, and occasional storms can make outdoor activities less enjoyable, though the city’s pubs and cultural venues remain welcoming.
Cork has a mild oceanic climate with cool, rainy winters and mild, wet summers. Temperatures rarely reach extremes, and rain is possible in any month. Fog and changeable weather are common features.
The best time to visit is during summer (June–August), when temperatures are mild, days are long, and outdoor festivals abound. Spring and early autumn are also pleasant, with fewer tourists.
Snow is rare in Cork. When it does occur, it is usually light and doesn’t last long. Frost is also uncommon, thanks to the city’s mild winters.
Cork receives about 1,430 mm of rain annually, with rainfall distributed throughout the year. December is typically the wettest month, while April is the driest.
Cork averages around 1,430 hours of sunshine per year. May and June are the sunniest months, with about 6 hours of sunshine per day, while winter months see only 2–2.5 hours daily.
Pack layers, a rain jacket or umbrella, and waterproof shoes. Even in summer, evenings can be cool. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather and bring sun protection for brighter days.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (18.9 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is February (7.9 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 12.9 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (11.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (2.9 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 6.8 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (16.3 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (9.3 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 12.5 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is December (119.5 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is June (61 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,065.2 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is January (21 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is July (14 days). Over the whole year there are 210.2 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 16.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 7.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is May (Average sunshine: 6.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is November (Average sunshine: 1.9 h). Over the whole year there are 3.8 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 6). The month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 0). Over the whole year the average UV index is 3.1.
