Killarney, in County Kerry, enjoys a mild temperate maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The town experiences significant rainfall year-round, lush green landscapes, and moderate seasonal temperature changes. Long daylight hours in summer and frequent rain showers make Killarney a vibrant destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers in every season.
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.
Killarney’s climate is shaped by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in mild temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Summers (June–August) are cool and pleasant, with average daytime highs of 17–19°C and nighttime lows around 11–12°C. July is the warmest month, but heatwaves are rare. Summer brings long daylight hours – up to 17 hours in June – and 5–6 hours of sunshine daily, making it ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the region’s lakes and national park. Rainfall is moderate even in summer, with June and July averaging 88–94 mm and 14–18 rainy days per month.
Winters (December–February) are mild compared to much of Europe, with highs of 8–9°C and lows of 2–4°C. Snow is rare and short-lived, while rain is frequent, especially in December and January, which can see over 150 mm and up to 20 rainy days per month. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, with temperatures ranging from 7–15°C and increased rainfall in autumn. The region’s lush greenery is a result of this regular precipitation, and the ever-changing weather adds to the area’s charm. Winds are generally moderate, with breezier conditions in winter. Annual precipitation averages 1,200–1,300 mm, and humidity is consistently high, supporting Killarney’s famed green landscapes.
| Average climate data for Killarney, 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 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 18 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 160 | 118 | 112 | 76 | 84 | 74 | 76 | 98 | 117 | 141 | 148 | 166 | 1,370 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 23 | 19 | 20 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 20 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 235 |
| 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 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Average UV index | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
The best time to visit Killarney is from May to September, when temperatures are warmest, days are longest, and the region is alive with festivals and outdoor activities. This period offers the best conditions for hiking, cycling, and exploring the national park, with lush scenery and relatively fewer rainy days compared to winter.
The least favourable time to visit Killarney is from November to February, when rainfall is highest, days are shortest, and the weather is often damp and overcast. While winters are mild, frequent rain and muddy trails can limit outdoor activities, though the town remains charming and peaceful for those seeking a quieter experience.
Killarney has a mild temperate maritime climate with cool summers, mild winters, and significant rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures range from 8°C in winter to 19°C in summer, and the region is known for its lush green landscapes.
The best time to visit Killarney is from May to September, when temperatures are mild, days are long, and outdoor activities abound. This period is ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the national park.
Yes, Killarney receives significant rainfall year-round, averaging 1,200–1,300 mm annually. Rain is most frequent in winter, especially December and January, but showers can occur in any season.
Summer highs in Killarney typically reach 17–19°C, with July being the warmest month. Heatwaves are rare, and evenings remain cool, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.
Snow is rare in Killarney due to its mild maritime climate. When it does occur, it is usually light and melts quickly. Rain is much more common than snow, even in winter.
Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes for muddy trails. Even in summer, bring a jumper for cool evenings and rain gear for frequent showers. Sun protection is also recommended for long days outdoors.
Daylight lasts up to 17 hours in June, with sunrise before 5:30 am and sunset after 9:30 pm. Long summer days provide ample time for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (18.1 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is February (8.1 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 12.9 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (11 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is February (2.9 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 6.7 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is December (165.5 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is June (74 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,370.5 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is December (23 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is April (15.9 days). Over the whole year there are 235 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: 5.9 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 1 h). Over the whole year there are 3.6 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.
