Cork Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Cork, County Cork, Republic of Ireland)



River Lee photograph, taken in the summerRegardless of the climate or the time of year, the city of Cork is a great visitor destination. However, 'weather', anywhere in southern Ireland, usually means rain, and lots of it - the 'Emerald Isle' didn't get that way without lots of the wet stuff, and the best travel aid for visitors is a large umbrella!

On the positive side, the climate is usually mild, with extreme temperatures the exception. The moderating influence of Cork's location just above sea level and close to the harbour means that even when there is snow, it doesn't settle in the city. Fog is another matter, with up to 100 days a year recorded, although Cork is also one of the sunniest cities in Ireland.


Further summer photo of the city centre and River Lee

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

If you're into celebrations, the best time to visit Cork is at festival times, especially on March 14th, St. Patrick's Day - otherwise, anytime is good, either for a long weekend or for a holiday, as there is so much to see and do in the region that's not weather-dependent.

Seasonal variations in temperature aren't dramatic and rarely drop to below 0°C / 32°F in the winter, or rise above 30°C / 86°F in summer. The rain, of course, falls all year round, although the city does record sunshine on an average of 291 days per year.

Cork Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)


Maximum
Minimum

January

7°C / 45°F
2°C / 36°F

February

8°C / 46°F
3°C / 37°F

March

10°C / 50°F
4°C / 39°F

April

11°C / 52°F
5°C / 41°F

May

14°C / 57°F
7°C / 45°F

June

16°C / 61°F
10°C / 50°F

July

18°C / 64°F
11°C / 52°F

August

19°C / 66°F
11°C / 52°F

September

16°C / 61°F
10°C / 50°F

October

13°C / 55°F
8°C / 46°F

November

10°C / 50°F
5°C / 41°F

December

9°C / 48°F
3°C / 37°F