This is the Atlantic north-west: mild, breezy and wet, with weather that can run through every season in an afternoon. Clear days are glorious. The towns work all year; Achill, the Greenway and Croagh Patrick are at their best in the lighter half of it.
Season by season
Spring (March–May)
Often the driest time. Gorse and primroses line the Greenway and the hills are clear for walking. Seasonal visitor centres reopen around Easter.
Summer (June–August)
Festival season and school holidays: Westport is busy, and Achill’s beaches come alive. Reek Sunday at the end of July draws crowds to Croagh Patrick.
Autumn (September–October)
The best surf arrives on the Sligo coast. September is mild and settled more often than not; the Westport and Sligo festivals continue.
Winter (November–February)
Storms, big seas and turf fires. Sligo and Westport stay open; Achill and north Mayo are very quiet, with many places closed.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high / low | Wet days | Daylight | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8° / 3°C | ≈20 | ≈8 h | Quiet & cheap |
| February | 8° / 3°C | ≈16 | ≈9.5 h | Quiet & cheap |
| March | 10° / 4°C | ≈18 | ≈12 h | Quiet & cheap |
| April | 12° / 5°C | ≈14 | ≈14 h | Good |
| May | 14° / 8°C | ≈14 | ≈16 h | Best |
| June | 16° / 10°C | ≈13 | ≈17 h | Best |
| July | 18° / 12°C | ≈16 | ≈16.5 h | Peak season |
| August | 18° / 12°C | ≈17 | ≈14.5 h | Peak season |
| September | 16° / 10°C | ≈17 | ≈12.5 h | Best |
| October | 13° / 8°C | ≈20 | ≈10.5 h | Good |
| November | 10° / 5°C | ≈20 | ≈8.5 h | Quiet & cheap |
| December | 8° / 4°C | ≈20 | ≈7.5 h | Quiet & cheap |
Approximate long-term averages, rounded; daylight is the approximate time between sunrise and sunset mid-month. Irish weather changes quickly — pack for showers in any month.
Festivals & events
- May Westport’s festival season opens; Achill’s Battle for the Lake kitesurfing and music festival (in some years).
- Late June Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival.
- July Sligo Jazz Project; Cairde Sligo Arts Festival.
- Last Sunday of July Reek Sunday — the national pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick.
- Late July – August Yeats International Summer School, Sligo; Scoil Acla summer school of music on Achill.
- August Queen Maeve festival events and the Warriors Run up Knocknarea, Strandhill.
- October Sligo Live music festival; Westport Arts Festival.
Crowds & booking ahead
Only Westport in July and August, and Keem Bay on a sunny weekend, ever feel busy. Avoid Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday unless you are joining the pilgrimage. From November to Easter, check opening times of rural visitor centres and restaurants before travelling.
