When to go to Ireland depends on what you most want to see and do.

Winter is quiet but cold and rainy; summer is generally sunny but also crowded and expensive.

As in many places, spring and fall in Ireland strike the balance between good weather and lower prices.

Tipperary fields, Ireland

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Ready to plan your trip?

If you value smaller crowds over perfect weather, you’ll want to visit outside this peak season.

Winter is the least crowded time of year in Ireland because it’s fairly wet and cold.

Colorful autumn landscape outside of Dublin

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Visitors may also want to keep an eye on theGaelic sportsschedule.

The temperature rarely falls below freezing in the winter or rises above 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer.

you could be sure it will rain at some point, so pack your bags accordingly.

Colorful street in Dublin, Ireland

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The sunniest months in Ireland are May and June.

Between November and February, meanwhile, the country is dark, cold, and wet.

December and January are the rainiest months in Ireland.

But winter can also feel quieter and cozier.

Your trip is unlikely to be a total rain-out no matter when you visit.

Drizzling or short, isolated showers are more common here than full-day downpours.

That way, you might take advantage of longer daylight hours and more pleasant weather.

Summer is busy with events across the countryside like theSeaSessionsmusic and surfing festival held each June in County Donegal.

Some high-end hotels, like County Limerick’sAdare Manor, offer enticing off-season rates in the winter months.

Flight prices also tend to be at their lowest in the winter.

The best overall tip for budget-conscious travelers is simply to avoid the summer.

St. Patrick’s Day follows closely behind summer concerning both crowds and costs.

For a nice compromise between weather and crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons of either spring or fall.