Does It Snow In Ireland? All You Need To Know In 2022

Last Updated On December 02, 2022

Let's get started. Does it ever snow in Ireland? When it comes to visiting Ireland, this is one of the most frequently asked questions.The straightforward answer is yes. However, contrary to popular belief, it is a relatively rare occurrence. Ireland has a year-round climate that is warm, humid, and heavily rainy; nonetheless, the temperature there is never too high.

Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

Photo by Tom Cleary on Unsplash

How much snow is forecast in Ireland?

Snowfall is most common in January and February, but it can fall anytime from November to April. Snow fell in both May and September. The snowfall was substantial in several cases, but it melted quickly.

Ireland barely gets a few days of snow each year. Some of the most recent snowfalls lasted 10 to 12 days on the ground.

Several Irish winters are absent of massive snowstorms, yet snow in significant volumes causes severe disruption due to its infrequent and erratic occurrence. It can halt transportation, close airports completely, and severely damage overhead electrical and communication infrastructure.

The duration of time with snow cover tends to extend northwards over the Midlands as winter air temperatures decline. In the winter, ocean temperatures are warmer than land, resulting in the rain along the coastlines but snowing inland.

Because the temperature drops with altitude, rain showers may fall as snow. The number of snowy days fluctuate substantially throughout the year.

Ireland's weather

The Atlantic Ocean has the most influence on Ireland's climate. As a result, Ireland does not endure the harsh temperatures of many other countries in similar latitudes. The heated North Atlantic Drift has a substantial impact on sea temperatures.

The maritime influence is most substantial along the Atlantic coasts and weakens as one moves further inland. Strong winds and direct oceanic effects are shielded by mountains and hills, which are frequently found near beaches.

Winters are cold and windy, whereas summers are usually mild and breezy as the depression track goes north and the depressions become shallower.

When Does it Snow?

Snow is usually seen in Ireland during January and February, as these are the coldest months of the year. On the other hand, snowfall in other months is not unheard of. Snow has fallen in Ireland as early as May in the past. However, the snow usually melts upon contact with the ground.

That forecast of when it might snow is only valid during normal seasonal conditions. Conditions that may generate more violent cold snaps will all have one thing in common: they will counteract the warmth created by the warm ocean currents in the Atlantic. Cold air from the east, mainly around Russia, and warming in the stratosphere are common contributors to these situations.

How much snow falls in Ireland?

Due to its peculiar location and the fact that it is a relatively tiny country, Ireland does not receive as much snow as you might anticipate. The average annual precipitation is roughly 23 inches, including snow and steady rain, so it's not as bad as it appears.

Where in Ireland does it snow?

Even though Ireland is a relatively small country, it does not snow everywhere.  However, Belmullet, Birr, and Clones are among Ireland's snowiest locations.