What to Wear in Ireland: Month by Month Guide to What to Pack for an Ireland Vacation
Packing for a trip can be tricky, but choosing what to wear in Ireland can give even the most experienced traveler a moment's pause.
Ireland weather chatter often includes “if you don't like it, wait 5 minutes, it will change” and “four seasons in one day”.
While that's not overly helpful when choosing what to pack for an Ireland vacation, it is hopeful when you wake to a grey day.
Clothes to Pack for an Ireland Vacation
Understanding Irish weather is the key to knowing what to bring to Ireland.
Average Weather in Ireland
The saying “there is no bad weather, only bad clothes” can definitely apply to Ireland!
Average high temperatures in the Republic of Ireland don't often go above 75°F (appx 24°C) in the warmest months of June, July and August while lows in the coldest months of January and February rarely dip below freezing (32°F/ 0°C).
Northern Ireland is slightly cooler, but not a wholly noticeable difference.
No matter what time of year you visit the Emerald Isle you are likely to experience rain, though December and January tend to be the wettest (and coldest) months.
The shoulder season months of April, May, September and October bring a lovely mixture of weather- you may wake to a cool, rainy morning which turns to a warm, sunny afternoon. Or exactly the opposite.
Your Ireland Packing List
When packing for an Ireland vacation you always want to think about layers. Consider the list below to be your basic Ireland vacation clothing no matter when you visit.
- short & long sleeve shirts for layering (3 of each)
- tee shirts
- Merion wool long sleeve (Amazon has a terrific selection and Columbia Sportswear has terrific baselayer options.)
- comfortable pants for travel (2 pair)
- I love Margaux Cargaux pants from SCOTTeVEST (so many pockets!)
- SeV men's Hidden Cargo Pants look great for hiking or dinner
- Columbia has a wide range of pants for all ages (and they often have sales)
- warm socks (5 pair – and always keep a dry pair with you!)
- jeans (no more than 2 pair)
- light jacket or sweater for layering (1)
- jacket to stay warm & dry (1- specifics in month-by-month listing)
- water resistant walking shoes or boots for exploring the countryside (1)
- My family prefers Keen hiking boots and shoes. They last for years!
- Comfortable shoes for walking in cities (1)
- bonus if they are nice enough for a dressy dinner
- Jump to the month-by-month guide
Try to keep your clothing monotone so it will mix & match well. Add a few accessories or easy-to-wear items like t-shirts to add color.
Packing jewelry? Leave the large, expensive pieces at home. Opt for simple pieces that will go with everything. Or, better yet, pick up a terrific item or two as a souvenier of your trip!
Tip:Â I usually bring 4-5 outfits and have laundry done every week.. Your B&B host or hotel concierge can direct you to a launderette where, for a nominal fee, your clothes will be washed, dried and folded- and you won't miss any sight-seeing time!
Planning a nice evening dinner or event?
For ladies and girls add a simple dress that won't wrinkle, a good pair of comfortable, attractive shoes, and easy accessories.
For men and boys a pair of pants, button down shirt, and a jacket (if required) should do the trick.
Ireland Packing List for Kids
Follow the basic list above.
For young kids I recommend adding 2 extra outfits per 5 days, in case of messy play. 5 days = 7 outfits. (If you plan to do laundry 7 total outfits should be enough.)
Don't skimp on socks! I recommend 2 pair per day if you plan outdoor activities.
A pair of water-resistant shoes or boots are always a good idea. You can always pick up a pair of cheap wellies in Ireland and donate them before you leave.
Make sure any shoes you bring are able to get dirty and be cleaned.
Consider packing an extra jacket- just in case the first one needs laundered.
If you will be using a stroller consider purchasing a rain cover. It may be the most important thing you pack.
Ireland Vacation Clothing Month-by-Month Guide
A few simple additions or swaps to the Ireland packing list above will make it perfect for every month of the year.
What to Wear in Ireland in January & February
Ireland's average temperature in January & February is between 36-46°F (2-8°C).
Add a couple of long sleeve button down shirts – flannel works great! – or sweaters to layer over your base layers.
When choosing a jacket make sure it is waterproof and warm to at least 20°F. I also recommend a hood, as well as a warm hat & gloves.
If you plan to explore nature add base layer tights as well – Merino woolen long underwear are lightweight and so warm.
Woolens are a terrific souvenir and will keep you warm as you explore. Sweaters, hats & gloves can be found all over Ireland.
If you choose to bring heavier, taller boots remember to wear them on the flight – they take up a lot of luggage space!
Packing for Ireland in March & April
Temperatures in Ireland in March & April begin to warm up with highs in the mid to upper 50s F (12-15°C) and lows still dipping down to around 37°F (3°C).
Expect rain so be sure your jackets all have a hood (trust me, you won't use an umbrella) and are waterproof. A mid-weight rain jacket with room for layering is ideal.
Don't skimp on your base layers, long sleeve layering pieces, and socks. A warm hat and gloves will still be handy.
What to Pack for Ireland in May & June
Days are getting longer, sunnier, and warmer, (mid 60sF/ 17°C) though you can still expect cold winds in the northern coastal areas.
The basic Ireland packing list is all you need.
Swap out flannel shirts for light weight button down options.
Make sure your light jacket is still roomy enough for layering. I really like the SeV Pack Jacket for late spring & summer in Ireland.
What to Wear in Ireland in July & August
July & August are the warmest months in Ireland, but temperatures average around 70-73°F (22°C), though some days will get warmer.
You might opt for lighter base layers and fewer long sleeve options when packing, but bring at least one warm layering piece- just in case.
Leave the flip-flops at home and, at the very least, bring a light jacket with a hood for rainy days.
Packing for Ireland in September
September can be a tricky month for Ireland vacation packing.
If you visit at the beginning of the month you'll have weather very similar to August, but as the days get shorter and fall begins you can expect days to get cooler and the chances of rain increase.
Use the basic Ireland packing list but incorporate more warm long-sleeve layering pieces into your wardrobe and, if traveling at the end of the month, toss in your mid-weight waterproof jacket.
What to Pack for Ireland in October, November & December
As the darker months settle in temperatures drop back to high temps in the mid40s F (8°C) during the day to high 30s F (3°C) at night.
Add a couple of long sleeve button down shirts – flannel works great! – or sweaters to layer over your base layers.
When choosing a jacket make sure it is waterproof and warm to at least 20°F. I also recommend a hood, as well as a warm hat & gloves (woolens are a terrific souvenir!)
If you plan to explore nature add base layer tights as well – Merino woolen long underwear are lightweight and so warm.
Heavier boots should be worn on your flight to save space in your luggage.
Read more: Must Have Travel Gear
How to Pack for Your Trip to Ireland
No matter if you travel carry-on or check a bag, organization is key when packing your suitcase.
I swear by good packing cubes. I, personally, love compression packing cubes– it's amazing how much you can fit in such a small space!
I like to pack outfits together- especially when packing for children- so I know I have everything I need.
If you are checking a bag I recommend packing at least one outfit, an extra pair of shoes, and any toiletries you might need, into your carry-on. Just in case your bag doesn't arrive at the airport when you do.
If you are traveling with family pack a few outfits for each person in each checked bag. Then, if one gets lost, there will still be clothes for everyone. And make sure everyone has their own carry-on (see above).
Read More: Carry On Necessities for Your Flight to Ireland
More Ireland Travel Tips
When you're planning a trip to Ireland it's understandable that you will have questions.
Visit the Ireland Travel Tips & FAQs page to find the answers you need!
If you're overwhelmed with options of what to do and where to go, check out my free Ireland itineraries.
Need more travel gear recommendations? You'll find everything from luggage to travel guides listed in my store.
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