Weather in Cork

Find out the latest weather information for Cork. This section presents current data, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Cork, located in Ireland, can be described as temperate maritime. This means there are no temperature extremes here: winters are quite mild, and summers are cool. Average annual temperatures range from approximately 6°C in January to almost 16°C in July. Maximum summer temperatures rarely exceed 19°C, while minimum winter temperatures usually stay above 3°C, making the weather relatively comfortable to visit at any time of the year, provided you are prepared for variability.

There are four distinct seasons in Cork, but without sharp transitions. Winter (December-February) is cool, with average temperatures around 6-7°C. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, with average temperatures rising to 11.5°C by May. Summer (June-August) is the warmest time of the year but remains fresh, with average temperatures of 14-16°C. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by a gradual decrease in temperature, returning to cooler values.

One of the most notable features of the weather in Cork is the frequent cloudiness and precipitation. According to the data provided, the number of "wet days" (days with precipitation) is quite high throughout the year, varying from 11 to 17 days per month. However, the indicated amount of precipitation (2-4 mm per month) suggests that these are likely frequent but not very intense rains or drizzle. The highest number of rainy days occurs in March and October. Therefore, when planning a trip, it is worth being prepared for rain regardless of the season and definitely taking an umbrella or raincoat with you.

The climate in Cork is characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year, without sharp fluctuations. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature is about 6.0°C, with minimum temperatures potentially dropping to 3.8°C, and maximums rarely exceeding 8.2°C. February and December are also cool, with average temperatures around 6.9°C and 7.1°C respectively. Winters in Cork are typically mild, without severe frosts, but with a noticeable chill.

The summer months, especially July and August, bring the warmest weather. In July, the average temperature reaches 15.7°C, with maximum values around 18.8°C and minimum nightly temperatures around 12.6°C. August is slightly cooler, with an average temperature of 15.5°C. Summer in Cork is usually pleasantly warm, without exhausting heat, making it comfortable for walking and outdoor activities. June is also a warm month with an average temperature of 14.1°C.

The transitional seasons – spring and autumn – show a gradual change in temperatures. In March, the average temperature holds steady at 6.9°C, gradually rising to 11.5°C by May. In autumn, the temperature begins to drop from 13.7°C in September to 8.4°C in November. Throughout the year, the difference between day and night temperatures is not too great, usually amounting to about 4-7°C, indicating a relatively stable temperature regime without sharp daily fluctuations.

In the city of Cork, precipitation is a frequent occurrence throughout the year, however, according to the provided data, the volumes remain low. A characteristic feature of the climate is frequent rainfall but in small amounts, which implies predominantly light rain or drizzle.

According to statistics, the highest amount of precipitation falls in October, averaging 4 mm. This month, along with March, also stands out for the number of rainy days: there are 16 in October, and 17 in March, making it the month with the highest frequency of precipitation. The lowest amount of precipitation (2 mm each) is observed in January, May, June, and July. At the same time, May is also the month with the fewest days with precipitation – only 11.

In general, a situation where it rains often but not intensely is typical for Cork. For example, even in months with minimal precipitation amounts, such as January or May (2 mm), there are 13 and 11 wet days respectively. This suggests that precipitation is likely to be prolonged but not heavy in nature. Given the average monthly temperatures, which rarely drop significantly below zero in winter, the main form of precipitation is rain, and snow is unlikely.

When planning a trip to Cork, it is important to remember the changeable Irish weather. Despite the fact that monthly rainfall amounts may seem small, the number of rainy days remains significant throughout the year. Therefore, a key element of your wardrobe should be a waterproof and windproof jacket. The principle of layering clothing is your best ally: a light sweater or fleece worn under a jacket will allow you to comfortably adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Do not forget comfortable shoes for walking, preferably water-resistant, as exploring the city and its surroundings on foot is a true pleasure.

In the summer months, from June to August, when the average temperature is around 15-16°C (with maximums up to 18-19°C), you will need light trousers or jeans, t-shirts, and a light jumper for evening walks. Do not forget sunscreen, as the Irish sun can be deceptive even in mild weather. However, even in summer, you should not neglect a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella. In winter, from December to February, average temperatures stay around 6-7°C, so be sure to pack a warm sweater, hat, scarf, and gloves. In the off-season (spring and autumn), the weather is particularly unpredictable, so layering and reliable protection from rain and wind remain your main priorities when packing your suitcase.