Weather in Kerry

Planning a trip to Kerry? Here you will find the latest weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts to help you best plan your time in this region of Ireland.

The climate in Kerry, Ireland, can be characterised as temperate maritime. This means there are no sharp temperature fluctuations, and the weather remains relatively mild throughout the year. This region is characterised by high humidity and frequent changes in weather conditions, so be prepared for the surprises of Irish weather when planning your trip.

In Kerry, four seasons can be distinguished, although the temperature contrasts between them are not too great. Winters here are typically mild and wet, with an average temperature of around 5-8°C. Summers are usually cool and also quite wet, with average temperatures in the region of 14-16°C. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons with moderate temperatures and changeable weather, ideal for outdoor walks and exploring nature.

One of the main features of the Kerry climate is frequent rainfall throughout the year. The number of rainy days per month is significant, averaging between 14 and 19 days. This suggests that rains, although regular, are often short and light, frequently in the form of drizzle. Therefore, when heading to Kerry, it is highly recommended to bring waterproof clothing and an umbrella to fully enjoy the beauties of the region regardless of the weather's whims.

The climate in Kerry is characterised by notable mildness throughout the year, without extreme temperature fluctuations. The annual temperature range here is quite moderate. The warmest months are traditionally July and August. In July, the average temperature is about 15.2°C, with daytime highs reaching 18.2°C and nighttime lows holding at 12.2°C. August is not far behind, with an average temperature of 15.1°C and similar maximum and minimum figures. The coldest month of the year is January, when the average temperature drops to 5.9°C, with nighttime lows around 3.5°C and daytime highs up to 8.2°C.

The summer period in Kerry, covering June, July, and August, offers pleasantly warm weather. Average temperatures during these months range from 13.8°C in June to 15.2°C in July. Daytime highs in the height of summer (July-August) consistently stay around 17-18°C, which creates comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Nights remain fresh but not cold, with temperatures around 10-12°C. This is not exhausting heat, but rather a mild, refreshing warmth characteristic of the Irish summer.

The winter months, from December to February, in Kerry are distinguished by cool but mild weather. Monthly average temperatures during this period vary from 5.9°C in January to 6.9°C in December. Nighttime temperatures rarely drop significantly below +3°C (minimum average in January is 3.5°C), and during the day the thermometer usually rises to 8-9°C. Thus, severe frosts are uncharacteristic for this region. A difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures exists, but it is not too great, averaging 4-6°C, which ensures relatively stable temperature conditions even throughout the day.

In Kerry, precipitation falls quite evenly throughout the year, and there is no distinct dry season. Rain is a frequent occurrence in practically any month, which is typical for the climate of Ireland. The amount of precipitation in millimetres does not fluctuate much, remaining at the level of 3-4 mm monthly, which indicates frequent but, as a rule, not too intense rains.

If judging by the number of rainy days, August and October stand out as the months with the highest frequency of precipitation – on average 19 days with rain. February, March, November, and December are also quite wet, with 17-18 rainy days. The lowest number of days with precipitation falls in May (on average 14 days), however, even this constitutes almost half the month. Thus, even in the "driest" periods, the probability of rain remains significant.

The nature of precipitation in Kerry is predominantly rain, often in the form of drizzle or light showers. Given the average monthly temperatures, which even in winter rarely drop significantly below zero, snowfalls are not a typical phenomenon here. Travellers planning a trip to Kerry should be prepared for rainy weather regardless of the time of year and carry appropriate clothing and an umbrella.

When planning a trip to Kerry, it is important to prepare for the changeable Irish weather. Regardless of the season, the key element of your wardrobe should be layering. The weather here can change several times a day, so the ability to easily remove or add layers of clothing will be very handy. A waterproof and windproof jacket is an absolute necessity, as Kerry often sees rainy days (averaging from 14 to 19 days with precipitation per month) and fresh winds can blow, especially on the coast. Do not forget comfortable, waterproof shoes for walking, as exploring the picturesque landscapes of Ireland is best done on foot. A compact umbrella will also become your faithful companion.

In the summer months (June-August), when the average temperature rises to 15-18°C, you will need light items, but do not forget a sweater or fleece jacket for cool evenings or cloudy days. Even in summer, take a raincoat with you. Sunscreen and sunglasses will come in handy for clear days, of which there are also quite a few. In winter (December-February), the temperature hovers around 3-9°C, so warm sweaters, thermal underwear, a hat, a scarf, and gloves will be mandatory. In spring and autumn, the weather is most unpredictable, so the layering principle works best here: a T-shirt, a jumper or fleece over it, and a waterproof jacket as the final layer.

Besides clothing, think about useful small items. An adapter for sockets (Type G is used in Ireland), a portable charger for your phone, especially if you plan to take many photos in nature, and perhaps a small backpack for day excursions where you can put removed clothing, water, and souvenirs. A properly packed suitcase will allow you to enjoy the beauties of Kerry in any weather with comfort.