Weather in Belfast

Discover the latest information on weather conditions in Belfast. Below you will find up-to-date data, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help plan your time in the city.

The climate of Belfast is characterized as temperate maritime. This means the city does not experience temperature extremes: winters here are generally mild, and summers are quite cool. Overall, the weather remains stable throughout the year, without sharp seasonal spikes in heat or severe frosts.

In Belfast, four seasons can be distinguished, although the transition between them is quite smooth. Winter (December-February) is cool and wet, with average temperatures around 5-6°C. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, and the air becomes fresher. Summer (June-August) is the warmest time of year, but heat is a rarity here: average temperatures hover around 14-15°C, and maximums usually do not exceed 17-18°C. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by a gradual drop in temperature and persistent high humidity.

A key feature of the weather in Belfast is the high probability of precipitation year-round. Data shows a significant number of rainy days in almost every month. This means that frequent, though not always heavy, rains are a typical phenomenon for the city. Therefore, when planning a trip, tourists should be prepared for changeable weather and carry an umbrella or waterproof clothing regardless of the season.

The climate in Belfast is characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year, without sharp fluctuations. The warmest months are traditionally considered to be July and August, when the average temperature holds around 14.8-14.9°C, and maximum values reach approximately 17.4°C. The coolest month is January, with an average temperature of about 5.3°C and minimum nighttime readings around 3.6°C. The annual range of average temperatures is relatively small, which indicates a mild maritime climate.

Summer months in Belfast generally offer pleasantly cool weather, far from sweltering heat. Daytime highs from June to August fluctuate within 16.4°C - 17.4°C, which is ideal for walking and sightseeing without discomfort from the heat. Winters here are mild, with average temperatures from December to February ranging from 5.3°C to 6.3°C. Nighttime temperatures rarely drop significantly below freezing, usually remaining within 3.6°C - 4.5°C. Daily temperature fluctuations during the year are moderate: the difference between the average maximum and average minimum temperature usually ranges from 3.5°C to 5.7°C, indicating relatively stable temperature conditions throughout the day.

In Belfast, precipitation is a characteristic feature of the climate throughout the year, without a clearly defined dry or rainy season. The city is known for its changeable weather, and the likelihood of rain persists in almost any month. However, the intensity of precipitation is generally low, often manifesting as drizzle or light rain rather than heavy downpours.

Looking at the statistics, August stands out as the wettest month: on average, about 4 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 18. Significant precipitation (3 mm) and rainy days (about 17) are also observed in March, July, October, and December. This means that more than half of the days in these months may see precipitation.

The lowest amount of precipitation, about 2 mm, usually falls in January, April, and May. These months also record the fewest number of rainy days – approximately 14. Nevertheless, even during these periods, rain remains a frequent guest. In general, frequent precipitation is characteristic of Belfast, but predominantly in the form of light rain or drizzle. Given the moderate temperatures, especially in winter, precipitation mainly falls as rain.

When planning a trip to Belfast, it is important to be prepared for its changeable weather. Regardless of the time of year, key elements of your wardrobe should be a waterproof and windproof jacket, as well as comfortable waterproof shoes for long walks. It rains often in Belfast – on average from 14 to 18 days a month, so an umbrella or a good hood will be very handy. The principle of layering clothing is your best ally, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day, which even in summer rarely rises above 17-18°C.

In the summer months (June-August), pack light items, but be sure to bring a sweater or fleece for cool evenings and, of course, the aforementioned jacket. Sunscreen for clear days will not go amiss. In winter (December-March), when the average temperature hovers around 5-7°C, you will need warmer layers: sweaters, warm trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. In spring and autumn, the weather can be particularly unpredictable, so a versatile set of several layers of clothing, including a waterproof outer layer, will ensure your comfort while exploring every corner of Belfast.