The climate of Carlow
Nestled in the southeastern region of
Ireland,
Carlow features a Marine West Coast climate, or a Cfb classification according to the Köppen climate system. This pertains to climates that generally exhibit cool to mild temperatures throughout the year, coupled with considerable humidity and rainfall. Close proximity to the Irish Sea influences the area's climate significantly, providing a significant moderating effect on temperatures.
An observation of the climatological data reveals that temperature averages fluctuate from 1.6°C (34.9°F) to 17.8°C (64°F) over the year, indicating a temperate climate. Accompanying this are annual patterns of relative humidity that largely remain between 86% and 92%, signifying a rather humid atmosphere throughout the year. With regard to precipitation, the pattern is fairly dispersed, with the monthly rainfall quantities varying from 16mm (0.63") to 41mm (1.61"). Across the year, rainfall days per month range from a low of 11.3 up to 18.1, inferring a high probability of rain in any given month.
Interestingly, snowfall is not a significant climatological feature in Carlow, marked by the presence of snow in only three months of the year. It peaks in
February with 10mm (0.39") and
December experiences 12mm (0.47") of snowfall, reflecting the seasonality of snowfall. In terms of daylight, the region experiences the shortest days in December with 7.7 hours, whereas
June presents the longest daylight hours of 16.8.
The best time to visit Carlow
Considering the climate parameters, the best time to visit
Carlow appears to be the summer months of
June to
August. During these months, the highest average temperatures, which range from 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 17.8°C (64°F), are recorded. Alongside this, the highest daylight hours fluctuate between 14.7 hours to 16.8 hours permitting more time to explore the city and its countryside. Despite the increasing chances of rainfall during these months, the quantity of rainfall does not exceed 32mm (1.26"), indicating light to moderate rain showers rather than heavy downpours.
The worst time to visit Carlow
Conversely,
Carlow's least favorable period for visitation would likely be the winter months from
December to
February. During this period, Carlow experiences its lowest temperatures ranging from a high of 7.2°C (45°F) to a chilly low of 1.6°C (34.9°F). Furthermore, this period also corresponds with the shortest daylight hours, from a low of 7.7 hours in December to just 9.9 hours in February. Precipitation is relatively high in winter with up to 41mm (1.61") in
November and 27mm (1.06") in December, coupled with considerable snowfall, reinforcing the reasons for it being a less popular time to visit.
Spring weather in Carlow
Spring weather in
Carlow transitions from the chill of winter to a more pleasant climate. The season begins with an average low temperature of 1.8°C (35.2°F) in
March, which gradually increases to reach a comfortable high of 11.6°C (52.9°F) by
May. Besides temperature, daylight hours also increase from 11.9 hours in March up to 15.8 hours in May. Rain is frequent throughout the spring months with an average rainfall of 16mm (0.63") to 20mm (0.79"), and the number of rainfall days is around 14 days per month.
Summer weather in Carlow
Summer brings the warmest temperatures to
Carlow, with highs peaking between 13.8°C (56.8°F) and 17.8°C (64°F). Daylight hours are at their longest, reaching 16.8 hours in
June, providing ample time for outdoor activities. Despite being the warmest months, summer also brings the highest number of rainfall days with a peak of up to 18.1 days in
July, characterized by light showers.
Autumn weather in Carlow
Autumn is a transition period, with temperatures decreasing gradually from a high of 15.5°C (59.9°F) in
September to a high of 9.1°C (48.4°F) by
November. Concurrently, rainfall increases, culminating in the highest rainfall volume of 41mm (1.61") in November. Daylight hours decrease substantially from 12.7 hours in September to merely 8.7 hours by November, indicating shorter days and longer nights.
Winter weather in Carlow
Winter in
Carlow brings the coldest months, with temperatures ranging from 2.5°C (36.5°F) to 7.2°C (45°F). Snowfall occurs only in these months, adding to the winter charm. Despite it being the coldest season, the number of rainfall days lessens to around thirteen days per month. However, daylight hours are at their shortest during winter, with
December recording the least number of daylight hours at 7.7. It is a stark contrast as compared to the long daylight hours experienced during the summer months.
Weather in January
In
Carlow,
Ireland, the month of
January is characterized by its cold and damp conditions. With the highest relative humidity on record at 91%, the moist, chilly air can often result in misty mornings and frosty evenings. The average high temperature slowly starts showing signs of increase, indicating an impending transition.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Turning to
February, it becomes apparent that winter continues its reign over
Carlow. The city experiences a slight increase in daily sunshine hours, up to 9.9 hours, welcoming the notion of approaching spring. Frosty mornings become a common occurrence due to the minimal change in minimum temperatures.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March heralds the onset of spring in
Carlow, with noticeable increases in daylight hours and temperature. However, the winds start to pick up speed, averaging at 16.9km/h (10.5mph), adding a brisk, chilly air to the otherwise warming weather.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a notable shift in
Carlow's weather, morphing from chilly spring to a more temperate climate. The sun stays out longer, with daylight hours extending to 14 hours on average. Mild showers are quite frequent during this month, ensuring that the city's landscapes retain their lush and vibrant hues.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
Carlow,
May bridges the gap between spring and summer. As the days get longer, reaching up to 15.8 hours of daylight, the city’s weather becomes increasingly pleasant. The sweeping landscapes, featuring Castledermot Round Tower and Duckett's Grove, bask in the warm sunshine that dominates most of the days in this month.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June sets the stage for summer in
Carlow, with daily sunshine extending up to a maximum of 16.8 hours. The temperatures begin to mildly peak, reaching their highest average at 16.8°C (62.2°F). Despite this relative heat, there is very little variation from the usual wind conditions, averaging at 13km/h (8.1mph).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July illuminates
Carlow in its complete summer glory, exhibiting the longest daylight hours in the year, peaking at 16.3 hours. The breeze cools at 12.7km/h (7.9mph), ensuring comfortable conditions despite the climb in temperature.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Carlow continues the comfortable summer spell, with the temperature averaging at 17.4°C (63.3°F) in high and 10°C (50°F) in low. The daylight hours start to reduce, marking the gradual transition from summer to fall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September's arrival in
Carlow signifies fall's inception. The daylight hours reduce further to 12.7 hours, indicating shorter durations of sunshine. Despite the decrease in sunshine, Carlow continues to showcase its beauty across the historic sites.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in the chill of winter in
Carlow, with nighttime temperatures dropping to an average low of 6.8°C (44.2°F). Despite the growing chill, the city does not lose its charm, with autumnal hues dominating the landscape.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings a significant transition in
Carlow's weather as winter begins to set in. The snow starts to mark its presence with 12mm (0.47") of total snowfall recorded during this month. The temperatures plunge further, making for frosty evenings and mornings.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Winter in
Carlow claims full reign in
December with temperatures dropping to an average low of 2.5°C (36.5°F). Snowfall records a drop from
November to 4mm (0.16") cumulatively. The daylight hours reduce to just 7.7 hours, signaling the shortest day length of the year.
Weather in December »