Climate Insights for Belfast
Belfast City, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Climate Overview
The climate in Belfast is temperate. The average annual temperature is 10°C and approximately 947 mm of precipitation falls per year. Belfast receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Belfast is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, February, March, when temperatures can drop to 4°C. Light snow can occur between January and March.The climate in Belfast is temperate. The average annual temperature is 50°F and approximately 37.3 in of precipitation falls per year. Belfast receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Belfast is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, February, March, when temperatures can drop to 39°F. Light snow can occur between January and March.
Temperature
Belfast sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 4°C to 18°C. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 18°C with a mean of 15°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 4°C and an average of 6°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 5°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 3°C shift in average temperatures.Belfast sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 39°F to 65°F. July is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 65°F with a mean of 60°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 39°F and an average of 42°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 9°F between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 6°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Belfast is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 947 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 79 mm per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 95 mm of rainfall. October and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is April, with just 61 mm. That's 34 mm less than August, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around. Light snowfall can occur between January and March, totalling around 10cm annually. February is the snowiest month with approximately 4cm.Belfast is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 37.3 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 3.1 in per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 3.7 in of rainfall. October and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is April, with just 2.4 in. That's 1.3 in less than August, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around. Light snowfall can occur between January and March, totalling around 4in annually. February is the snowiest month with approximately 2in.
Wind
Belfast is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 16km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is February, averaging 20km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in July, with average winds dropping to 13km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 7km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 18km/h in winter, 15km/h in spring, 13km/h in summer, 16km/h in autumn.Belfast is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 10mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is February, averaging 12mph, which can feel quite blustery and may affect outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in July, with average winds dropping to 8mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 4mph gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 11mph in winter, 9mph in spring, 8mph in summer, 10mph in autumn.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Belfast is during July and August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 15°C with modest rainfall averaging 91 mm per month. By contrast, January can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 4°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.The best time to visit Belfast is during July and August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 60°F with modest rainfall averaging 3.6 in per month. By contrast, January can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 39°F. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Belfast based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in centimetres (cm) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Belfast based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Snow is measured in inches (in) and reflects average monthly snowfall accumulation. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.