English language study in Ireland, which season to choose?
Planning an English stay in Ireland can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding the best time to travel. With notoriously unpredictable weather, each month comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. According to some travellers, the spring and autumn months are the best times to visit Ireland. Not only are these seasons less crowded than the summer months, but the weather is also milder than in winter.
However, Ireland's temperate climate allows travelers to explore the country year-round, as climate change tends to be gradual, rather than dramatic.
During the summer, which includes the months of June, July and August, the Irish landscape is painted in bright colors and the sunlight shines in the sky. This season is also the favorite of students, who take advantage of the summer closure of schools for a study trip.
Although some resorts empty at the end of October, temperatures remain above freezing in winter, and this season still offers the chance to enjoy a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.
In this article we will see how the climate in Ireland varies throughout the year, to give you an idea of which is the right season to organize your holidays in English.
Stay in English during the summer
The peak of Irish tourism comes with the arrival of summer, in the months of June, July and August. Although the temperatures oscillate between 12°C and 18°C, the hours of light are prolonged. Taking an average, the sun rises at 05:30 and sets at 21:30, which is a great advantage for those who choose to spend their summer holidays here.
Summer in Ireland means longer days and warmer weather, and offers a huge variety of activities to choose from. Visitors can hike, walk, tour or simply relax on the beaches, soaking up the sun.
But days can be unpredictable. Therefore, if you are planning a trip in the summer, it is not sure that you will be greeted by good weather every day. There may be rain, cloudy days and lower temperatures.
However, summer is the best period for a study stay. There are a number of summer English courses, organized for students who are traveling to learn the language.
Stay in English during the autumn
With the arrival of autumn, from September to November, the weather gets colder with each passing day. September can be a great month for an English holiday, when the days are still long and the weather is quite mild.
Autumn in Ireland is a beautiful time, with the vibrant colors of nature covering every location. Temperatures fluctuate with highs of 11-13°C and lows that drop to 6°C in November. As the days get shorter, the sun rises around 7am and sets earlier, reaching around 5pm in November. Despite the unpredictability of the weather, autumn in Ireland invites you to explore its natural beauty, take scenic drives or indulge in indoor attractions. It is helpful to plan indoor activities, especially in rainy weather. From mid-November, Christmas markets begin to appear, offering a magical experience for all travellers.
Stay in English during the winter
Tourism in Ireland experiences a low season in the months of December, January and February, which are the winter months. The weather is unpredictable in this period, with temperatures usually hovering around 2-3°C for the lows and 8-9°C for the highs.
Winter in Ireland is notorious for its limited daylight hours: the sun can rise as late as 8am and set before 5pm. However, despite the low light, there are still many activities to enjoy during this season. Visitors can explore the various Christmas markets, or the museums and art galleries. While there are several indoor attractions, don't limit yourself to these during the low season. During a winter English holiday, outdoor programs can be impacted by the rain. But there are also many excursions that can be undertaken during sunny days.
Stay in English during the spring
As summer approaches, Ireland enjoys warmer weather and longer days. Spring is an ideal time to explore the country. Its duration goes from March to May, with maximum temperatures of 11-13°C and minimums that rise up to 9°C in May. One of the good things about spring in Ireland is that daylight hours are extended. That means there's plenty of time for outdoor adventures, festivals, hikes and guided tours. If you choose to spend a stay in English during this period, you can take advantage of the extra hours of light to go for a walk after class, whether it's a quiet outing or a demanding hike. Spring is also the perfect time to visit some of the most popular destinations in Ireland, as the tourist crowds have not yet arrived.
While attractions like the Cliffs of Moher and the Giants Causeway will always be targeted, you'll have much more freedom to enjoy these wonders in peace.
Which season to choose for an English holiday?
Choosing a period between May to September for an English holiday in Ireland is ideal. In May, the weather is comfortable and the countryside is green, with wild flowers just in bloom. September and October are also ideal for visiting Ireland, with less crowds and temperatures that are not yet as cold as those of winter. Summer is full of tourists but it is also the time when the climate is more favorable and the days are longer. If you are planning a study trip to Ireland, you will have plenty of time to relax after your summer English courses in the summer. For students, this is also the period in which the school year is paused and in which they can fully devote themselves to studying the language. If you really don't want to leave in August, a good time could be June, as soon as the lessons are over. Or September, before the new school year starts.