Northern Ireland Weather
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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 14 June 2026 by the Pressorbit weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Belfast’s weather is typical of the maritime climate across the UK: mild, damp and highly changeable. The live conditions above show the current mix of cloud, rain and breeze. Daytime highs range from 7°C in January to 19°C in July, and regardless of season, a waterproof layer is rarely a mistake.
What does the live forecast above tell you?
The live forecast above gives you the immediate picture for Belfast: current temperature, wind speed and direction, and the likelihood of rain in the next few hours. Because Northern Ireland sits on the western edge of the UK, weather systems from the Atlantic arrive quickly, so the 3-hourly breakdown shown here is more reliable for planning your day than a single morning check. Use the radar overlay within the widget to track incoming bands of rain — this is especially useful if you are heading to the coast or the Mourne Mountains for the day.
Belfast’s climate through the year
Belfast’s climate is classified as temperate oceanic (Cfb), meaning mild winters, cool summers, and no pronounced dry season. The Atlantic Gulf Stream keeps winter extremes rare, but it also pushes frequent low-pressure systems across the region.
Spring (March to May)
Spring sees average highs rise from 9°C in March to 14°C in May. Overnight lows can still dip to 2–4°C early in the season. Sunshine hours increase, but so does the chance of showery rain. This is a transitional period; the 7 day farming weather northern ireland forecasts become important for local farmers scheduling planting and fertiliser applications.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the warmest period, with typical highs of 17–19°C and occasional days reaching 24°C. Overnight lows sit around 10–12°C. Rainfall remains frequent — about 10–12 wet days per month — but showers tend to be short. The best settled spells often arrive in late May or June, before the Atlantic jet stream becomes more active in July. For longer-range planning, many readers check the met office belfast 14 day forecast to spot a potential dry window.
Autumn (September to November)
September can still feel summery with highs of 16°C, but by November highs drop to 8–10°C. Autumn is the season with the highest rainfall totals, driven by deepening Atlantic lows. October is often the wettest month across Northern Ireland. South-westerly winds become stronger, regularly gusting above 30mph along exposed parts of Belfast Lough.
Winter (December to February)
Winter temperatures are mild relative to the rest of the UK. Daytime highs average 6–8°C; frost occurs on around 15–20 nights per year. Snow is infrequent in Belfast city centre — usually 2–4 days of lying snow — but hills west and north of the city can see more. A northern ireland met office snow warning is triggered when icy roads or drifting snow could disrupt travel; these warnings are most common in January and February.
When is the best time to visit Belfast?
For the most daylight and the lowest chance of rain, aim for late May through June. Daytime highs of 17–18°C are comfortable for walking the city and exploring the coast, and the days are long (sunset after 9pm). September is also a strong contender: the crowds thin out, water temperatures remain swimmable in Strangford Lough, and the autumn colours around the Glens of Antrim are spectacular. If you are planning a trip, check the weather in northern ireland 10 days met office forecast before booking outdoor activities.
Local microclimate notes for Belfast
Belfast is partly sheltered by the surrounding hills (Black Mountain, Cave Hill) and by County Down to the east. This means the city centre tends to be slightly drier and less windy than exposed coastal spots such as Portrush or the Ards Peninsula. However, the city also sits on Belfast Lough — a long sea inlet — and a north-easterly wind blowing off the North Channel can bring sudden, chilly sea-fog (haar) in spring and early summer. Rainfall totals are lower here than in the Sperrins or the Mournes, but it still averages 8–10 wet days in even the driest month.
Should you pack for all four seasons in one day?
Yes. Changeability is the defining feature of Northern Ireland’s maritime weather. A clear, calm morning can turn into a windy afternoon with heavy showers within two hours. The Met Office NI weather app and the live forecast above are the most reliable tools for updating your plans throughout the day. For farmers, the 7 day farming weather northern ireland met office product provides tailored data on soil moisture, wind speeds, and risk of ground frost — essential for decisions on spraying or harvesting.
Is it going to rain tomorrow in Belfast?
Check the live forecast above for the most up-to-date hourly breakdown. For a general rule, if a low-pressure system is approaching from the west (shown by increasing cloud and a falling barometer), expect rain before midday. In autumn and winter, rain is likely on roughly two out of three days; in spring and summer, it is more often showery with dry spells between.
What is the 10–14 day outlook for Belfast?
Long-range forecasts beyond 7 days have lower confidence for precise timings, but they are good for spotting broad trends. The live forecast above includes an extended outlook. For a deeper view, visit our 10-day forecast page which shows the Met Office model for Belfast and the whole of the UK.
Does it rain a lot in Northern Ireland?
Belfast receives around 950mm of rain per year — less than Glasgow (1115mm) or Manchester (1070mm), but more than London (600mm). The number of “wet days” (0.2mm or more) is high at about 160 days per year, but many of these are light drizzles lasting only an hour. The UK weather warnings page gives live alerts for heavy rain or flooding.
For a deeper comparison with other locations across the British Isles, see our UK weather hub which includes guides for Cornwall, Wales, and the Lake District.
