Cliffs of Moher Weather Guide: Climate & Seasonal Patterns

The Atlantic Maritime Climate

The Cliffs of Moher are defined by a temperate maritime climate, heavily influenced by the North Atlantic Current and the prevailing southwesterly winds. This results in a landscape that is perpetually green but subject to some of the most volatile weather in Ireland. Because the cliffs rise 214 meters (702 feet) sheer from the ocean, they act as a massive wall that forces moist Atlantic air upward, creating rapid cloud formation and localized weather patterns that may differ significantly from just a few miles inland.

Daily Weather Dynamics

Weather at the cliffs is notoriously "fickle." It is common to experience "four seasons in one day."

• Morning Mists: Mornings often begin with heavy sea fog or "haar" that can completely obscure the view. This mist is unpredictable; it can vanish in minutes as the sun rises or linger for hours if the wind is still.
• The Light Play: Because the cliffs face west, they are often in shadow during the morning. The most dramatic lighting occurs in the late afternoon and evening when the sun bathes the shale and sandstone faces in gold.
• Sudden Squalls: Rain often arrives in short, intense bursts rather than day-long downpours. These passing showers are frequently followed by rainbows, a signature phenomenon of the Clare coastline.

Seasonal Trends

Spring (March - May)

Spring is a transition period with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F). It is one of the drier periods of the year, though "April showers" are a reality. This season is marked by the return of nesting seabirds like puffins, which are most active in the milder, late spring air.

Summer (June - August)

Summer offers the most stable weather, with averages between 14°C and 20°C (57°F to 68°F). While these are the sunniest months, the cliffs rarely feel "hot" due to the constant sea breeze. Daylight persists until nearly 11:00 PM in June, providing long windows for evening visits when the wind typically dies down.

Autumn (September - November)

Temperatures begin to dip to 10°C–15°C (50°F–59°F). Early autumn can be remarkably pleasant, but by November, the Atlantic storm season begins. Rainfall increases significantly, and the first major gales of the year often arrive during this period.

Winter (December - February)

Winter is the most dramatic season, with temperatures between 4°C and 9°C (39°F to 48°F). While snowfall is rare due to the moderating effect of the ocean, Atlantic storms bring ferocious winds. Winter is the "quiet season," where the power of the ocean is most visible in the massive swells and spray that can reach the top of the cliffs.

Wind and the "Feel" of the Cliffs

Temperature is often the least important metric at the Cliffs of Moher; the wind determines the experience.

• Wind Chill: A 10°C day can feel like 4°C if the wind is blowing at 40 km/h.
• The Updraft: Strong westerly winds hit the cliff face and are forced upward, sometimes creating an "updraft" so powerful that rain or sea spray appears to fall upward.
• Hazardous Gusts: The site uses a color-coded warning system. Status Yellow (gusts up to 110 km/h) makes walking difficult, while Status Orange or Red can lead to site closures. In extreme winds, small pieces of shale can actually be lifted and blown inland.

Local Phenomena

• Sea Spray and Salt Air: On windy days, the air is thick with salt spray. This creates a hazy, soft-focus aesthetic for photographers but can coat camera lenses in a fine salt crust within minutes.
• The Saint Mark’s Fly: In late April and early May, large swarms of harmless black flies often appear. While they don't bite, they are a distinct seasonal micro-phenomenon that can surprise visitors.
• Fog vs. Low Cloud: There is a specific microclimate where the cliffs are shrouded in fog while the village of Doolin or the Aran Islands remain in full sun. Locals recommend checking the visitor center’s live webcam, as the conditions change faster than any digital forecast can track.

Environmental Adaptation

Locals view the weather as part of the cliffs' raw beauty rather than an obstacle. You will notice that traditional structures in the region, including O'Brien's Tower, are built with exceptionally thick stone to withstand the relentless Atlantic gales. Umbrellas are famously useless here; they are frequently destroyed by the wind within seconds of being opened, leading to the "umbrella graveyard" bins often seen at the visitor center.