Inch Island sits on Ireland's Atlantic coast, where the Gulf Stream keeps temperatures mild but Atlantic weather systems bring plenty of wind and rain. The island enjoys cool summers, mild winters, and dramatic skies year-round.
Live Weather Forecast
For current conditions and forecasts, these services provide reliable coverage for Inch Island:
- Yr.no - Inch Island — Norwegian Meteorological Institute forecast (highly accurate)
- BBC Weather - Inch — 14-day forecast with hourly breakdown
- Met Éireann — Ireland's national weather service
Climate Overview
Inch Island experiences a temperate oceanic climate with:
- Mild winters — rarely freezing, but cold and damp
- Cool summers — comfortable temperatures, long daylight hours
- Frequent rain — year-round, but heaviest October to January
- Windy conditions — especially in winter months
- High humidity — Atlantic influence keeps air moist
The Gulf Stream moderates temperatures, so Inch Island is warmer in winter than inland areas at similar latitudes. Snow is rare—perhaps a few days per year, and it rarely settles.
Monthly Weather Guide
Temperature
| Month | Average High | Average Low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C (45°F) | 3°C (37°F) |
| February | 7°C (46°F) | 3°C (37°F) |
| March | 9°C (48°F) | 4°C (39°F) |
| April | 12°C (53°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 7°C (45°F) |
| June | 16°C (61°F) | 10°C (50°F) |
| July | 18°C (64°F) | 12°C (53°F) |
| August | 17°C (63°F) | 12°C (53°F) |
| September | 16°C (60°F) | 10°C (50°F) |
| October | 13°C (54°F) | 7°C (45°F) |
| November | 9°C (49°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
| December | 8°C (46°F) | 4°C (38°F) |
Rainfall
Donegal is one of Ireland's wettest counties, and Inch Island—exposed to Atlantic weather—receives substantial rainfall throughout the year.
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| October - March | Wetter season, expect rain on 15-17 days per month |
| April - September | Drier season, but still 10-13 rainy days per month |
Wettest month: December (approximately 110mm / 4.3 inches) Driest month: April (approximately 60mm / 2.3 inches)
Rain on Inch Island tends to come in shorter bursts rather than all-day downpours. A day that starts wet may clear by afternoon, and vice versa. Waterproof layers are essential year-round.
Wind
Inch Island is exposed to Atlantic winds, making it windier than sheltered inland areas.
| Month | Average Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| January | 27 km/h (17 mph) - windiest |
| July | 18 km/h (11 mph) - calmest |
Winds predominantly blow from the west and south. Strong winter gales are common, occasionally reaching speeds that make walking difficult. Summer winds are gentler but still noticeable.
Daylight Hours
Donegal's northerly latitude means dramatic variation in daylight:
| Time of Year | Daylight Hours | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter solstice (Dec 21) | 7h 14m | ~8:55 AM | ~4:05 PM |
| Summer solstice (Jun 21) | 17h 18m | ~4:55 AM | ~10:15 PM |
Summer evenings are exceptionally long—it doesn't get fully dark until nearly 11pm in June. Winter days are short, but the low sun creates beautiful light for photography.
Best Time to Visit Inch Island
For Walking and Outdoor Activities
Best: Late June to August
- Longest days (up to 17 hours of daylight)
- Warmest temperatures (15-18°C average)
- Calmest winds
- Driest conditions (though rain is still possible)
The Inch Levels walking trail is accessible year-round, but summer offers the most comfortable conditions.
For Birdwatching
Best: October to March
The Inch Wildfowl Reserve hosts the greatest diversity of birds during winter months. Migratory species arrive from October, and numbers peak from November to February. Dress warmly—mornings can be cold and damp.
For Photography
Best: Any season
- Winter: Dramatic skies, moody light, flocks of wildfowl
- Spring: Wildflowers, returning birds, longer days
- Summer: Golden evening light, midnight twilight
- Autumn: Migrating birds, stormy seas
The island's ever-changing weather creates constantly shifting light conditions—frustrating for sunbathers, but excellent for photographers.
Seasonal Breakdown
Spring (March - May)
- Temperatures gradually warming (9-14°C)
- Days lengthening rapidly
- Mixed weather—rain, sun, wind, sometimes all in one day
- Wildflowers appearing
- Migrating birds returning
What to pack: Layers, waterproof jacket, sunglasses
Summer (June - August)
- Warmest months (16-18°C typical highs)
- Very long days (sunset after 10pm in June)
- Calmest winds
- Driest period (but still expect some rain)
- Longest and most reliable walking conditions
What to pack: Light layers, waterproof jacket (always), sunscreen
Autumn (September - November)
- Cooling temperatures (9-16°C)
- Increasing rainfall
- Spectacular autumn storms
- Migrating birds arriving at the wildfowl reserve
- Shorter days
What to pack: Warm layers, waterproof jacket and trousers, sturdy footwear
Winter (December - February)
- Coldest months (3-8°C typical)
- Short days (sunset around 4pm in December)
- Wettest and windiest period
- Peak birdwatching season
- Atmospheric conditions—dramatic skies, quiet island
What to pack: Warm, waterproof layers; hat and gloves; binoculars for birdwatching
Water Temperature
Lough Swilly water temperatures follow Atlantic patterns:
| Month | Water Temperature |
|---|---|
| March | 8°C (47°F) - coldest |
| August | 15°C (59°F) - warmest |
Swimming is possible for hardy souls, but the water never gets truly warm. See our beach guide for more on coastal access.
Weather-Related Planning Tips
Before You Visit
- Check the forecast — Irish weather changes quickly, but 3-day forecasts are reasonably reliable
- Layer up — Conditions can change from sunshine to rain within minutes
- Wind chill — Factor this in, especially in winter; it often feels colder than the thermometer suggests
What to Bring (Always)
- Waterproof jacket — non-negotiable, even in summer
- Waterproof layer for bag — to protect camera, phone
- Warm fleece or jumper — for when the wind picks up
- Sturdy footwear — trails can be muddy after rain
Tide and Weather Combined
When planning coastal activities, check both the weather forecast and tide times. Low tide exposes more of the shoreline but also more mud. Stormy weather combined with high tide creates dramatic views from safe vantage points.
Weather Warnings
Met Éireann issues colour-coded weather warnings:
- Yellow — Be aware of potentially hazardous conditions
- Orange — Be prepared for unusual or dangerous conditions
- Red — Take action to protect yourself and property
Check Met Éireann warnings before visiting, particularly in winter when Atlantic storms can bring strong winds and heavy rain.
Microclimates
The island's small size means it doesn't have dramatic microclimate variations, but note that:
- The west coast is more exposed to Atlantic winds
- Sheltered spots near Inch Hall and the central parts of the island are calmer
- The causeway can be windy even when the island itself is calm
Planning a visit? Check our walking guide for trail conditions, tide times for coastal activities, or how to get here from Derry, Dublin, or Belfast.