Best Time to Visit Belfast

When is the Best Time to Visit Belfast?

Belfast is a great city. The capital of Northern Ireland is busy, vibrant and upbeat with plenty to see and do all year round. There’s the Titanic Experience, the incomparable Giant’s Causeway and, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, there are plenty of GoT-themed tours and experiences to partake in.

But when should you visit? Well, it depends on your own requirements and interests. What you want to see and do, what type of weather you like and so on. This article will go through each season, offering up information on weather, travel and season-specific events.

 

Caption: Belfast City Centre

How is the weather in Belfast?

Irish weather is famed for its unpredictability. The sun is splitting the stones one minute, a deluge the next. The good news is that while rain is a common feature in Ireland, the climate is temperate. The coldest days in Belfast will rarely reach below zero and the hottest days usually end up in the low twenties. November, December and January tend to be the wettest months with June, July and August traditionally being the driest.

Spring in Belfast

Spring is a great time to visit Belfast. The days are getting longer and the weather is more pleasant. Temperatures typically vary between 4 and 15 degrees and rain is likely to make an appearance on 10-12 days each month. Make sure you have a jacket and umbrella at the ready!

Photo by Albert Bridge (geograph.ie)

Caption: The spring flower beds in Belfast presents the perfect photo opportunity

The aptly named Féile an Earraigh, or Spring Festival when translated into English, usually runs for two and a half weeks, beginning on the 1st of March. At the festival you will be treated to a wonderful mix of traditional music, talks, tours, book launches, family events, International Women’s Day events and St Patrick’s Day events.

Aside from this, you may also want to check out the Belsonic Concerts, which typically lasts until the summer months, as well as the Balmoral Show, an agricultural show scheduled annually in May.

Spring would also be the best time to visit the better known tourist attractions since the lines won’t be as long compared to summer but the weather would still be as nice. Some of these include the Titanic Belfast experience, Colin Glen which is Ireland’s longest zipline, and the Belfast Zoo.

Summer in Belfast

Belfast in summer is bound to lift your mood. The weather is warmer and drier with temperatures varying between 7 degrees and 20 degrees. Rain will potentially fall on 10 or 11 days of each month so do bring a light jacket with you, just in case. Hopefully it won’t be needed!

Caption: The iconic landmark Belfast City Hall is always flooded by tourists

The Belfast TradFest is a week-long festival filled with the best and brightest Traditional Music Acts in Ireland, taking place at the tail end of summer. The week features concerts, workshops, talks, lectures, céilís and a festival club. Headlining the 2022 festival is Sharon Shannon, one of Ireland’s most successful and well-known traditional Irish musicians.

Other fun things to do in the summer are to attend the AVA Festival, an open air multistage event for music lovers, the Feile events, a community arts festival, and the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, which celebrates comedy, history, music, and more.

Now, if you feel like just sitting back and watching a sports game, the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey team also plays a series of games during summer and autumn. Be sure to grab your tickets early!

Autumn in Belfast

Now we move onto autumn (or Fall for our readers from across the pond!). Expect the weather to vary between 6 and 16 degrees. Be prepared for breezy, cool weather and, of course, rain. Sometimes you can get lucky and experience a ‘dry autumn’, especially in September, but is that a risk you’re really willing to take?

Belfast International Arts Festival: A must visit autumn event in Belfast is the Belfast International Arts Festival.  The event has been running for six decades and takes place from mid-October to early November. You can enjoy talks, theatre performances, visual art, music and more.

Halloween: Looking for something to do at the spookiest time of the year? Belfast is the perfect place. From films at the Ulster Museum to Gruffalo-themed walks to fancy dress competitions, Belfast throws a spooktacular halloween celebration!

Aside from this, the Crumlin Road Gaol also hosts halloween-themed nights during this time of the year!

Winter in Belfast

In winter, temperatures range between 3 and 9 degrees. Our best advice is to prepare for the lower end of that scale. Oh, and it’s going to be wet too so make sure you bring warm clothes, a rain jacket and an umbrella. But don’t let that deter you. When it’s cold outside, it’s great to snuggle up in a nice warm café or pub and take things slow.

Christmas markets in Belfast City

Continental Christmas Markets: Any winter trip to Belfast would not be complete without visiting the Continental Christmas Markets. The markets run from the end of November all the way up until the 23rd of December and represent over 25 nationalities. In the past the markets have housed over 100 Swiss-style chalets offering everything from beer and pancakes to unique gifts and a Santa’s grotto for the little – and not-so-little – ones to meet the big man himself!

If you’re looking to do something indoors, the Grand Opera House also hosts a series of shows and pantomimes during this time of the year. The best part is it’s only a few minutes away from Maldron Hotel Belfast City where you can kick back and relax after a dazzling performance!

Peak Tourist Times in Belfast

Tourism tends to peak in Belfast in summer, particularly at the end of May and August resulting in the price of flights increasing. Hotel prices go up in December when many people visit the city for the Christmas market and for downtown shopping. Thankfully, the cost of Belfast’s major attractions remain the same all year round, such as the Titanic Experience.

Where to stay in Belfast

No matter what time of year you’re visiting Belfast, regardless of the weather or events running, you need a comfortable and central base to rest between adventures. Somewhere dependable, affordable, central and comfortable, and the Maldron Hotel Belfast City is the ideal place. 4 stars, family-friendly, comfortable rooms and a great dining experience, Maldron Hotel Belfast City is perfect for any occasion.

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