Ireland is notorious for experiencing cold, damp weather for much of the year. This is due to its temperate climate, but is compensated for by its delightful green countryside. It is, however, possible to enjoy some warm, sunny and dry days during the pleasant summer months between May and September, and those who travel to Ireland in winter will find that the weather is far less severe than in the UK. Summer (May to September) is the warmest and driest season and is the best time to visit Ireland, though attractions can get crowded in July and August. Winter is characterised by short, wet, foggy days and long nights, but the temperature rarely gets below freezing due to the tempering Gulf Stream winds that buffet the west coast of Ireland. Some attractions are only open in summer but many tourists visit Ireland in the off-season when accommodation is cheaper. Spring and autumn can also be very pleasant times to visit. The southeast is the driest region of Ireland, enjoying more sunny days than the rest of the country. It seldom snows in Ireland.
