Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a region of the United Kingdom in the north-east of Ireland. Go for the basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway, Belfast's political history and the historic city of Derry.
Northern Ireland sits in the north-east of Ireland as part of the United Kingdom, though many people call it a country, province or region. It shares an open land border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west, so crossing is usually unchecked. Belfast is the capital and largest city, and its metropolitan area holds over a third of the population. Political history shows in murals and memorials, especially in Belfast and Derry. The Troubles ended with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, but sporadic violence has continued, so check local news before you go.
The best-known sight is the Giant's Causeway on the north Antrim coast, where basalt columns formed by volcanic activity meet the sea. Derry, the second-largest city, is a historic town, and Armagh is known for its apple orchards. The climate is temperate and maritime, with the west wetter than the east, and the weather can change at any time of year. Trains link Belfast and Derry, but the Causeway Coast sights are spread out, so a hired car or guided tour helps.
Five things to know before Northern Ireland
- Check the UK ETA before you book flights
Visitors from many countries who need no UK visa must apply for an electronic travel authorisation online before flying. Irish citizens need none, so check the rules on GOV.UK first.
- Know the open Irish border
The land border with the Republic of Ireland is usually unchecked, so you can drive across without stopping.
- Hire a car or book a tour for the north coast
Trains link Belfast and Derry, but the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede and Mussenden Temple are spread along the coast. A hired car or guided tour helps you reach them. Getting around
- Spend Northern Irish banknotes in Northern Ireland
Northern Irish banknotes are issued by local banks. They are not legal tender in England, and some shops there refuse them, so spend them before you cross the Irish Sea. Money and costs
- Use neutral place names, and check Derry's name
The official name is Northern Ireland. Many people avoid choosing between Derry and Londonderry, so listen to how locals say it before you name the city yourself.
Northern Ireland travel guides
Practical guides from writers who live there.
Capital and largest city, with Stormont and the Waterfront Hall.
Read the guideDerry (Londonderry)Second-largest city and a historic town, with the Derry railway line.
Read the guideCauseway CoastGiant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede and the seaside town of Portrush.
Read the guideCounty AntrimThe Glens of Antrim, Bushmills distillery and Lough Neagh.
Read the guideGetting aroundTrains, hired cars, guided tours and electric bikes across the region.
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a UK ETA, and how the open Irish border works.
Read the guide
Destinations in Northern Ireland
When to go
- Rainy days
- Best
- JanuaryRain13 rainy daysHigh7°Low3°Average high 6.5 °CJanuaryRain
- High
- 7°
- Low
- 3°
- Precipitation
- 68 mm
- Rainy days
- 13
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Average high 6.5 °C
- FebruaryRain15 rainy daysHigh8°Low3°Changeable weatherFebruaryRain
- High
- 8°
- Low
- 3°
- Precipitation
- 82 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Changeable weather
- MarchRain16 rainy daysHigh9°Low3°Changeable weatherMarchRain
- High
- 9°
- Low
- 3°
- Precipitation
- 85 mm
- Rainy days
- 16
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Changeable weather
- AprilRain13 rainy daysHigh11°Low5°Changeable weatherAprilRain
- High
- 11°
- Low
- 5°
- Precipitation
- 64 mm
- Rainy days
- 13
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Changeable weather
- MayRain13 rainy daysHigh15°Low7°Changeable weatherMayRain
- High
- 15°
- Low
- 7°
- Precipitation
- 68 mm
- Rainy days
- 13
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Changeable weather
- JuneRain15 rainy daysHigh17°Low10°Long daysJuneRain
Best
- High
- 17°
- Low
- 10°
- Precipitation
- 89 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Long days
- JulyRain17 rainy daysHigh18°Low11°Average high 17.5 °CJulyRain
Best
- High
- 18°
- Low
- 11°
- Precipitation
- 96 mm
- Rainy days
- 17
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Average high 17.5 °C
- AugustRain17 rainy daysHigh18°Low12°Changeable weatherAugustRain
Best
- High
- 18°
- Low
- 12°
- Precipitation
- 103 mm
- Rainy days
- 17
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Changeable weather
- SeptemberRain15 rainy daysHigh16°Low10°Changeable weatherSeptemberRain
Best
- High
- 16°
- Low
- 10°
- Precipitation
- 100 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Changeable weather
- OctoberRain15 rainy daysHigh13°Low8°Changeable weatherOctoberRain
- High
- 13°
- Low
- 8°
- Precipitation
- 98 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Changeable weather
- NovemberRain14 rainy daysHigh10°Low5°Changeable weatherNovemberRain
- High
- 10°
- Low
- 5°
- Precipitation
- 93 mm
- Rainy days
- 14
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Changeable weather
- DecemberRain14 rainy daysHigh8°Low4°Changeable weatherDecemberRain
- High
- 8°
- Low
- 4°
- Precipitation
- 97 mm
- Rainy days
- 14
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Changeable weather
Average daily high and low in Belfast, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Northern Ireland
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
6
- Feels like
- 4°
- Humidity
- 84%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Northern Ireland
01:34 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today12°1°0%Tuesday: Fog. High 12°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed10°3°0%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 10°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu10°8°8%Thursday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Fri10°8°6%Friday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Sat10°6°16%Saturday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Sun9°6°8%Sunday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 8%.
Updated 01:33 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 0.7469 GBP
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
NovemberSalzburg Christkindlmarkt
NovemberNuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
NovemberStrasbourg Christmas marketFestivals by month
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- AugFéile an PhobailBelfast
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
On tour in Northern Ireland: Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour Belfast, Nov 5 – 6, 2026 · Rod Stewart The Final Encore Belfast, Apr 27, 2027
Before you go to Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland FAQ
Do I need a visa for Northern Ireland?
Irish citizens need neither a visa nor an ETA. Visitors from many countries who do not need a UK visa need an ETA instead, so check GOV.UK before you book flights.
How many days do I need in Northern Ireland?
The Causeway Coast, Belfast and Derry are spread apart, so plan your days around each area. Enniskillen and Armagh can be added if you have time.
Can I drive in Northern Ireland on my home licence?
Licences from the UK and Ireland are valid, and traffic drives on the left. For other licences, check with the rental company and GOV.UK before you book.
Do I use pounds or euros in Northern Ireland?
Pounds sterling are used in Northern Ireland, even close to the border. The euro is used in the Republic of Ireland.
Is it safe to visit Belfast?
Sporadic violence has continued since the peace process. Check local news before you go, and avoid sectarian displays and confrontations.
When is the best time to visit Northern Ireland?
Belfast's average daytime high is about 6.5 °C in January and about 17.5 °C in July. The weather can change at any time of year, and the west is wetter than the east.