Lough Melvin

Lake Freshwater lake renowned for rare trout species

Bordering counties in northwest Ireland, Lough Melvin draws anglers for its rare trout species (Gillaroo, Sonaghan) and visitors for clear waters, shoreline walks and birdwatching.

Main image
Lough Melvin
54.4333, -8.1667

Tips for Visiting Lough Melvin #

  • Remember the lake straddles the border between County Fermanagh (Northern Ireland) and County Leitrim (Republic of Ireland), so check which side you're launching from - fishing and access rules differ by jurisdiction and you may need a local permit.
  • Lough Melvin is famous for its three trout types (including the locally endemic gillaroo and sonaghen); anglers and naturalists get the most out of guided local boat trips or licensed angling guides who know where the rare stocks concentrate.
  • Use northern access points around Garrison and nearby public launch spots if you want quick water access and local services - that area is a common base for boat hire and guide operators.

Best Time to Visit Lough Melvin #

Visit Lough Melvin in summer (June-August) for the mildest weather and best fishing conditions.

Summer (best for fishing and boating)
June-August · ~12-20°C
Relatively mild weather and longer daylight - peak season for angling and boating.
Winter (quieter, colder)
December-February · ~2-8°C
Cooler, wetter conditions with far fewer visitors; some anglers still visit in calmer spells.

Weather & Climate near Lough Melvin #

Climate

Lough Melvin's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1420 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

152 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.7h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
13.9h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
15.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 17°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
16.9h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
12° 18°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
16.4h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
12° 18°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
14.7h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 16°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
13°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

150 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (154 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.3h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

153 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.1h daylight

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