No surprise, winter in Belfast is chilly, but thanks to warm blasts from the Gulf Stream, average temperatures stay above freezing. You’ll need to dig out your umbrella though, since winter days bring buckets of rain.

Belfast’s thriving pub culture is great year around. But the warming fireplaces, comfort food, and live music of traditional pubs become the perfect gathering place come winter.

For the ultimate in holiday shopping, head to Belfast for its annual Christmas market on the grounds of City Hall. Spend hours browsing gifts and crafts while sipping a warming drink under the glow of festive lights.

St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 sends winter out in glorious style. Celebrate the now-global holiday in this saint’s homeland with festivities and educational events.

Warm-but-not-sweltering weather and longer days make summertime the most popular season to explore Northern Ireland’s biggest city. Get in on the festive spirit that breezes through Belfast, inspiring everyone to throw open their doors and join in the urban bustle.

The good news: There’s no need to worry about reduced or seasonal hours during Belfast’s busiest season. The bad news: You’ll want to book ahead at top sights, so you can skip the ever-growing queue.

Summer is the perfect time to hit the links at the lush golf courses in and around Belfast. Northern Ireland is home to more than 90 golf clubs, many of which are just a short jaunt from the city.

Lace up those hiking boots! With less rain in summer, it’s the best time to trek around stellar natural sights like Divis and the Black Mountain. The exhilarating walk to the peak offers both a good workout and great views of the city.

Mother Nature dials up the rain in autumn, but locals don’t let it stop them from getting on with things as they expertly dodge puddles around the city. Plus shorter days means longer nights, and more reasons to bask in Belfast’s nightlife scene, one that includes everything from a pint at the pub to dancing all night.

Welcome to Belfast’s festival season! Buzzy, big-name annual events include the Belfast International Arts Festival, film festivals, the city’s Queer Arts Festival, plus a yearly celebration honoring native son C.S. Lewis.

In autumn, students pour back into this university town, bringing a boisterous vibe to the pubs, bars, and clubs. The student population also turns up the volume on Belfast’s thriving live music scene.

Grab a jacket and get outside. Belfast and the surrounding areas are full of beautiful nature walks, and a gorgeous canopy of reds and golds blankets wooded areas this time of year.