Ireland Coast in Oct-Nov? Ocean Temperature Heating.

Er,, pretty sure not... LOL I don't think that part of the Atlantic ever heats up much to make the cooling that much different..

Not sure what kind of "behavior" you are expecting, but it stays about the same whatever the time of year. The Gulf Stream runs near there, which keeps the temperature moderate enough to allow palm trees to grow on both the east (Arklow) and west (Ballyvaughn) coasts.

If you ever go to Point Reyes Natl. Seashore some 40 miles north of SF, each month, you will find that November is by far the best for good weather and clarity of the skies. No storms, just good weather. If you go inland, Nov. in N. Calif. can be cloudy, wet, windy, and cold. It's all because of how the deep deposits of warm and cold water mix. The whole area from above SF for some distance is like that. I guess the bottom line here is that the west coast of Ireland will not be pleasant at that time of the year. I think it's Dingle and surroundings that I'm interested in. If I go, it would be more like the last two weeks of Oct. Since I would like to also do some hiking (more like day walks[INVALID]west coast and inland) in N. Scotland, I have an interest in what to expect about the same time.

It's not as predictable in Ireland/Scotland as it is in Northern California. The Irish Sea and the Atlantic is actually quite a bit warmer than the Pacific in Northern California despite being much further North. The British Isle's and Ireland are right where the African currents and the Arctic currents meet up.

Interesting. I'll look into those two currents. Actually, it's Sept-Oct when the weather at Pt. Reyes settles down. Somehow I thought the time of the year for it was a bit more unusual than Sept-Oct. The cause is the warm California Current. I'm weighing a trip there either late this fall or April-May next year. As it is, I'm trying to combine my trip there with an additional trip. I could do both this fall, but run the risk of weather in Ireland. The alternative is to on the other this year, and Ireland next year. Just a bit too tricky.

According to (www.met.ie) the water temp in October-November off the west coast of Ireland runs from about a maximum of 55* in the south to about about 50 in the north(Malin Head)

Actually it is the Gulf Stream from the Gulf of Mexico that has the most effect onthe temperature of the sea and the land in the west of Ireland and Scotland. Thus you unexpectedly find palm trees in both these places. Not sure what you plan to do that the water temperature would affect your plans. Swimming is not big in that area and certainly not in November. I lived in the west coast of Scotland and there were some days in June July and August when you could go in the water, but you could not depend on it and it could never be described as warm.

Because of the previously mentioned Gulf Stream, the weather in Ireland is fairly moderate yearround. They get hardly any snow most years, and while it might get chilly by California standards it's rarely terribly cold, either.

I'd like to do some hiking in both N. Scotland and SW Ireland without freezing or dealing with heavy storms.

Most probably the air temperature will not be too low - though cooler than CA - but you will almost certainly have damp and blustery weather in both places and the dampness eats up your legs and makes you feel cold. I have had that experience in the Scottish Highlands in July!

It seems it's somewhat chancy in late Oct., so probably the best thing for me to do is plan on visiting both places and finding out once there how long I want to stay and do depending on weather conditions. I may not get to do as much day hiking as I would like, but I should be able to visit some of the more rugged areas I'd like to see. In Scotland, that would be the furthest north I could get to see some ancient sites begun by Scandinavians, and any "National Parks" with interesting wild life or geological features. I've forgotten the name of one such island off the west coast of Scotland that fits the bill. I'm sure I have it written down somewhere. Famous for eagles I think. I'd even be interested in some short class in either country that involves nature and science.

Isle of Mull maybe with the eagles. The biggest problem would not be the temperature which would probably be in the 50's but the wind and rain. I was in Northern Ireland for a couple of days in the middle of November and the weather was spectacular 60's,blue skies and little wind and I have been there in June when it was totally miserable about 50,rain and wind. The rain "usually" does not last too long,it can be pouring one minute and sunshine five minutes later. The main thing is to have good waterproof gear,especially boots, and to dress in layers which I am sure you already know.