Early winter · Weather & things to do
Dublin in December
Dublin edges cooler than November, with highs of 47°F (8°C), lows of 41°F (5°C) and about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 49/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cloud cover.
- Avg high
- 47°F (8°C)
- Avg low
- 41°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 3.8 in (97 mm)
- Humidity
- 91%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 17 min
- Comfort score
- 49/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Afternoons only reach about 47°F (8°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 41°F (5°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.8 in (97 mm).
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 76%.
It's breezy, with average winds near 12 mph (5.5 m/s) at ground level.
Daylight is short, roughly 7 h 17 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Shortest days of the year, about 7 h 17 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 55/100 in November to 49/100.
- Our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way route recommends May – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 47°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.8 in of rain
- Windproof shellaverage wind 12 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Dublin in December
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Book of Kells at Trinity College
9th-century illuminated gospels, followed by the oak-vaulted Long Room library.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 47°F.
The Brazen Head
Pub dating its license to 1198, with trad music every night.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 47°F.
Howth Cliff Walk
Loop around Howth Head with sea views and a lighthouse, 30 minutes by DART.
Glendalough
Monastic site and twin lakes in the Wicklow Mountains, about an hour south.
The Long Hall
Victorian pub with dark wood, mirrors and chandeliers, unchanged in decades.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Nearby in December
- Galway in December~116 mi · highs 46°F, 4.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Doolin & the Cliffs of Moher in December~131 mi · highs 48°F, 5.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Connemara in December~155 mi · highs 49°F, 6.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- The Cotswolds in December~213 mi · highs 43°F, 3.0 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Dublin in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Dublin?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 49/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 47°F (8°C) and 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain. Our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Dublin in December?
Average highs are 47°F (8°C) and average lows 41°F (5°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Dublin in December?
Some: about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 38.7 in (982 mm).
What should I pack for Dublin in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 47°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.8 in of rain), windproof shell (average wind 12 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Dublin in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.