Early winter · Weather & things to do
Galway in December
Galway cools off: highs slip to 46°F (8°C), from 50°F in November, with lows of 38°F (4°C) and about 4.4 in (113 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 46/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 46°F (8°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 4.4 in (113 mm)
- Humidity
- 95%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 18 min
- Comfort score
- 46/100 · Fair
What December feels like
It's cool, with highs near 46°F (8°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Lows average 38°F (4°C).
Some rain is likely, about 4.4 in (113 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 75%.
Only about 7 h 18 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Shortest days of the year, about 7 h 18 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 52/100 in November to 46/100.
- 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 46°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Galway in December
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Ard Bia at Nimmos
Café and restaurant in an old stone customs house by the Spanish Arch.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 46°F.
McDonagh's
Family-run fish and chip bar and seafood restaurant on Quay Street.
Galway Market
Weekend market beside St Nicholas Church with crafts and street food.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 46°F.
Tigh Neachtain
Corner pub with snugs and a painted front, known for music and conversation.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Latin Quarter and Quay Street
Pedestrian streets of buskers, pubs and shops running down to the river.
Nearby in December
- Doolin & the Cliffs of Moher in December~22 mi · highs 48°F, 5.6 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Connemara in December~42 mi · highs 49°F, 6.0 in rain · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Dublin in December~116 mi · highs 47°F, 3.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Fort William in December~291 mi · highs 43°F, 7.2 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
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.
Galway in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Galway?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 46/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 46°F (8°C) and 4.4 in (113 mm) of rain. Our Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Galway in December?
Average highs are 46°F (8°C) and average lows 38°F (4°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Galway in December?
Some: about 4.4 in (113 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 44.6 in (1134 mm).
What should I pack for Galway in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 46°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Galway in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.