What December feels like in Cork
Early winter arrives in Cork with December. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cold, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Cork in December
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Wet days average about 7.5 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. The yearly figure is similar, around 6.9 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Cork gets 7 h 49 min of daylight, from sunrise near 8:35 am to sunset near 4:23 pm. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 1 h 4 min. Measured sunshine covers about 43% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year in Cork. Compared with November, afternoons are 1.6°C (2.9°F) cooler, with 5 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. The next month's average high: 8.5°C (47.3°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Cork in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Cork in December?
It feels chilly: typical highs are 9.1°C (48.4°F), with lows near 4.9°C (40.8°F).
Does it rain a lot in Cork in December?
Quite a lot — 106 mm spread over about 14 days.
What should I wear in Cork in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Cork?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#11 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Fair. January has fewer rainy days.