What December feels like in Dublin
December is early winter in Dublin. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. 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 Dublin in December
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 5.9 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 5.8 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 8:34 am and sets around 4:07 pm local time, giving 7 h 33 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 1 h 9 min less daylight than in mid-November. About 49% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, 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 Dublin. Afternoons run 1.8°C (3.2°F) cooler than in November, with 9 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. The next month's average high: 7.9°C (46.2°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 Dublin in December
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Dublin in December?
Afternoons average 8.6°C (47.5°F) and nights about 4.3°C (39.7°F) — chilly by most people's standards. It is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Dublin in December?
Quite a lot — 82 mm spread over about 14 days.
What should I wear in Dublin in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Dublin?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#11 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Fair. January has fewer rainy days.