When to go · Ireland

Ireland in December

Mixed month. Christmas markets and pub sessions; almost everything stops 25–26 December.

Key facts

Verdict: Mixed
Crowds: Medium; Ireland
Prices: Medium; Ireland

Plan around it

Verdict

MixedVoykit month rating for Ireland

Christmas markets and pub sessions; almost everything stops 25–26 December.

Is another month better than December?

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

Weather in December

Dublin and the east · Dublin, Wicklow, Boyne Valley, Kilkennycool
Driest part of the country; mild all year, rarely above 25 °C (77 °F) or below freezing.Driest part of the country; mild all year, rarely above 77 °F (25 °C) or below freezing.
West coast · Galway, Connemara, Clare, Mayo, Donegalstorm or typhoon risk
Rain on most days, rarely all day; Atlantic storms in winter close cliff paths and island ferries.
South-west · Kerry, Dingle, West Corkstorm or typhoon risk
Mildest winters (sub-tropical gardens) but high rainfall; the Ring of Kerry fills with coaches in July–August.
Aran Islands: Aran Islands · all three islands, Atlantic exposurecool
May to September is the reliable window; summer ferries are most frequent then. Rain and wind arrive year round and can cancel sailings or flights.
Burren: Burren coast and plateau · Ballyvaughan, Doolin, Carran, Kilfenoracool
Atlantic weather: rain in any month, wind on the coast, and the plateau can be several degrees colder than Ennis. May to June and September give the best odds; July and August are busiest and wettest.
East Coast and Midlands: Dublin and the east coast · Dublin, Louth, Wicklow coastcool
Mild and changeable year-round; rain any month. May–June and September give the best odds of dry days.
East Coast and Midlands: Midlands · Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Longfordcool
Colder and wetter than the coast in winter; bog and canal paths can be muddy after rain.
Northwest Ireland and Lakelands: Donegal and Sligo coast · Atlantic west and northwestcool
Wettest and windiest part of the region; rain arrives on any month, so pack a shell.
Northwest Ireland and Lakelands: Cavan, Monaghan and Leitrim · Inland lakelandscool
Slightly drier and calmer inland; lakes and waterways are best May to September.
Shannon Region: Shannon Region · Clare, Limerick, Tipperary lowlandsrainy
Atlantic weather: rain any month, mild winters, cool summers. May–Sep gives the longest days and the best odds; the Cliffs of Moher are often in cloud, so keep a spare day.
Southeast Ireland: Southeast lowlands · Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexfordcool
Drier and sunnier than the west; May–June and September are the picks. Beaches are busiest in July–August.
Southwest Ireland: Cork city and east · harbour and lowlandscool
Mild and wet year-round; rain arrives in bands, so a dry morning can turn by 14:00.Mild and wet year-round; rain arrives in bands, so a dry morning can turn by 2:00 PM.
Southwest Ireland: Kerry mountains and peninsulas · Killarney, Dingle, Iveraghcool
Wetter and windier than Cork; mist can drop on Mount Brandon and the passes within an hour.
West Ireland: Galway and the coast · Atlantic seaboardrainy
Rain year-round; May–September is mildest and driest, around 15–19 °C (59–66 °F). Winter days are short and windy.Rain year-round; May–September is mildest and driest, around 59–66 °F (15–19 °C). Winter days are short and windy.
West Ireland: Inland Mayo and Roscommon · Lakes and lowlandrainy
Slightly colder and calmer than the coast; fog on lake roads in autumn mornings.
Dublin8 °C (46 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 15 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 15 rain days
Abbeyleix8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Adare9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Annascaul9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 17 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 17 rain days
Ardmore, County Waterford9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 15 rain days
Arklow9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Arranmore8 °C (46 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 20 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 20 rain days
Ashbourne8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 13 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 13 rain days
Athenry9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Athlone9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Athy9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Bagenalstown9 °C (48 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Bailieborough8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 15 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 15 rain days
Balbriggan8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 13 rain days
Ballina9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 19 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 19 rain days
Ballymahon8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Ballymote8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Ballyshannon8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Ballyvaughan9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Baltimore9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 16 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 16 rain days
Banagher8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Bantry9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 18 rain days
Belturbet8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 15 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 15 rain days
Birr9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Blarney9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 16 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 16 rain days
Blessington8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Booterstown9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 13 rain days
Borris9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Boyle8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 19 rain days
Bray9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 13 rain days
Buncrana8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 20 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 20 rain days
Bunratty9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Caherciveen10 °C (50 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 18 rain days50 °F (10 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 18 rain days
Cahir9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 15 rain days
Carlow8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Carndonagh8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Carraroe9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 19 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 19 rain days
Carrick-on-Shannon8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 18 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 18 rain days
Carrickmacross8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Cashel9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Castlebar8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 19 rain days
Castlecomer8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Castletownbere9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 18 rain days
Castletownshend9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 16 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 16 rain days
Cavan8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 18 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 18 rain days
Clara8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Clifden9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 20 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 20 rain days
Cloghane9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 18 rain days
Clogherhead8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Clonakilty9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 16 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 16 rain days
Clones8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 16 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 16 rain days
Clonmacnoise9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Clonmel9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 15 rain days
Cobh9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 15 rain days
Cong9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 18 rain days
Cork9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 15 rain days
Crosshaven9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 15 rain days
Dalkey9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 13 rain days
Dingle9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 18 rain days
Donegal Town8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Doolin9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 18 rain days
Drogheda9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 13 rain days
Drumshanbo8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 19 rain days
Dún Laoghaire9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 13 rain days
Dundalk8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Dungarvan9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 15 rain days
Dungloe8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Dunmore East9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 15 rain days
Edenderry8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Ennis9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Enniscorthy9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 18 rain days
Enniscrone8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Enniskerry8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Falcarragh8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Fethard-on-Sea9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 14 rain days
Fethard9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Foynes9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 13 rain days
Freshford9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Galway8.2 °C (47 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 20 rain days47 °F (8.2 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 20 rain days
Glencolmcille8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Glendalough8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Glengarriff9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 18 rain days
Glenties8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Gorey9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Gort9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Graignamanagh9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Howth9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 13 rain days
Inis Meáin9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 19 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 19 rain days
Inis Oírr9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 18 rain days
Inishbofin Island9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 20 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 20 rain days
Kells8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Kenmare9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 18 rain days
Kildare8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Kilkee9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 18 rain days
Kilkenny9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Killaloe9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 16 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 16 rain days
Killarney9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 18 rain days
Killorglin9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 18 rain days
Kilmallock9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 17 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 17 rain days
Kilmore Quay9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 14 rain days
Kinnitty8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 18 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 18 rain days
Kinsale9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 15 rain days
Knock9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Lahinch9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 18 rain days
Leenane8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 20 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 20 rain days
Leighlinbridge9 °C (48 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Letterfrack8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Letterkenny8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 20 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 20 rain days
Lifford8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 16 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 16 rain days
Limerick9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Lismore9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 15 rain days
Listowel9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Longford8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Macroom9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 16 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 16 rain days
Malahide9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 13 rain days
Mallow9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 15 rain days
Manorhamilton8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 19 rain days
Maynooth9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 13 rain days
Milltown Malbay9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 18 rain days
Monaghan8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 18 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 18 rain days
Mountmellick8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Mountrath8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 15 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 15 rain days
Mullingar8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Naas9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 13 rain days
Navan8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 13 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 13 rain days
Nenagh9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
New Ross9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Newport, County Mayo8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Oldcastle8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Omey Island9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 18 rain days
Oranmore9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Oughterard9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Portarlington8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Portlaoise8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Portmagee9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 18 rain days
Portumna9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Roscommon8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 18 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 18 rain days
Roscrea8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Rosses Point8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 20 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 20 rain days
Rosslare9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 14 rain days
Roundwood8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 14 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 14 rain days
Shannon9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 20 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 20 rain days
Skibbereen9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 16 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 16 rain days
Slane8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 13 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 13 rain days
Sligo8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Spiddal9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 19 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 19 rain days
Strandhill8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Swords8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 13 rain days
Thomastown9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 13 rain days
Thurles9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 13 rain days
Tipperary9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 15 rain days
Tory Island8 °C (46 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 20 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 20 rain days
Tralee9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 18 rain days
Tramore9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 15 rain days
Trim8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Tuam9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 18 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 18 rain days
Tullamore9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Tullow9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 13 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 13 rain days
Virginia8 °C (46 °F) / 2 °C (36 °F), 15 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 36 °F (2 °C), 15 rain days
Waterford9 °C (48 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 14 rain days
Westport8 °C (46 °F) / 3 °C (37 °F), 19 rain days46 °F (8 °C) / 37 °F (3 °C), 19 rain days
Wexford9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 14 rain days
Wicklow9 °C (48 °F) / 4 °C (39 °F), 14 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 39 °F (4 °C), 14 rain days
Youghal9 °C (48 °F) / 5 °C (41 °F), 15 rain days48 °F (9 °C) / 41 °F (5 °C), 15 rain days

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day big impact
24–26 Dec
No public transport on Christmas Day; pubs closed on the 25th; limited services on the 26th.
Christmas lights and markets
From late November to Christmas · Dublin
Lit streets and stalls; crowds on Grafton Street and higher hotel prices.
Christmas swim at the Forty Foot
25 December · Dublin
A crowd of swimmers and spectators; a sea-bathing tradition.
Christmas
Dec 25–26 · Dublin
Almost everything is closed and public transport is minimal.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Ireland: Medium
Prices · Ireland: Medium

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Ireland, side by side.

First month

Second month

Verdict
Dec: Mixed
May: Great (better)
Crowds
Dec: Medium
May: Medium
Prices
Dec: Medium
May: Medium
Festivals listed
Dec: 4
May: 2

December: Christmas markets and pub sessions; almost everything stops 25–26 December.

May: Often the driest, sunniest month; Skellig trips start mid-May.

Ireland: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

Layers: a fleece or light jacket
A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
A spare day in the plan: storms can cancel flights and ferries

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Where to go in December

Rated best or good this month

Thurles
Best months: May–Sep; race meetings Nov–Mar

Better another month

West coast
Rain on most days, rarely all day; Atlantic storms in winter close cliff paths and island ferries.
South-west
Mildest winters (sub-tropical gardens) but high rainfall; the Ring of Kerry fills with coaches in July–August.