Month guide · Dublin · Ireland
Dublin in December
What December is really like in Dublin: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Unattributed, Public domain
Quick answer
December is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 8°C (46°F), lows of 3°C (37°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 7.5 hours of daylight. Festive lights, Christmas markets and busy pubs; many restaurants and attractions close for a few days around 25–26 December.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 8°C (46°F) / 3°C (37°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 7.5 hours
- Sea temperature
- 10°C (50°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Dublin: days average 8°C (46°F) against a yearly average high of 13°C (55°F), and nights fall to about 3°C (37°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 31 days. Compared with November (10°C (50°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 8°C (46°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 08:34
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 16:07
- Daylight
- About 7.5 hours
- Sea
- 10°C (50°F)
Winter (December–February). Short, damp days, Christmas lights and markets, Six Nations rugby and cosy pubs at lower prices outside the holidays.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Christmas markets in the city centre (usually December)
- New Year's Festival Dublin (late December to 1 January)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Park · Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park
One of Europe's largest enclosed city parks, Phoenix Park covers about 700 hectares west of the centre, with a herd of wild fallow deer, the Wellington Monument, Áras an Uachtaráin, the Irish president's residence, and Dublin Zoo.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Active
Zoo · Phoenix Park
Dublin Zoo
Book online and arrive at opening on weekends and school holidays to beat the queues.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
Park · Georgian Quarter
Merrion Square
Dublin's best-preserved Georgian square is framed by red-brick townhouses with coloured doors and fanlights, former homes of Oscar Wilde, W.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Photo spot
Garden · St Stephen's Green
Iveagh Gardens
Enter from Clonmel Street off Harcourt Street, the easiest gate to find.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Off the beaten path
- Outdoors
- Couples
What to pack
For highs near 8°C, lows near 3°C and 13 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Dublin?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–September are better overall. Compare every month.
Dublin in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Dublin?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Festive lights, Christmas markets and busy pubs; many restaurants and attractions close for a few days around 25–26 December.
+How warm is Dublin in December?
Average highs are around 8°C (46°F) and lows around 3°C (37°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Dublin in December?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.