Spring in Dublin really feels like the city is waking up from winter. Daytime highs nudge up from about 9°C in March to around 16°C by May, while nights stay cool but rarely dip below freezing.
You’ll notice the air feels fresher, and the days stretch out fast as spring rolls in. Skies brighten, and that changeable Irish weather keeps you guessing.
Rain still shows up often, but it usually arrives as quick, light showers rather than heavy, all-day downpours. So, your outdoor plans aren’t likely to get totally ruined. Cloud cover gradually thins out, and daylight expands by nearly six hours from early March to late May. That’s a lot more time to wander the city.
Winds mellow out as spring goes on, and humidity stays in a comfortable range. Honestly, spring might be one of the nicest times to get outside in Dublin. The mix of rising temperatures, manageable rain, and longer days gives the season a real sense of transition. Maybe that’s why so many people find it ideal for sightseeing and local events.
Overview of Dublin’s Spring Climate
Dublin’s spring climate brings milder temperatures, longer days, and a little less cloud cover. Rain sticks around, but it’s not as intense as in winter. The winds calm down, too, which makes being outside a lot more pleasant.
You get a climate that feels in-between—no wild swings like in summer or winter.
Temperate Maritime Influences
Dublin’s spring weather really shows off its temperate maritime climate. The Atlantic Ocean nearby keeps temperatures and rainfall pretty mild, though you’ll notice the dampness.
Average highs crawl up from about 9°C in early March to 16°C by late May. Nighttime lows move from 3°C to 9°C, so you don’t get many big temperature shocks.
Clouds hang around a lot in March—overcast more than half the time. By late May, you’ll see clearer skies for about half the day. Rainfall stays steady, averaging about 46 mm each month.
Winds shift, too. March brings westerly winds, but by late May, southerly breezes take over. Speeds drop from 25 km/h in March to closer to 18 km/h in May, making things feel calmer outside.
How Spring Differs from Other Seasons
Spring feels way brighter and less stormy than winter. Winter brings fierce winds, short days, and endless clouds. Spring, on the other hand, gives you longer daylight hours—almost six hours more from March to May.
Summer in Dublin gets warmer, with highs near 19°C, but you’ll still see a mix of sun and showers. Spring doesn’t heat up as much, but it skips the summer crowds, which is a bonus if you like things a bit quieter.
Autumn? It’s wetter and cloudier than spring, and temperatures drop back toward winter. Spring sits in the sweet spot, with mild temps, moderate rain, and more daylight.
Travelers can expect fewer weather headaches than in winter, and it’s not as busy as summer.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Spring in Dublin follows a pretty steady rhythm—temperatures warm up slowly, rain keeps coming, and daylight hours shoot up. You won’t get wild winter storms or summer heatwaves, but sudden showers are still part of the deal.
The chance of a wet day hovers around 29% all season, so tossing a light rain jacket or umbrella in your bag is smart. Rain mostly falls as light or moderate showers, not torrential downpours.
Day length changes fast. Early March gives you about 11 hours of daylight, but by late May, you’re looking at more than 16 hours. That’s a big shift, and it makes spring one of the brightest times of year in Ireland.
The sea warms up slowly, too—8°C in March, rising to about 11°C in May. It’s not exactly swimming weather, but it helps keep the air mild.
Spring’s steady patterns make it a reliable time to explore Dublin’s parks, coastline, and city streets. You avoid the harsh winter cold and the muggy summer humidity.
Average Spring Temperatures in Dublin
Spring in Dublin warms up at a gentle pace. March starts off chilly, but by May, things feel much milder. Daytime highs and nighttime lows both climb, and cold snaps get less common as the weeks go by.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
In March, average highs hit about 48°F (9°C), and lows linger near 38°F (3°C). It’s still pretty chilly, especially after dark, so a warm jacket is a must.
April feels more comfortable. Highs reach around 54°F (12°C), and lows settle near 42°F (6°C). Many people notice April as one of the nicer months—there’s less rain, and the air feels softer.
May takes the top spot for warmth in spring. Highs average 60°F (16°C), and lows sit around 48°F (9°C). When the sun’s out, May feels downright mild, and the days are noticeably longer and brighter.
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 48°F (9°C) | 38°F (3°C) |
| April | 54°F (12°C) | 42°F (6°C) |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 48°F (9°C) |
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
During spring, daytime temperatures climb, but evenings still cool off fast. In March, you might see a high near 50°F (10°C) and then drop into the upper 30s (3–4°C) at night.
April nights aren’t as harsh, averaging in the low 40s (5–6°C). If you’re out after dark, you’ll want an extra layer.
By May, the gap between day and night shrinks. Highs around 60°F (16°C) and lows in the upper 40s (8–9°C) make late spring evenings much more comfortable for a stroll or eating outside.
Temperature Trends Compared to Annual Averages
Dublin’s spring temperatures land right between the city’s chilly winters and mild summers. February, the coldest month, only reaches highs of 47°F (8°C). July, the warmest, climbs to about 67°F (19°C).
Even in May, spring stays cooler than the summer peak. Still, compared to winter, May’s highs are almost 13°F (7°C) warmer than February.
Nighttime lows follow the same trend. Winter nights sometimes dip near freezing, but by April and May, spring lows stay above 40°F (5–9°C). The gradual warming makes spring feel like the true transition in Dublin’s weather.
Spring Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Dublin’s spring brings steady, moderate rainfall. Showers spread out pretty evenly across the season, with just small shifts in totals and frequency from March to May.
Rainfall Totals by Month
Rainfall in spring is pretty moderate compared to other seasons. March gets about 60 mm, making it one of the drier months. April usually picks up a bit more, around 65–70 mm, and May typically lands between 65–75 mm.
These numbers might sound low, but since rain falls over many days, you’ll still want to be ready for wet weather. For reference, 60 mm is just over 2 inches.
| Month | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|
| March | ~60 mm |
| April | ~65–70 mm |
| May | ~65–75 mm |
There aren’t big swings in monthly totals, so you won’t notice huge changes in rain from month to month.
Frequency and Intensity of Rain
Spring rain in Dublin comes often but usually isn’t very heavy. Downpours happen less often than in autumn or winter. More often, you’ll get short, passing showers rather than hours of steady rain.
March might have a few less rainy days than April or May, but the difference is small. Dublin’s oceanic climate means rain is pretty evenly spread out, with few long dry stretches.
Expect cloud cover on more than half the days in spring. Even when it rains, showers usually don’t last all day, so you’ll get some dry breaks. That makes it easier to fit in outdoor plans.
Typical Rainy Days and Dry Spells
On average, Dublin sees about 11 to 14 rainy days per month in spring. A “rainy day” just means at least 1 mm of rain, which could be a quick drizzle or a short shower.
Dry spells do happen, but they’re usually brief—maybe just a couple days at a time. April often stands out with fewer rainy days, so it’s a nice time for exploring outdoors.
Rain tends to fall in short bursts, not long storms, so a light rain jacket or umbrella is usually all you need. The mix of wet and dry spells gives you a fair shot at enjoying city walks and day trips without too much hassle.
Cloud Cover, Sunshine, and Daylight Hours in Spring
Spring skies in Dublin change a lot. Cloud cover slowly thins out, you get more sunshine, and days stretch much longer by late May. All these shifts make the city feel brighter as you move from March to the end of spring.
Typical Cloudiness
Dublin’s skies stay pretty cloudy in spring, but things improve as the weeks go by. Early March often brings overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 62% of the time. By late May, that drops closer to 52%.
March is usually the cloudiest part of spring. Late May gives you more blue sky. The clearest day of the season usually falls near May 27, when skies are partly clear or better almost half the time.
Still, Dublin is a city where clouds are part of the deal. If you’re planning to be outdoors, expect a mix of gray and bright intervals rather than endless blue skies.
Sunshine Duration and Brightest Months
Dublin doesn’t get as much sun as southern Europe, but you’ll notice more sunshine as spring goes on. Across Ireland, May and June average between 5 and 6.5 hours of sun per day. The southeast gets over 7, but Dublin sits in the middle.
March stays dimmer, with fewer sunny breaks. By May, afternoons feel longer and brighter, which makes it a better time for walking tours, coastal views, or just hanging out in the parks.
When the clouds do clear, the light lasts long enough to make the city feel lively.
Length of Days During Spring
Daylight increases fast in spring. On March 1, you get about 10 hours and 51 minutes. By May 31, the day stretches to 16 hours and 37 minutes. That’s nearly six extra hours of light gained over the season.
Sunrise moves from around 7:12 AM in early March to just after 5:00 AM by late May. Sunset shifts from about 6:03 PM to nearly 9:41 PM.
By the end of spring, Dublin feels totally different than it did at the start. The long days give you more time for sightseeing, outdoor meals, or evening walks along the Liffey.
Wind, Humidity, and Other Weather Factors
Spring in Dublin brings steady winds, moderate humidity, and skies that can change on a whim. You’ll get mild conditions, but the weather can turn quickly, so layers and a light raincoat are always a good idea.
Average Wind Speeds and Patterns
Dublin stays breezy throughout spring, and you’ll notice it if you spend any time outdoors. Average wind speeds sit between 33–38 km/h. March usually brings the strongest gusts.
April and May calm down a bit, but gusts still whip along the coast. The wind rarely lets up for long.
Winds often come from the west or southwest, pulling in damp Atlantic air. This pattern shapes Dublin’s mild but unsettled climate.
Spring storms don’t hit as hard as winter ones, but blustery days still pop up.
If you’re planning to get outside, remember the wind can feel colder than the temperature reads. Even on bright days, the breeze makes a light jacket or windbreaker a smart idea.
Spring Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high in Dublin during spring, hovering around 79–83%. The air feels moist, especially in the mornings when fog or mist sometimes rolls in.
This dampness is classic Irish weather, and it’s what keeps everything so green.
March and April feel a bit fresher, since cool air can’t hold as much moisture. By May, warmer days make the dampness more noticeable.
Laundry and clothes take their time to dry indoors this time of year.
Despite the high humidity, the air never gets heavy or tropical. Instead, you get that cool, damp freshness that’s just so Dublin.
Other Notable Weather Phenomena
Cloud cover defines Dublin’s spring. In March, skies stay overcast more than half the time. By May, you’ll see more sun and brighter days.
Sunshine hours stretch out, so you get more daylight for exploring.
Rain falls often but usually not in heavy bursts. Monthly rainfall averages 50–60 mm, with showers scattered throughout the month.
A small umbrella or waterproof jacket comes in handy.
Fog sometimes hangs around in the mornings, especially by the River Liffey or along the coast. By midday, visibility usually improves.
Snow almost never shows up in spring, but you might get a quick hail shower in March.
Locals will tell you, you can experience several seasons in just one day here.
Tips for Experiencing Dublin’s Spring Weather
Dublin’s spring means cool mornings, milder afternoons, and quick swings between sunshine and showers. Expect longer daylight hours, but stay ready for dampness and sudden temperature changes.
What to Wear and Pack
During spring, Dublin’s weather ranges from about 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F). Mornings and evenings can feel chilly, while afternoons lean toward mild but not quite warm.
Layers are your best friend for comfort.
Pack a light waterproof jacket since rain likes to make an appearance. A warm sweater or fleece works well under your jacket on colder days.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes that can handle wet streets.
Bring an umbrella or compact rain poncho, but keep in mind, wind can make umbrellas tricky. A scarf, hat, and gloves might still come in handy in March, especially at night.
By May, you can swap in lighter clothes, though you’ll still want a jacket nearby.
Carry a small day bag so you can stash layers when the sun decides to show up. This makes it easier to handle Dublin’s unpredictable spring weather.
Best Outdoor Activities for Spring
Spring is a great time to enjoy Dublin’s outdoor spaces. Parks and gardens start blooming, and by May, daylight lasts more than 14 hours.
Take a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green or the National Botanic Gardens to catch the spring flowers. Walking along the River Liffey or checking out Dublin Bay gives you fresh air and some lovely views.
Outdoor markets and weekend festivals pop up again in spring, so you can sample local food and culture.
When the weather’s milder, take a day trip to Howth for cliff walks or visit Phoenix Park, which is one of Europe’s biggest urban parks.
Cycling paths and guided walking tours get easier to enjoy in spring, since the weather feels less harsh and the city gets more lively.
Planning for Unpredictable Weather
Dublin’s weather really keeps you on your toes, especially in spring. You might get sunshine, rain, and clouds all in a single afternoon.
Always check the daily forecast before you go out, but honestly, things can change fast. Mix up your plans with both indoor and outdoor options so you can switch gears if you need to. Maybe hit a museum and then wander through a nearby park if the sky clears.
Bring a waterproof layer with you everywhere. Even a light drizzle feels pretty miserable if you’re caught off guard. If the weather takes a turn, public transport and taxis usually save the day.
If you’re heading to the coast, keep in mind the wind often feels colder than it does inland. Layer up and pack your rain gear—it’ll make a big difference.