Winter in Dublin brings cool, damp days, lots of rain, and steady winds blowing in from the Atlantic. You’ll usually see average temperatures between 2°C (36°F) and 8°C (46°F). It’s chilly, but rarely anything too dramatic.
You might wake up to frosty mornings or catch a bit of light snow, but honestly, wet weather happens way more often than any serious snowfall.
Dublin’s winter is pretty consistent, if nothing else. Clouds show up most days, daylight hours are short, and humidity stays high, giving the air a damp chill that somehow makes it feel colder than the numbers suggest.
At least the city’s spot by the coast keeps things from getting as cold as some places inland in Europe. You probably won’t deal with those deep freezes you hear about elsewhere.
Overview of Dublin’s Winter Weather
Dublin’s winters are cool, damp, and usually cloudy. Most of the time, temperatures stay above freezing.
Rain is frequent, sunshine is in short supply, and the days feel pretty brief, which really shapes daily life in the city during winter.
Typical Winter Temperatures
From December to February, you’ll see average daytime highs of 7–9 °C (44–48 °F) and nighttime lows of 2–3 °C (36–38 °F).
That makes Dublin milder than a lot of northern European cities this time of year.
Frosty mornings pop up, especially if you’re away from the coast. Long freezes don’t really stick around.
Snow happens, but it’s usually light and disappears fast.
The damp air and wind can make it feel colder than the thermometer claims. Bring layers and something windproof if you want to spend time outside.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rain is just part of the deal in Dublin during winter. The city gets about 60–75 mm of rain per month from December to February.
That means 10–13 wet days per month on average.
Most of the time, it’s light showers or drizzle. Heavier rain shows up when Atlantic weather systems roll through.
You won’t see many long dry spells.
Dublin sits on the east coast, so it’s actually drier than the west of Ireland. Still, you’ll want waterproof gear or an umbrella.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Winter days are short, there’s no way around it. In December, you get just over 8 hours of daylight. By February, that stretches to almost 10 hours.
You’ll need to plan outdoor stuff around the limited daylight.
Sunshine is rare. Dublin averages just 2 to 3 hours of sun a day in winter.
Clouds are the norm, with skies mostly overcast or partly cloudy.
It feels darker than you might expect just from looking at the temperatures. If you want to sightsee outside, aim for midday when there’s the most light.
Monthly Breakdown: Dublin Weather by Month
Winter in Dublin means short days, plenty of rain, and cool temperatures that rarely go much below freezing.
You’ll get damp conditions, frosty mornings, and wind that adds to the chill.
December Weather in Dublin
December kicks off true winter in Dublin. Highs reach about 48°F (9°C), and lows drop to 39°F (4°C).
Frost is common in the mornings, but heavy snow almost never happens.
Rain shows up a lot, with close to 2.9 inches (74 mm) falling during the month.
You’ll probably see 12 wet days, so a waterproof jacket and umbrella will come in handy.
Daylight is scarce, only about 7.5 hours on the shortest days. Sunsets can be as early as 4:06 PM, so evenings feel long and dark.
Winds pick up in December compared to autumn, averaging 14 mph (22 km/h). The damp air and wind together can make it feel colder than the numbers say.
January Weather in Dublin
January is usually the coldest month. Daily highs average 47°F (8°C), and lows hover around 38°F (3°C).
You’ll see frosty mornings, and while snow happens, it’s generally light and melts fast.
Rain keeps coming, with about 12 days of measurable precipitation. The month averages 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain.
Drizzle is a regular part of the season, more so than snow.
Daylight increases a little from December, but you still only get about 8.2 hours per day. Clouds dominate the sky, so bright days are rare.
Strong winds really define January in Dublin. Average speeds are near 15 mph (24 km/h), and gusts can make it feel even colder outside.
February Weather in Dublin
February keeps things cool but starts to hint at longer days. Highs average 47°F (8°C), and lows stay near 38°F (3°C).
It’s still cold, but afternoons can feel a bit milder than in January.
Rainfall drops a little, averaging 2.1 inches (53 mm) with about 9 wet days.
Snow could show up, but it’s rare and usually light.
By the end of the month, you get nearly 10 hours of daylight. Sunsets happen later, so there’s more time for outdoor activities.
Winds are still brisk, but a touch less intense than in January. Average speeds are around 14 mph (22 km/h), which is enough to make the damp air feel even colder.
Clouds are still common, but you might notice a few more sunny breaks.
Wind, Humidity, and Atmospheric Conditions
Dublin’s winter often feels colder than the numbers suggest, thanks to damp air and steady winds.
You’ll get frequent breezes and high humidity, making outdoor activities feel chilly even when it’s not freezing.
Prevailing Winds and Gusts
Dublin’s winter winds mostly come from the west and southwest, bringing in moist air from the Atlantic.
These winds show up consistently. Even when they aren’t strong, they add to the chill in the city.
Average wind speeds in winter are 15–20 km/h (9–12 mph), but gusts can go above 40 km/h (25 mph) during stormy weather.
Gusts happen most often when Atlantic fronts pass through, usually bringing rain with them.
Since Dublin is on the east coast, winds lose some strength after crossing Ireland, but the city still gets blustery days that make it feel colder.
If you walk along the River Liffey or near Dublin Bay, expect exposed, windy conditions.
Windchill matters. Even if daytime highs reach 8–9°C (47–48°F), a stiff breeze can make it feel closer to 4–5°C (39–41°F).
Wearing wind-resistant outerwear helps a lot on those days.
Humidity Levels During Winter
Dublin’s humidity stays high all winter. December usually peaks at about 83% relative humidity, while April is driest at around 68%.
In winter, you’ll see readings above 75% most of the time.
This constant dampness changes how the air feels. Even when it’s not that cold, the humidity and wind together create a raw, biting chill.
Damp air means mist, drizzle, and low clouds are pretty common in Dublin winters.
Indoors, places can feel cooler if they aren’t well-heated, since the moisture slows evaporation from your skin.
Layered clothing helps you stay warm but still lets you breathe.
High humidity also means less sunshine. In December, you get fewer than 2 hours of sun per day on average.
Clouds, dampness, and wind really define Dublin’s winter atmosphere.
Seasonal Variability and Climate Influences
Dublin’s winter weather stays pretty mild when you compare it to other northern European cities.
Its spot on the east coast and the surrounding landscape both help shape just how cold, wet, and windy it gets.
Maritime Influence of the Irish Sea
The Irish Sea plays a big role in keeping Dublin’s winters from getting too harsh.
Because water changes temperature slowly, the sea stops the city from dipping below freezing for long.
Average winter highs usually sit around 47–48°F (8–9°C), and lows stay near 36–37°F (2–3°C).
That’s the sea’s influence—it holds and releases heat, making things milder than inland Ireland.
Moisture off the sea brings frequent rain and clouds. Expect 2.5–3.2 inches (65–80 mm) of precipitation per month, mostly as light but steady showers.
Snow is possible but doesn’t stick around long.
Wind is another factor. With average winter speeds of 23–25 mph, you’ll often feel damp air blowing in from the sea. That makes it feel cooler than the thermometer says.
Impact of Local Topography
Dublin sits on flat ground by the coast, but the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains rise just to the south.
These mountains block some of the heavier rain that hits Ireland’s west coast, so Dublin gets less annual precipitation than places like Galway.
In winter, this means you’ll see more light rain than heavy downpours.
The mountains also shield the city from the worst Atlantic storms, though strong winds still get through.
Cold air sometimes settles in low spots overnight, causing brief frost in sheltered neighborhoods, even if the rest of the city stays above freezing.
Thanks to the coastal location and mountain shelter, Dublin’s winter feels damp and breezy but usually avoids really harsh extremes.
You can plan for chilly, wet days—no need for heavy snow gear or prepping for deep freezes.
What to Expect: Practical Tips for Winter in Dublin
You’ll deal with damp, cool weather, lots of rain, and short daylight hours.
Packing the right clothing and knowing how the weather shapes what you do each day makes life in Dublin a lot more comfortable.
Typical Winter Clothing and Packing Advice
Heavy snow is rare in Dublin winters, but the mix of rain, wind, and damp air makes it feel colder than you’d expect from the numbers.
Average temperatures run from about 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
Pack layers so you can adjust easily between chilly streets and warm indoor spots.
A waterproof jacket with a hood is a must, since showers can show up out of nowhere.
Footwear matters a lot. Streets get slick from rain or frost, so bring waterproof boots with good grip.
Leave thin sneakers or shoes that soak through at home.
Accessories like wool hats, gloves, and scarves help with wind chill.
Compact umbrellas are handy, but strong gusts often make a sturdy rain jacket a better bet.
If you’re staying a while, toss in thermal base layers and warm socks.
Locals usually go for practical coats in muted colors rather than bulky snow gear.
How Weather Affects Local Activities
You’ll notice the sun often sets before 5 PM in the middle of winter. Plan outdoor sightseeing earlier in the day to catch the daylight.
Rain and wind might limit long walks, but Dublin has plenty of indoor options.
Museums, galleries, and pubs with live music offer warm escapes from bad weather.
Festivals and events run all winter, but outdoor markets and concerts can be damp or chilly.
Carrying hand warmers or stopping for a hot drink helps you keep comfortable.
Public transport runs all year, though rain can cause small delays.
Walking is common, but you’ll want to watch for slippery pavements after frost.
Cycling is doable, but you’ll need reflective gear and extra care on slick roads.
Long-Term Climate Trends and Recent Patterns
Dublin’s winter climate has shown steady patterns over the decades, shaped by years of data. Still, you’ll notice gradual shifts in both temperature and rainfall.
If you want to plan for the season, it helps to look at the long-term averages. But don’t ignore the more recent changes that have popped up in the records.
Historical Weather Data
Long-term records say Dublin winters are usually cool, damp, and cloudy. Average winter temperatures hover between 3°C and 8°C (37°F to 46°F), with only the occasional rare dip below freezing.
Snowfall doesn’t really show up much. When it does, it’s light and doesn’t stick around for long.
Rainfall sticks around, though. The long-term average precipitation in winter lands at about 70–80 mm per month, and you’ll see that spread across lots of light to moderate showers.
This steady rainfall comes from Dublin’s maritime climate, which falls under the Cfb category in the Köppen system.
Wind plays its part too. Dublin gets hit by southwesterly winds pretty often, which drag in damp Atlantic air.
These winds help keep the city’s winters mild but wet, especially compared to places farther inland in Ireland.
Sunshine? Don’t count on much. In December and January, sunshine hours usually average under 2 hours per day.
Recent Winter Weather Trends
Over the last few decades, you can spot some small but noticeable shifts in Dublin’s winter climate. Data from the 1991–2020 climate averages actually show slightly milder winter temperatures than the 1961–1990 period.
Nights below freezing don’t happen as often now. Frost events also don’t last as long as they used to.
Rainfall patterns have changed too. Even though total winter rainfall is still close to what we’ve seen historically, the distribution of rain events looks a bit different.
Heavier downpours seem a bit more common these days. Meanwhile, those endless light drizzle days have dropped off.
This shift probably reflects bigger regional changes tied to Atlantic storm activity.
Wind speeds and storm frequency bounce around from year to year. Honestly, there’s no strong evidence that they’ve increased long-term.
Still, some years just feel more unsettled, especially when strong Atlantic systems barrel through.