Fall in Dublin really feels like a shift—cooler air settles in, days get shorter, and rain shows up more often. You’ll see average highs drop from around 18°C in early September to about 9°C by late November. Lows fall from 11°C to 5°C. The season feels crisp but not harsh, so you can manage it with the right layers.
Clouds roll in more as autumn goes on, and rain becomes a pretty regular guest, though it’s rarely overwhelming. Daylight shrinks fast, with sunsets sneaking up earlier each week. Winds get stronger, adding a chill, especially if you’re near the coast.
This blend of mild chill, dampness, and shifting light gives Dublin a vibe that’s hard to mistake. If you know what’s coming, you can plan smarter—whether you’re strolling the River Liffey, poking around old sites, or just hanging out in a cozy café with something warm.
Overview of Fall Weather in Dublin
Fall in Dublin means cooler temps, shorter days, and more frequent rain than summer. You’ll notice mild but damp conditions, with steady changes in temperature, daylight, and wind as autumn moves along.
Defining the Fall Season in Ireland
In Ireland, fall runs from September through November. This stretch takes you from the last bits of summer warmth into the darker, colder days of winter.
During September, daytime highs often hit 17°C (63°F). Nights stay around 10°C (50°F).
By November, you’ll see daily highs closer to 9°C (48°F), and lows near 4°C (39°F).
Daylight drops off fast. Early September gives you over 13 hours of light. By late November, you’re down to less than 8 hours.
The way sunrise and sunset times change really affects how much of the day you can spend outside.
Fall also lines up with the end of the growing season. Gardens and local farms usually wrap up their last harvests by late November as frost creeps in.
Typical Weather Patterns in Autumn
You should expect frequent rain in Dublin during fall. The odds of a wet day go up from about 27% in early September to 36% by late November.
Rain usually falls as light to moderate showers, but it happens often enough that waterproof clothing just makes sense.
Cloud cover keeps building, too. Skies are partly clear about half the time in early September. By late November, gray and overcast skies take over.
Sunshine hours drop off quickly, making the city feel cooler than the numbers might suggest.
Winds get stronger as autumn rolls along. Average speeds climb from around 12 mph in September to 16 mph in November, usually blowing in from the west.
With the cooler air, evenings can feel especially brisk, particularly by the water.
Humidity stays pretty steady and rarely feels heavy. Dew points remain low, so even on rainy days, you won’t get that muggy feeling.
How Fall Differs from Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Dublin feels cooler, darker, and definitely wetter. Summer highs average near 19°C (66°F). In fall, highs slip into the 10–15°C (50–59°F) range.
Daylight hours drop sharply, forcing you to rethink your plans.
Fall doesn’t bring much snow or deep cold, unlike winter. Freezing nights might show up in late November, but most of the time, temps stay above 0°C (32°F).
Winter brings colder stretches and even shorter days.
Spring in Dublin is milder and a bit drier than fall. In spring, temperatures rise slowly, while in the fall, they drop off fast.
Rain is more spread out in spring, but autumn tends to bring heavier bursts and stronger winds.
Average Temperatures in Dublin During Fall
Dublin’s temperatures cool off steadily from early September through late November. You’ll start with mild days and end up with noticeably colder weather, with daytime and nighttime readings showing a clear shift.
Extremes don’t happen often, but they’re possible, especially later in the season.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown: September to November
In September, average highs sit at about 18°C (64°F), while lows hover near 11°C (52°F). Early fall is one of the nicer times to be outside.
By October, things cool further. Highs average around 13°C (55°F), and lows are near 7°C (45°F). Rain picks up, making it feel even cooler.
In November, daytime highs average 10°C (50°F), and nights often drop to 5°C (41°F). Frost becomes more likely, especially toward the end of the month.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 52°F |
| October | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F |
| November | 10°C / 50°F | 5°C / 41°F |
You’ll want to dress in layers as the temperature keeps dropping.
Daytime vs. Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime temps in Dublin during fall start out mild in September, turn cool in October, and get chilly by November. You can expect a drop of about 15°F (8°C) from the start to the end of fall.
Nights cool down faster than the days. Early autumn nights are still comfortable, but by November, temperatures often hover just above freezing.
It rarely drops far below 0°C (32°F), but frost and cold mornings show up pretty often.
Thanks to Dublin’s coastal location, the swings between day and night aren’t as wild as in inland cities. Still, evenings feel much colder than afternoons.
Temperature Variability and Extremes
Dublin weather can change fast, so averages only tell part of the story. A mild September day might hit 20°C (68°F), but a cold front can knock it down to 14°C (57°F).
By late fall, daytime highs sometimes stay near 8°C (46°F), but you can still get a surprise warm spell above 15°C (59°F).
At night, lows near freezing aren’t unusual, though serious hard freezes are rare.
Extremes don’t usually go past 21°C (70°F) in early fall or below 0°C (32°F) in late fall. The steady cooling trend means you’ll want to add warmer layers as the season goes on.
Rainfall and Humidity in Autumn
In the fall months, Dublin gets steady rainfall, plenty of cloudy days, and a noticeable uptick in humidity. As temperatures drop, these changes shape how damp or comfortable the air feels.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in Dublin during autumn stays pretty consistent, with totals creeping up as you move from September into November.
September averages around 57 mm (2.24 in) of rain. October climbs higher at about 76 mm (2.99 in). November comes in close to 69 mm (2.72 in).
October usually feels wetter than early fall. Showers tend to be light to moderate, not downpours, but they’re frequent enough to be a regular part of your day.
Dublin’s oceanic climate means there’s no real dry season. Even on days without much rain, dampness and overcast skies can make it feel wetter than the numbers suggest.
Rainy Days and Weather Variability
You can count on 9 to 12 rainy days per month in autumn. Showers are often scattered, so it’s common to get sunshine in the morning and rain later.
This kind of changeable weather is classic for Ireland’s east coast.
October stands out as the wettest month, both in total rain and number of rainy days. November keeps up with frequent showers, though they’re not quite as intense as October.
A waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes make more sense than an umbrella, since wind often comes with the rain.
You can still enjoy outdoor plans, but it helps to stay flexible.
Humidity Trends in Fall
Humidity in Dublin stays moderate to high during autumn, usually between 75% and 85%. The cooler air holds less moisture, but steady rain and clouds keep things damp.
In September, humidity doesn’t feel as bothersome because it’s still mild. By November, the combo of cooler air, short days, and steady rain makes the dampness feel more pronounced.
Indoor spots like pubs, cafés, and museums offer a nice break from the damp. While you won’t get tropical humidity, the persistent moisture is just part of Dublin’s fall.
Sunshine, Daylight Hours, and Wind Conditions
During fall, Dublin’s days get shorter, sunshine hours drop, and winds get stronger compared to summer. This all changes how much daylight you have for being outside and how the weather feels.
Average Daily Sunshine in Fall
Sunshine becomes a rare treat as fall goes on. In September, you might get 4–5 hours of sunshine per day. By November, that drops to about 2 hours.
Cloud cover builds steadily, and overcast skies take over more than half the time.
You’ll need to be ready for quick swings between bright spells and gray skies. Rain showers often interrupt the sun, especially in October and November.
Here’s a rough guide for average sunshine hours:
| Month | Average Sunshine Hours per Day |
|---|---|
| September | 4–5 hours |
| October | 3–4 hours |
| November | 2–3 hours |
No wonder fall feels darker and less cheery than spring or summer.
Daylight Duration Changes
Day length drops fast in Dublin during fall. Early September gives you about 13.5 hours of daylight. By late November, it’s under 8 hours.
You lose nearly six hours of daylight across the season. Sunrise shifts later, from around 6:30 AM in early September to after 8:00 AM in late November.
Sunset sneaks earlier too, from about 8:15 PM in September to just after 4:00 PM by November’s end.
That means you get less time for sightseeing or outdoor plans every week. If you want to make the most of daylight, it’s best to schedule things earlier in the day.
Typical Wind Patterns
Winds in Dublin pick up through the fall. Average speeds rise from about 12 mph in September to nearly 16 mph in late November.
You’ll feel breezier days and a sharper chill, especially near the coast or open spots.
The wind usually comes from the west, though southerly winds sometimes show up in October.
Westerly winds bring moist air from the Atlantic, which explains all those rain showers.
Gusty conditions are pretty common, so wind definitely affects how cold it feels. Even a mild day can feel colder if the wind’s up.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Fall Weather in Dublin
Dublin’s autumn brings cooler temperatures, frequent light rain, and shorter daylight hours. You’ll need to plan for damp conditions, tweak your wardrobe, and think about how the weather shapes your day.
What to Pack for Autumn Visits
Prepare for mild but unpredictable weather. In September, highs can reach 17°C (63°F), but by November, you’re looking at temperatures closer to 5°C (41°F).
Rain’s a regular visitor, so waterproof layers are a must.
Pack a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and a compact umbrella. A scarf, hat, and gloves come in handy in late autumn.
Dublin’s streets get slick when wet, so non-slip shoes are smart.
A small crossbody bag with room for an umbrella makes it easier to move between indoor spots and outdoor walks.
Dressing in layers helps you stay comfortable as the weather shifts through the day.
Here’s a quick packing guide:
| Item | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Waterproof coat | Keeps you dry during frequent showers |
| Comfortable shoes | Suitable for walking on wet streets |
| Layers (sweaters, shirts) | Adjust to changing temperatures |
| Scarf/hat/gloves | Added warmth in late autumn |
| Umbrella | Useful for light but persistent rain |
How Weather Impacts Local Activities
Frequent rain and cloudy skies really change how you plan your days. If you want to do some outdoor sightseeing—like walking around Trinity College or wandering through Phoenix Park—try to go earlier, since mornings are usually a bit milder.
Expect shorter daylight, especially by late October. Sunset sometimes sneaks in before 6 p.m., so it makes sense to save indoor activities, like the National Gallery or the Guinness Storehouse, for later in the afternoon.
Wind along the River Liffey or out by Dublin Bay can make it feel colder than the numbers say. Honestly, a windproof jacket goes a long way in those spots.
Even with the damp weather, autumn still works for city walks. You’ll notice smaller crowds than in summer, but it’s smart to keep your plans flexible in case the rain gets heavy.
Seasonal Events and Attractions
Autumn in Dublin really brings out the city’s cultural side. In September, the Dublin Theatre Festival takes over venues all across town with local and international performances.
October means it’s time for the Bram Stoker Festival, which celebrates the Dracula author. Expect themed tours and outdoor shows—sometimes in the rain, so don’t forget waterproof gear.
By November, Christmas markets start popping up, especially near St. Stephen’s Green and other busy spots. Cooler weather makes warm drinks and cozy indoor gatherings even more tempting, and it all adds to the seasonal vibe.
Dublin’s parks stand out in autumn. St. Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park show off colorful foliage, so they’re worth a stroll between showers. Even a quick break in the rain gives you a good shot at some nice photos or a short walk.
Comparing Dublin’s Fall Weather to Other Irish Cities
Dublin’s fall season brings cooler days, plenty of rain, and shorter evenings. Still, the city’s weather feels a bit different compared to other parts of Ireland. You’ll see changes in temperature, rainfall, and regional geography that shape autumn across the country.
Temperature and Rainfall Differences
In Dublin, average fall temperatures start around 17°C (63°F) in early September and drop to about 5°C (41°F) by late November. The city cools off gradually and usually avoids the sharper drops you might see inland.
If you compare Dublin with Galway or Limerick, you’ll spot some differences. Western cities feel cooler and wetter since they get hit by Atlantic weather systems more often. For example, check this out:
| City | Early Fall Avg High | Late Fall Avg Low | Rainfall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin | ~17°C (63°F) | ~5°C (41°F) | Moderate, rising |
| Galway | ~16°C (61°F) | ~4°C (39°F) | Higher, frequent |
| Cork | ~16°C (61°F) | ~5°C (41°F) | Steady, often heavy |
Rainfall in Dublin goes up as the season moves on, averaging about 2–3 inches per month. Cork and Galway usually get even more, especially in October. So, Dublin ends up a bit drier and, honestly, a little easier to plan for if you’re thinking about outdoor activities.
Regional Climate Influences
Geography really shapes fall weather across Ireland in some interesting ways. Dublin sits on the east coast, and the Wicklow Mountains kind of shelter it.
That location means Atlantic storms don’t hit as hard, so you’ll notice fewer intense rain events than what you’d get in the west.
Galway and other cities facing the Atlantic get moist ocean air almost every day. More cloud cover, heavier showers—yeah, that’s pretty normal there.
The west also deals with stronger winds when autumn storms roll in.
Inland spots like Kilkenny cool off faster at night since the sea isn’t there to keep things mild. You’ll probably notice sharper swings in temperature compared to Dublin, where the Irish Sea helps soften those nighttime drops.
So, these regional quirks? They explain why people tend to call Dublin’s fall weather cool, damp, but steadier compared to the west, where things change up more often.