Dublin has a temperate maritime climate (Cfb under Koppen) heavily influenced by the North Atlantic Drift. The city experiences mild temperatures year-round with no real extremes: summers are cool, winters are mild, and rain is a constant companion. Dublin averages about 750mm of rain annually spread across roughly 150 rainy days, but the rain is typically light drizzle rather than heavy downpours. Snow is rare, averaging only 4-5 days per year. The weather is famously changeable, and locals say you can experience four seasons in one day.
January
January is Dublin’s coldest month. Daytime highs reach 8degC (46degF) and lows drop to 3degC (37degF). The city receives about 70mm of rain over 13 days, mostly as light persistent drizzle. Expect only 1.5-2 hours of daily sunshine as days are short (sunset around 4:30 PM). Pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and sturdy waterproof shoes. Indoor attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College Library are good weather-proof options. Hotel rates are at their lowest of the year outside the New Year period.
February
February remains cold and damp. Highs average 8degC (46degF), lows 3degC (37degF). Rainfall is about 55mm over 12 days. The first signs of spring appear with daffodils and snowdrops in parks by late February. St. Valentine’s relics are displayed at the Whitefriar Street Church. The daylight lengthens to about 10 hours by month-end. Pack the same as January: waterproof coat, layers, scarf. Hotel rates remain low.
March
March begins the slow transition to spring. Highs reach 10degC (50degF), lows 4degC (39degF). Rainfall is about 55mm over 13 days. St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 is the city’s biggest celebration with a multi-day festival including parades, music, and street performances. Hotel rates triple during St. Patrick’s week; book 6+ months ahead. The weather in mid-March is unpredictable but the festive atmosphere makes up for it. Pack layers and a rain jacket. Expect about 3.5 hours of sunshine daily.
April
April brings true spring to Dublin. Highs reach 12degC (54degF), lows 5degC (41degF). Rainfall drops to 45mm over 11 days. Days lengthen to about 14 hours of daylight with 5 hours of sunshine. The city’s parks (Phoenix Park, St. Stephen’s Green, Merrion Square) burst with cherry blossoms and daffodils. This is a shoulder month with moderate hotel rates and manageable crowds. A light waterproof jacket is usually sufficient. Easter events (when in April) include the Easter Rising commemorations at the GPO.
May
May is one of Dublin’s best months. Highs reach 15degC (59degF), lows 8degC (46degF). Rainfall is about 55mm over 12 days. With 6 hours of daily sunshine and 16 hours of daylight (sunset after 9 PM), May is ideal for outdoor exploration. The Bloom garden festival takes over Phoenix Park in late May. Hotel rates begin climbing toward summer peaks. Pack layers: short sleeves for sunny afternoons, a jumper and light jacket for evenings.
June
June brings the longest days. Highs average 18degC (64degF), lows 11degC (52degF). Rainfall is 55mm over 11 days. The summer solstice brings 17.5 hours of daylight with sunset after 10 PM. Bloomsday on June 16 celebrates James Joyce’s Ulysses with costumed readings and pub crawls. Hotel rates are at summer highs. Pack a mix of summer and shoulder-season clothing.
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 20degC (68degF) and lows of 13degC (55degF). Rainfall is about 50mm over 11 days. This is peak tourist season with the best chance of warm, sunny days. The Longitude Festival in Marlay Park draws major international acts. Hotel rates are at their annual peak. Book accommodations 2-3 months ahead. Dublin’s coastal location means it rarely gets hot; 25degC (77degF) is considered a heatwave. Pack summer clothes but always include a rain jacket.
August
August remains warm with highs of 19degC (66degF) and lows of 12degC (54degF). Rainfall increases slightly to 65mm over 12 days. The Dublin Horse Show at the RDS in early August is a major social event. The month feels slightly more relaxed than July as some locals take holidays. Hotel rates remain high.
September
September offers mild autumn weather. Highs reach 17degC (63degF), lows 10degC (50degF). Rainfall is about 60mm over 12 days. This is one of the best months to visit: summer crowds have thinned, hotel rates drop from peak season, and the weather is often pleasant. The Dublin Fringe Festival runs in September. Students return to Trinity College, giving the city renewed energy. A mid-weight jacket and layers work well.
October
October brings autumn colors to Dublin’s parks. Highs reach 13degC (55degF), lows 7degC (45degF). Rainfall increases to 80mm over 14 days. The Dublin Theatre Festival and Bram Stoker Festival run in October. Days shorten to about 10.5 hours. Hotel rates are moderate. A warm waterproof coat is needed.
November
November is Dublin’s gloomiest month. Highs average 10degC (50degF), lows 5degC (41degF). Rainfall is about 75mm over 14 days with only 2 hours of daily sunshine. Sunset around 4:30 PM. On the plus side, pub culture shines brightest: cozy fires, trad music, and pints of Guinness. Hotel rates are low. The Dublin Book Festival runs in November.
December
December is festive and cold. Highs reach 8degC (46degF), lows 3degC (37degF). Rainfall is about 75mm over 14 days. Christmas markets appear at Dublin Castle. The 12 Pubs of Christmas tradition dominates the social calendar. New Year’s Festival includes concerts and fireworks. Hotel rates spike during Christmas-New Year week. Pack warm waterproof clothing.
Dublin Climate Data at a Glance
| Month | High (degC/degF) | Low (degC/degF) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8 / 46 | 3 / 37 | 70 | 13 |
| Feb | 8 / 46 | 3 / 37 | 55 | 12 |
| Mar | 10 / 50 | 4 / 39 | 55 | 13 |
| Apr | 12 / 54 | 5 / 41 | 45 | 11 |
| May | 15 / 59 | 8 / 46 | 55 | 12 |
| Jun | 18 / 64 | 11 / 52 | 55 | 11 |
| Jul | 20 / 68 | 13 / 55 | 50 | 11 |
| Aug | 19 / 66 | 12 / 54 | 65 | 12 |
| Sep | 17 / 63 | 10 / 50 | 60 | 12 |
| Oct | 13 / 55 | 7 / 45 | 80 | 14 |
| Nov | 10 / 50 | 5 / 41 | 75 | 14 |
| Dec | 8 / 46 | 3 / 37 | 75 | 14 |
The best months for visiting Dublin are May, June, and September. For seasonal advice, see our Dublin best time to visit guide.
