Dublin in December
Christmas in Dublin
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
December is one of the weakest months in Dublin.
December brings Christmas lights on Grafton Street and festive markets.
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- 3–8°C
- Cold and damp.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Busy before Christmas.
- Prices
- €€€
- Rates rise toward Christmas.
+Christmas lights and markets.
–Short, cold days.
My tip for December
Walk Grafton Street after dark for the lights.
- Holidays
- Shopping
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
12th of 12 overall in Dublin, 10th for weather, 4th for space, 5th for value. The emptiest month is January; the best value is January.
See all twelve months for DublinPlan around
What’s on in Dublin in December
- Short winter days
- Daylight is short, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day.
November–January
Not set on December?
Months I'd choose over December
Also good in December
Weather
Weather in Dublin in December
In December Dublin averages a high of 8°C (46°F) and a low of 3°C (37°F), with about 72 mm of rain or snow over 13 wet days. The warmest month is July (around 20°C) and the coolest is January (around 8°C); the wettest month is November.
- Average high
- 8°C
- 46°F
- Average low
- 3°C
- 37°F
- Precipitation
- 72 mm
- Wet days
- 13
Climate data: Met Éireann (Dublin Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Dublin in December: the questions people ask
- Is December a good time to visit Dublin?
- December is one of the weakest months in Dublin. It ranks 12 of 12 months in Dublin overall (10 for weather, 4 for space, 5 for value). The main upside: Christmas lights and markets. The main downside: Short, cold days.
- What is the weather like in Dublin in December?
- Average highs are around 8°C and lows around 3°C. Expect about 72 mm of rain or snow over roughly 13 wet days. Cold and damp. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 20°C) and the coolest is January (around 8°C).
- Is Dublin crowded in December?
- Crowds are moderate. Busy before Christmas. The quietest month is January.
- How expensive is Dublin in December?
- Prices are at level 3 of 5 (€€€). Rates rise toward Christmas. The best-value month is January.
- When is the best time to visit Dublin?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, May is the best month overall (December ranks 12 of 12). The quietest month is January and the best value is January.
Still going to Dublin in December?
Book early and plan around the busiest hours — short, cold days.
Find hotels in DublinAffiliate link