Dublin features a temperate oceanic climate, marked by mild, damp winters and cool, refreshing summers. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, and the weather is famously changeable – sunshine, showers, and clouds can all appear in a single day. Extreme temperatures are rare, making Dublin a comfortable, if unpredictable, destination year-round.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Dublin’s climate is shaped by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the prevailing southwest winds, resulting in mild temperatures and high humidity year-round. Winters (December to February) are generally chilly but not severe, with average highs of 8°C and lows around 2°C. Snowfall is rare and usually brief, while rain and drizzle are frequent. Despite the dampness, freezing temperatures are uncommon, and the city’s festive atmosphere brightens the darker months.
Summers (June to August) are cool and pleasant, with average highs of 19–20°C and lows near 11°C. Heatwaves are rare, and temperatures above 25°C are exceptional. The city enjoys long daylight hours in summer, with sunsets as late as 10pm in June and July. Rain remains common, but showers are usually brief, and sunny spells are frequent. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are transitional, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 16°C. Both seasons bring a mix of rain, clouds, and occasional sunshine, with autumn tending to be windier and wetter, especially in October and November.
Dublin receives about 1,450 hours of sunshine annually – most in spring and early summer. Winds can be brisk, particularly along the coast and in winter. The Irish Sea remains cold year-round, reaching only 15–16°C in summer, making swimming a bracing experience. The city’s microclimates mean weather can vary even within a single day, so it’s wise to be prepared for all conditions.
| Average climate data for Dublin, Ireland | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 20 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 63 | 46 | 52 | 51 | 58 | 59 | 50 | 66 | 56 | 75 | 69 | 69 | 715 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 12 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 128 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 12 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Average UV index | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
The best time to visit Dublin is during the summer months of June to August, when temperatures are at their warmest (14–20°C), daylight hours are long, and the city buzzes with festivals and outdoor events. Spring and early autumn are also pleasant, offering milder weather and fewer crowds for sightseeing.
The least favourable time to visit is in winter (January and February), when days are shortest, temperatures are lowest (2–8°C), and rain is frequent. While the city’s festive spirit endures, outdoor activities can be less appealing due to damp and windy conditions.
Dublin has a temperate oceanic climate with mild, damp winters and cool summers. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, and extreme temperatures are rare, making the weather comfortable but changeable.
Snow is rare in Dublin, especially in the city centre. When it does occur, it usually melts quickly. Most winters are characterised by rain and drizzle rather than snow.
Spring and early summer, especially May and June, are the sunniest periods in Dublin, with the longest daylight hours and more frequent sunny spells compared to other seasons.
Dublin receives about 730–760 mm of rain per year, with rainfall spread fairly evenly across the months. October and November are usually the wettest, while February tends to be the driest.
Dublin can be breezy, particularly along the coast and during the winter months. Winds are generally moderate but can become strong during Atlantic storms, especially in late autumn and winter.
Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable, water-resistant shoes. Even in summer, it’s wise to bring a jumper and an umbrella, as weather can change quickly throughout the day.
The Irish Sea near Dublin remains cold year-round, reaching only 15–16°C in summer. Swimming is possible but can be chilly, so it’s best suited for those accustomed to cooler waters.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (20.2 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is February (8.8 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 13.8 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (13.6 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is February (3.9 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 8.2 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (14.8 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (8.4 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 11.7 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is October (75.3 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is February (46.2 mm). Over the whole year there are 714.7 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is October (12.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is June (8.9 days). Over the whole year there are 128 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 16.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 7.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is May (Average sunshine: 6.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 1 h). Over the whole year there are 3.6 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 6). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 0). Over the whole year the average UV index is 3.
