In December, Ireland experiences cool temperatures, increased rainfall, moderate winds, limited daylight hours, and occasional snowfall, characteristic of its winter season.
Overview of the Weather in Ireland in December
- Temperature: Average daily temperatures range from lows of 3°C (37°F) to highs of 10°C (50°F).
- Rainfall: Varies by region; for example, Dublin averages 73 mm (2.9 inches) over 11 days, while Galway sees about 94 mm (3.7 inches) over 15 days.
- Snowfall: Infrequent, with an average of 2 to 3 days of snow, typically accumulating to depths around 0.79 inches (20 mm).
- Wind Speed: December experiences moderate winds, with average speeds around 24 km/h (15 mph).
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 7 to 8 hours per day; sunrise around 8:30 AM, sunset near 4:00 PM.
December Weather in Ireland: A Closer Look
Temperature
December in Ireland brings cool conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 10°C (50°F). Coastal areas, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, tend to be milder, while inland regions may experience slightly cooler temperatures, especially during the night.
Rainfall
Rainfall is common across Ireland in December. Eastern regions like Dublin receive about 73 mm (2.9 inches) over 11 days, making them relatively drier. In contrast, western areas such as Galway experience higher rainfall, averaging 94 mm (3.7 inches) over 15 days during the month.
Snowfall
Snowfall in Ireland during December is infrequent, with an average of 2 to 3 days of snow, typically accumulating to depths around 0.79 inches (20 mm).
Wind Speed
December experiences moderate winds, with average speeds around 24 km/h (15 mph). Coastal regions, especially along the west, may encounter stronger gusts due to Atlantic weather systems.
Daylight Hours
Daylight is limited in December, with approximately 7 to 8 hours of light daily. The sun typically rises around 8:30 AM and sets near 4:00 PM, providing shorter days for outdoor activities.
Ireland vs Northern Ireland Weather in December 2025
While both regions share similar climates, subtle differences exist:
- Temperature: Northern Ireland’s average temperatures are slightly lower, with daily averages around 5°C (41°F), compared to Ireland’s average of 6°C (43°F).
- Rainfall: Northern Ireland experiences marginally higher rainfall, averaging 80 mm (3.1 inches) in December, compared to Dublin’s 73 mm (2.9 inches).
- Snowfall: Both regions experience infrequent snowfall in December, with similar averages of 2 to 3 days of snow.
- Wind: Both regions experience moderate winds in December, with coastal areas encountering stronger gusts.
- Daylight: Daylight hours are similar, with both regions experiencing about 7 to 8 hours of daylight during December.
In summary, while Ireland and Northern Ireland share comparable December weather patterns, Northern Ireland tends to be slightly cooler and marginally wetter.
