What is the weather usually like in Ireland at Christmas and New Year?
Mild, dark and damp is the honest summary. Late December days in the east average about 8 degrees, nights about 3, and Met Éireann long term figures give Dublin roughly 75 millimetres of rain across about thirteen rain days in the month. Wind is often the main feature, as Christmas sits in the middle of the Atlantic storm season, and a named storm in that week is common enough to plan around. Lowland snow at Christmas is uncommon: frost and ice on inland roads in the morning are the likelier hazard, and the shortest days of the year mean sunrise after 8.30am and darkness by about 4.15pm. Pack warm waterproof layers, and expect the weather to feel wintry without often looking like a Christmas card.
Useful pages: The best time to visit Ireland · Irish weather, month by month · What to wear · Weather in Ireland · Experiencing the Irish coastline · Ireland's national parks · Outdoor adventures in Ireland · Travel notices · Ireland photography tips · Ireland weather guide
Sources
- Met Éireann: long term climate averages 1991 to 2020, rainfall and sea temperature data, met.ie
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