Journeying to a new location can be an exhilarating adventure. To make the best of it, you want to be prepared for as many challenges as possible, including the local weather.
Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is a stunning destination. However, to avoid the large crowds, many choose to visit in the winter to enjoy a more relaxing experience and make it easier on their pockets.
Although Ireland’s weather during winter is difficult to predict, you’ll want to know a few basics before you embark on your expedition, especially if you visit its capital city.
You’ll need to ask, what are the average high and low temperatures? Does it rain? And, does it snow in Dublin, Ireland?
Let’s take a look at Dublin, Ireland, The Fair City’s winter weather.
Dublin, Ireland – The Fair City
Enderingly nicknamed The Fair City, Dublin is the capital of Ireland.
It is the largest city in the country by population. According to the 2023 census, its estimated population stands at approximately 1,501,500, with an urban area of roughly 345 square kilometers (133 square miles).
Dublin is located on Dublin Bay, where the River Liffey enters the Irish Sea.
On the south, it is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, which are part of the Wicklow Mountains range, and it is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west.
Weather in Dublin, Ireland
Because of its proximity to the Irish Sea, Dublin experiences a maritime climate, otherwise known as an oceanic climate.
And although Dublin rarely experiences temperature extremes, its climate can be quite unpredictable due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf Stream, and the North Atlantic Drift.
In general, however, the city enjoys cool to warm summers and cool to mild winters.
Ireland’s meteorological seasons are as follows:
- Summer runs from June 1st to August 31st, with an average high temperature of 18°C (64°F), and an average low temperature of 11°C (52°F).
- Autumn goes from September 1st to November 31st, with an average high temperature of 13°C (55°F), and an average low temperature of 6°C (43°F).
- Winter runs from December 1st to February 28th, with an average high temperature of 9°C (48°F), and an average low temperature of 3°C (37°F).
- Spring stretches from March 1st to May 31st, with an average high temperature of 10°C (50°F), and an average low temperature of 4°C (39°F).
Despite the averages, many Dublin locals often claim that you can experience all four seasons in a day!
So, dress and pack wisely!
Does it Snow in Dublin, Ireland?
Dublin’s secluded location on the east coast of the island, along with the urban heat dome effect of the city, makes it the driest place in Ireland.
Most precipitation in Dublin during the winter is rain, with the busy capital city experiencing approximately half the rainfall of the west coast.
So, does it snow in Dublin, Ireland?
Yes, snow showers do occur between November and March, with most activity happening in January and February, and slightly less in December and March.
Hills and highlands can experience up to thirty days of snowfall in a year, while the Wicklow Mountains region can see fifty or more days of snow per year.
Lower elevation areas, like Dublin, tend to catch snow only a few days per year. Some years, the city may see no winter snow at all.
How often does it snow in Dublin, Ireland?
The average number of days of snowfall in Dublin between 1991 and 2020 is as follows:
- December – 2.3
- January – 3.2
- February – 3.2
- March – 2.4
Therefore, if you’re in Dublin during the winter and would like to play in the snow, venture to a higher elevation, or head about 10-20 kilometers (6-12 miles) inland.
What Do the Locals Say?
When posted the question, “How often does it snow in Dublin?” on the Facebook page, Love Ireland, commenters’ responses show their good humor about the unpredictability of snow in Dublin, Ireland. Take a look:
And,
Glad to see they can take the weather in stride!
Final Thoughts on Snow in Dublin, Ireland
The weather in the Emerald Isle can be quite unpredictable.
The sheltered nature of the capital city’s location, the heat island effect of the city, its proximity to the Irish Sea, and the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf Stream, and the North Atlantic Drift directly affect the amount of precipitation, especially snowfall, that Dublin, Ireland, experiences.
To ensure you enjoy a wintery snow adventure, simply trek to the mountains or further inland.
