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Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city that charms visitors with its rich history, lively culture, and stunning natural beauty. While it’s tempting to plan your trip during the peak summer months, Dublin truly shines during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October).
These periods offer the perfect blend of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices, making them the ideal time to experience the best of what Dublin has to offer.
But that’s just the short answer. The best time to visit Dublin really depends on what you want to spend, see, and do. Here’s the long answer…
The Best Time to Visit Dublin
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The overall best time to visit Dublin is during the summer, from June through August. There’s plenty to do during this time, the weather is beautiful, and it’s easy to get around.
The only drawbacks are the city can be busy and expensive in the summer. The summer months are when you can find the most activities and festivals throughout Ireland, including in Dublin.
While the museums and other indoor attractions are still fun in the summer, it’s nice also to have the option of street fairs, some of which revolve around old folk tales. Ireland is known for its rainy climate that yields lush greenery.
During the summer, there’s significantly less rain in the country as a whole, and the greenery is at its height. The temperature usually lingers around the high 40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (8 to 18 degrees Celsius) in the summer.
As a result of the beautiful and mild weather, summer is a great time to enjoy Dublin’s outdoor activities. Try exploring Dublin’s parks, nearby hikes, and exciting street fairs in the summer. The weather is also conducive to simply exploring the city, whether you want to shop or pub hop.
Dublin in summer offers many concerts, the Longitude Festival, sightseeing tours, Trinity Summer Series, chamber music festivals, writing festivals, and child-friendly events. No matter when in the summer you visit, there will always be plenty of options to choose from.
Summer can also be a popular time for visitors to Dublin. As a result, if you want to avoid crowds but want to avoid the cold of winter, consider visiting in late spring or early fall.
These times of year offer a nice balance between the benefits and drawbacks of summer and winter. The temperatures during spring and fall are around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celcius). So, you may need to bring or buy some extra sweaters.
The flights and accommodation costs usually land somewhere in the middle between the low winter prices and the high summer prices. There are still plenty of things to do during those shoulder seasons, even if the activity level is less than during the summer.
You can still explore the outdoors when the weather is nice. And if April showers decide to spoil your plans, there are plenty of engaging indoor activities to fill up your itinerary. There’s also a plethora of spring and fall-specific fairs and festivals.
Cheapest Time to Visit Dublin
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The cheapest time to visit Dublin is in the winter, since it’s also the least busy time to go. Typically lasting from December through February, winter can get chilly in Ireland, so there are fewer outdoor events to experience, and the pricing is less competitive.
The temperature during the winter hovers around 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 to 4 degrees Celcius), and there’s usually plenty of rain and sometimes some snow.
However, if you dress appropriately and plan indoor activities, you can still have a blast. Since winter isn’t a common time to visit Dublin, it’s easier to get cheap flights than during the summer.
It’s also worth noting that you should buy your flights about three months in advance to get the best deals. Accommodations are also often cheaper during this time. Even though there are fewer outdoor events in the winter compared to the summer, Dublin still offers various activities and attractions.
For example, you can visit Dublin’s numerous museums, experience pubs, and enjoy the cheaper city attractions. The most expensive activities in Dublin include shopping, tours, visiting distilleries, spas, sailing, concerts, and food.
While you can save money by avoiding all these activities, you can also minimize the cost of partaking in them. This is true for any time of the year you choose to visit Dublin.
Most notably, since it’s easy to get around Dublin on foot or via public transit, you don’t need to worry about renting a car. In addition, Dublin is a great place to visit if you want free museums and other attractions. If you want to save money by sightseeing on foot, look out for early bird specials throughout the city.
Often those early bird specials start around 3 pm on weekdays and 1 pm on weekends. They usually end around 5 pm or 6 pm. These meals are a great choice if you want an early dinner before a play or a late lunch after a day of hiking.
Least Busy Time to Visit Dublin
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The least busy time to visit Dublin is in the winter, from November to February. But even though the city is less busy, it’s still worth visiting at this time.
Since many people want to enjoy the outdoor attractions of Ireland, including fairs, hiking, and outdoor experiences, fewer people visit when those experiences are less enticing. So, you can bundle up in the winter and take advantage of any outdoor activities you can find.
As a result, winter is a great time to visit the city if you want to immerse yourself in indoor activities. It’s also a lovely time to enjoy an emptier city where you can focus on soaking in the city instead of fighting through crowds.
Worst Time to Visit Dublin
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Most people consider the winter to be the worst time to visit Dublin, as the weather is cold and many shops and pubs are closed.
However, others enjoy Dublin at all times of the year. Truly, this city has much to offer whenever you go. If you want to experience plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful weather, winter is the worst time for you.
If you want a quiet visit where you can ponder museums and libraries, you may dislike visiting during the summer. Even in the winter, the city can still be warmer than many parts of Europe or the Northern part of North America.
So, it can still feel like a relief compared to those areas. The temperature in Ireland rarely gets below freezing. Summer is a big season for tourists in Dublin, and the city can get busy as a result.
While some visitors love that energy, others prefer the quietness of the colder months. It’s possible to get a good deal on flights all year. However, it’s easiest to get a good deal in the winter.
Dublin by Month: Climate & Activities
Dublin, Ireland – Oct 18, 2014: People around The Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland on October 18, 2014/Aitormmfoto/Shutterstock
Still unsure about the best time to visit Dublin? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures in Dublin range from 1 to 8°C (34-46°F). January is a great time to explore indoor attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, visit historic sites like Dublin Castle, and experience the city’s cozy pubs and live music scene.
February
Similar to January, February maintains cool temperatures between 1 to 9°C (34-48°F). Visitors can enjoy cultural events like the Dublin International Film Festival, explore the National Museum of Ireland, and partake in traditional Irish music sessions.
March
In March, spring begins in Dublin, with temperatures range from 2 to 10°C (36-50°F). This time is perfect for taking scenic walks in Phoenix Park, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with the lively parade, and exploring the Temple Bar district.
April
Spring temperatures in Dublin range from 4 to 12°C (39-54°F). It’s an ideal time for visiting the Dublin Zoo, exploring the Botanic Gardens, and enjoying the emerging spring blooms in St. Stephen’s Green.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 7 to 15°C (45-59°F). It’s a great month for attending literary events like the Dublin Writers Festival, exploring Dublin’s coastline, and experiencing the lively atmosphere at traditional pubs.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 10 to 18°C (50-64°F). June offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking in the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, attending the Bloomsday Festival, and enjoying street performances in Temple Bar.
July
July maintains mild temperatures from 12 to 20°C (54-68°F). It’s a popular month for outdoor festivals such as the Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride Festival, exploring the historic Kilmainham Gaol, and taking day trips to nearby coastal towns.
August
Temperatures in August range from 12 to 19°C (54-66°F). It’s an excellent time for visiting the Dublin Castle Gardens, attending the Dublin Horse Show, and exploring the vibrant neighborhoods like Rathmines.
September
As fall begins, temperatures range from 10 to 17°C (50-63°F). September offers a pleasant transition, with opportunities for attending the Dublin Fringe Festival, exploring the Dublin Docklands, and enjoying the city’s parks in autumn.
October
October sees temperatures ranging from 7 to 14°C (45-57°F). It’s a great month for attending the Bram Stoker Festival, exploring the Chester Beatty Library, and taking guided tours to learn about Dublin’s history.
November
Fall temperatures range from 3 to 10°C (37-50°F). November is perfect for attending the Dublin Book Festival, exploring the National Gallery of Ireland, and experiencing the city’s vibrant pub culture.
December
In December, winter returns to Dublin, with temperatures ranging from 2 to 8°C (36-46°F). December brings opportunities for festive activities such as the Dublin Christmas Market, exploring the Winter Lights Dublin City event, and enjoying holiday performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Whether you’re a diligent planner or simply curious about more aspects of visiting Dublin, here are the answers to some of the most common questions people have asked about this destination.
How long do you need to visit Dublin?
While a longer visit to Dublin is great for really digging into all the city has to offer, five days is often enough to get the highlights. A few days in the capital city are also great as a part of a more extended exploration of Ireland. Use three of those days for planned excursions, one day for a day trip, and another day to soak up any last bits of culture you need.
How expensive is it to visit Dublin?
Dublin can be an expensive city for tourists. Not including accommodations, a day in Dublin can be between 60 and 150 euros per person. You can save money by finding free or cheap entertainment, walking, being selective about where you eat, and making your plans in advance.
What should I do in Dublin?
Dublin is full of countless ways to appreciate a rich history. Enjoy amazing museums, beautiful parks, joyful pubs, the Guinness Factory, Dublin Castle, the Dublin Zoo, The Book of Kells, Ireland’s National Cemetary, Trinity College, and the Jameson Distillery.
What are some fun food options in Ireland?
Ireland is known for its many traditional and modern dishes. When you visit Dublin, you can enjoy a full Irish breakfast, fish pie, fish and chips, Irish smoked salmon, Irish stew, soda bread, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, chowder, and colcannon. If you enjoy alcohol, a pint is a tasty drink you can enjoy if you want to blend in with the local populace.
How can I get around Dublin?
Dublin is an extremely walkable city thanks to its compact size and infrastructure. You can also easily navigate around the city using buses, trains, and trams. There are also ways to get around the rest of Ireland from Dublin. Generally, a car isn’t necessary for the country, especially if you’re unfamiliar with driving on narrow streets on the left side of the road.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Dublin?
When it comes down to it, there’s no wrong time to visit Dublin. However, many tourists love experiencing the city in the summer because the weather is nicer and there are more activities to engage in.
On the other hand, if you want to save money and don’t mind colder weather, winter may be the right choice for you.
But regardless of the time you choose to go, you’ll be greeted by great food, friendly locals, and lots of pubs. So what are you waiting for — book your trip to Dublin today!