Skip to content

Weather Comparison

Galway vs Dublin

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

Galway: 8°CDublin: 8°C186 km apart

December Weather: Galway vs Dublin

MetricGalwayDublinBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer8°C (46°F)8°C (46°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder4°C (39°F)4°C (39°F)Tie
Rain DaysFewer is drier16 days13 daysDublin
PrecipitationLess is drier108 mm76 mmDublin
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier3h/day4h/dayDublin
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better24 km/h26 km/hGalway

Which City is Better in December?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Dublin edges ahead as the better destination in December. Dublin offers 4 hours of daily sunshine with only 13 rain days, while Galway sees 3 sunshine hours and 16 rain days.

Galway is on the cooler side at 8°C, requiring warmer clothing. Dublin is cooler at 8°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Dublin is the stronger choice in December. Dublin receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in December

Galway reaches an average high of 8°C (46°F) and drops to 4°C (39°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Dublin averages 8°C (46°F) for the high and 4°C (39°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Rainfall Comparison in December

Galway receives approximately 108 mm of rainfall across 16 rain days during December. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Dublin sees 76 mm over 13 rain days. That makes Dublin the drier option by 3 rain days and 32 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Galway vs Dublin

Packing for Galway in December

Highs of 8°C, lows of 4°C, 16 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Dublin in December

Highs of 8°C, lows of 4°C, 13 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during December.

Year-Round Comparison: Galway vs Dublin

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.December is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthGalwayDublin
HighRainHighRain
Jan8°C16d8°C13d
Feb9°C13d8°C12d
Mar10°C14d10°C12d
Apr12°C14d12°C14d
May15°C14d15°C14d
Jun17°C14d17°C13d
Jul18°C15d19°C15d
Aug18°C15d19°C14d
Sep16°C13d17°C12d
Oct13°C15d13°C12d
Nov10°C15d10°C13d
Dec8°C16d8°C13d
8°

Galway Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

8°

Dublin Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Galway warmer than Dublin in December?
Galway and Dublin have the same average high temperature of 8°C (46°F) in December. The average lows are 4°C and 4°C respectively.
Which city gets more rain in December, Galway or Dublin?
Galway gets more rain in December with 16 rain days and 108 mm of precipitation. Dublin is the drier option with 13 rain days.
Is it better to visit Galway or Dublin in December?
It depends on your preferences. Galway averages 8°C and 3 hours of daily sunshine with 16 rain days. Dublin averages 8°C with 4 sunshine hours and 13 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Dublin. For fewer rain days, Dublin is the better pick.
How far apart are Galway and Dublin?
Galway and Dublin are approximately 186 km (116 miles) apart. Galway is located in Ireland (Europe) while Dublin is in Ireland (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Galway and Dublin?
For Galway, May tends to be the best month with 10 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 15°C. For Dublin, June is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 17°C highs.

Compare Galway and Dublin in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Galway coordinates: 53.27°N, -9.06°E | Dublin coordinates: 53.35°N, -6.26°E