Weather Comparison
Dublin vs Edinburgh
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
December Weather: Dublin vs Edinburgh
| Metric | Dublin | Edinburgh | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 8°C (46°F)▲ | 6°C (43°F) | Dublin |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 4°C (39°F)▲ | 2°C (36°F) | Dublin |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 13 days▲ | 14 days | Dublin |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 76 mm▲ | 77 mm | Dublin |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 4h/day▲ | 3h/day | Dublin |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 26 km/h | 24 km/h▲ | Edinburgh |
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 Edinburgh sees 3 sunshine hours and 14 rain days.
Dublin is on the cooler side at 8°C, requiring warmer clothing. Edinburgh is cooler at 6°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
Dublin 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.
Edinburgh averages 6°C (43°F) for the high and 2°C (36°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.
Rainfall Comparison in December
Dublin receives approximately 76 mm of rainfall across 13 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Edinburgh sees 77 mm over 14 rain days. That makes Dublin the drier option by 1 rain day and 1 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Dublin vs Edinburgh
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
Packing for Edinburgh in December
Highs of 6°C, lows of 2°C, 14 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: Dublin vs Edinburgh
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.
| Month | Dublin | Edinburgh | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 8°C | 13d | 6°C | 14d |
| Feb | 8°C | 12d | 6°C | 12d |
| Mar | 10°C | 12d | 8°C | 13d |
| Apr | 12°C | 14d | 10°C | 12d |
| May | 15°C | 14d | 13°C | 13d |
| Jun | 17°C | 13d | 16°C | 14d |
| Jul | 19°C | 15d | 18°C | 14d |
| Aug | 19°C | 14d | 17°C | 13d |
| Sep | 17°C | 12d | 15°C | 11d |
| Oct | 13°C | 12d | 12°C | 13d |
| Nov | 10°C | 13d | 8°C | 14d |
| Dec | 8°C | 13d | 6°C | 14d |
Dublin Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Edinburgh Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities