Skip to content

Weather Comparison

Edinburgh vs Dublin

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

Edinburgh: 6°CDublin: 8°C350 km apart

December Weather: Edinburgh vs Dublin

MetricEdinburghDublinBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer6°C (43°F)8°C (46°F)Dublin
Average LowHigher is milder2°C (36°F)4°C (39°F)Dublin
Rain DaysFewer is drier14 days13 daysDublin
PrecipitationLess is drier77 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/hEdinburgh

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.

Edinburgh is on the cooler side at 6°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

Edinburgh reaches an average high of 6°C (43°F) and drops to 2°C (36°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 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

Edinburgh receives approximately 77 mm of rainfall across 14 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Dublin sees 76 mm over 13 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: Edinburgh vs Dublin

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

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: Edinburgh 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.

MonthEdinburghDublin
HighRainHighRain
Jan6°C14d8°C13d
Feb6°C12d8°C12d
Mar8°C13d10°C12d
Apr10°C12d12°C14d
May13°C13d15°C14d
Jun16°C14d17°C13d
Jul18°C14d19°C15d
Aug17°C13d19°C14d
Sep15°C11d17°C12d
Oct12°C13d13°C12d
Nov8°C14d10°C13d
Dec6°C14d8°C13d
6°

Edinburgh Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

8°

Dublin Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edinburgh warmer than Dublin in December?
No. In December, Dublin is warmer with an average high of 8°C (46°F) compared to Edinburgh at 6°C (43°F), a difference of 2°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, Edinburgh or Dublin?
Edinburgh gets more rain in December with 14 rain days and 77 mm of precipitation. Dublin is the drier option with 13 rain days.
Is it better to visit Edinburgh or Dublin in December?
It depends on your preferences. Edinburgh averages 6°C and 3 hours of daily sunshine with 14 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 Edinburgh and Dublin?
Edinburgh and Dublin are approximately 350 km (217 miles) apart. Edinburgh is located in United Kingdom (Europe) while Dublin is in Ireland (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Edinburgh and Dublin?
For Edinburgh, May tends to be the best month with 10 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 13°C. For Dublin, June is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 17°C highs.

Compare Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh coordinates: 55.95°N, -3.19°E | Dublin coordinates: 53.35°N, -6.26°E