The Best Time to Visit Dublin

Many visitors worry about the Irish rain, and hold off on planning trips until summer, but the best time to visit Dublin is actually in April or May when the spring weather arrives, but the crowds stay manageable, or in October before the truly cold temperatures return. Certain holidays, such as St. Patrick’s Day (March 17^th) and the weeks leading up to Christmas (December 25^th), are also great times to be in the Irish capital in order to experience a festive (if rainy) atmosphere.

While there is never a true dry season in Dublin, the summer months tend to have the warmest weather—as well as the crowds. Coming to Dublin between June and August becomes a tradeoff between (hopefully) more sunny days and the higher prices and long lines that come with the high season. However, you should be prepared with a jacket and warm layers regardless of when you visit Dublin because the city tends to stay temperate and cool throughout the year.

In order to make the most of any trip, here is your guide to the best times to visit Dublin.

Must-See Dublin Events 

Some of the best times to visit Dublin coincide with the city's most unique events. Since the 1990s, Dublin has been throwing a St. Patrick’s Festival to celebrate March 17th. The festivities draw crowds of merry-makers and now stretch over the course of 4-5 days every year. Be sure to book hotels as far in advance as possible because accommodation will be at a premium. June 16th is also a beloved local holiday when literature lovers celebrate Bloomsday in honor of James Joyce. Finally, Christmastime brings a decidedly festive air to the Irish capital.

Prices During Peak Season in Dublin

Certain sights close during the winter season in Ireland's more rural corners, but there is no need to worry about major shutdowns in Dublin because the city keeps its tourist attractions open all year. The only thing that does change radically is the price of hotels and airfare, which skyrocket in the summer months. Avoid staying in the city in July and August in particular if you want to find a deal that better fits your budget.

January

After the holiday buzz of December, January in Dublin tends to be quiet and rainy. The first month of the year is one of the coldest and wettest times, making it the ideal moment to be inside somewhere listening to traditional music. On the plus side, hotel prices and flights tend to be cheapest at this time, so it can be one of the best times to visit if you are on a budget. While snow is very unlikely, this would be the time when temperatures are most likely to drop below freezing.

Events to check out:

• Dates change a bit every year, but the Temple Bar Tradfest is usually held towards the end of January in Dublin and highlights live Irish music in some of the city’s historic buildings.

February

February remains one of the coldest times to visit Dublin, but the low temperatures (usually in the 40s) also mean smaller crowds. This could be one of the best times to see sights like the Book of Kells or St. Patrick’s Cathedral without waiting in any lines. Of course, there are always plenty of Dublin pubs to pop into if things get especially dreary outside.

Events to check out:

• Movie lovers can catch the Dublin International Film Festival which usually begins in late February and runs through early March.

March

It is impossible to talk about March in Dublin without referring to St. Patrick’s Day. March 17^th is a national holiday in Ireland and the biggest celebration of them all takes place in Dublin. While the cool, rainy month is otherwise fairly quiet, the crowds arrive for the festivities (and the pints).

Events to check out:

• The most Irish of all holidays, St. Patrick’s Day, occurs on March 17th. It is a major event in Dublin, where parades and events take place over five days during the St. Patrick’s festival.
• Strike out for Howth to get a taste of the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival.

April

April is one of the best times to visit Dublin because the spring weather can bring some of the mildest days of the year, but the summer crowds are still weeks away. That being said, it can also be unpredictable, so be prepared for everything from pouring rain in the mornings to sunny afternoons. Have a rainy day back up plan, but also set aside some time to explore the parks in the city center to catch the first flowers popping up among the green lawns. 

Events to check out:

• Businesses will close on Easter Sunday, which sometimes falls in April. If this is the case, there will also be events to remember the 1916 Easter Rising. 

May

The month of May can be the ideal time to visit Dublin because the average temperature reaches into the 60s, which is positively balmy for the location. You might still need an umbrella on some days, but this is when you are most likely to catch the city on a sunny day with smaller crowds. 

Events to check out:

• Watch the impressive water sports on display at the Dublin Docklands Summer Festival.

June

June is when Irish high school students finish up their leaving cert (final pre-college exams), and other young people from around Europe flock to Dublin for English language classes. The post-school vibes add to the happy energy the entire city vibrates with as it sits on the cusp of summer. The mid-60s temperatures are some of the highest of the year, which attracts even more crowds to the capital. Be prepared for lines at major sights and steep hotel prices to go along with the relatively sunny days.

Events to check out:

• June 16 is Bloomsday – the day that Dublin celebrates James Joyce because the author’s famous book Ulysses is set on that very date.
• Celebrate Dublin Pride in support of LGBTQ Ireland.

July

Prices stay high during July, which is a part of the peak tourist season in Dublin. If you don't mind the crowds, there is plenty to do, as the warmer weather brings some of the best outdoor events of the year to the parks around the city.

Events to check out:

• Rock out to the best international and Irish bands during a musical weekend at Longitude Festival.
• Delight young imaginations at the Festival of Curiosity.

August

The warmest average temperatures in Dublin occur in August when thermometers reach up into the high 60s. That doesn’t mean you can leave your jacket at home because there are still summer storms to contend with. Plus, crowds. August is one of the most popular times to visit Dublin, and the huge numbers of visitors can put a damper on any trip, even when the weather is fine.

Events to check out:

• Dress up for a day at the races with the Dublin Horse Show.
• Fire up the BBQ, and dig into the foodie event known as the Big Grill Festival.

September

Hotel prices tend to be highest in September as visitors flock to the city for festivals and one last trip before school starts up again. If you don't mind the added expense, it is a great time to come to Dublin because the autumn weather means warmer days and cool nights, with just a hint of fall in the air.

Events to check out:

• Catch unique performances at the Dublin Fringe Festival.

October

October is another excellent time to visit Dublin because the summer crowds disperse and high hotel prices fall back down to earth. The temperature stays in the high-50s on most days, but October is one of the rainiest months in Dublin. Luckily, the city is well used to the wet weather, so a little extra drizzle shouldn't rain on your travel parade. Pack waterproof gear and get out to enjoy Dublin without any tourist congestion.

Events to check out:

• Celebrate the Irish holiday of Halloween with the unique Bram Stoker Festival. The Dracula creator was a Dubliner by birth, so expect plenty of costumed vampires. Also, celebrate the past at the Dublin Festival of History

November

Cold weather sets in during November, driving most locals indoors. There is nothing wrong with a winter trip to Ireland, but plan your days inside at museums, galleries, and pubs accordingly. You can also take advantage of the lower prices to splurge on a hotel with a real fireplace to dry out and warm up after a day of exploring.

Events to check out:

• Find a new novel and attend talks by Irish writers at the Dublin Book Festival.

December

December in Dublin can bring a nip in the air, but there is also plenty of good cheer to warm your heart before the Christmas holiday. Lights decorate the streets, and pubs are full of locals catching up before the end of the year. The general good mood and lower prices (at least before the late December crunch), make it a great time to be in Dublin.

Events to check out:

• Ring in the New Year with Liffey Lights Midnight Moments and the other events that make up New Year’s Festival Dublin.