When is the best time to visit Dublin, Ireland?

Dublin may not take up much space on the map, but don't let that fool you – this gem of a capital has no "off" switch and is brimming with history, culture and a whole lot of personality that is on display twelve months of the year. There’s an old Irish adage that says, "If you don’t like the season, just wait fifteen minutes." Dublin is a city for all seasons, only those seasons will often present themselves in the one day. 

Most visitors arrive during the warmer summer months, when Dublin’s events calendar is at its fullest and there’s hardly a moment when there isn’t something on. When the skies turn gray and the temperatures start to dip, that's a Dubliner’s cue to dive into the city’s rich cultural scene with its array of museums, festivals and theaters – and although there's a thinner menu of outdoor events, come equipped for the colder weather.

Planning a trip? Here’s a guide to what you can expect whenever you visit so you can hit the ground running.

High season: June–August

Best for good weather and lots of daylight

With its warmer days and plentiful events, many consider June through August the best time to visit Dublin. Summer is peak season for visitors looking to take advantage of the good weather. Temperatures average between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius (60–68 ºF) and the sun often makes an appearance, but this is Dublin so clouds and rain are never that far away.

Summer is also when accommodation is toughest to find and room rates are at their highest: if you are visiting during these months it is strongly advised to book well in advance to avoid disappointment or paying through the nose for a room. 

There is plenty to do throughout the Dublin summer, and Dubliners eagerly fill out their festival calendars. There’s big music gatherings like Forbidden Fruit and Longitude; the annual Pride celebrations take up a week in June; and they come after the most Dublin of Dublin events, Bloomsday, when the most dedicated Joyceans go all Edwardian for a day on June 16. Another uniquely Dublin event is the Liffey Swim, which sees 500 people swim 2.2km (about 1.37 miles) along the Liffey – you can join them if you want (or just go to the National Gallery to see Jack B Yeats’ famous painting of it). Food-lovers visiting in mid-August head to Herbert Park for The Big Grill, Europe’s largest barbecue and food festival where Irish and international chefs celebrate the art of cooking over live fire.

Meanwhile, the international equestrian set trots down to the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) for the social highlight of the year, the Dublin Horse Show. The show is a long-established institution in the city: one-part genteel garden party, one- part agricultural show, the highlight of the five-day long festival is the Aga Khan Trophy, an international-class competition packed with often heart-stopping excitement in which eight nations participate.

In addition to some of the biggest events of the year, summer is the perfect time to see Dublin on foot. Wander the grounds of St Stephen’s Green or browse the shops of Grafton Street. Take some time to stop in the local pub for a pint or two and be entertained by street buskers along the way. And what’s a summer holiday without a beach day? A quick train ride on the DART will take you to Dublin’s most beautiful shores, from Killiney Beach to Balscadden Bay. Amble along the promenade at Sandymount Strand (the closest beach to the city center), take in stunning seaside views along the Howth cliff walk or go for a dip at Forty Foot Pool, Portmarnock or Seapoint.

Shoulder season: March–May 

Best time for festivities

Dublin unofficially leaves winter behind around the middle of March when St Patrick’s Festival takes over for a few days around March 17. Half a million people turn out to see the parade on March 17 and enjoy the festivities, which can leave the city looking the worse for wear when the music ends and the beer stops flowing. Outside of St Paddy’s Day and Easter, though, accommodation rates can be pretty enticing and the city hasn’t yet welcomed the summer crowds.

The biggest event in April is the Grand National, the showcase of the national hunt season that takes place at Fairyhouse in County Meath, 25km (roughly 15.5 miles) northwest of the city center, on Easter Monday. Despite the name, the only thing they hunt is the winner’s garland. Meanwhile, the Five Lamps Festival celebrates the creativity of the north inner city over nine days. In May, Dublin warms up for the summer with the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival and the International Literature Festival Dublin.

Spring is a lovely time to escape the furor of the city’s St Paddy’s festivities with a visit to Dublin’s parks and gardens. From the Victorian greenhouses filled with rare and tropical flora at the National Botanic Garden to the Roman-style architecture of St Anne’s Park, each of the city’s green spaces offers a unique character and charm. Browse local goods at the Red Stables Food Market at St Anne’s on Saturdays or stroll through Herbert Park on Sundays to peruse artisan delicacies and crafts.

Shoulder season: September–October

Best for good weather and fewer crowds

The high season officially ends in September: kids are back at school, crowds are thinning out and accommodation rates start to come down. It’s an easier time to find a room at a decent rate, especially if you book in advance.

September and October can surprise you with some excellent weather. Although average highs hover around 16ºC (60ºF), it’s not at all uncommon for the city to enjoy a late burst of summer. Which means you can combine some indoor pursuits with some outdoor excursions. How about a day trip to Glendalough (blissfully free of big crowds now that the kids are all back in school) followed by a performance at one of Dublin’s theater festivals, the Fringe in September followed hot on its heels by the Dublin Theatre Festival in October?

Chilly evenings make autumn the perfect time to explore Dublin’s creative spirit, from taking in a performance at the iconic Abbey Theatre to discovering the city’s past at its lesser-known museums. On the second to last Friday of September, the city celebrates Culture Night with special events and workshops to highlight Ireland’s rich and diverse culture in venues across the city. In October, the Bram Stoker Festival brings gothic thrills to Dublin in honor of the legendary author.

Low season: November to February

Best for getting cozy and cultural

Dublin winters are damp, dreary and cold – which gives you three good reasons to find a nice snug (a cozy private seating area) in a traditional pub. There are plenty of options throughout the city – 800 of them, in fact – but you won’t go too wrong in the likes of Kehoe’s just off Grafton Street or The Long Hall on South Great George’s Street, beloved by Dubliners and Bruce Springsteen, who pops in every time he visits. Other great indoor pursuits include going to see some live music – Whelan’s is a popular venue to check out acts on the rise (or on their way down).

Dublin is justifiably renowned as a UNESCO City of Literature, and in November the Dublin Book Festival is held over five days in over 80 venues throughout the city, featuring author interviews, talks and themed guided walks. Host venues include the National Library of Ireland, the National Botanic Gardens, the Royal Dublin Society plus a host of bookshops and arts centers throughout Dublin. 

From November through to the end of January, Winter in Dublin combines gigs, events and a massive New Year’s Eve festival spread over multiple venues across the city center. Throughout December, Dublin shines with holiday spirit across many of its streets, bridges and public squares. Bundle up for an evening stroll from O’Connell Street to Merrion Square Park for some of the best in the city. Search for gifts at the Dublin Castle Christmas Market or head to the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival for a spin on Ireland’s largest ice rink. 

Many of Dublin’s pubs serve pints themed for the holiday season - Hole in the Wall and The Ginger Man are known to go all out on the holiday decor. A popular activity year round, afternoon tea at luxury hotels like The Shelbourne brings out the holiday spirit. 

For a traditional Irish Christmas, enjoy carol services at St. Patrick’s Cathedral or visit the Moving Crib, a long-standing holiday display featuring detailed set pieces and animatronics depicting stories of the season. If you’re willing to brave the crowds, the annual Christmas Eve busk on Grafton Street is a free outdoor concert and sing-a-long that raises money for charity. Complete your Dublin holiday celebration with a Christmas morning plunge into the Irish Sea at the Vico Bathing Place, The Forty Foot or one of the city’s nearby beaches. 

Once the festive season is over, locals lay low, and January and February will be much quieter. This is a great time to explore museums or make like a Dubliner and visit one of the city’s independent cinemas such as the Light House Cinema in Smithfield or the Irish Film Institute in Temple Bar.

In 1900, the National Gallery was given 31 watercolors by JMW Turner under one condition: in order to protect their delicate pigment, they can only be displayed in January, when the winter light is at its weakest. Although lighting systems now exist that can simulate January’s weaker light, the gallery has maintained its promise and you can only see these stunning works for one month a year.

February sees the start of the Six Nations rugby championship, and Ireland have recently been the tournament’s best side. Even if you can’t nab a ticket for a home game, there’s still a great atmosphere in town when Ireland are playing away – so much so that fans of rival teams will often come to Dublin for the weekend. February is also when the Dublin International Film Festival is on, which highlights the best of local and (some) international film.

While winter weather in Dublin can be less than agreeable, the colder months are ideal for cozying up in a local pub to savor hearty staples like beef and Guinness stew or Dublin coddle - a comforting sausage and potato dish. After the bustle of the holiday season, start the year with a tranquil journey to the outskirts of town for a crisp walk in Wicklow Mountains National Park or along the seaside cliffs of Howth. 

Visiting Dublin: a month-by-month guide

Here’s a guide to the best times to visit Dublin throughout the year, including peak weather and special events. Events and activities are subject to change. 

January 

Holiday celebrations begin winding down as the new year settles in. This is the best time to find a nice snug and listen to some trad sessions. 

Key events: Dublin New Year’s Festival, TradFest

February 

While the weather remains less agreeable, it’s a good time to enjoy indoor activities like the cinema. 

Key events: Dublin International Film Festival

March

Tourist season begins, bringing throngs of revelers for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Excluding St. Patrick’s Day and Easter, prices for accommodation are still relatively low compared to summer’s peak prices.

Key events: St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade

April 

Locals emerge along with spring blooms as the weather starts to warm and the event calendar begins to pick up. 

Key events: Grand National, Five Lamps Arts Festival

May 

The weather is pleasant more often than not, and it’s the last month before crowds arrive in force for summer. 

Key events: International Literature Festival Dublin, International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival

June

The kick-off to summer brings good weather, plentiful events, peak crowds and higher accommodation rates.

Key events: Forbidden Fruit Festival, Pride, Bloomsday

July

Typically the warmest month of the year, the Irish head outdoors for sports and events. 

Key events: The Liberties Festival

August

Locals and visitors alike make the most of the dwindling days of summer by browsing farmers’ markets and food festivals or taking part in social and cultural activities. 

Key events: Dublin Horse Show, The Big Grill

September

Crowds thin as tourist season comes to an end. Accommodation rates begin to drop, and the weather remains pleasant. The city leans into its rich culture with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and events. 

Key events: Fringe Festival, Culture Night

October

It’s the perfect time to celebrate one of Ireland’s most famous authors as autumn brings a chill to the air. 

Key events: Dublin Theatre Festival, Bram Stoker Festival

November

As the damp winter weather rolls in, the city celebrates its literary heritage along with the first glimmers of holiday festivities. 

Key events: Dublin Book Festival

December

The holiday season is in full tilt, from pubs decked in sparkling decor to spectacular light displays throughout the city. 

Key events: Dublin Castle Christmas Market, Don Laoghaire Christmas Festival, Christmas Eve Busk on Grafton Street

Ready to plan your trip to Dublin? Here are your next steps:

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