Dublin

Here's the thing about Dublin: people show up expecting Mediterranean warmth and get disappointed by the reality. Highs rarely crack 15°C (59°F) even in peak summer, and rain is basically a permanent fixture — you'll see roughly 922mm annually, which is less than London but feels heavier because it's constant drizzle rather than dramatic downpours. But that's exactly why May through August matter. These months aren't about heat; they're about actually seeing the city without a monsoon overhead and getting real daylight until 9pm or later.

May and June are the sweet spot if you hate crowds — locals call May 'the green month' because everything's blooming and the city hasn't yet filled with stag parties and tour groups. June pushes temperatures to around 15–16°C (59–61°F) with the longest days of the year; the light is genuinely magical if you're into photography or just wandering Temple Bar without feeling rushed. July and August are warmer (highs around 17–18°C / 63–64°F) and sunnier, but you'll share every pub and museum with half of Europe. August especially gets packed, and yes, prices jump. That said, if you're coming for festivals — think Longitude in July or the Fringe in August — the crowds are part of the deal.

Avoid November through February if you can help it. Winter doesn't mean snow; it means 5–6 hours of daylight, temperatures hovering around 8°C (46°F), and relentless rain that makes even the best Guinness feel like a survival tactic. March and April are technically 'spring' but honestly feel like extended winter — unpredictable, grey, and cold enough that you'll need a proper coat. September can work if you're flexible; it's quieter than summer and still mild (14–15°C / 57–59°F), but the rain picks up noticeably.

Looking at 2026 specifically: Dublin's climate trends suggest slightly milder winters and earlier springs compared to the 1990s baseline, but summer highs haven't budged much. What's changed is the predictability — weather swings are sharper. Pack layers, waterproof jacket, and expect to check the forecast daily. The city's weather isn't about extremes; it's about consistency in its inconsistency.