Being a Viking settlement in the 10th century, Dublin has a lot that you can learn. Furthermore, whether you want to visit the National Museum of Ireland or their city parks, you will want to know the best time to visit for you. Is winter a good time to visit? Or maybe the summer would be better?

Between June through August is the best time to visit Dublin. This is when the average temperature is 64°F (17°C). This is also when most festivals occur. Visiting in the summer can also get crowded. Visit in late January and early February when accommodation rates are under $50 if you want to save the most money.

Even though Dublin has a lot to offer and you want to pack your bags now, it may not be the best choice. The winter may offer some big deals, but what about the weather? That is why this article will explore the best times to visit Dublin, helping you make the best choice.

Worst Time to Visit Dublin

Between December to March is the worst time to visit Dublin. The winter is typically at its worse during these months. And the crowds during March are particularly bad because of Saint Patrick's Day.

While the price drop and lower amount of tourists may entice you to visit in the winter, it may not be best. The weather in Dublin tends to be very cold with the average temperature being 42°F (5.6°C).

You may want to especially avoid traveling to Dublin around March 17th when the crowds and costs start to rise. Many people want to visit to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but it is not the best idea.

There will be many crowds during the Saint Patrick's Day Festival, which is not ideal because it lasts for almost a week. Moreover, because hotels know that it is a popular time to visit, they tend to have higher prices.

If you are really looking to visit during March, you will want to book your reservations much in advance. Otherwise, you may end up spending an arm and a leg to visit!

Cheapest Time to Visit Dublin

Visit in late January and early February if you want to visit Dublin during the cheapest time. Although, there may be some inconveniences during your trip and you will have to limit expenses.

One-star hotels are typically available for rooms starting at $50. Though, they will likely not be in a desirable place.

The lowest that one person can spend to visit Ireland per day is $105. Though, it will not be easy, and you may need to book many reservations in advance.

While if you are planning on visiting Dublin with your family, the lowest cost for four people to visit for a week is typically $341 per day. You can get vacation rentals for $20 per night as well.

Therefore, it is possible to travel to Dublin on a budget. It may be difficult, but it is possible by managing your costs and what you spend. Making sure to book in advance can help with costs as well.

Related Read: UK: Travel Budget Calculator

Best Time to Visit Dublin (Monthly Breakdown)

January: Temple Bar TradFest

The average daily high temperature in Dublin in January is around 47°F (8°C). While the average daily low is around 38°F (3°C). Rarely falling below 30°F (-1°C).

While January is one of the cheaper times to visit, it is also the coldest. There will be plenty of wind, making people want to stay inside. Thus, there are many attractions during this time that happen inside to stay warm!

• Temple Bar TradFest
• Go on the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Visit the Guinness Storehouse
• Watch a Theatre Production
• Explore the Bohernabreena Reservoir

February: Dublin International Film Festival

February is typically the coldest month in Dublin. With daily high temperatures around 47°F (8°C) and rarely exceeding 54°F (12°C). The daily low temperature is typically around 38°F (3°C). 

While February is the coldest month of the year, it makes it a perfect time to get deals on accommodation. As many hotels and bed-and-breakfasts want to fill up their space. Plus, there will not be as many lines at tourist spots!

• Dublin International Film Festival
• Visit the Book of Kells
• Visit Saint Patrick's Cathedral
• Go to the Dublin Racing Festival
• Visit the Temple Bar

Related Read: Best Time to Visit England

March: Saint Patrick's Day Festival

The temperature starts to increase in March, with the daily high ranging from 48°F (8°C) to 51°F (10°C). The daily low is typically around 39°F (3°C).

March is a popular time for tourists to visit Dublin. As March calls for Saint Patrick's Day. Everyone will be participating and you will see many parades and events taking place over five days!

• Saint Patrick's Day Festival
• Dublin Bay Prawn Festival
• Visit the Dublin Castle
• Go on a Hike
• Visit the Molly Malone Statue

April: Best Time to Sightsee in Dublin

April is one of the best times to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and have a little warmer weather. The average daily high is typically around 53°F (11°C) and the daily low is typically around 41°F (5°C).

Since April is starting to get a little warmer, it makes it a perfect time to go outdoors and see all that Dublin has to offer. From their tasty restaurants to going to a prawn festival, there will be something in March to do.

• Dublin Prawn Festival
• Dine at Farmer Browns
• Attend the 1916 Rising Commemoration Parade
• Franco-Irish Literary Festival
• Explore the Malahide Castle

May: International Literature Festival Dublin

May has even better weather than April with the high ranging from 56°F (13°C) to 60°F (15°C). The daily low ranges from 43°F (6°C) to 48°F (8°C).

With the temperature warming, May is starting to be one of the best times to visit Dublin. Although, it can rain a bit, so you will want to check the weather. But luckily, it will not be anything to ruin your trip!

• International Literature Festival Dublin
• Dublin Docklands Summer Festival
• Attend the Life Festival
• Visit the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival
• Explore the Sorrento Park

Related Read: Top 10 Hiking Destinations nearby to Manchester, UK

June: Taste of Dublin

June will have some fantastic weather in Dublin with the daily high ranging from 61°F (16°C) to 65°F (18°C). The daily low can get cold, but it rarely falls below 42°F (5°C).

June starts to bring fantastic weather, which entices many people to visit. Moreover, it plays as the starting point for more festivals to begin. As a result, June tends to have higher prices and bigger crowds.

• Taste of Dublin
• Bloomsday
• Dublin LGBTQ Pride
• Take a Boat Tour
• Visit the Dollymount Strand Beach

July: Dublin Irish Festival

July is typically the hottest month in Dublin, with the daily high temperature averaging at 66°F (18°C). While the daily low can range from 52°F (11°C) to 54°F (12°C).

Since there is much better weather in Dublin during July, it makes it perfect for outdoor events and tours around the city. Therefore, July is typically very crowded with tourists.

• Dublin Irish Festival
• Festival of Curiosity
• Longitude Festival
• Visit the Sandycove Beach
• Cirque du Soleil

August: Big Grill Festival

August's daily high temperature ranges from 67°F (19°C) to 64°F (17°C). While the daily low temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 52°F (11°C).

August is a great time to visit for those that love food! There are plenty of food festivals here and because of the temperatures, it will feel great. Although, there will still be the occasional summer storm to watch for.

• Big Grill Festival
• Dublin Horse Show
• Electric Picnic Festival
• Dublin Irish Festival
• Explore the Phoenix Park

Related Read: Ultimate Guide to Manchester NIGHTLIFE

September: Dublin Fringe Festival

With the temperatures starting to fall again in September, the daily high ranges from 64°F (17°C) to 60°F (15°C). While the daily low ranges from 52°F (11°C) to 49°F (9°C).

Although September typically has the highest prices for hotels, if you are not on a budget it will be a great time to visit. It is especially a great time to visit for those that enjoy theater and art festivals!

• Dublin Fringe Festival
• Dublin Festival of History
• Dublin City Liffey Swim
• Dublin Theatre Festival
• Go to Thundercut Alley for Bottomless Brunch

October: Bram Stoker Festival

October will start to get chilly, so you will want to pack some sweaters if you visit this month! Though, the high typically ranges from 59°F (15°C) to 54°F (12°C). The daily low ranges from 49°F (9°C) to 44°F (6°C).

October is also the wettest month of the year. The average rainfall in October is 3 inches. Though, the prices tend to get better during October with the crowds leveling out.

• Bram Stoker Festival
• Oktoberfest Dublin
• Dublin Festival of History
• Watch a Soccer Game
• Visit the Shelbourne for some Tea

November: Dublin Book Festival

November's daily high temperature rarely falls below 42°F (5°C) or exceeds 59°F (15°C). While the daily low rarely falls below 32°F (0°C) or exceeds 51°F (10°C).

While the temperature is colder in November, you can visit many museums and galleries to make the most out of your trip. There is also the Dublin Book Festival for those that like to cozy up next to a fireplace and read.

• Dublin Book Festival
• Explore Trinity College
• Visit the Irish National Heritage Park
• Visit the Christmas Markets
• Go to the Saint Michan's Church

December: New Year's Festival

While December brings holiday cheer, it also brings cold weather. With a daily high of around 48°F (8°C). It rarely falls below 39°F (3°C) or exceeds 56°F (13°C). The daily low is typically around 39°F (3°C). 

Even though the temperature is colder in December, it is still a great time to visit Dublin. You will have the opportunity to see beautiful lights all around the streets and the prices will be lower!

• New Year's Festival Dublin
• Visit the Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo
• Explore Dublin's Christmas Markets
• Go Ice Skating at Blanchardstown on Ice
• Visit the Singing Cinema Christmas Special

Best Time to Visit Dublin to Avoid Crowds

The absolute best time to visit Dublin to avoid the crowds is mid-April through May and late September through October. These times typically have fewer crowds.

During these times the weather is not the greatest, but it will not be anything to ruin your trip. Therefore, it makes to be a perfect time to visit. Plus, temperatures tend to drop during these months!

Though, September through October will typically have shorter daylight hours. Therefore, you will have shorter hours to sightsee. Although, it will be perfect for those that enjoy evening events instead.

Moreover, these times tend to have more of a cheaper accommodation. Therefore, it is worth visiting from late September through October.

Best Time to Visit Dublin to Avoid the Rain

The driest months are typically June through August. The skies will be sunny, and they will also offer plenty of high temperatures. 

During the summer there are also more daylight hours for those that want to sightsee. You will have more of an opportunity to see their beautiful green parks and visit the festivals!

Those that want to skip the rain should especially not visit during October. October tends to have the most rain in Dublin at around 3 inches. Though, Dublin does rain frequently in other months as well.

Moreover, those visiting in the spring and autumn will typically have colder weather and shorter daylight hours. Cutting back the time to sightsee and possibly experiencing a lot of rain.

Best Time to Visit Dublin to Explore Castles

Spring and autumn tend to be the best times to explore Dublin's castles. During these seasons there are not as many tourists.

Moreover, some castles have restricted hours or may close during the winter. Therefore, during the spring and autumn, you will have more of a chance to see Dublin's castles while skipping the crowds.

You can see some amazing and jaw-dropping castles in Ireland. Even ones that make you feel as if you are in a fairytale! One notable one that you can see in Dublin is the Dublin Castle.

With plenty of history, visiting the Dublin Castle will be an interesting experience. Built in the thirteenth century, it survived through the 1916 rebellion and the Civil War!

The Dublin Castle is one of the most well-known and popular tourist attractions in Dublin. Although, you will want to be aware that it does have restricted hours. It typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.

Best Time to Visit Dublin for Families

Those that want to visit Dublin as a family should visit in the summer. The summer has longer daylight hours that you will be able to take advantage of. 

Furthermore, it is not as rainy as the other seasons can be. Although, July and August tend to be really popular with tourists. Therefore, visiting in June may be better when you have children.

The summer will also have plenty of events for kids that they can enjoy. There are also many learning opportunities for kids to discover and where they can learn about ancient rural Irish life.

One great place you can take your kids to in Dublin is the Dublinia. It is an interactive museum about medieval times and will be sure to bring a smile to you and your kid's faces!

Those who have older children may want to visit The Irish Immigration Museum. This museum has opportunities to learn about space. It is also one of the most high-tech interactive museums in Ireland!

Another great place to go with the family is the Dublin Zoo. It is the largest zoo in Ireland! With 46 mammals and 72 birds, this zoo will be a great time for the whole family.

Furthermore, the Dublin Zoo is incredibly popular. It entices over one million visitors to visit every year!

Best Time to Visit Dublin for Hiking

May to September is the best time to visit Dublin if you are looking to go on hikes. The temperatures will be wonderful and the daylight will be longer.

The trails will be much greener and more beautiful during these months. Although, you will need to bring proper gear as the weather tends to fluctuate. Especially if you are visiting mountains or near the sea!

Thankfully because of Dublin's comfortable weather, it will not get too hot or too cold. Making these months perfect for full-day hikes!

One of the best hikes that you can go on in Dublin or near Dublin includes the Dalkey and Killiney Hill Trail. This is an easy trail and is fairly short. It will be great for all ages as well!

Those that want a more challenging trail should visit the Glendalough White Route. This trail will give beautiful views of the lake below and the wildlife nearby.

Ticknock is another great hike for those that want a little challenge. It is a moderate hike and is pretty popular. Many people visit on the weekend, so you may want to visit on the weekday to avoid crowds.

Moreover, the Ticknock hike will give you beautiful views along forest tracks. It will also take you to Two and Three Rock Mountain so you can view the city! It is a spectacular trail and will be worth it to visit.

Best Time to Visit Dublin for its Festivals

June through August is the best time to visit Dublin if you are looking for festival fun! This is when the temperatures are warmer and many people tend to leave their homes to experience the festivals.

Whether you are looking to enjoy a festival about art, history, literature, film, or food, Dublin will have a festival for you. There is something for everyone in Dublin and that is what makes it a great place for events and festivals.

For those that are visiting with their family, there are plenty of events and festivals you can take your children to as well! Dublin tends to have so much going on in the summer that this is when it becomes most crowded.

In June you can visit the Seafest at the Cork City Quays, Bloomsday, Taste of Dublin, or Dublin LGBTQ Pride. While in July you can visit the Dublin Irish Festival or the Galway International Arts Festival.

With so many festivals all around the streets in Dublin in the summer, you are sure to find something to enjoy. That is what makes Dublin so remarkable to visit in the summer.

Though, you will need to be careful as summer tends to bring more crowds. Moreover, the summer has more expensive prices.

March and January are also great times for festivals. January offers the popular Temple Bar TradFest. It is a popular festival and many people visit it every year.

While March has Saint Patrick's Day, which is a hugely celebrated holiday in Ireland. With the Saint Patrick's Day Festival taking place over five days! It will be a great time, though the prices tend to skyrocket!

Best Time to Visit Dublin for Photography

The best months to visit Dublin if you want to take photos are April and October. These two months are a lot less crowded and you will have better views of the attractions and scenery.

Moreover, the sunsets during October and April will be very stunning and more convenient to take. During the summer the sunsets are typically at later times of the night.

Therefore, visiting in the spring or autumn will help give you breathtaking pictures without staying awake all night. The storms that Dublin has tends to give you some beautiful photos as well.

You will definitely want to take a picture of Ha'penny Bridge while on your trip to Dublin too. This bridge is well-known and over two hundred years old! It will be really beautiful to take a picture of it during the sunset.

As for those that enjoy books, you will definitely want to take a photo of The Long Room! This room is located in Trinity College and houses over 200,000 books! Perfect for a book lover.

The Long Room has the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is a medieval manuscript and will be very interesting to see.