Dublin in January. It's a mood. Honestly, if you're looking for that cinematic "pints by a roaring fire while rain lashes against the window" vibe, you’ve hit the jackpot. But if you’re expecting a winter wonderland or, conversely, a mild spring-like stroll, you’re in for a reality check.
Right now, the weather in Dublin this month is essentially a tug-of-war between competing air masses. On one side, we’ve got the Atlantic trying to push in mild, damp air. On the other, there’s a cold easterly front threatening to turn the city into a freezer.
The Current State of Affairs
As of January 17, 2026, we’re sitting at a crisp 41°F. It feels like 37°F though, thanks to a gentle but persistent southeast wind at 5 mph. Humidity is pinned at 94%, which is classic Dublin—that "damp cold" that finds the gaps in your scarf and settles in your bones.
Tonight is looking partly cloudy with a low of 41°F. Tomorrow, Sunday, is going to be a bit of a grey one. We’re looking at a high of 47°F and a low of 41°F. It’ll be cloudy all day, so don’t expect much in the way of vitamin D.
What the Rest of the Month Looks Like
Don't get too comfortable with these mid-40s temperatures. Things are about to get complicated.
By Tuesday, January 20, the wind is going to pick up significantly. We're talking gusts from the southeast hitting 17 mph. This usually means horizontal rain. The chance of precipitation jumps to 65% during the day, so if you’re planning on walking the Great South Wall, maybe... don't.
The Wintry Mix is Real
Here is what most people get wrong about Dublin: they think it doesn't snow because it’s an island.
Wrong.
While it’s rare to see deep drifts in Temple Bar, the forecast for late January is showing a real possibility of "wintry precipitation." On Monday, January 19, we’re looking at a transition from light rain during the day to a rain and snow mix at night as the temperature dips to 38°F.
This pattern repeats. Saturday, January 24, also shows a high of 41°F with a nighttime low of 39°F and another round of rain and snow. By Sunday and Monday (Jan 25-26), we’re actually looking at light snow and snow showers.
The "Beast from the East" Rumors
You might hear locals whispering about a "Beast from the East" repeat. This refers to the massive 2018 snowstorm that basically shut down the country.
Met Éireann is tracking a "cool or cold easterly airflow" for the final week of January. Is it going to be a total whiteout? Experts like Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather are skeptical, noting that long-range models are currently "outliers." Basically, the atmosphere is a "battleground" between the mild Atlantic and the frozen Continent.
Survival Guide: What to Pack
If you are coming to Dublin this week, stop thinking about fashion and start thinking about layers.
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- The Base Layer: Wear thermals. Even if you think you’re tough. That 94% humidity makes 40 degrees feel much colder than it looks on paper.
- The Outer Shell: It must be waterproof. Not "water-resistant." Not a cute wool coat that soaks up water like a sponge. You need a shell that can handle 15-17 mph winds and driving rain.
- Footwear: Leave the suede at home. You need boots with grip. Between the rain and the potential for overnight frost/ice (lows hitting 36°F by Jan 26), the sidewalks can be treacherous.
- The Umbrella Dilemma: Honestly, umbrellas usually die in Dublin. The wind catches them and turns them inside out within minutes. A good hood is worth ten umbrellas.
Why It Still Matters
Despite the grey skies and the 55-65% rain chances, Dublin in January has a specific charm. The crowds are gone. You can actually get a seat in the good pubs. Plus, the light at 4:00 PM (sunset is around 4:37 PM) has this incredible, moody golden hue that makes the Georgian brickwork look like a painting.
Just be prepared for the fog. We're currently in a multi-day fog event caused by light southeasterly breezes and clear nights. It’s beautiful, but it can mess with flights and bus schedules.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
- Check the "Feels Like" Temp: Never look at the base temperature. If it says 45°F but the wind is 15 mph, dress for 35°F.
- Morning Fog: If you’re driving, give yourself double the time. The fog is expected to be dense through Tuesday morning.
- Book Indoor Spots: This is the week for the Guinness Storehouse, the EPIC Museum, or the National Gallery.
- Watch the 28th: Keep an eye on the forecast for Wednesday, January 28. That’s the date most models are flagging for a potential temperature plunge.
The weather in Dublin this month is a moving target. One day you're dodging drizzle in a sweater, the next you're watching sleet bounce off your windshield. Stay flexible, stay dry, and keep a spare pair of socks in your day bag. You’ll thank me later.