December in Dublin is all about twinkling lights, crisp air, and unpredictable weather. You’ll need to be ready for damp conditions and cool temperatures—think cozy layers, waterproof gear, and warm accessories. This is the heart of Irish winter, so staying dry and warm while still stylish is the goal.
Irish winter fashion leans toward practical chic: think warm wool coats, scarves, and sturdy boots. It’s also the season for pub-hopping, Christmas markets, and scenic strolls along the River Liffey. Rain is frequent, and daylight hours are short, so pack smart for the season.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Dublin in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
December in Dublin is cold, damp, and often drizzly. Here’s a breakdown of average temperatures across the country:
- 🌡️ Dublin: 3–8°C (37–46°F) – mostly cloudy with light rain.
- 🌧️ West Coast (Galway): 2–7°C (36–45°F) – wetter and windier.
- ❄️ Northern Ireland (Belfast): 1–6°C (34–43°F) – occasional frost.
Pack for warmth, waterproofing, and comfort. Layers are essential. An umbrella might help, but windproof outerwear is even better.
What to Pack for Dublin in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Carry-on suitcase – Compact and cabin-approved 🧳
- Checked bag – If bringing heavy winter gear 🧳
- Duffle bag – Great for weekend side trips 👜
- Daypack – Essential for city exploring 🎒
- Packing cubes – Maximize suitcase space 📦
- Shoe bags – Keep muddy shoes contained 👟
- Toiletry bag – Waterproof and organized 🧼
- Document organizer – For passport, ID, tickets 📁
- Foldable tote – Use for shopping or souvenirs 🛍️
- Laundry kit – Detergent + bag for wet clothes 🧺
- Luggage scale – Avoid overweight fees ⚖️
- Travel lock – Secure your suitcase 🔒
- Travel pouch – Keep valuables close 👝
- Quick-dry towel – Handy for hostel stays 🏨
- Neck pillow – Cozy for long-haul flights 💤
- Sleep mask – Dublin gets dark early! 😴
👗 Clothes
- Long-sleeve tops (4–5) – Base layers for warmth 👕
- Knit sweaters (3–4) – Stylish and insulating 🧶
- Blazer or warm cardigan (1) – Pub-ready chic 🧥
- Thermal tops (2) – Must for cold days 🌡️
- Jeans or pants (2–3) – Sturdy and warm 👖
- Thermal leggings (2) – Great under jeans or skirts 🩳
- Wool skirt (1) – With tights for classy winter look 👗
- Long dress (1) – Winter dinner outfit 👗
- Waterproof coat (1) – Hooded, windproof a must 🌧️
- Puffer jacket (1) – Insulated for colder days 🧥
- Activewear (1–2 sets) – For hikes or workouts 🏃
- Pajamas (1–2) – Warm and cozy sets 😴
- Swimsuit (1) – For hotels with hot tubs 🩱
- Thermal underwear (2 sets) – Stay toasty ❄️
- Undergarments (daily) – Comfy essentials 👙
- Wool socks (5–6) – Thick, cozy, and insulating 🧦
- Opaque tights (2) – Under skirts/dresses 🧦
💆 Skincare
- Gentle cleanser – Remove makeup/dirt 🧴
- Hydrating toner – Boost moisture 💧
- Rich moisturizer – Prevent windburn 💦
- SPF 30+ – Yes, even in cloudy Dublin! ☀️
- Makeup remover – For end-of-day cleanse 🧼
- Face exfoliator – 1–2x/week to refresh 🧽
- Eye cream – Combat tired, dry eyes 👁️
- Hydrating mist – Mid-day refresh 💨
- Sheet masks (1–2) – Treat your skin 🎭
- Lip balm – Absolute winter essential 💋
- Spot treatment – For blemishes 🎯
💄 Makeup
- Foundation – Hydrating formula preferred 🧴
- Concealer – For dark circles or spots 👀
- Setting powder – Keep makeup in place 🪞
- Cream blush – Adds healthy glow 🌸
- Highlighter – Subtle shimmer ✨
- Bronzer – Warm up pale winter skin 🌞
- Eyeshadow palette – Warm, neutral tones 🎨
- Eyeliner – Smudge-proof is best ✒️
- Mascara – Waterproof for damp days 💧
- Brow gel – Keep brows tidy 💁
- Lipstick/gloss – Deep winter tones 💄
- Setting spray – Lock everything in 🔒
- Makeup brushes – Travel-sized preferred 🖌️
💇 Hair Care
- Hairbrush/comb – Tame the winter frizz 💇
- Hair ties (3–4) – Always handy 🧷
- Shampoo & conditioner – Travel size 🧴
- Dry shampoo – For no-wash days 🚿
- Heat protectant spray – If using tools 🔥
- Styling cream – Control flyaways 🧖
- Mini hair dryer – Hotel ones can be weak 💨
- Straightener or curler – Multi-use tool 🔌
- Hair serum – Fight dry, frizzy ends 🌿
- Hair accessories – Clips, headbands, pins 🎀
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof boots – Absolute must for Dublin 🌧️
- Sneakers – For indoor use or dry days 👟
- Dress shoes – For evenings out 👠
- Wool hat – Trap in body heat 🧢
- Scarf – Thick and cozy 🧣
- Gloves – Touchscreen-friendly preferred 🧤
- Sunglasses – For rare sunny spells 🕶️
- Jewelry – Keep it minimal 💍
- Watch – Check time without phone ⌚
- Crossbody or day bag – Anti-theft ideal 👜
- Compact umbrella – Wind-resistant model ☂️
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + copies – Keep digital backups too 🛂
- Visa (if required) – Check your status 📝
- ID card – Backup form of ID 🪪
- Travel insurance – Print and digital copy 🩺
- Flight tickets/QR codes – Easy access 📲
- Itinerary – Include accommodations & tours 📅
- Cash + credit cards – Euro (€) for Ireland 💳
- Emergency contacts – Printed + saved 📇
- Maps – Offline apps + printed version 🗺️
- Receipts – For VAT refund (non-EU visitors) 🧾
- Notebook + pen – Travel notes 🖊️
- Wallet – Slim and secure 👛
- Valuables – Keep in carry-on 💎
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – For blisters or cuts 🩹
- Antiseptic wipes – Quick clean 🧼
- Gauze + pads – Just in case 🧻
- Tweezers – Splinters or stray hairs 🖇️
- Medical tape – Useful for minor injuries 🩺
- Thermometer – If feeling off 🌡️
- Mini scissors – Multi-use ✂️
- Cotton pads/Q-tips – Makeup or cleaning use 🧽
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescription meds – In original packaging 💊
- Pain relief – Ibuprofen, paracetamol, etc. 🤕
- Allergy meds – Antihistamines if needed 🌾
- Motion sickness tabs – For long drives 🚗
- Vitamins – Immune boosters 🍊
- Feminine hygiene – Pads/tampons/menstrual cup 🩸
- Hand sanitizer – Cold season essential 👐
- Wet wipes – Clean hands on the go 🧻
- Bug spray – Less needed in December but handy 🐜
- Contraceptives – Bring your preferred type 💕
- Eye drops – Windy air = dry eyes 👁️
- Contact lenses/solution – If applicable 👓
- Mirror – Compact travel mirror 🪞
- Toothbrush/paste – Don’t forget electric charger! 🦷
- Floss – Compact pack 🧵
- Deodorant – Travel-size stick or roll-on 🧴
- Razor – Electric or manual 🪒
- Nail kit – File, clippers, buffer 💅
- Perfume – Small rollerball or atomizer 🌸
- Tissues – Cold season essential 🤧
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone – Keep it fully charged 📱
- Tablet/laptop – For work or streaming 💻
- Camera – Capture the holiday magic 📷
- Chargers – Phone, tablet, Kindle 🔌
- Power bank – Never run out of battery 🔋
- Universal adapter – UK/Ireland type G 🔌
- External drive – Back up your photos 💽
- Offline maps – Google Maps or Citymapper 🗺️
- Travel SIM or eSIM – For cheap data 📶
- Headphones – Noise-canceling if possible 🎧
- Waterproof phone case – If hiking/raining 🌧️
- Kindle or e-reader – Books without bulk 📚
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – Irish lit for local vibes 📖
- Podcasts & playlists – For plane/train 🎶
- Netflix downloads – Cozy night-in 🎥
- Journal – Reflect on your travels ✍️
- Travel games – Cards or mini board games 🎲
- Magazines – For plane or café reading 📰
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – Irish chocolate is amazing 🍫
- Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated 💧
- Shopping bag – Markets & groceries 🛍️
- Travel detergent – For sink laundry 🧴
- Sewing kit – Buttons & tears 🧵
- Whistle – Extra safety 🗣️
- Lint roller – For wool coats and sweaters 🧥
- Footrest – Plane/train comfort 🛫
- Shoe deodorizer – Wet boots = funky smells 👃
- Melatonin – Help adjust sleep cycle 🌙
🌍 Travel Tips
- Check airline baggage rules – Especially for holiday flights 🧳
- Confirm accommodations – Print confirmations 🏨
- Download travel apps – Dublin Bus, Irish Rail 📱
- Pack one full outfit in carry-on – In case of delays 👚
- Photograph your luggage – For lost baggage claims 📸
- Set bank travel alerts – Avoid card freezes 💳
🛂 Visa Tips
- Check visa requirements – For your nationality 🛂
- Apply early if needed – Delays happen 📅
- Print copies – Plus store digitally 🖨️
- Bring passport photos – Some visas require it 📸
- Return/onward ticket – Proof may be asked 🎟️
- Know customs rules – Especially if bringing gifts 🎁
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport – #1 item to not forget 🛂
- Travel insurance – Medical & trip coverage 🩺
- Emergency contacts – Printed and saved 📱
- Credit/debit cards + cash – Euro € 💶
- Phone & charger – Your digital lifeline 🔌
- Basic first aid – Just in case 🩹
- Offline maps – No roaming needed 🗺️
- Confirmed bookings – Stay organized 📑
- Day bag – For everyday essentials 🎒
- Reusable water bottle – Fill up anywhere 💧
👍 Good-to-Have
- Hydration tablets – Long travel days 💊
- Mini steamer – Keep clothes crisp 👔
- Sleep mask – For dark mornings 💤
- Comfy headphones – Podcasts and music 🎧
- Blanket scarf – Fashion and warmth 🧣
- Neck pillow – Long flights or buses ✈️
- Luggage tag – Add your name/info 🏷️
- Backup SIM/eSIM – For local rates 📶
- Foldable tote – Carry souvenirs home 🛍️
