Cork Weather in December
Cork in December sees low daytime temperatures of 11°C (52°F) and nighttime lows of 6°C (43°F). Rainfall is fairly high this month at around 101 mm (4 in), so pack a rain jacket to stay dry.
Rainfall in Cork in December
You can expect rain on around 20 days based on historical patterns, with 101 mm (4 in) average for the month. This month brings frequent, heavy showers. Both the number of wet days and the rainfall totals are on the high side.
Temperature in Cork in December
If you're visiting Cork in December, expect highs of 11°C (52°F) and overnight lows around 6°C (43°F). Expect a cold feel throughout the day, not just in the mornings and evenings. Warm layers are essential. With lows around 6°C (43°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.
Sunshine in Cork in December
The month is characterized by fewer sunny days, with roughly 56 hours hours of sunshine. Ideal for those who prefer a cooler, cloudier climate.
Wind Speed in Cork in December
Wind speeds average 6 m/s (12 knots) during December. At this speed, expect strong winds that make large branches move and create some resistance when walking. Since this is an average, some days have fresh winds while others have strong breezes that can make umbrellas tricky to control.
Average water temperature in December
The water sits at 10°C (50°F) this month, which is well below what most people consider swimmable. Wetsuits help, but expect it to still feel cold.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. July, August and September typically offer the best weather for Cork.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Ireland, check out our Cork's climate page.
Cork Temperature in December
Min Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Max Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Water Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Chance of Rain
68%
Precipitation
101 mm (4 in)
Rainy days
20 days
Humidity
85%
Windspeed
6 m/s (12 knots)
Sunshine
56 hours
Percentage Sunshine
20%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cork typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 11°C (52°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 4°C (39°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Cork in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Cork spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Cork historical weather extremes in December
Based on 49 years of weather observations (1976-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Cork.
- On December 21, 1991, temperatures climbed to 16°C (61°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- The coldest December day was on December 22, 2010, with a maximum of -3°C (27°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -7°C (19°F) on December 23, 2010, marking the coldest December night on record.
Best Places in Ireland in December
Find out more about the weather in Ireland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Ireland in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Cork in December
The weather can swing between comfortable and chilly in December, so flexibility is key. Pack a variety of tops, at least one warm layer, and both shorts and long pants. This gives you options no matter what the day brings. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. With water temperatures around 10°C (50°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.What To Do in Cork in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Ireland, check out our Cork's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Cork climate overview or explore weather in Ireland.
