Kinsale Weather in December
Thinking of visiting Kinsale in December? Expect low temperatures reaching 11°C (52°F) during the day, dropping to 7°C (45°F) at night, and be prepared for the wettest month of the year.
Rainfall in Kinsale in December
Since this is the rainiest month of the year, it's a good idea to carry an umbrella just in case. Historically, approximately 20 days this month are expected to have rain, averaging 111 mm (4.4 in). This is a wet month with frequent and often heavy showers. Both the number of rain days and the total rainfall are high.
Temperature in Kinsale in December
Daytime temperatures in Kinsale reach 11°C (52°F) in December, dropping to 7°C (45°F) at night. Expect a cold feel throughout the day, not just in the mornings and evenings. Warm layers are essential. At 7°C (45°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Kinsale in December
The area experiences limited sunny days, amounting to roughly 56 hours of sunshine. This makes it perfect for those who lean towards cooler, cloudier settings rather than intense sunlit days.
Wind Speed in Kinsale in December
December sees wind speeds averaging 6 m/s (12 knots). You'll experience strong winds that cause whole trees to sway and require effort when walking against them. As an average, expect variation from moderate breezes to particularly windy days that affect daily routines.
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.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Kinsale. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
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 Kinsale's climate page.
Kinsale Temperature in December
Min Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Max Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Water Temperature
10°C (50°F) *
Chance of Rain
68%
Precipitation
111 mm (4.4 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 Kinsale typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 11°C (52°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 5°C (41°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 Kinsale in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Kinsale spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Kinsale historical weather extremes in December
Our historical data for Kinsale spans 1976 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.
- Kinsale recorded its highest December temperature of 16°C (61°F) on December 21, 1991.
- The coldest December day was on December 22, 2010, with a maximum of -3°C (27°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -6°C (21°F) on December 21, 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
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tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Kinsale 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. The water temperature sits at about 10°C (50°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.What To Do in Kinsale 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 Kinsale's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Kinsale climate overview or explore weather in Ireland.
