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Waterville Weather in December

Waterville in December sees low daytime temperatures of 11°C (52°F) and nighttime lows of 6°C (43°F). With the highest rainfall of the year it is wise to pack an umbrella and expect frequent showers.

Rainfall in Waterville in December

Expect the heaviest rain of the year this month, often arriving in intense bursts. A poncho is essential for keeping dry. This month experiences about 24 days of rain according to historical data, averaging 173 mm (6.8 in). Wet weather is a regular and significant part of this month. Frequent days of rain combined with high totals means proper waterproofs are worth packing.

Temperature in Waterville in December

December in Waterville brings low temperatures, with highs of 11°C (52°F) and nights around 6°C (43°F). Expect a cold feel throughout the day, not just in the mornings and evenings. Warm layers are essential. Nights drop to 6°C (43°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet.

Sunshine in Waterville in December

With limited sunshine this month, there are about 40 hours of sun. It's ideal for those who prefer a cooler, cloudier climate.

Wind Speed in Waterville in December

Average wind conditions reach 6 m/s (12 knots) in December. This creates notably windy weather that is clearly felt and can influence daily activities. Keep in mind this is an average. Some days are less intense, while others can be quite gusty.

Average water temperature in December

At 11°C (52°F), the water is very cold. Most people find it too uncomfortable for anything beyond a brief wade.

December in Waterville has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.

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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 Waterville's climate page.

Waterville Temperature in December

Min TemperatureMin Temperature 6°C (43°F)  
Max TemperatureMax Temperature 11°C (52°F)  
Water TemperatureWater Temperature 11°C (52°F) *  
Chance of RainChance of Rain 80%  
PrecipitationPrecipitation 173 mm (6.8 in)  
Rainy daysRainy days 24 days  
HumidityHumidity 80% *  
WindspeedWindspeed 6 m/s (12 knots) *  
SunshineSunshine 40 hours *  
Percentage SunshinePercentage Sunshine 17% *  
* Data from: Valentia, Ireland (12 KM, 7 Miles).

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Waterville typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 11°C (52°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 6°C (43°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 Waterville in December

Browse day-by-day weather records for Waterville spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Waterville historical weather extremes in December

Based on weather observations in Waterville between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during December.

  • On December 9, 2025, temperatures climbed to 16°C (61°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
  • The lowest daytime temperature in December was 0°C (32°F), recorded on December 21, 2010.
  • Nighttime temperatures dropped to -8°C (18°F) on December 22, 2010, marking the coldest December night on record.
  • The wettest day in December Waterville was on December 2, 2005 with 54 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation.

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 →

Map not visible? Whoops sorry! Please refresh the page.
Legend perfect weather pleasant tolerable unpleasant poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Waterville in December

The weather can be unpredictable in December, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler moments. Also bring a poncho, it will rain a lot! Waterproof everything you can. Expect water temperatures of around 11°C (52°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.

What To Do in Waterville in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming
4/10
Cycling
5/10
Walking
5/10
Camping
3/10
Outdoor sports
5/10

Select a Month

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 Waterville's climate page.

More climate data for Waterville