November is the first month of winter in Ireland, with generally cool/cold and rainy weather. For visitors we suggest visiting Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and Cork. Read on to find out more about travel and weather, including temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and tips for November.
Ireland Weather in November: Overview
Averages:
- Temperature range: 5–10°C (41–51°F)
- Rainfall: 11 cm (4 inches)
- Rainy days: 17
- Sunshine hours/day: 2
- Humidity: around 81% (damp and humid throughout Ireland)
Ireland's temperatures range between cold and cool in November, marking the beginning of winter in Ireland. The days are short, with only an average of 2 hours of sunshine per day, and the sun setting in the afternoons.
November sees rain throughout the country, with a moderate average of 11 cm (or 4 inches) of rain in this month, and a humidity level around 81%. The month of November sees around 17 rainy days, meaning it is necessary to plan some indoor activities while you are in Ireland in November. Luckily there is lots to do.
November Climate Comparison (Averages) for Ireland's Top Tourism Areas
| City/Area | Temperatures | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin (main city, Irish culture, bars, Guiness) | Moderate | |
| Galway (harbor city, history, architecture) | Cold to Cool | Moderate |
| Cork (foodie capital, architecture, history) | Cold to Cool | Moderate |
| Limerick (culture, old buildings, museums) | Cold to Cool | Moderate |
| Killarney (national park scenery, hikes, castle, abbey) | Cold to Cool | Moderate |
| City/Area | High (ºC) | Low (ºC) |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin (main city, Irish culture, bars, Guiness) | 10°C (50°F) | 4°C (39°F) |
| Galway (harbor city, history, architecture) | 11°C (52°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
| Cork (foodie capital, architecture, history) | 10°C (50°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
| Limerick (culture, old buildings, museums) | 11°C (52°F) | 6°C (43°F) |
| Killarney (national park scenery, hikes, castle, abbey) | 10°C (50°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
| City/Area | Rain (cm) | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin (main city, Irish culture, bars, Guiness) | 8 | 3 |
| Galway (harbor city, history, architecture) | 12 | 5 |
| Cork (foodie capital, architecture, history) | 12 | 5 |
| Limerick (culture, old buildings, museums) | 9 | 4 |
| Killarney (national park scenery, hikes, castle, abbey) | 15 | 6 |
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The Best Places to Visit in Ireland in November
November falls outside of Ireland's peak tourist season, making it a good time of the year to visit Ireland without the crowds and at lower prices than if you were to visit during the summer months.
We would recommend for tourists in November to visit Dublin, Galway, Cork, and the Cliffs of Moher, because you can't skip those regardless of what the weather is like!
Our experts can also help you put together your ideal itinerary for a trip to Ireland. If you want to relax and enjoy your holiday without worrying about the transportation, accommodation, and finding your way around, Global Highlights can help do that for you. Contact us to start planning your Ireland trip.
1. Explore Dublin's Many Museums
There is so much to do in Dublin, regardless of whether you are planning to visit during a hot summer's day, or a colder day in November. We recommend starting off with some of Dublin's best museums, and building out a walking tour around Dublin from there.
For serious history, check out the National Museum of Ireland, EPIC The Irish Museum of Emigration, or the Irish Famine Exhibition. For something on the more light-hearted side, we recommend the Irish Whiskey Museum or the National Leprechaun Museum.
If you prefer to have a pre-planned walking tour, Global Highlight's experts can also help arrange that for you. For more things to do around Dublin, you could see our other monthly travel pages starting from Ireland in September. For Dublin's Guiness culture activities, see Ireland in October.
2. Stand on the Edge of Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher
To experience some of Ireland's rugged nature, the Cliffs of Moher are a must-see. There are paved pathways and an information center to help you figure out your route.
The cliffs have inspired musicians, artists, and poets throughout Ireland and beyond for decades, and they are also home to some of the country's most important sites for birds to breed, making it a Special Protection Area for birds.
We recommend heading up onto O'Brien's tower for an incredible view towards Hags Head and Doolin. On a clear day you will even be able to see the Aran Islands from this viewpoint, as well as Galway Bay.
3. Sample Traditional Irish Cuisine in Cork and Taste Whiskey
Ireland's second city is one of the best places to sample Irish food, and when the weather is bad, we highly recommend heading into a cozy Irish pub to have a snack, grab a pint, and make some new friends.
To read more about what to eat in Cork, check out our piece about visiting Ireland in October.
If you are into whiskey, we also recommend trying a whiskey tour in Cork. There is the Midleton Distillery Experience, or we also recommend Clonakilty Distillery, which makes whiskey as well as vodka and gin.
4. Visit a Christmas Market in Galway, or Ride a Pony
Galway has plenty going on throughout the year, and November is no different. In fact, if you visit Galway between the middle and the end of November, you will be able to enjoy the Galway Christmas Market to get into the spirit! Here you will find crafts, food, drinks, live music, and you will be able to check off some of your Christmas shopping list for friends and family at home.
If you want to get outside the city, we also recommend heading to Connemara for a pony trek, this beautiful rugged landscape just outside Galway is beautiful and fun to explore on a pony. Connemara ponies are a unique pony breed that are used to the terrain, and make the trip through the mountains and along the coast a unique experience.
Low Season: Less Expensive and Fewer Crowds
November is quiet season in Ireland, after the crowds of summer and before the Christmas travelers. As a result, you will find that sights are less busy, and you will likely be alone on some of the hiking routes if you choose to venture out into the outdoors.
Prices are a little lower in November too, particularly for accommodation and flights, making November a good time of the year to visit Ireland if you don't want to find yourself in the crowds.
What to Wear in November
With November being the first month of Ireland's winter, we do recommend wrapping up warm. This means bringing a good winter coat, ideally waterproof, as well as thick jeans or trousers, and supportive, waterproof shoes.
Bringing some additional layers like an extra sweater, a fleece, or a wool jumper will ensure that you don't get cold, particularly if you hit a cold day or spend a little longer in your day walking around outside.
As the weather near the coast can also be windy, bringing a scarf or a hat can protect your ears from the cold. We do also recommend an umbrella, just in case you happen to be outside during one of the rainy November days.
