What To Wear In Ireland In November (Packing List)

When deciding what to wear in Ireland in November, start with warm layers for cool days (average highs of 11°C/52°F) and a waterproof jacket to handle the rain. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and a scarf, hat, and gloves will make evenings easier as temperatures dip to around 6°C/43°F.

That’s the foundation of a practical packing list for Ireland in November. The rest comes down to your own comfort levels and whether you’ll be spending more time in cities, on coastal walks, or out hiking.

November in Ireland marks the shift into winter – daylight hours are shorter, the air is damp, and rain showers are common. The key is flexibility: bring clothes you can layer up or strip back as the weather turns.

Why trust this guide? Unlike most guides on what to pack for Ireland, this guide contains no affiliate links – just useful advice from a local!

What to wear in Ireland in November

Before looking at what to wear in Ireland in November, it’s worth taking 10 seconds to get up-to-speed on what this month is like:

1. November is autumn in Ireland

With winter approaching, weather in Ireland in November deteriorates. During the month you can expect average highs of 11°C/52°F and average lows of 6.2°C/43°F. As we mentioned earlier, the days are shorter, with the sun rising at 07:29 at the start of the month and setting at 17:00. If you’re following one of the itineraries from our Irish road trip library, make sure to keep daylight hours at the front of your mind.

2. Pack for every kind of weather

To get a better idea of what to pack for Ireland in November, it helps to look at recent conditions. In 2024, the month was mild but unsettled. Dublin Airport saw 15 rain days, while Valentia Island (near the Ring of Kerry) recorded 19 wet days. During Storm Bert Malin Head in Donegal clocked gusts up to 115 km/h.

3. Where you’re from plays a big part

You should definitely think about what kind of weather you’re used to when packing. For example, if you live in Florida, you’ll probably want to pack more layers than someone who lives in Alaska. If you’re not really sure where you fall on the scale, it never hurts to bring along more layers!

4. We can get four seasons in a day 

Even if you’re diligent with checking the weather forecast, the weather in Ireland in November can still catch you off-guard. It can be dry and mild one second, then wet and cool the next. That’s why we’re big fans of layers as you can take them off when you’re too hot and put them back on when you’re too cold. 

What to pack for Ireland in November

Here’s what I’d suggest packing for Ireland in November (for women):

• Tops: Long-sleeved t-shirts, thermal base layers, and warm sweaters/jumpers for cool days (11°C/52°F) and colder nights (6°C/43°F)
• Bottoms: Jeans or trousers for most days. Fleece-lined leggings or woolly tights under skirts/dresses add warmth
• Footwear: Waterproof walking shoes/boots are essential. Pack a second casual pair for evenings
• Outerwear: An insulated waterproof jacket is non-negotiable. Add a fleece or light down layer if you feel the cold
• Accessories: Scarf, warm hat, gloves, thick socks, and a daypack rain cover or umbrella
• Activity-specific gear: Hiking boots with grip, waterproof trousers, and extra base layers for trails. Swimwear if your hotel has a pool or spa
• Evening wear: Casual outfits (jeans with a blouse/jumper) work for most pubs and restaurants. Bring one smarter option for fine dining

What to pack for Ireland in November (for men):

• Tops: A mix of long-sleeved tops, t-shirts for layering, warm jumpers/hoodies, and a thermal base layer
• Bottoms: Jeans or chinos for everyday wear. Thermal underlayers if you’re prone to feeling cold
• Footwear: Waterproof walking shoes/boots for daytime exploring. A cleaner pair of shoes for evenings
• Outerwear: A warm, insulated waterproof jacket is a must. Add a fleece or down mid-layer if needed
• Accessories: Warm hat, scarf, gloves, thick socks, umbrella or daypack rain cover, and a small backpack for carrying layers
• Activity-specific gear: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots and trousers if you plan to hike. Swimwear for hotel pools or spas
• Evening wear: Jeans/trousers with a shirt or polo are fine for most settings. Bring one smarter option for upscale spots

1. The essentials

Before you consider the clothing side of what to pack for Ireland in November, you need to pack the essentials, like:

• Passport: The one thing no packing list works without — check it’s valid well in advance (and a visa too, depending on where you’re flying from)
• Tech & Chargers: Phone, tablet, laptop — plus their lifeline chargers. If your country doesn’t use the G-type plug with three rectangular prongs, grab an adaptor before you go
• Medication: Don’t risk it — bring any prescription meds you rely on, as tracking them down in Ireland can mean a doctor’s visit
• Day Bag: A comfy pack for stashing layers, snacks, or souvenirs during day trips
• Comfort Items: Neck pillow, headphones, reusable water bottle or thermos — the small things that make the journey smoother
• Toiletries: If you’re picky about brands, bring your favourites from home to avoid hunting them down on arrival
• Driving Essentials: If you plan on renting a car in Ireland, you’ll need a full driver’s licence and a credit card in the main driver’s name (see my guide to driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland)

2. The waterproofs

We talk about things to avoid in Ireland a fair bit on this website – one of the key points is not to assume the weather will be grand.

November can get its fair share of rain, so waterproofs are a must. It may seem like a hassle if the forecast is predicting dry weather, but as we said earlier, light showers can happen at any time. 

Since temperatures are quite cool, we suggest bringing a warm waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers (especially if you’ll be hiking or walking), and a good pair of waterproof shoes that are comfortable enough to walk around in.

If you’re not planning on hiking, then feel free to omit the trousers and sub in an umbrella (which you can purchase once you arrive). 

We also suggest getting a rain cover for your day pack to keep your things dry when you’re out and about. 

3. The cold-beaters

It’s safe to say that November is relatively cold with average lows of 6°C/43°F. That’s why we recommend a nice thick winter coat, or if you’re not too sensitive to the cold, a feather-down jacket over lots of layers. 

Over your coat, it helps to have a light scarf, gloves, and hat, as well as some thick winter socks. If you’re from a hot country, you might want to consider a woolly scarf, thick gloves, and a thick hat.

For women, some fleece-lined leggings or woolly tights under pants or even a skirt can really help to keep you warm!  Other than that, both men and women should pack lots of layers. 

Related read: Haven’t yet decided if November’s the right month for you? See my guide to the best months to visit Ireland!

4. The evening wear

Ireland is quite casual about nights out, wearing something as simple as jeans/pants and a nice top or shirt for both men and women.

This kind of attire is perfectly acceptable for a couple of pints down the pub or even a meal at a regular restaurant. 

If you’d like to enjoy one of the country’s many high-end restaurants, then you should plan ahead and pack something a little more formal.

5. The activity-specific clothing

Many of the various attractions in Ireland don’t require any specialist gear. The exception is if you plan on tackling one of the various hikes in Ireland.

If an autumnal hike sounds right up your alley, then don’t forget to pack some sturdy winter hiking boots, extra base layers, and any other hike-essentials!

Or if you’d rather stay inside a city or town, then don’t forget comfortable shoes, as there will be plenty of attractions to explore on foot.

For those of you that plan on strolling around some Christmas markets in Ireland, like the Dublin Christmas Market, plenty of warm clothing is needed!

6. What to wear in Dublin in November

I get asked what to wear in Dublin in November all the time, and the answer depends on how long you’re here and what you’ll be doing. November is damp and chilly, with short days and plenty of rain, so warm and waterproof layers are key. Here’s how I’d break it down:

• 24 hours in Dublin: If you’re in the city centre, wear warm layers under a good coat, plus waterproof shoes or boots for wet streets
• 2 days in Dublin: Casual layers by day, with a hat, scarf, and gloves for walking tours – and something a bit smarter for a night out
• 3 days in Dublin: If you’re heading further afield like the Dublin Mountains or out to Howth, bring sturdy waterproof boots, thermal layers, and a rain jacket you can trust

FAQs about what to wear in Ireland in November

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What Ireland packing list for November is the cheapest?’ to ‘Are pubs in November casual?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.