What To Wear In Ireland In November (Packing List)

Deciding what to wear in Ireland in November can be tough. However, this article (based on 33 years of living here) will save you time.

Settling on what to pack for Ireland in November is often a pain-point for first time visitors.

However, it’s very straightforward once you know what November is like in Ireland.

Our Ireland packing list for November has no affiliate links – just good, solid advice.

Some quick need-to-knows about 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, there’s a definite chill in the air in November. 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. Hope for the best and plan for the worst

The weather in Ireland in November can be a mixed bag. In 2020 it was mild and rainy, in 2021 it was mild and dry, and in 2022, it was rainy, windy, and warm. So as you can see, there’s been a lot of variation over the years. The best way to prepare for this is to plan for every scenario with lots of layers and waterproofs. 

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. 

Ireland packing list for November

Here’s what I recommend you pack for Ireland in November:

• An insulated, waterproof jacket for warmth
• Long-sleeve t-shirts/tops
• A warm har, scarf, and gloves
• Thermal undergarments
• Trousers (pants or jeans)
• Socks and underwear
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm sweaters, pullovers or hoodies
• Formal attire if needed (e.g. if you’re staying in a 5 star hotel)
• Swimwear or activity-related gear (e.g. hiking boots)

The list above gives you a quick insight into what to wear in Ireland in November and what to bring with you.

Below, there’s a bit more detail, including the type of plugs used, along with a mix of other essential items for your Ireland packing list for November.

1. The essentials

Every Ireland packing list for November should kick-start with the essentials and then build from there.

Now, what’s considered ‘essential’ will change depending on the person, but the one essential everyone needs is a valid passport (and a VISA, depending on where you’re travelling from).

Gadgets and chargers are next. But you may need to buy a couple of adaptors if you don’t use a G-type plug (three rectangular prongs) where you come from. 

Make sure not to leave any prescription medication behind, because there’s a chance you won’t be able to find it easily in Ireland without visiting a doctor. 

Other things we like to include in our essentials list are a reasonably-sized day pack for trips and tours, a neck pillow and headphones for the journey, and a reusable water bottle or thermos.

You might also want to bring your toiletries from home if you use a specific brand or product. 

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. 

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 amazing 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. 

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.