December 2025 brought significant rainfall to many parts of Ireland, with Wexford standing out, particularly Johnstown Castle, which recorded its wettest December since 2015. The month was marked by active weather fronts driven by a North Atlantic jet stream, with low pressure systems dominating the early part of the month.
At Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford, the total rainfall reached an impressive 182.1 mm, representing 161% of the monthly average, and making it the second wettest December on record at the station. The highest daily rainfall of 51.1 mm fell on Sunday, December 14th — the largest daily total since 2021 and the second highest in its 84-year history. This intense rain was caused by several weather fronts, including Storm Bram, which brought widespread gales and heavy rain to the west coast of Ireland.
In contrast to Wexford’s exceptionally wet month, the East and North of Ireland experienced drier-than-average conditions. However, Johnstown Castle’s notable rainfall was part of a broader pattern of above-average precipitation in the South and West.
Interestingly, despite the heavy rainfall, the South-East region also enjoyed more sunshine than most other parts of the country. Johnstown Castle recorded 68.3 hours of sunshine, which is notably above its usual December average, adding a silver lining to an otherwise rainy month.
While the month brought cooler and cloudier weather in its final third, December’s unusual weather events, particularly in Wexford, left a significant mark on the records.
