Best months
May, June, and July
Warmest month
July, 20°C
Wettest month
July, 82 mm
Edinburgh weather by month
Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C / 2°C | 63 mm · 8 days | Cold |
| February | 8°C / 2°C | 51 mm · 6 days | Cold |
| March | 10°C / 3°C | 52 mm · 6 days | Cold |
| April | 13°C / 5°C | 34 mm · 4 days | Fair |
| May | 16°C / 7°C | 52 mm · 6 days | Fair |
| June | 18°C / 10°C | 65 mm · 6 days | Fair |
| July | 20°C / 12°C | 82 mm · 9 days | Fair |
| August | 19°C / 12°C | 77 mm · 7 days | Fair |
| September | 17°C / 10°C | 55 mm · 6 days | Fair |
| October | 14°C / 7°C | 75 mm · 8 days | Fair |
| November | 10°C / 4°C | 68 mm · 8 days | Cold |
| December | 8°C / 2°C | 74 mm · 8 days | Cold |
Edinburgh by season
Spring
Spring sees longer days, blooming flowers in the Royal Botanic Garden, and a gradual warming. The city shakes off winter, but it can still be chilly and showery. The major festivals have not yet begun, so crowds are thinner.
- + Milder weather for sightseeing
- + Fewer tourists than summer
- + Beautiful blossoms in parks and gardens
- − Unpredictable rain and wind
- − Can still feel quite cold, especially in early spring
Summer
Edinburgh is at its busiest and most vibrant, with very long daylight hours (it stays light until after 10 pm in June/July). The weather is at its warmest, though rarely hot. August is dominated by the world-famous festivals.
- + Best weather for outdoor activities and hiking
- + The Edinburgh Festival Fringe and International Festival
- + Long daylight hours for extended exploration
- − Extremely crowded, especially in August
- − Accommodation prices skyrocket during festival season
Autumn
A beautiful and atmospheric season. Crowds dissipate after the festivals, prices drop, and the city's parks and Arthur's Seat are painted with stunning autumn colors. The weather becomes cooler and crisper.
- + Stunning autumn foliage
- + More affordable accommodation and fewer crowds
- + Pleasant, crisp weather for walking
- − Days get noticeably shorter
- − Increased chance of rain and wind
Winter
Cold, short days with potential for frost and occasional snow, making the castle look particularly dramatic. The city is festive with Christmas markets and the famous Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations. It's the quietest tourist season outside of the holiday period.
- + Magical Christmas markets and festive lights
- + The spectacular Edinburgh's Hogmanay street party
- + Lowest prices and fewest crowds (except late Dec/early Jan)
- − Very short daylight hours (sunset around 3:45 pm in December)
- − Cold and often wet weather
Edinburgh month by month
Edinburgh in January
ColdIn January, Edinburgh averages highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C, with about 8 rainy days and 63 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Edinburgh in February
ColdIn February, Edinburgh averages highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C, with about 6 rainy days and 51 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Edinburgh in March
ColdIn March, Edinburgh averages highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C, with about 6 rainy days and 52 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Edinburgh in April
FairIn April, Edinburgh averages highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C, with about 4 rainy days and 34 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Edinburgh in May
FairIn May, Edinburgh averages highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C, with about 6 rainy days and 52 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Edinburgh in June
FairIn June, Edinburgh averages highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C, with about 6 rainy days and 65 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Edinburgh in July
FairIn July, Edinburgh averages highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C, with about 9 rainy days and 82 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Edinburgh in August
FairIn August, Edinburgh averages highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C, with about 7 rainy days and 77 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Edinburgh in September
FairIn September, Edinburgh averages highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C, with about 6 rainy days and 55 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Edinburgh in October
FairIn October, Edinburgh averages highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C, with about 8 rainy days and 75 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Edinburgh in November
ColdIn November, Edinburgh averages highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C, with about 8 rainy days and 68 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Edinburgh in December
ColdIn December, Edinburgh averages highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C, with about 8 rainy days and 74 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.
Top tours and experiences in Edinburgh
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour
4.87,392 reviews12h 30m
from €59
Check availability
Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
4.86,944 reviews1h 30m
from €50
Check availabilityAll things to do in Edinburgh →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your Edinburgh trip
Best time to visit Edinburgh: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Edinburgh?+
May is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 16°C. June and July are close behind.
What is the rainiest month in Edinburgh?+
July is the wettest month, with about 82 mm of rain.
How hot does Edinburgh get?+
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 2°C.
Averages for 2006–2025 from the EDINBURGH: ROYAL BOTANIC GARDE weather station (2 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.