Weather in Edinburgh and best time to go
The weather in Edinburgh is typically British - changeable, cooler and with frequent showers throughout the year. Located on the east coast of Scotland, the city's proximity to the North Sea means it's often windy and overcast. Despite this, Edinburgh also enjoys its sunny days, especially in the summer.
Temperatures and weather throughout the year
Here's what the weather in Edinburgh looks like at different times of the year.
Weather in January
January is the coldest month of the year. Daily temperatures range between 1 °C and 6 °C.
Snow is rare, but rain and wind are common.
Weather in February
February is consistently cold, with daytime temperatures between 2 °C and 7 °C.
Clouds are frequent, but the days are slowly getting longer. The first signs of spring are appearing.
Weather in March
March starts to get warmer, with daytime temperatures of 10-12 °C.
The weather varies from sun to showers. Snow is now more of a rarity.
Weather in April
April weather is unpredictable - alternating between sun, wind and rain. Temperatures are usually between 6 °C and 13 °C.
The first blooming parks appear.
Weather in May
May is one of the most pleasant months of the year. Temperatures are between 10 °C and 16 °C.
Rains are frequent but usually short. The greenery is lush and the city is in bloom.
The weather in June
Summer starts mildly - temperatures hover around 13-18 °C.
The days are very long and the evenings pleasant. Rain occurs about 10 days a month, mostly in the form of showers.
Weather in July
July is the hottest month with temperatures up to 20 °C, but on average more like 16-18 °C.
The humidity is low and rain usually does not last long. A great time to visit.
Weather in August
August is peak season - the weather tends to be stable, with temperatures around 17-19 °C.
Evenings are still long and ideal for walks or outdoor cultural events.
Weather in September
September is a transitional month. Temperatures drop to 13-16 °C.
Rain appears more frequently, but the days can still be very pleasant.
Weather in October
October is cooler and wetter. Daytime highs drop to 11-13 °C, and nights can be very cold.
Winds from the sea are more frequent and stronger.
Weather in November
November is a dark and rainy month. Temperatures stay between 5 °C and 9 °C.
The skies are often overcast and the days are short and drizzly.
Weather in December
December is cold and wet, with frequent winds. Temperatures range between 2 °C and 6 °C.
Snow occasionally appears, but usually melts immediately.
Table of temperatures during the year
Edinburgh - Weather and temperatures during the year
When to go to Edinburgh
The best time to visit Edinburgh is from May to September, when the days are longest and the chances of sunny weather are highest.
July and August in particular attract hundreds of thousands of visitors thanks to the festival season - but with this comes higher prices for accommodation and flights, so you need to plan ahead.
Spring (April-May) is a great compromise - the weather improves, nature blooms and the city is not yet overcrowded with tourists. September is also good, when the festivals end but the weather is still pleasant.
Winter and autumn (October to March) are off peak season, so prices drop and crowds disappear. If you don't mind the shorter days and occasional rain, you can enjoy the Advent markets, cosy pubs and quiet atmosphere of the town. Then, in December, Edinburgh hosts the famous New Year celebrations - Hogmanay - which are a reason in themselves to visit in winter.
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