Year-round weather and climate in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Average temperatures in Edinburgh run from an average low of 3°C37°F in January up to an average high of 18°C64°F in August. November is the driest month at 10 rainy days; March the wettest at 21. Here is the annual climate data, so you know what you are packing for.
Good to know
- Population
- 515K
- Currency
- GBP
- Language
- English
- Time zone
- London
Best time to visit
For the warmest temperatures and best chance of outdoor activities, plan your trip around May, June, and July.
Rain character
Moderate Showers: Rainfall is standard and manageable. A compact travel umbrella or light rain jacket will easily get you through any wet days.
Day-to-night swing
Evening Chill: Temperatures drop by a noticeable 7°C13°F when the sun goes down. A light sweater or jacket is usually all you need for evening plans.
Seasonality Profile
Oceanic: Notoriously mild. Cool summers, damp winters, and a persistent chance of rain year-round.
Evening vibe
Cozy Indoor Culture: Evenings are generally crisp, damp, or sweltering. Nightlife centers around indoor venues.
Sightseeing stamina
All-Day Strolling: Weather is generally forgiving for long walking days. Comfortable sneakers are your most important packing item.
Average temperatures, sunshine, and rainfall
Average monthly weather in Edinburgh, based on recent historical data. Essential insights on temperature swings, expected rainfall, and daily sunshine.
Bars span the average daily low to high. Nov is typically driest at 10 days (70mm); Mar the wettest at 21 days (102mm).
| Month | Average high | Average low | Sunshine hours | Rainy days | Total rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7°C / 44°F | 3°C / 37°F | 4h | 14 | 76mm |
| Feb | 9°C / 48°F | 4°C / 39°F | 4h | 13 | 57mm |
| Mar | 9°C / 47°F | 3°C / 37°F | 6h | 21 | 102mm |
| Apr | 11°C / 51°F | 5°C / 40°F | 8h | 18 | 99mm |
| May | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 48°F | 10h | 12 | 109mm |
| Jun | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 50°F | 12h | 11 | 55mm |
| Jul | 18°C / 64°F | 12°C / 53°F | 10h | 21 | 119mm |
| Aug | 18°C / 65°F | 12°C / 54°F | 10h | 17 | 84mm |
| Sep | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 50°F | 7h | 13 | 83mm |
| Oct | 13°C / 55°F | 8°C / 47°F | 5h | 17 | 139mm |
| Nov | 9°C / 48°F | 4°C / 40°F | 4h | 10 | 70mm |
| Dec | 8°C / 47°F | 4°C / 40°F | 2h | 17 | 126mm |
Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the sunniest time of year to visit Edinburgh?
The most sunshine in Edinburgh comes around June, averaging 12 hours a month. If you're heading there then, pack your sunglasses and sunscreen.
What clothes should I pack for Edinburgh?
Your packing list depends entirely on when you travel. Temperatures in Edinburgh swing from an average low of 3°C37°F in January up to 18°C64°F in August. The Packola app builds a tailored packing list for you based on the live weather forecast for your exact travel dates.
Do I need to pack an umbrella for Edinburgh?
Edinburgh gets rain on about 184 days out of the year. The wettest month is March. If you're traveling during the rainy season, you'll definitely want to pack an umbrella and a light rain jacket.
Pack smarter.
Averages get you close, but the week you travel is what matters. Get the live forecast, a smart packing list, and discover the best local spots and activities in Edinburgh with Packola.
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