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Weather Overview for Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s vibrant capital city. Edinburgh is situated 72 km east from Glasgow, in a picturesque and privileged location upon the southern edge of the Firth of Forth.

Edinburgh is a sophisticated and multicultural city where the present and the medieval meet in a beautiful and intriguing manner. The historic city is built high on extinct volcanoes on the North Sea inlet, as a result of its elevation Edinburgh plays host to spectacular panoramic views.

Edinburgh, like the majority of Scotland, has a temperate maritime climate. The summers are moderate and the winters are mild, though it can get quite chilly at times. However, the city’s proximity to the water and its location in the path of the warm Gulf Stream keeps the city considerably warmer than other cities at the same latitude. For example, Edinburgh lies on the same latitude as Moscow in Russia - while Moscow experiences bitter winter averages of -8ºC in the height of winter, Edinburgh does not record average lows below freezing.

While rainfall is consistent all year round, Edinburgh is in fact one of the drier cities in Scotland, especially in comparison to Glasgow. It is, however, wetter than many UK locations to the south. While the southwest winds bring warm, wet and unstable conditions, the easterly winds bring cold, dry weather.

The city’s location between the sea and mountains makes it a humid and windy place. The average humidity hovers in the high 70's all year round.

Unless you have a particular hatred for rain, Scotland’s capital is a great place to visit any time of the year as there is always something exciting going on. Edinburgh is home to a variety of festivals and events making it an active city in all seasons.

Summer

Pleasant conditions in the capital city start to develop towards the end of spring: late May to be exact. These conditions continue right through until the end of September. You will undoubtedly receive a mix of gorgeous clear, sunny days and days of drizzle with overcast skies.

Summers are moderate with the average high temperature not exceeding 19ºC in July, the hottest month. Daily lows sit at about 10ºC. August is similarly warm while the fringe summer months of June and September see average high of 17ºC and 16ºC respectively and lows of 9ºC and 8ºC. You will rarely get a warm night in Scotland and even in the day it’s wise to have a jumper at hand.

Rain is always a threat and it continues to fall on over half of the days in each month throughout the summer. Rainfall increases as the season progresses and this reduces sunshine levels. They start out at their annual highest of six hours per day in June and get down to four per day in August.

Keep in mind that August through until early September sees millions of tourists pass through the city. Edinburgh is the UK’s second most popular tourist destination (after London) and the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival falls in August.

If you book ahead and are prepared for the crowds, you will be able to reap the benefits Edinburgh’s summer. In addition to mild weather, a huge array of historical sites and a variety of events can be enjoyed on the long summers days. A result of its northerly location the sun hovers low in the sky until 10pm at night, making a great atmosphere to enjoy a late dinner. 

Winter

Winters see the mercury drop but the city remains a hub of activity. December through until February sees daily highs around 6ºC, while average lows fall to a chilly 0ºC and often fall below. The wind makes most days feel harshly cold. Frosts develop most nights. Snow does fall on occasion though it is not known to be a particular snowy city.

Rainfall remains constant though tends to wane slightly at the end of winter. The season sees between 15 to 17 days of rain per month. Sunshine levels are unpleasant at around one hour per day in December but increasing to three by the end of the season.

If going during the winter be sure to take part in the world famous Hogmanay street festival which takes part on New Years Eve. Hogmanay is a Scottish festival which entails various local traditions, events and, well, a lot of drinking! Come prepared to party in your winter warmest as the December nights can get very chilly.

Spring and Autumn

 The shoulder seasons are cool and drizzly. Spring is warmer, sunnier and drier than autumn. The average high temperature rises from 9ºC in March to 14ºC in May. It drops to 13ºC in October and down to 9ºC in November. Night time lows are pretty chilly throughout both seasons. The main characteristic of both seasons is changeability. Conditions can alter with little warning making the weather hard to predict.