What's The Weather Like In Edinburgh?
Scotland's capital, the city of Edinburgh is arguably one of the prettiest in Europe. With a Gothic Old City, there is plenty of history in the region, as it has been inhabited since 8500 B.C. With ancient sites to explore, some of the best restaurants in all of the UK and pubs located on seemingly every corner, there is a lot to like about the city.
Where Is Edinburgh Located?
Located in the northern half of the United Kingdom, the city is situated along the coast and can be cold, wet and windy for much of the year.
What's Edinburgh Like In Winter?
Winter is not for the faint of heart as temperatures hover near the freezing mark early in the morning and doesn't get much warmer later in the day. With such chilly temperatures, there is also a good chance of experiencing some snow.
How Wet Is Edinburgh In Winter?
Overall, Edinburgh has a very wet climate and winter is no exception. Consisting of December, January and February, the wettest months of the season are the first two with 70mm of precipitation per month.
February is slightly drier with an average of 50mm. However, each month experiences between 20-24 days of precipitation making raingear a necessity at this time of the year.
Temperatures are the other big story with average daily temperatures between 3°C and 5°C. Overnight lows hover between 1°C and 2°C. Average afternoon highs are not much warmer with temperatures only climbing to just 5°C in January and 7°C in December. With a cold wind coming off the coast, temperatures can also feel much colder than they actually are.
Winter Sunshine Hours In Edinburgh
There is also not a lot of sun during this time of the year thanks to the extreme northern location of the city. On average, the city doesn't see any sun during December and only one hour of sunshine in January.
The average sunshine, however, does climb to four hours per day come February. This is also not the time of the year to visit the beach as water temperatures hover between a very cold 7°C and 9°C.
Spring Weather In Edinburgh
Spring consists of March, April and May, but at times can still feel more like winter. This can be a good time to visit as the summer crowds have not yet appeared and prices are still reasonable for flights and hotels. However, it is important to consult the extended forecast for any cold spells that may hit while you're in the city.
How Warm Is Spring In Edinburgh?
Overall average daily temperatures range from 6°C in March to 10°C in May. Overnight lows gradually climb from near freezing in March with an average temperature of 2°C to 6°C by the end of the season.
the average afternoon highs range from 9°C to 14°C. However, it is still important to bring a heavy coat or clothes that can be layered as the temperatures change throughout the season.
Spring Rain In Edinburgh
While the rainfall amounts are lower throughout the season, the number of rainfall days remains about the same as it does in the winter months.
With two-thirds of each month on the wet side, umbrellas and raingear are essential for a vacation now or any time of the year. Overall, the rainfall amounts range from 70mm in March to just 40mm in April and 50mm in May.
Spring Sunshine In Edinburgh
The sun makes a welcome reappearance during this time of the year with six hours of sunshine per day in March, nine in April and seven in May. While it's still too cold to get in the water, at least the weather is warming enough to take a stroll on some of the local beaches. Water temperature, however, will average between 7°C and 10°C throughout the season.
How Cold Is Edinburgh In Summer?
Summer brings the warmest temperatures of the year as well as the largest crowds. As a result, be prepared to pay more for hotel rooms and flights as well as at some restaurants. Additionally, be sure to make any reservations well in advance to be certain you have a room at a hotel or restaurant.
Average Summer Temperatures In Edinburgh
The average afternoon temperatures during June, July and August range from 17°C in June to 19°C in both July and August. Average overnight lows will be well above the freezing mark and range from 9°C to 11°C.
How Wet Is Edinburgh In Summer?
Rain gear also needs to come along for the trip as overall rainfall amounts range from 60mm in June to 70mm in July and 50mm in August. Much of this rain is light in nature; however, it will fall over a period of about 20 days out of each month.
Summer Sunshine In Edinburgh
Despite the rain, there will be periods of sun with six hours of sun in June and climbing to 10 hours of sunshine per day in August.
Summer is the most popular time of the year to hit the beach. Water temperatures are now mild enough to enjoy some of the various water sports offered at the local beaches, though a wetsuit may come in handy. Water temperatures will range from 12°C in June to an annual high of 15°C in August.
Autumn Weather In Edinburgh
Autumn in Edinburgh usually consists of September, October and November, but winter has a way of setting in much earlier during the latter half of the season. Visitors are often surprised by how cold it can get and how quickly, so it is important to pack appropriately and bring with you plenty of clothes to help keep out the chill.
How Wet Is Edinburgh In Autumn?
Additionally, rain will continue to be an almost daily occurrence for the city with the wettest month of the year coming in October as 80mm of precipitation is expected over 23 days. October is bookended with September and November both expecting 70mm of precipitation, each.
With temperatures falling rapidly, it is also not out of the question to see late-season snow in November.
Autumn Temperatures In Edinburgh
Temperatures on land drop quickly throughout the season as average afternoon highs plummet from 16°C in September to just 9°C by November. Average overnight lows are also much colder with temperatures falling from 9°C in August, to 7°C in October and just 3°C in November. Overall, the average daily temperature will range from 13°C to 6°C.
Sunshine Hours In Autumn
The sun will also begin to disappear during this time of the year with seven hours of sunshine per day in the early part of the season, down to just 1 hour per day in the latter. While a brief beach trip may be possible in September, taking a dip becomes a chilly proposition later in the season with water temperatures ranging from 14°C to 11°C.
Edinburgh's a wonderful city, despite the weather
Overall, Edinburgh is a wonderful old city full of nooks and crannies and enough sites for the whole family to enjoy. If you are a fan of cold weather, you may want to brave the cold of the winter season. Otherwise, it is better to spend a little bit more and visit during the summer months. If you are looking for a city that personifies ancient Europe, this is the place to be.