Edinburgh
May to June and September.
May, June and September give the best mix of mild weather, long light and manageable queues. July and August are the busiest months, and August brings the festivals and crowded streets. Winter is cold and dark early but quiet, and the castle and museums stay open.
Data checked on October 5, 2026
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7 °C | 2 °C | 12 | · |
| February | 8 °C | 2 °C | 10 | · |
| March | 10 °C | 3 °C | 10 | · |
| April | 12 °C | 5 °C | 9 | · |
| May | 15 °C | 7 °C | 10 | Best |
| June | 17 °C | 10 °C | 10 | Best |
| July | 19 °C | 12 °C | 12 | Busy |
| August | 19 °C | 12 °C | 10 | Busy |
| September | 17 °C | 10 °C | 10 | Best |
| October | 13 °C | 7 °C | 12 | · |
| November | 10 °C | 4 °C | 12 | · |
| December | 7 °C | 2 °C | 12 | · |
Climate averages: Met Office.
5 to 12 °C · about 10 rainy days a month
March is cool at about 10 degrees, and May reaches highs of about 15. Rain falls on 9 or 10 days a month, and the days lengthen quickly.
What to wear: Bring layers, a waterproof jacket and shoes that grip wet cobbles.
11 to 18 °C · about 11 rainy days a month
Highs sit around 17 to 19 degrees and the evenings stay light until late. This is the busiest period, with festival crowds in August.
What to wear: Wear layers rather than summer clothes, with a light waterproof in the bag, and sun cream for Arthur's Seat.
7 to 13 °C · about 11 rainy days a month
September is still mild at about 17 degrees, October drops to 13 and November to 10. Rain is frequent in October and November, and the crowds thin out.
What to wear: Pack a warm layer, a waterproof coat and shoes that cope with wet stone.
2 to 7 °C · about 11 rainy days a month
Highs are about 7 or 8 degrees with nights near freezing, and rain falls on about 12 days a month in December and January. Daylight is short, so plan the outdoor stops before mid afternoon.
What to wear: Wear a warm coat, hat and gloves, with waterproof boots for the steep wet streets.
Rain falls on 9 to 12 days in every month, so a wet day is likely at some point. The National Museum of Scotland, St Giles' Cathedral, the Real Mary King's Close and the Royal Yacht Britannia keep you dry. The castle has covered rooms but long open stretches between them, so a rain jacket still helps there.
Edinburgh rarely gets hot, with highs averaging 19 degrees in July. The sun can still be strong on exposed ground such as Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill, where there is no shade, so bring sun cream and water. Light lasts until about 22:00 in June, which leaves room for an evening climb.