Edinburgh Weather in August
In Edinburgh, August brings pleasant daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F), with nights cooling to 11°C (52°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall this month.
Rainfall in Edinburgh in August
The climate data from previous years indicates about 16 days of rain, averaging 87 mm (3.4 in) for the month. Neither particularly heavy nor particularly frequent, the rain this month is about average. A light jacket should be enough on most wet days.
Temperature in Edinburgh in August
In August, expect pleasant temperatures in Edinburgh, with highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F) at night. During August, you'll experience the summer season. The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. Nights cool down to 11°C (52°F), so a light jacket or extra layer is useful once the sun goes down. On the plus side, the cooler nights make for comfortable sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Edinburgh in August
The area experiences a moderate amount of sunshine, with approximately 160 hours of sunlight expected. This means a decent mix of sun and overcast.
Wind Speed in Edinburgh in August
Wind speeds average 4 m/s (8 knots) during August. At this speed, expect moderate winds that can raise dust and move small branches. Since this is an average, some days have gentle light winds while others experience stronger breezes that are quite noticeable.
Average water temperature in August
At 13°C (55°F), the water is cool but manageable for those who don't mind a bit of a shock getting in. Most people adjust after a few minutes.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. June, July and August typically offer the best weather for Edinburgh.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Scotland, check out our Edinburgh's climate page.
Edinburgh Temperature in August
Min Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Max Temperature
19°C (66°F)
Water Temperature
13°C (55°F)
Chance of Rain
54%
Precipitation
87 mm (3.4 in)
Rainy days
16 days
Humidity
80%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
160 hours
Percentage Sunshine
31%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Edinburgh typically stay consistent throughout August, with daily highs averaging around 19°C (66°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 12°C (54°F).
Average temperatures in August
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in August
Historical weather for Edinburgh in August
Browse day-by-day weather records for Edinburgh spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Edinburgh historical weather extremes in August
Our historical data for Edinburgh spans 1976 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.
- On August 2, 1990, temperatures climbed to 30°C (86°F), marking the warmest August day on record.
- The coldest August day was on August 11, 1993, with a maximum of 12°C (54°F).
- Edinburgh registered its coldest August night on August 27, 2014, with temperatures dropping to 2°C (36°F).
- Peak precipitation in August occurred on August 11, 2011, when 45 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation was measured.
Best Places in Scotland in August
Find out more about the weather in Scotland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Scotland in August →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Edinburgh in August
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in August. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. With water temperatures around 13°C (55°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.What To Do in Edinburgh in August
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Scotland, check out our Edinburgh's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Edinburgh climate overview or explore weather in Scotland.
