Edinburgh Weather in December

December in Edinburgh brings low temperatures, with daytime highs of 8°C (46°F) and nights around 2°C (36°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 87 mm (3.4 in), so pack an umbrella.

Rainfall in Edinburgh in December

This month experiences about 18 days of rain according to historical data, averaging 87 mm (3.4 in). Expect plenty of grey, overcast days rather than intense storms. The rain rarely amounts to much on any given day.

Temperature in Edinburgh in December

In December, Edinburgh sees low temperatures, with highs of 8°C (46°F). Nights drop to around 2°C (36°F). December is in the winter season. It stays cool throughout the day, so warm layers are a good idea from morning to evening. With lows around 2°C (36°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.

Sunshine in Edinburgh in December

This month sees fewer sunny days, with about 48 hours of sunshine, perfect for those who enjoy cooler temperatures.

Wind Speed in Edinburgh in December

December has wind speeds averaging 5 m/s (10 knots). You can expect gentle to moderate winds that move small trees and make flags wave steadily on typical days. Conditions typically range from light breezes to moderate winds.

Average water temperature in December

With water temperatures around 8°C (46°F), swimming isn't really an option for most visitors. The cold sets in quickly and a wetsuit won't fully solve it.

December in Edinburgh has its charm. However, if you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations in the world.

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For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Scotland, check out our Edinburgh's climate page.

Edinburgh Temperature in December

Min Temperature 2°C (36°F)  

Max Temperature 8°C (46°F)  

Water Temperature 8°C (46°F)  

Chance of Rain 59%  

Precipitation 87 mm (3.4 in)  

Rainy days 18 days  

Humidity 84%  

Windspeed 5 m/s (10 knots)  

Sunshine 48 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 19%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Edinburgh typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 8°C (46°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 1°C (34°F).

Average temperatures in December

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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 December

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Historical weather for Edinburgh in December

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.

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Edinburgh historical weather extremes in December

Based on 49 years of weather observations (1976-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Edinburgh.

• The hottest December day on record in Edinburgh reached 16°C (61°F) (December 9, 2025).
• The coldest night in December in Edinburgh was on December 8, 2010, with a minimum of -16°C (3°F).
• The wettest December day on record brought 47 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation to Edinburgh (December 8, 1990).

What to Wear in Edinburgh in December

Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Edinburgh in December. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. The water temperature sits at about 8°C (46°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. With limited sunshine expected, sunglasses aren't a priority for packing.

What To Do in Edinburgh in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

4/10

Cycling

4/10

Walking

4/10

Camping

4/10

Outdoor sports

4/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Scotland, check out our Edinburgh's climate page.

More climate data for Edinburgh

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Edinburgh climate overview or explore weather in Scotland.