Edinburgh Weather in January

January in Edinburgh brings low temperatures, with highs of 8°C (46°F) and nights dropping to 2°C (36°F). Rainfall is on the higher side this month, averaging around 87 mm (3.4 in), so keep a rain jacket handy.

Rainfall in Edinburgh in January

Past climate data indicates that roughly 19 days will see rain, totalling around 87 mm (3.4 in) for the month. With rain spread across many days but low totals, showers are typically short and light rather than heavy.

Temperature in Edinburgh in January

Edinburgh in January gets highs of 8°C (46°F) during the day and drops to 2°C (36°F) at night. Winter occurs in January. Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. At 2°C (36°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions. This is usually the coldest month of the year, so be sure to prepare with plenty of winter gear.

Sunshine in Edinburgh in January

The month has fewer sunny days, with around 54 hours of sunshine.

Wind Speed in Edinburgh in January

January 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 January

At 6°C (43°F), the water is very cold. Most people find it too uncomfortable for anything beyond a brief wade.

January 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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Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
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• May
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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 January

Min Temperature 2°C (36°F)  

Max Temperature 8°C (46°F)  

Water Temperature 6°C (43°F)  

Chance of Rain 62%  

Precipitation 87 mm (3.4 in)  

Rainy days 19 days  

Humidity 84%  

Windspeed 5 m/s (10 knots)  

Sunshine 54 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 22%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

51-year average (1976-2026)

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

Average temperatures in January

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Daily Historical Precipitation

51-year average (1976-2026)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in January

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

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Historical weather for Edinburgh in January

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

‹ 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 ›

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

Edinburgh historical weather extremes in January

Based on weather observations in Edinburgh between 2000 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during January.

• The warmest day in January was on January 1, 2022, with a maximum of 14°C (57°F).
• The lowest daytime temperature in January was -4°C (25°F), recorded on January 7, 2010.
• The coldest night in January in Edinburgh was on January 7, 2010, with a minimum of -11°C (12°F).
• The heaviest January precipitation occurred on January 10, 2016, when 25 mm (1 in) of precipitation fell.

What to Wear in Edinburgh in January

We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Edinburgh in January. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. The water temperature sits at about 6°C (43°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.

What To Do in Edinburgh in January

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.