Edinburgh Weather in March

March in Edinburgh brings low temperatures, with highs of 10°C (50°F) and nights dropping to 3°C (37°F). Rainfall is on the higher side this month, averaging around 70 mm (2.8 in), so keep a rain jacket handy.

Rainfall in Edinburgh in March

Historically, approximately 18 days this month are expected to have rain, averaging 70 mm (2.8 in). Rain is frequent but mostly light this month, with brief showers more common than heavy downpours.

Temperature in Edinburgh in March

In March, expect low temperatures in Edinburgh, with highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F) at night. It stays cool throughout the day, so warm layers are a good idea from morning to evening. With lows around 3°C (37°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.

Sunshine in Edinburgh in March

The city usually sees around 116 hours of sunlight, indicating a moderately sunny period.

Wind Speed in Edinburgh in March

Wind speeds average 5 m/s (10 knots) during March. At this speed, gentle to moderate breezes make small trees sway and the wind creates whitecaps on water bodies. Daily variations range from moderate winds to stronger breezes, creating excellent conditions for sailing, kite flying and wind sports.

Average water temperature in March

The water temperature is only 5°C (41°F) this month — cold enough that most people will want to stay out. Hardy swimmers may manage a quick dip, but it won't be comfortable.

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.

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.

Edinburgh Temperature in March

Min Temperature 3°C (37°F)  

Max Temperature 10°C (50°F)  

Water Temperature 5°C (41°F)  

Chance of Rain 58%  

Precipitation 70 mm (2.8 in)  

Rainy days 18 days  

Humidity 81%  

Windspeed 5 m/s (10 knots)  

Sunshine 116 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 30%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Edinburgh typically stay consistent throughout March, with daily highs averaging around 10°C (50°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 4°C (39°F).

Average temperatures in March

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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 March

‹ Select year to compare to 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 1976 ›

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 March

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 March

Based on 37 years of weather observations in Edinburgh between 1989 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.

• The warmest day in March was on March 26, 2012, with a maximum of 20°C (68°F).
• The lowest daytime temperature in March was 0°C (32°F), recorded on March 1, 2018.
• Edinburgh registered its coldest March night on March 1, 2001, with temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F).
• The wettest day in March Edinburgh was on March 30, 2010 with 37 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation.

What to Wear in Edinburgh in March

We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Edinburgh in March. 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. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. With water temperatures around 5°C (41°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.

What To Do in Edinburgh in March

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

Swimming

5/10

Cycling

6/10

Walking

6/10

Camping

4/10

Outdoor sports

6/10

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.