Edinburgh Weather in May
With daytime temperatures of 15°C (59°F) and nighttime lows of 7°C (45°F), May in Edinburgh brings moderate temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 67 mm (2.6 in) falls on average.
Rainfall in Edinburgh in May
Past climate data indicates that roughly 16 days will see rain, totalling around 67 mm (2.6 in) for the month. This is a month with many wet days but modest rainfall totals, so showers are generally light and easy to manage.
Temperature in Edinburgh in May
In May, expect moderate temperatures in Edinburgh, with highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F) at night. Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. With lows around 7°C (45°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.
Sunshine in Edinburgh in May
With approximately 193 hours of sunshine, the days are filled with clear skies. It makes it a perfect month for being outside.
Wind Speed in Edinburgh in May
Wind speeds average 4 m/s (8 knots) during May. 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 May
The water sits at 8°C (46°F) this month, which is well below what most people consider swimmable. Wetsuits help, but expect it to still feel cold.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 May
Min Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Max Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Water Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Chance of Rain
52%
Precipitation
67 mm (2.6 in)
Rainy days
16 days
Humidity
76%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
193 hours
Percentage Sunshine
36%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Edinburgh typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 15°C (59°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 4°C (39°F) to 8°C (46°F).
Average temperatures in May
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 May
Historical weather for Edinburgh in May
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 May
Our historical data for Edinburgh spans 1976 to 2026, revealing these weather extremes.
- The warmest day in May was on May 26, 2017, with a maximum of 28°C (82°F).
- On May 14, 1993, Edinburgh saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 4°C (39°F).
- Edinburgh registered its coldest May night on May 5, 2012, with temperatures dropping to -3°C (27°F).
Best Places in Scotland in May
Find out more about the weather in Scotland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Scotland in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Edinburgh in May
The weather can swing between comfortable and chilly in May, so flexibility is key. Pack a variety of tops, at least one warm layer, and both shorts and long pants. This gives you options no matter what the day brings. Wet weather is likely, so pack waterproof gear for multiple rainy days. With water temperatures around 8°C (46°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Edinburgh in May
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.
