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Edinburgh Climate by Month

Due to its proximity to the ocean, the climate of Edinburgh is a lot milder than you might expect. Despite its northern location, Edinburgh rarely experiences periods of frost. During the summer months, the average daytime temperature is around 19°C. During the winter, it is around 3°C. The annual rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. However, in the period from February to June, the precipitation is a bit lower. Edinburgh has about 1400 hours of sunshine per year.

Average day and night temperature

In Edinburgh, temperatures differ significantly between summer and winter months. Average daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 19°C in July, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 8°C during cooler months like December. At night, temperatures typically average around 2°C during these months.

The mean minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year

Precipitation and rainy days

On average, Edinburgh receives a reasonable amount of rain/snowfall, with an annual precipitation of 950 mm. Year-round, Edinburgh has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, October, with 90 mm, and the driest month, April, with 66 mm, is minimal.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow

Sunshine over the year

Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Edinburgh. While May receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 6.4 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 1.6 hours of sunlight per day.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Average water temperature

The mean water temperature over the year in Edinburgh ranges from 5°C in March to 13°C in July.

Water temperature over the year

The best time of year to visit Edinburgh in Scotland

Other facts from our historical weather data:
  • Which is the warmest month in Edinburgh?
    July has an average maximum temperature of 19°C and is the warmest month of the year.
  • Which is the coldest month in Edinburgh?
    The coldest month is December with an average maximum temperature of 8°C.
  • Which is the wettest month in Edinburgh?
    October tops the wettest month list with 90 mm of rainfall.
  • Which is the driest month in Edinburgh?
    April is the driest month with 66 mm of precipitation.
  • Which is the sunniest month in Edinburgh?
    May is the sunniest month with an average of 193 hours of sunshine.

  • No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

    Forecast for Edinburgh

    Fri   Dec 13
    7°C | 2°C
    SW 11 km/h
    overcast and no rain

    overcast and no rain

    Sat   Dec 14
    9°C | 2°C
    W 14 km/h
    1.6 mm
    broken clouds and small chance of slight rain

    broken clouds and small chance of slight rain

    Sun   Dec 15
    13°C | 9°C
    W 29 km/h
    1.4 mm
    overcast and slight rain

    overcast and slight rain