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Edinburgh Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Edinburgh.
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Climate overview of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Edinburgh - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Edinburgh
In Edinburgh, temperatures differ significantly between summer and winter months. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 19°C (66°F) in July, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 8°C (46°F) during cooler months like January.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) in July to around 2°C (36°F) during January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Edinburgh
On average, Edinburgh receives a reasonable amount of rain/snowfall, with an annual precipitation of 950 mm (37 in). Year-round, Edinburgh has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, October, with 90 mm (3.5 in), and the driest month, April, with 66 mm (2.6 in), is minimal. For more details, please visit our Edinburgh Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Edinburgh
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.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Water Temperature in Edinburgh
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 5°C (41°F) in March to 13°C (55°F) in July.
Water temperature over the year
Humidity in Edinburgh by Month
The city experiences its highest humidity in January, reaching 84%. In April, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 75%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Edinburgh
The mean wind speed varies between 4 m/s (8 knots) and 5 m/s (10 knots) throughout the year. It is lowest in February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November and highest during January, March and December. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
Conditions in Edinburgh are generally most comfortable in June, July and August. They are typically least comfortable in January, February, March, November and December.
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
Jan
cold
Feb
cold
Mar
cold
Apr
mixed
May
good
Jun
very good
Jul
very good
Aug
very good
Sep
good
Oct
good
Nov
cold
Dec
cold
- Best overall: June, July and August
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: May
- Seasonal pattern: Pleasant summers and cold winters
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Edinburgh
What is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
June, July and August typically offer the most optimal weather in Edinburgh. In contrast, January, February, March, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Edinburgh has pleasant summers and cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Edinburgh?
Daytime highs range from 8°C (46°F) in January to 19°C (66°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from 2°C (36°F) to 12°C (54°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Edinburgh get?
Annual rainfall is around 950 mm (37 in). October is the wettest month with 90 mm (3.5 in), while April is the driest with 66 mm (2.6 in).
How sunny is Edinburgh?
Edinburgh receives around 1,428 hours of sunshine per year. May is the sunniest month with 193 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 48 hours.
Edinburgh 3-Day Forecast
Edinburgh on the map
Edinburgh is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
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